- last post: 01.01.0001 12:00 AM PDT
The story of Halo 3 ODST sheds light on a few previously unexplored aspects of the battle for New Mombasa and the Halo universe in several unique and interesting ways. Though it is a chronological step backwards from Halo 3, it enriches one's understanding on the events in Halo 3 with tidbits of info and plot relevant to the Halo canon. In addition to enhancing one's perspective on the events of Halo 3, ODST also affords fans the opportunity to have a completely unique gameplay experience,having players assume the role of orbital drop shock troopers instead of spartans. The combined power of ODST's compelling plot and fresh perspective shift make for a Halo 3 prequel that is an immensely entertaining experience.
This successful design rationale of chronologically backtracking to explore new ideas will no doubt be utilized to the fullest in Halo Reach. What I am most curious about, is how.
The fall of the planet Reach, unlike the ODSTs' campaign in New Mombasa, does not have the benefit of being unexplored territory for Halo fans. There is an entire novelization concerning the fiction behind Halo Reach. The Reach trailer even states, "From The Beginning, You Know The End". While it will certainly will be fun and exciting to finally play through one of the most well known, oft referenced conflicts in all of the Halo fiction, I can't help but wonder how Bungie plans to make Reach feel fresh.
In terms of gameplay, though it has yet to be confirmed, it appears as if players will once again be assuming the role of a spartan(possibly MC). It will be interesting to see how Reach expands upon or enhances the familiar gameplay style and tactics players have come to expect from playing as a spartan in 3 previous Halo games.
Then there is the bigger question. How does Bungie intend to make this story fresh? Since "from the beginning we know the end", how will Halo Reach go about introducing significant and new twists into the canon as all the previous Halo games have done?
I am confident that Bungie will succeed at making both the gameplay and the story for Halo Reach feel new and interesting, I just have no real idea as to how they'll do it! Time for rampant speculation I suppose...