Halo 3 review

Halo 3 is our answer to the best Xbox 360 game ever. Microsoft's launch release describes it as the final chapter of the original Halo trilogy, picking up where Halo 2 left Master Chief and Cortana in their fight against the Covenant. What lifts it above other shooters on the console is everything around the campaign: cooperative play, online multiplayer for Xbox LIVE Gold users, Saved Films for recording and replaying matches, and Forge, a map editor for building custom setups. The multiplayer beta introduced new vehicles and weapons such as the Mongoose, the Spartan Laser and Spike Grenades. Demand was unusual even then: Microsoft reported that preorders in North America passed 1 million weeks before the September 25, 2007 launch. A used disc lists at $19.99 at DKOldies. The trade-offs are that the story assumes you know the earlier games and that online features rely on Xbox 360 network services.

Who it is for

Xbox 360 owners who want one game that covers a full campaign, co-op, online play and a map editor.

Price

Used Xbox 360 disc from $19.99 at DKOldies (regular price, before sales).

Original price: $19.99
Quoted from the vendor pricing page on November 10, 2026.

Key features

• Final chapter of the original Halo trilogy, following Master Chief and Cortana
• Cooperative campaign play and online multiplayer for Xbox LIVE Gold users
• Forge, a map editor for customizing multiplayer maps
• Saved Films, which records matches so players can save favorite moments to the hard drive
• New vehicles and weapons such as the Mongoose, Spartan Laser and Spike Grenades

Strengths and weaknesses

• Strength: Microsoft reported more than 1 million North American preorders before launch
• Strength: Forge and Saved Films add play long after the campaign ends
• Strength: Developed by Bungie as an Xbox 360 exclusive
• Weakness: Online modes depend on Xbox LIVE services for the Xbox 360
• Weakness: The story picks up from Halo 2, so newcomers start mid-saga
• Weakness: At $19.99 it is one of the pricier used discs on this list

Key facts

• Developer: Bungie Studios
• Publisher: Microsoft Game Studios
• Launch: September 25, 2007, in 37 countries during launch week
• Editions at launch: Standard, Limited and Legendary
• Also in: Halo: The Master Chief Collection

Where it ranks

Halo 3 is No. 1 in our Best Xbox 360 Games of All Time verdict.