Halo 3 review

Is this the third coming? Our final verdict

GamesRadar Editor's Choice

GamesRadar+ Verdict

Pros

  • +

    A truly epic campaign

  • +

    Massive

  • +

    massive multiplayer

  • +

    Experimenting with everything else

Cons

  • -

    Losing hours of your life

  • -

    Forgetting about other games

  • -

    The story. Huh?

Why you can trust GamesRadar+ Our experts review games, movies and tech over countless hours, so you can choose the best for you. Find out more about our reviews policy.

Halo 3 is here.

The wait for the most anticipated game of all time is finally over. The fight is about to be finished. And right now, across the world, the hopes and happiness of millions hinge on the answer to one simple question: Is it good? Or perhaps, Is it as good as we want it to be?

We won't leave you hanging a second longer. The answer to both is yes - a huge and resounding yes. Every type of Halo fan, from the hardcore to the casual to the brand new, will find something to satisfy them in Master Chief's third adventure. Rest assured that no matter what you expect out of this series - epic single player, massive multiplayer, insane coop, robust community and editing tools - you will not be disappointed. Halo 3 is an overwhelming success.

Emphasis on overwhelming. In fact, the game throws so much goodness at you in so many different areas that it's difficult to know where to begin the praise. Instead, let's just get the criticisms out of the way, shall we? Halo 3 is not absolutely perfect. To begin with, the storyline is a confusing and convoluted mess. (Editor's Note: Prepare with our quick catch-up guide, Halo: The Story So Far. Trust us, you'll need it. ) We never understood exactly why and what we were fighting at any given moment, only that it usually involved blowing something up.The ending, while satisfying, is far from conclusive. And the second-to-last mission in the game is destined for as much frustrating infamy as the Library level in the original Halo. (Our advice? Just run.)

Halo 3 is here.

The wait for the most anticipated game of all time is finally over. The fight is about to be finished. And right now, across the world, the hopes and happiness of millions hinge on the answer to one simple question: Is it good? Or perhaps, Is it as good as we want it to be?

We won't leave you hanging a second longer. The answer to both is yes - a huge and resounding yes. Every type of Halo fan, from the hardcore to the casual to the brand new, will find something to satisfy them in Master Chief's third adventure. Rest assured that no matter what you expect out of this series - epic single player, massive multiplayer, insane coop, robust community and editing tools - you will not be disappointed. Halo 3 is an overwhelming success.

Emphasis on overwhelming. In fact, the game throws so much goodness at you in so many different areas that it's difficult to know where to begin the praise. Instead, let's just get the criticisms out of the way, shall we? Halo 3 is not absolutely perfect. To begin with, the storyline is a confusing and convoluted mess. (Editor's Note: Prepare with our quick catch-up guide, Halo: The Story So Far. Trust us, you'll need it. ) We never understood exactly why and what we were fighting at any given moment, only that it usually involved blowing something up.The ending, while satisfying, is far from conclusive. And the second-to-last mission in the game is destined for as much frustrating infamy as the Library level in the original Halo. (Our advice? Just run.)

More info

GenreShooter
DescriptionMaster Chief returns to fuel another round of alien-smashing blood-bathery. What are you waiting for? Finish the fight!
Franchise nameHalo
UK franchise nameHalo
Platform"Xbox 360"
US censor rating"Mature"
UK censor rating""
Alternative names"Halo III"
Release date1 January 1970 (US), 1 January 1970 (UK)
Less
Charlie Barratt
I enjoy sunshine, the company of kittens and turning frowns upside down. I am also a fan of sarcasm. Let's be friends!