Is Data Hive Halo's Worst Level?

[@BenPlaysGames]

✅ Subscribe: kzbin.info 🖱 Support the channel: www.patreon.com/ben_plays_games Sorry there's not better footage of the NMPD officer part, had some major recording/footage issues!

[@aussieodst7505]

The change of cutscene isnt because of data pads its when you dont kill and engineers during the rest of the game

[@snogger6]

So what was the deal with that officer? I never got that bit... was he a criminal?

[@mellowtron1166]

I never thought that people disliked this level since I always thought the atmosphere was tense, dark and moody. But there is some repetition with the tunnels and circular rooms. Great video!

[@BenPlaysGames]

Thanks Mellowtron! I got the idea after reading a thread somewhere about in which people were talking about how much they disliked it, and I could see it, so decided to make the video. But as it turns out, most people do like it or at least tolerate it haha.

[@Tribalwerewolf]

Halos worst level has to be most of Halo 5s campaign

[@BenPlaysGames]

@@Tribalwerewolf Not sure I can argue too much with this 😂

[@WayneRoberts72]

@@BenPlaysGames I can't argue with that either.

[@itz.abdur911]

@@Tribalwerewolf nah in my opinion halo 5 still had bad missions but there were a few fun parts it’s almost the entire halo infinite campaign because of how boring and repetitive it is

[@JayS96Bruh]

I always thought this is one of the best levels in ODST. Running and gunning through tight corridors with your trusty suppressed SMG is something I always found very fun. I also thought it was a rather unique level as typically the cramped close quarters levels always feature an abundance of friendlies (Pillar of Autumn, Cairo Station, Crows Nest, Composer, etc).

[@BenPlaysGames]

I really like it too, think I put it at number three or so in my video ranking ODST's levels. More horror vibes in Halo going forward please.

[@3dpyromaniac560]

Yeah and that small detail makes the level feel far more claustrophobic and barren...

[@gargravarr2]

The combination of "descending down to Level 9" and "Vergil" is a clear reference to Dante's Inferno. Which is fitting, because this level is quite hellish.

[@BenPlaysGames]

I remember reading something about that in the past but it completely slipped my mind for the video. Cheers for the reminder my man 🙈

[@InformerMaz]

Plus isn’t the 9th ring supposed to be super cold?

[@epicdude3659]

the whole game is a reference to Dante's Inferno. Hidden Xperia or Installation00 did a video about it awhile ago.

[@TimsGamesDoneHard]

I completely agree. Gameplay-wise the mission is middle of the road. But the mood, atmosphere, and payoff for the audio logs really elevates it for me. For anyone who hasn't, I highly recommend you collect all the audio logs and watch the animatics in the menu, the story really makes Data Hive hit so much harder especially with the extra room it opens up

[@BenPlaysGames]

The side story is one of my favourites parts of the game. I've felt really strongly for a long time like the Halo series is ripe for a game or two in a similar-ish format to ODST, using shorter missions to tell different people's stories across one conflict but perhaps minus the overarching narrative. So, one might follow an ODST fighting on the frontline, another a civilian trying to escape. Maybe one even puts you in the shoes of a Covenant solider. It's sort of what I wanted from Halo Infinite if it had rolling content - small side content telling smaller tales introduced to the open world every month or two. They wouldn't have to be big, but it would make Zeta Halo feel so much more alive.

[@justintheegrey]

I really appreciate when you make these mission breakdowns

[@BenPlaysGames]

Appreciate you checking them out too J. A. my dude!

[@theamazingmeh1759]

Favorite Halo game out of the series, loved how you included the side story of Sadie. "You make me very, very proud."

[@BenPlaysGames]

Collectibles which actually change things are the best kind of collectibles. I don't want a new piece or armour or a gun or something else that's ultimately utterly meaningless. Give me an interesting side quest to finish things, some hidden story beats or similar. Developers rely way too much on asking their audiences to collect lists of random items to pad runtimes in more open games especially.

