Halo fans rejoice!
Very similar to past Halo games except for the change in the X button, which is now located at the right bumper and the X button is now replaced by the brand new equipment button. This change feels more natural and shouldn't take long to get adjusted to it. The overall feeling of the game is a bit of both HaloCE and Halo2 since it contains more open surroundings and multiple pathways that the original contained, but also doesn't recycle any of the environments such as Halo. The levels feel more larger this time around and large-scale battles feel more hectic and intense than before.
Graphics-9/10
While this may not be the most beautiful game on the Xbox 360, it does contain some great effects and solid textures. When you take the scale of each level into consideration, you realize that the game actually looks incredible. Each location is littered with objects that add to each environment, and the aerial battles that take place in the distance are a very nice touch. The scale of some of the more larger vehicles are simply jaw-dropping. Halo 3 probably hosts some of the best HDR lighting I have seen in a game to date, and that lighting effect that occurs when you come out of a dark area and into the brightly lit open is a definite plus.
Presentation-10/10
The most cinematic halo experience ever created. Cut-scenes immerse the player more than the past halo games. Halo 3 is filled with modes, gametypes and other extras that it may make some wonder how it was all able to fit onto a single disk.
Sound- 10/10
The best sound I've ever heard in any game. While the assault rifle fire has a strange effect to it, the rest of the weapons sound great especially from a distance or behind a wall. It actually makes it sound as if you are in the middle of a battle field when you hear the cracking of battle rifle fire going off in the distance. That zipping of a missed sniper bullet is really frightening, all of these sounds must be heard in a 5.1 set-up, it's that amazing.
Story- 8/10
We've all been waiting to finish this fight and the result is a mixed bag. While it did answer all the questions that came up since the first halo, the result could have felt better. In my opinion, I felt as if the ending was missing too many parts and it could have concluded with a much longer cut scene.
Replay value-10/10
Very high! Put in that same addictive multiplayer formula, add a dash of equipment, a tablespoon of new vehicles and weapons, a cup of new maps, a load of new multiplayer options, a theater mode and top it off with the forge option and you have something delicious that will leave a taste in your mouth for months. That's not even including the meta game in the campaign, 4-player co-op and those hidden skulls.
Rent or Buy?: If you're gonna play online with friends or just play at LAN parties then this is a definite buy. However, if you are going to only play the campaign and could care less about the multiplayer, then it's a solid rental.