'Halo 3' lives up to the hype

— -- Not only is Microsoft Game Studios' Halo 3 the most eagerly anticipated video game of the year — it achieved a milestone of a million preorders two months ago — but this action sci-fi series has become a cultural phenomenon, spawning novels, comics, action figures and a top-secret project with Academy Award-winning director Peter Jackson (The Lord of the Rings ).

So the big question is: Does Halo 3 live up to the hype? Absolutely.

The third and final game in this billion-dollar franchise doesn't detract much from what made its predecessors so sought after, but fans can expect a few new features to justify the purchase.

This Microsoft Xbox 360 exclusive begins as your character — super soldier Master Chief — crash lands on Earth and is recovered by teammates. Your first goal is to make your way through a densely populated forest with fellow space marines to uncover an alien base. While ducking behind trees, rocks and waterfalls, you'll battle alien creatures who are loyal to the militaristic Covenant, an alien species that has long been fighting humanity.

The plot in this third game is deeper than a trite "save the world" campaign, but it would be a shame to reveal too much of the story in this review. Suffice it to say, fans of the series will be satisfied with the conclusion of the story arc.

Played primarily from a first-person perspective, much of the action takes place on foot but a number of levels require you to drive vehicles, switching to a third-person camera angle. Memorable missions include "The Ark," "Floodgate," "The Covenant" and a personal favorite, Halo, which features a climactic conclusion as you race to reach your frigate amid attacks and a collapsing platform.

The extraordinary high-definition graphics, which include many non-interactive cinematic story sequences, push the limits of the Xbox 360. Thousands of lines of dialogue and a Hollywood-quality epic musical score also help you become immersed in this slickly produced sci-fi thriller.