[@-THE_META]

This is my second favorite level on ODST (first being Mombasa Streets my favorite among all Halo games). Data Hive feels like a natural extension of Mombasa Streets with The Rookie physically traveling from that level to end it and begin this one as opposed to the other squadmate levels. I love the first half actually more because this level feels like a designated shotgun level and I love that type of encounter. Also the descending the levels to a frozen ninth level is the games biggest shout-out to it's inspiration from Dante's Inferno at least from the gameplay aspect. The second half level is fine but I do think the drones should have been sleeping earlier in the level and the Rookie has to choose between avoiding grunts to not wake up the drones or just light it up. I think either the level should have been split into two, the descent and the ascent. Or move the action packed portions of the second half to Coastal Highway to make it a level worth standing side by side something like The Covenant in scale and scope.

[@BenPlaysGames]

Love the idea of choosing between the drones and the grunts depending on how you want to play things. The idea of converging paths within a linear level isn't something Halo's done a lot of generally - would be really interesting to see it in action. Sort of like those bits in Gears that do similar.

[@cameronspence4977]

Coastal highway is complete fucking fire so I love that that track is included in the video, I always liked this level too I didnt even know it was particularly disliked by anyone lol

[@BenPlaysGames]

@@cameronspence4977 Coastal Highway is a cracking little mission, one of my favourites in the game. It seems most like Data Hive but was reading a thread somewhere in which loads of people were saying it was their least favourite ODST level, which inspired this video. For the record, I don't think it is.

[@MillyBitchell]

I’m shocked this mission is unpopular. After playing ODST for the first time last year, I thought it was one of the stronger levels.

[@gladski14]

I love this level! The Policeman Easter egg is awesome

[@BenPlaysGames]

Agreed, the best collectibles are collectibles which have in world outcomes, rather than just being pointless lists which offer nothing.

[@xShadow_God]

@@BenPlaysGames I know some people gather collectibles in games just to get achievements, but I find that too boring to be worth my time. But collectibles that make a difference in game? Hell yeah, I will go after those all day. Those types give the player an actual reason to play the game to it's fullest degree. Major spoilers for Mass Effect 3. In ME3 you can get a special ending where the player character is shown surviving what was assumed to be their certain death. But it only happens if you choose a specific ending and if you have enough war assets from doing side content. When I first beat the game I rushed through and got a normal ending, but the second time I took my time and got the special ending. It blew me away, I had no idea that was a thing. I need more games that do this stuff, games that reward the player for completing the optional stuff in a substantial way. Not just some in-game gear, upgrade or some lame achievement.

[@henryhargraves4184]

I love this episode, especially popping the drones with the carbine.

[@BenPlaysGames]

Makes you feel like a boss swatting them out of the air right?!

[@slicksilver2961]

This def has to be my favorite Halo ODDT mission for a few reasons. - First off this is the Rookie’s first real mission. Throughout the game he’s been playing the role of detective, trying to find his team. But we never played a fully fledged missions with him up until that point. -All things considered what the Rookie does is quite impressive in his own right, ie, Rip and Tear his way through the Hive’s... well, hive. A feat that can’t be completely matched by the rest of his squad(the solo aspect, excluding Bucky’s first mission). -if I remember correctly, we encounter a specific hive with a Brute plasma rifle, which, if I remember my sources/halo lore correctly, was the queen, meaning that the Rookie himself killed the Hive’s queen and also, that the Hive had a queen. -this mission showed that bungie knew how to nail down the Horror Element without needing to rely on the flood - The corrupt NMPD officer’s lines, if you got all the audio logs, really do set the atmosphere of someone who can’t be trusted: “Don’t wanna tell me? It’s ok... we all got secrets...” and his turn is the first in halo History were we fight a human(enemy ai, with a red retical). Sorry for the rant there but Rookie is one of my favorite characters and this mission really does highlight that he’s much more than his nickname.

