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Why Halo 3: ODST’s Firefight is better than Gears of War 2′s Horde (and why it’s also not)

When Halo 3: ODST dropped into stores yesterday, I was determined to snag a copy. While I'm only two missions into the campaign, I found myself gravitating more toward the game's Firefight mode. It's an absolute treat and one of the better online co-op experiences of recent memory, but it will undoubtedly (and already has) draw comparisons to Gears of War 2's Horde mode. So here's my dos pennies on the matter.

A few reasons why Firefight is better than Horde mode:

Greater variety

Each Firefight session is not the same and there isn't any one strategy to guarantee victory. When playing, you're fighting so many enemies at once that it's almost utter chaos, giving you little time to think. It's all instinctual and reacting to what's around you on the fly rather than going in with specific plans ensures no two play sessions will be identical. As for Horde, well, there are several breaks in the action and on levels such as Security, it's a matter of hiding behind a blockade inside the laser-guarded center of the stage and pop-shooting every enemy you see.

More enemies means more madness

In Firefight, you're generally only fighting the same core group of enemies: grunts, jackals and brutes. Sometimes an engineer pops in and you'll occasionally be bogged down by Wraiths, but what makes Firefight's enemies superior to those in Gears 2's Horde mode is that they're all outfitted differently, whether it's weapons or shields or vehicles they're driving. The same cannot be said for Horde; a Mauler is a Mauler and a Sniper is a Sniper ... always.

Specific levels designed for the mode

Horde in Gears 2 allows you to play the match type on any multiplayer level, whereas Firefight has a set number of locations specifically crafted for the experience. Sure, they're taken from the ODST campaign, but they also serve as great backdrops for the game type and vary in size. Crater is a wonderful "last stand" type of map and the infinite nooks and crannies of Security Zone instill a fear of what's lurking around every corner. With the latest Gears 2 maps, there are now some levels designed specifically for Horde, but it's not the same.

Skull modifiers

While the Black Eye skull can suck a big fat one, the addition of skull modifiers while playing adds depth to a pretty straightforward experience. Tactics must be changed on the fly and if you're kicking way too much ass at Firefight, this is a good way to knock you down a peg or two.

Weapons

More weapons means more ways to play, it's as simple as that. Halo 3: ODST has a HUGE arsenal of weaponry and while Gears of War 2's weapons cache is nothing to laugh at, it pails in comparison. Also: the Automag is sooo good.

A few reasons why Firefight is not better than Horde mode:

Only a few levels to choose from

While the levels are mostly good (I still have a few to unlock, unfortunately), Gears 2 does win on sheer quantity of locales.

No playlist for Firefight mode

I have no idea how Bungie didn't implement this (I've heard engine limitations, but come on!), but it really should've been on the disc. Now, don't get me wrong: I have plenty of people on my Xbox 360 Friends List, but it would be nice to have the option to play with strangers during those 5:25am Firefight cravings.

You can actually win Horde mode

I know you can, because I've done it. Firefight, on the other hand, is pretty tough. Me and three friends couldn't even finish the last wave on Normal, and I was getting through the campaign on Legendary by myself. Not to brag or say Firefight is impossible -- and while it's tough, it's not frustrating or too tough to be fun -- but be prepared for a difficult time.

Have you played Halo 3: ODST's Firefight mode? What do you think?

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4. My Halo 3 Highlight Reel
5. Introducing the official Gears of War 2 controller