Microsoft Responds to Full Halo 3: ODST Price Change

88
Dan Webb

When Halo 3: ODST was first announced, Bungie threw round the idea that the title was going to be budget priced, with Brian Jarred suggesting to Joystiq at TGS last year that it would be "value orientated."

Well, a lot has changed since then and under all the white noise of E3, Microsoft announced that they would be selling the title for the full retail price, $60 ($100 if you want that fancy GameStop pad) and Joystiq went looking for answers why.

"At the time of those statements, the overall scope of Halo 3: ODST was not yet finalized, and since then the project has grown increasingly more ambitious. We believe this standalone experience is much more than just an expansion. Halo 3: ODST provides a new campaign from the point of view of an entirely new character. Combine that with three new multiplayer maps, the entirely new cooperative mode called Firefight, and the complete Halo 3 multiplayer collection on a standalone disc, we feel this is a good value and tremendous addition to the Halo franchise."

I see. The question is, are rebundled maps, a short (ish) campaign and a "horde" like  co-op objective game mode enough to warrant the $60 price tag? Well we won't know entirely until this September, but Joe Staten at E3 did say this year that the game had grown in scope since the original announcement, so we'll see.

Comments
88
  • Hopefully it has 1000 achievement points.
  • It had better be worth it
  • I'm going to get this anyway, but $60 does seem a bit much
  • Meh I don't care. It looks quite good and the new story has a massive free roam map... so I've heard.
  • What if I don't want the multiplayer maps or already bought them? I'm still looking forward to the game but I feel they are just making excuses to charge full price.
  • I think it will since it is more like a whole new game I would say yes. Finally we can get our hands on that Recon Armor!
  • @#1 Bungie already said it was going to be a full retail game, so expect 1000 achievement points. However, I was still hoping for a valued game. More than anything, I just want the new maps for Halo 3, but we'll see. Who knows? Maybe ODST might actually be a good game.
  • For 60 bucks it better have achievements...Ha who am I kidding the Halo franchise is awesome.
  • I've paid full price for less before now
  • I still own Halo 3, why would I pay for stuff I already own? This little addition is nothing more than a big DLC to me, no matter what Bungie says about it.
  • I feel ripped off already. I really hope that Bungie can talk them out of their price increase, most likely not since Microsoft are a bunch money hungry monsters, but their's always a chance.
  • not too bad of a deal considering all the terrible games priced at $60..
  • at #2 -- there are 3 new multiplayer maps not released yet.
  • I will still get this no matter what the price, halo fan through and through baby!
  • Sounds like Gears of War 2! A short campaign, horde mode, and re-bundeled maps (aka Flashback Pack)...
  • Bogus. I'm tired of short retail games being so pricy. It's not worth it. Yes, we get new MP stuff, but it's really just adding on to what I already own (not to mention all the MP stuff I bought on XBL which is for some reason included with this game). So... I will be paying for maps I already paid for? Give me a break.
  • Have all the maps. Don't care about "horde-like" mode. This will be a rental.
  • They've got their fans in a tough spot here and arguments could swing either way; however, this will result in controversy which will result into more hype for the game which will end up with more people buying it. So at full price, it sounds like microsoft will win this battle come 9-22-09.
  • BOYCOTT! its the 'in' thing at the momment lol
  • I'm not interested in getting the maps I have already purchased on an extrea disc. 3 more new ones? okay.. I thought I was getting them with the original Mythic Map Pack anyway (bit of a naughty marketing thing for achievement whores that was). Thing is.. Shivering Isles wasn't at a huge retail price and I feel that roughly equal amount of effort has gone into it. Sure, we won't know what we are getting until ODST is released, but this is an ADD-ON. Add-ons should be at "add-on" prices. A "spin off" is slightly different. This is not a sequel, they are using the same engine, no updated graphics.. this is a bit more like a "mod" (a few new skins, textures, and 3D models). The pricing is crazy. They will get away with it though and they know it. That's why they are charging this pri
  • I'll settle for 40 bucks, maybe 45. Please?
  • # 11 same here. look at the new Transformers game. lol I can name multiple games that offer way less content that retail at the same price. I'll be among the millions that buy it. Should be a great game!
  • How about not including the halo 3 maps and leave them as marketplace only for people who actually want them!!!! That would save over £10 on the price surely!
