Is it the city parts of the game that make you say this? I’m curious more than anything.

I love the mystery aspect of this game; Hearing sadie’s story told along with the story of the other ODST while you try and catch up to them was engaging for me.

I also like this game really does not rely on existing halo lore. It takes place in the halo universe, but I think its quite possible to play and enjoy without knowing anything about the halo story.

I’d also say for sure the game gets better with friends. Not saying its not fun to play through alone, but playing with 2 or 3 friends makes it all the more fun—albeit harder to do these days ;)

I guess I wasn’t really grabbed by the story of the rookie or the other ODST; bouncing back and forth seemed incongruous and I found myself losing track of who was who. Maybe that’s an issue with the characters and less with the method? I thought the dark city was a nice contrast, but it all got too same-y halfway through.

I thought the Sadie clips were very interesting and well acted, but I stopped searching for them towards the second half. I agree this game is the most “standalone” of the series, giving me enough story to care and progress through. But ultimately I remembered the combat sequences, and not the characters or narrative.

I wouldn’t mind trying it co-op simply for the combat, which I always feel is halo’s strength. I think “30 seconds of fun” scales much better with friends.

Yeah, I think its true that the characters could use a little more development, however I think they are all “cookie-cutter” enough that I was able to tell them apart (the fact that they follow their firefly roles somewhat closely helps.)

I can see what you are saying about the city at night, but I guess I had a lot of fun exploring it. For sure you have to be a fan of bungie’s sandbox, their 30 seconds of fun, to enjoy this part. I also love how virgil helps you find new parts of Sadie’s story or gives you weapons and vehicles.