While a Halo blaster without Master Chief sounds as much fun as a 007 movie without James Bond, Halo 3: ODST is still a fast, ferocious, rip-roaring space adventure even if its stress levels could drive you to an early grave.
Instead of the original, almost indestructible hero, players are now cast as a rookie trooper thrust into the midst of battle against alien invaders. But while even the most naïve gamer knows Master Chiefs armour is so damned tough you can take a blitzkrieg of hits before diving for cover, things are very different this time; now, with weaker shields that can only withstand a fraction of the damage, Halo veterans need to develop new tactics to stay alive and use cover more effectively, making this the most challenging game in the stellar series to date.
A more successful spin-off than Februarys Halo Wars, ODST takes the classic formula and brings a more human element to the firefight. And so long as you dont mind feeling as if your nerves have been force-fed through a wood-chipper after an extended session, this is another Halo triumph.