  • Its funny that all of your complain about the price and then you go buy it. Just don't buy it and maybe they would change their mind.
  • I'll end up getting it as I haven't gotten any of the map packs for Halo 3, but if I did already have them, I would expect this to be less in price as they originally intended back when it was announced...
  • People never seem to recall that Microsoft loses over $150 on every Xbox 360 they sell. That means they need to sell 3 games per Xbox to just break even, and that's not even breaking a profit. I understand not liking having to pay $60 per game, but if we didn't then they wouldn't be able to afford to make new games. I already have the maps like a lot of other people on this site, and I agree that they should leave those on the marketplace, but then they wouldn't have a reason to include all 1000 gamerscore because it wouldn't warrant the status of a full game due to lack of content.
  • Yeah, I've been discussing this with friends, and I think the only way this will be fair is if Microsoft and Bungie put up the other half of the Mythic Map pack FREE OF CHARGE to those who already have the first half. Otherwise, people who don't want the game will HAVE to buy it because that'll be the only way to get the last 3 Mythic Maps. On, another note, I'm kind of angry about MicroGreedy hikin up the cost, but not only are we getting a new campaign, new Co-op Mode, Firefight, and all the Halo: Reach beta invite, Bungie has clearly that that ODST will ship with an additional 1750 Gamerscore for the Achievements. That will boost Halo 3's overall GS to a whopping 3500 GS. SO for that alone, I think I would get it. But hey, that's just me.
  • Yeah, I've been discussing this with friends, and I think the only way this will be fair is if Microsoft and Bungie put up the other half of the Mythic Map pack FREE OF CHARGE to those who already have the first half. Otherwise, people who don't want the game will HAVE to buy it because that'll be the only way to get the last 3 Mythic Maps. On, another note, I'm kind of angry about MicroGreedy hikin up the cost, but not only are we getting a new campaign, new Co-op Mode, Firefight, and all the Halo: Reach beta invite, Bungie has clearly stated that that ODST will ship with an additional 1750 Gamerscore for the Achievements. That will boost Halo 3's overall GS to a whopping 3500 GS. SO for that alone, I think I would get it. But hey, that's just me.
  • so another £40 game overhere then, kinda like games of movies, there always the same price.
  • I just have to say,the day MS will not be able to afford to do something will be a day nobody will EVER see.That is all.
  • @18 ODST is NOT an add-on. I'm tired of people calling it and add-on, It has a whole new campaign which is a prequel to halo 3. Its campaign is 7-10hours thats about average for an FPS. Gears, COD, Battlefield, all are examples of games that can be beat in the same amount time but, nobody bitched then. Halo is a story driven franchise people will buy the game if it adds to the story and this game will very much add to the story. I personally think its a great deal you get a whole new campaign, new mode, 3 new maps, you get the multiplayer you already have but, atleast u get a backup disk then.
  • this seriously better be worth the $60 for it
  • That doesnt sound like alot for all that shit. Just buy Halo 3 for like a tenner. My Names Bungie and I like to rip people off.
  • Ohh and 3 new maps, fuck me -_-
  • i dont really care about the price i reserved it the first day i could paid of the 43 bucks and now im gonna go get the collectors edirion.... the ebgames where i stay sold the legendary halo 3 for the original 80 dollars if u reserve a game b4 the price changes
  • All around WEAK sauce!!
  • what a bunch of cunts they'l be chargin' €90 if not more seriously overprised they've got us by the balls man seriously
  • actually i know entirety now, the answer is no. shitty halo.
  • anybody know how much this is in pounds?
  • microsoft pull's another quickie on us yet again. but they know everyone will pay 60 bucks for a add on.
  • Why does everyone insist on calling it something like Horde...
  • @#7 You do not get the Recon Armour, you get a Recon Suit, which presumably is used in ODST, and not for use on Spartan's on Halo 3.
  • I don't know what's worst.. The fact they're going to rape me for 60$ for an expansion DLC.. Or the fact I'm going to let them.
  • #7: Wrong. Bungie has said that completing all the VidMaster challenges awards you Recon for Halo 3 Multiplayer use.
  • i call bullshit on bungie. sure the game may have grown a bit, but i think that they realized how much hype and anticipation ODST got at E3 and knew that (because of the forementioned hype)people would astill agree to buy the game no matter what. Marketing 101 people!
