Halo 3 Expansion Name Changed

You might be happy to learn that Halo 3: Recon, the fairly bland name for the upcoming Halo 3 standalone expansion, has been scrapped. The replacement title is even less sexy, though: Halo 3: ODST. Bleh.

"This new title is a more straightforward account of the experience that awaits and the role you will assume as you explore the streets of New Mombasa," read the announcement on Bungie's website. "ODST" stands for "Orbital Drop Shock Trooper," the type of special forces trooper you'll control during the expansion. The announcement also notes that it's pronounced "Oh-Dee-Ess-Tee" and not "ohdst" - a mistake that might have embarrassed you at your next Halo-themed dinner party.

The new title is more straightforward title but did it need to be? It's not like people were going to be confused about what you'd be doing during the game. It's Halo - you're going to be shooting aliens. Did they need to expend any effort on thinking of a title? It could've been Halo 3: More and shooter fans would've still bought it.

Halo 3: ODST will be available in Fall 2009. For more information on the expansion, check out our previous article about the project.