Bungie has released a direct-feed version of the Halo 3: ODST trailer, shown today at Microsoft's press conference. They've also detailed the game's features, and announced plans for a $99 collectors edition, which will come with the below content and an exclusive ODST controller. You likely know this, as we've reported on it earlier today, but now it comes in an official press thingy. You know, all special-like.

Below is the rundown and the trailer, both of which should make Halo fans very, very happy. Not only will it feature all of the Halo content fans expect, but every copy will come with a beta key for the multiplayer of the mysterious Halo: Reach. Not that it needs the bump in sales, but if it worked for Crackdown, it will likely work for ODST.

  • All-new campaign content. The "Halo 3: ODST" campaign explores mysterious events leading up to the Master Chief's return to New Mombasa in "Halo 3." Experience the fate of Earth from the brand-new perspective of a special forces ODST (Orbital Drop Shock Trooper), adding a unique outlook and new gameplay elements to the events that unfold in the trilogy's finale. This new chapter captures the same great feel of previous "Halo" experiences while offering fans new tactics, tools and weapons to defeat the Covenant.
  • A new hero: Prepare to drop. ODSTs or "Orbital Drop Shock Troopers" are highly-trained special forces operators. Known for their courage, valor and willingness to tackle missions no sane soldier would, ODSTs pride themselves on being the first unit deployed into hostile situations, often in one-man drop-pods that burn through planetary atmospheres at break-neck speed.
  • Expanded multiplayer experience. No "Halo" game would be complete without groundbreaking multiplayer content. "Halo 3: ODST" introduces an entirely new way to play "Halo" with Firefight, a cooperative multiplayer mode included on the campaign disc that lets up to four people jump immediately into combat. As an ODST squad, you will face increasingly challenging waves of enemies together, striving to earn the highest scores possible, while various "Halo 3" "Skulls" are progressively activated. The experience is intense and ever-evolving. "Halo 3: ODST" also includes a separate, standalone multiplayer disc which includes three new "Halo 3" multiplayer maps, all original "Halo 3" maps, as well as the "Legendary," "Heroic," and "Mythic" Map packs for a total of 24 maps.
  • Ever-growing community options. Players will continue to enjoy all the great "Halo 3" technological innovations, including Saved Films, screenshots, Campaign Scoring and four-player co-op over Xbox LIVE. All of the new "Halo 3" multiplayer maps fully support the Forge editor, offering near endless gameplay customization possibilities for fans.
  • Key to "Halo: Reach." As a special bonus for fans, all copies of "Halo 3: ODST" will provide access to the "Halo: Reach" multiplayer beta when the beta goes live. More information about the "Halo: Reach" multiplayer beta will be shared at a later date.

So, anyone interested? I'm very excited to play in the Halo universe from a different point of view, and the video helps me justify that need. The Special Edition might pull me in, too, since I'm in need of a fourth controller anyway. What's another $39.99 in an already insane holiday season, right?

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