  • better be worht it else =P neways anyone know how to get the recon suit?
  • i'm getting it for 100$, i need another controller and this one looks sick. And i don't mind paying, like #25 said, this is a full game, not an add-on.
  • im still buying. i just am curious on the chieves. wish the list was available now. and with the last 3 maps for mythic.....will that import to halo 3 to get the rest of the chieves or will ODST and halo 3 use the same list?
  • Im still gonna get it regardless of how much it costs it looks awesome.
  • and im thinking if its gonna have a full retail price it i will have a full retail gamerscore.
  • halo, i thought this franchise was done already...enough with the milking job microsoft, halo stinks, stop watering it down already
  • I'm still going to buy it...
  • I'm sold, I have the brute-mcfarlane controller and the green one that came with the halo3 system (I traded for a used one) I'm not sure why they're including the halo3 maps though, doesn't this game have the normal online? Or just the firefight mode?
  • 3 maps is weak, no thx
  • Thing is, they know people will buy it anyway, regardless of price, so why not? Peace
  • @#41 - Cause it is lol It's called firefight and you fight wave after wave of enemies ... to me, that's horde =P
  • "Halo 3: ODST provides a new campaign from the point of view of an entirely new character. Combine that with three new multiplayer maps, the entirely new cooperative mode called Firefight, and the complete Halo 3 multiplayer collection on a standalone disc, we feel this is a good value and tremendous addition to the Halo franchise." So, sounds like pretty much the same stuff as Lost & the Damned but probably with a shorter campaign. I'd say I'll wait and pick this up but knowing Halo games the price won't drop for 5 years anyways so might as well bite the bullet early on.
  • Honestly I thought Horde mode for Gears of War 2 ALONE was worth $60. If Bungie does an even better job with Firefight, then ODST should be worth $60 as well.
  • Isn't this game supposed to be like 2 hours long? Fuck that, I'll just gamefly it.
  • @ 17 so true.....
  • just dont buy it when its first released. The only games i buy are used and very rarely over $20. I even got Halo 3 for 7 bucks last week at blockbuster. All games come down in price after the hoopla ends.
  • Halo is one of Microsoft's flagship titles in thier mind. If 60 bills is too much just rent it. It's not a big deal.
  • who cares!!! it's an instant buy anyway! Love HALO!!
  • who the hell cares they made the game so they can charge what they want. this is america and were capitalists.
  • This is not fair, could easily be dropped down to $50 if not $40. 3 new maps? We usually get 10 or more when a $60 game is shipped. All the DLC? You mean the DLC everyone has already bought and is now basically buying again. Single player. Ok will it be a single player as long and comparable to other single player games? Probably not. As it will be about the same as other Halo games. Also they took the Halo 3 style coop and added a cheap replacement: horde. In gears of war you get both coop and horde, and a great campaign, and a great new multiplayer experience with around 10 maps, not just 3 being added on to another game. Gears was $60 how can they think that ODSt is of the same value. I was going to get it when it was to be priced fairly but Im boycotting now. #11 and #22
  • All I know if this thing sells that will wrap up my thoughts that people will buy anything with the name HALO on it. Look at halo wars if you want a example(as it somehow beat C&C).
  • Agreed with #65 and #66, its shitty that they changed it, but still will buy it. Just suck it up and pay an extra $20.
  • halo sux anyway
  • Hey, at least they considered making it value-priced.
  • Well there were people who bought Crackdown just for the Halo 3 beta and never actually played the game. This time, at least, i'll want to play the game the beta comes with. There is no way i'm going to pay $100 for the game and the controller that doesn't look all that impressive.
  • odst is going to be one of the best halo games so far!! you get 3 new maps a chance to get recon armor and fire fight witch is like horde you can keep playing it over and over. Ive already pre orderered it!!
  • LMAO another attempt for microsoft 2 make more money off us. like they don't already. I think they just should givng us something for us loyal fans of the xbox 360 I mean I've been tempted 2 changing over 2 ps3 just tired of all this bullcrap they keep doing oh well I guess thats life eh? I still think they should leave the price alone and quit tryin' 2 get more money or at least give us something like free xbox live or something geez come bill gates get off your high throne u ain't that great..
