Halo: ODST, with a nod to gamers who are parents

Bungie left Microsoft about 18 months ago, and what’s the first game it develops? Yup, a Halo game, Halo: ODST, to be exact. I just read a quick little piece over on the Seattle Times’ site that may be worth the effort, especial to those of you who are trying to figure out whether or not the game is for you.

Now, I haven’t been following the game’s development as closely as others, so forgive me if the following highlights aren’t exactly new.

• It’s a more open world, à la GTA. That is, the game isn’t entirely an FPS with clearly defined borders.

• Bungie is actually paying attention to the game’s dialogue. Hopefully there’s less gruff, “we’re soldiers, let’s blow stuff up!” nonsense.

• This new mode called Firefight is designed to give people who are short on free time. (The average age of video game players is 35, says the ESA, which I patently don’t believe, but whatever. That is, unless the ESA is also counting things like Brick Breaker on the BlackBerry as a game.) I guess it’s very pick-up-and-play-y.

• Bungie is investigating the possibility of making Halo: Reach work with Project Natal.

• Bungie idolizes Pixar

The game is due this September.