This fight is finished. At least for now. We know it's amazing, so let's get on with singing it's praise!
Does it live up to the hype though? That's the -real- question. So does it? Of course not. If it had Master Chief would be real. He would be elected president, and we would all have hot computer holographic sexpots cybernetically implanted into our heads. Mmm, I need a sec to fantasize about Cortana. Ok good to go. Now then... The hype was atmospheric, and no game could live up to it.
But by God Bungie sure as hell tried to! The game is so much fun I went start to finish through the campaign in ten hours and got up only to smoke a cig, put in eye drops to keep playing and occasionally go potty. (To be perfectly frank, I forgot to go once; but the stain will come out of my gaming chair I'm sure.) I also fiddled around with forge mode, gave a go at setting up some multiplayer, but I was so tired I didn't get much in.
One very interesting bit is the difference that exists between different editions. The regular edition is the game. That's it, nuthin fancy, and it shows...but that's fine. That's what I paid for. If you can afford it, get the limited. All the vidocs, and featurettes, a documentary on the making and such are included and it's only 10$ more. I should have in retrospect. Ya wanna drop 120$ then get the legendary. Yes it comes with a life size master chief helmet. No, you can't wear it. Yes I was pissed off about that too. It serves to protect and cover what is otherwise a limited edition copy. Oooh, it was also very good at pinpointing the poor schmoes who bought it at launch and had to walk home in the dark, just asking to get mugged. Otherwise don't bother.
Halo 3 completes an epic. It is a vast success and a legendary accomplishment in gaming. It is owed respect like the beatles or Einstein. Buy it, play it, love it. Oh, and don't forget to drop the occasional duece. Dry cleaning is expensive.