  • Microsoft = cheap bums.... however I will probably still buy this, and perhaps the limited edition even, 40 dollars for a controller seems like a very good deal to me
  • First! (joke)
  • ok for people who are still wondering why it is $60 heres why its 2 discs not one disc with a few new features so stop bitching and saying its a rip off when clearly its not
  • As much as I wanted a cheaper price, it looks like I'll be paying $60. This seems like a Halo game that actually takes skill, so all these n00bs might not be able to boost their ranks. They should at least revamp the maps to look different, like Gears 2 did with the FB pack. If they are exactly the same, I will feel a little ripped off for buying the same maps before. The new "horde" mode might be an imitation of Gears. But if you are not going to buy it, then quit bitching
  • BTW it looks like Microsoft is "milking the cow", just like the GH franchise. lol And Halo fanboys, your arguements for this not being an "add-on" are hysterical, because they are so cheesy. I will be buying this because I buy games that have way less content for $60. It's not an add-on, not because it is a new campaign (new campaigns have been add-ons), a new mode (new modes have been add ons), or three new maps (new maps have been ass-ons), but because it is intended to be a new game, seperate from Halo 3. If it was called Halo ODST instead of Halo 3 ODST, there be less comments about it being an add-on.
  • They know the halo fanbase is huge so they were never going to drop the price. Even if it was just 3 new maps i bet the uber halo nerds would pay full retail price for it anyway lol. I
  • @56: Gears of War is hardly the first game that has done it, and Firefight looks so much more involving than Horde. It's random and relies a lot more on teamwork. I played Horde mode and after a few times, it just bored me. Firefight actually looks entertaining. I am just annoyed that everyone thinks of Horde when they hardly were the first ones to do it, or even make it all that interesting. Here's a set of predetermined enemies coming in. Every tenth wave, we're just going to make them tougher. At 50, you're done. Oh, and you're opponents like to constantly go into cover, because that is the gameplay gimmick. So yeah...
  • I am one that WILL NOT pony up 60 bones for an add-on. Bungie even said its 4 to 6 hours at E3 (Im sure thats just the campaign but just sayin'). And yes I like Halo games but no, Im not a fanboy. 60 bucks can buy a lot of gaming these days...hello Fallout 3 GOTY Edition and BioShock 2
  • The funniest F%%%ing thing about this is, you wouldn't be whinging or whining if Bungie hadn't "thrown around" the idea of it being a Budget Title. Everyone should have known that if MS had any word in it, it would be full priced. Regardless, this has the "hordesque" FireFight, a full campaign along with the extra 3 maps that I dont have yet. I've paid the same for piece of sh%t games that are worth 2bucks. Stop bitching. Its not going to change anything. They'll release it at full cost, and nothing will change that, dont like it, then buy it from Ebay or rent it from your local rental joint. Simple.
  • Im sure that MS is well aware, that they could create a Halo themed game about a guy reading a paper on the can, and it will sell to millions. I never believed them when they said it would be budget price.
  • lol MS you would've made more if it was cheaper........ and is halo turning into the new GH? (by milking the series)
  • The game is definitely worth the price for people who don't have Halo 3. It's also worth of its price for all the HC Halo 3 players. I'm not sure about the else, least at the game has a new high quality campaign and a new multiplayer disc that will last for a long time if your earlier Halo 3 disc is scratchy.
  • So wait a minute... I'm paying $60 for a game that's going to have a significantly shorter campaign than Halo 3's (which was already on the majorly short side at 8-ish hours), 3 new Halo 3 maps, and a new (unoriginal) mode? Maybe if this had it's own ODST Halo 3-style multiplayer I would buy it at launch. Now I'm going to wait to see if I'm going to have the cash at the time, or wait until the price drops. So much for pre-orders.
  • Can you play as elites online? Spartans were always inferior.
  • I think you should get a discount on ODST if you've already paid for all the Map Packs at full price. Microsoft can stick their face in a giant pile of shit and smell the crap their spreading for jacking the price up on a game that's not even going to be worth the price of the $60.00 admission especially when Bungie already said it wasn't worth the full price. One of the richest companies on the planet is also the greediest sacks of trash as well.
  • I just like how everyone is up in arms by the fact that Microsoft is a business...
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