Recently, I've heard far too many unfounded complaint about the lack luster of ODST, that it isn't a good Halo title, or doesn't even deserve to sit[i] with[/i] the other Halo titles. Hear me out, ODST is much more than the gameplay; other factors have to be taken into consideration. [b]The Character[/b] No longer are we playing the role of a galactic hero; this time around, we're more of a human being than ever before. This different tone and sense of survival is fresh and relieving. Quite a few players disagreed with the decision to not implement Master Chief, but think about it: Chief has been exploited for almost all of his potential thus far and a new face was open up another aspect of a, generally speaking, linear in-game universe. It should be seen as a welcome choice. [b]The Story[/b] Not to beat the dead horse, ODST is nothing like any other Halo game. You're not on a sole mission to save the galaxy, you're not the turn-to-guy that can't fail. Rather, you're in an relatively small world and you're only choice is to unravel the mystery of the previous few hours. Why was ODST's story valuable and intriguing? Because it brought to the table a more human element. The story brings you back [i]before[/i] the Covenant landed on Earth, and explains the social tensions that proceeded the hours to follow. it shouldn't be taken for granted the venture Bungie took into their established anecdote. [b]The Gameplay[/b] Putting firefight aside, ODST showed us that we, the players, can have fun without being a walking tank. Honestly, there shouldn't be too many upset with the gameplay, it still handles like Halo. In fact, the planning ahead notion put forth by the series is emphasized here as momentary choices seriously affect how the next arena would play out, much like Halo: CE What this also creates is an underlying understanding to the atmosphere that ODST aimed to create. [b]The Music[/b] The somber mood given to ODST is one that is easily recognized by players and fans alike. Once again, keep in mind you're not a Spartan and the general Halo theme is not called for. Referring back to the emotion extracted in Marty's pieces, his work is shy beauty (personally speaking). With a completely new set-list, ODST defined itself from the other Halos with sax-solos and brand new orchestral pieces, traditional in his work. To wind down, Halo 3: ODST is, of course, a different and new new Halo. It deserves as much praise that's given to Halo 2; considering the well executed Character, Story, Gameplay, and Musical score, with a one-year development plan and the small number of hands recognized. ODST is not a game to be complained about. There's no[i] real [/i]significant faults with the game, and remember that it's intent was essentially to be a larger Ad-On. [url=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nS3AJCXyJ1Y]Dramatis Personae[/url]