Since i've made my case for why I think God of War 3 deserved its score. I'll give my case for why ODST doesn't(since well I'm bored)
Here is what I can say positive about ODST. It's honestly the most focused single player Halo game Bungie has made since Halo 1. The Pacing was very well done, and the level design was actually some of the best in Halo. Technically that isn't saying alot as Halo has been plagued with inconsistent level design, but ODST was very good in this department. It's too much of a shooter gallery at times, but it's fun overall. The core gameplay of Halo is still strong in ODST. The holy trinity of melee, weapon, and grenades is intact. This time more grounded, you yourself are slightly slower, the weapons are adjusted, and grenades sail more. That and killing the covenant(Brutes/Hunters specifically) is that much harder, grunts are more of a menace, and jackal snipers are a serious issue.
The seemless transition between onfoot and vehicle combat that Halo is known for is still very well done in ODST. What might be the best part is the overall moody ambiance of the game. From the visual art work of the game, to the great soundtrack. Throw in a more unique way of telling a Halo branded narrative and you have easily the most atmospheric Halo. People complain that new mumbasa is empty, but that's how it's suppose to be. You're suppose to feel isolated, alone, and be looking for clues to find your team. FireFight is also by far the very BEST version of the survival type mode(as in Horde, terrorist hunt, etc)
What doesn't come off very well is that Cooperative play is even more tacked on in ODST than Halo 3. In Halo 3 it made it easy(the coop), but in ODST it kills one of the best aspects of the game. The atmosphere is just shot when you play in coop. The actual gameplay is still Halo, in fact it's Halo CE more refined. We played this Halo before. Sure it's fun to play, and yes it provides one of the better single player experiences in a FPS this gen. That said you have to hold it accountable for not bringing anything new to the series in game mechanics. Then there is no matchmaking for FireFight, making it rather inconvenient that you can't play FF unless you have friends online. Also theatre system isn't as good as it was in Halo 3.
People also like talking the MP, listen this is an expansion. As in meant for the Halo fans. So why is the 2nd disc a bunch of maps I already paid for? Essentially that 2nd disc got me 3 maps, not 9 or 11 as Microsoft wants to hype it. The other issue is that while the campaign is very good(although the ending leaves alot to be desired) it is short. I don't complain about length very often but we're talking 4-5 hours here, and one multiplayer mode.
Halo 3 launched with 6-8 hour campaign, that had the same 4 player coop, with a superior theatre system. Then you have the most robust multiplayer game on any console at the time in terms of online play, with the same superior theatre system, Forge, and Bungie.net addition as well. The gameplay is also while not grounded as ODST, has more elements to it. More weapons, equipment, more options and more varied at times. Core gameplay wise, Halo 3 is probably still better in some aspects than ODST. ODSTs brand of gameplay was just easier to build a single player campaign around.
When you spend 60 bucks on Halo 3, you got your moneys worth. Now those same people are being asked to spend 60 bucks on a shorter campaign, a very well done but half assed multiplayer mode, 3 maps, and an inferior theatre system?
That is why I disagree with ODSTs price tag.The content itself is quality, maybe even AAA quality. The Quantity of content? the amount of content compared to the predecessor? No that's not AAA worthy, when the predecessor gave you more bang for your buck. At 30 or 40 bucks, I'd agree with a 9.0 for Halo 3 ODST. At 60? Hell to the no.
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