[@dachamp171]

I like this Mission a lot. I had no clue anyone didn’t like it

[@thatoneotherotherguy]

I'm pretty sure Data Hive's atmosphere before you meet Dare, as the server rooms gradually become iced over (from poisoning if I recall correctly), is my favorite in all the Bungie games. Really well done, and I wish the quiet travelling at the start was even longer.

[@BenPlaysGames]

Likewise mate, the more quiet the better, love a bit of tension building!

[@Ben_Jammin94]

First one of my subscriptions uploads a video about Elden Ring and now you’ve uploaded a Halo level. This has been a pretty good day. “People hate Data Hive.” I’ve never put much thought into this level. That said, much like the rest of Halo ODST, I still enjoyed it. I think what really elevates it for me is collecting all the data logs in the ruined city and seeing the corruption in NMPD. I’ve also never had too much difficulty in escorting the engineer out of the tunnels, even when Buck’s or Dare’s AI gets twitchy and starts shooting at the sleeping drones. Finally, this level gets a huge payoff with its own warthog/scorpion run as you watch Covenant pour into the ruined city. As a side note, it's probably getting to the point where you're going have to make a list on which Halo game is the best in the series. Or, at the very least, make a list of which Bungie Halo game is the best.

[@BenPlaysGames]

Nice, glad I could help make your Tuesday a little better Barbentos mate. Definitely going to do a 'Which Halo Is The Best?' or similar at some point in the future. What I want to try and do first is a retrospective for each game in the mould off the one I did for Reach. That way, I can point people in their direction when I do the ranking so there's longer discussions available outlining better my thoughts. Especially as one or two choices may be controversial haha.

[@MrJohansen]

Fun fact about 7:09, the marines in the pelican on Quarantine zone and the ones across the gap on Sacred Icon will actually attack you without provocation if you get close enough. Obviously you have to go out of your way to get attacked by the ones on SI, but on QZ I've just been minding my own business before and gotten blasted by the tank on the back of the pelican. So technically this would be the third time in the series, or second depending on whether or not you want to count the SI marines since you're not supposed to get close to them anyway

[@theneoreformationist]

Also the ones that shoot you because they are afraid of the flood

[@thejonathan130]

In the storyline Humans are still fighting Elites. In QZ and SI you play as Arbiter, the Marines show up red on your reticle.

[@ErosAngel]

Also the marine from halo one in the first mission in which you encounter the flood

[@newyearsproject]

"the only human encountered in the series who will attack you without provocation" doesn't the Crazy Marine in Halo CE do that?

[@BenPlaysGames]

He does but I'd personally say that was less an 'attack' and more him being scared out of his mind and reacting accordingly. He's not really trying to kill you and I wouldn't describe him as an enemy, per se.

[@Luke_H98]

Always loved this one! Tearing through those first few rooms with the suppressed SMG, and making my way to meet with the cop was always my favorite part. Plus making your way through the hive with Dare, with the feeling of "if I spend too long here, these drones are gonna surround me." I can see why this level gets some hate, but for me the encounters and the small breaks in between always worked for me. Great vid Ben!

[@BenPlaysGames]

Nice one Luke! Gotta love that SMG. As a Combat Evolved fanboy, I've always loved the simplicity of its human weapons in terms of aesthetic (feel more futuristic to me, I suppose), as opposed to the later games' LMGs and similar, which to me look too much like weapons we use in the present. But the SMG I love regardless. In fact, it's one of my favourite things about revisiting ODST.

[@tylerdutcher4950]

Bro this is the perfect video for my sick day, love the vids and keep it up 👍

[@BenPlaysGames]

Thanks Tyler, will do. Feel better soon dude!

[@asimplepie2279]

It’s weird I used to hate this level when I was a kid now it’s one of my favorite ODST missions because I love the cold atmosphere and the shotgun action. And it’s cool to see the Drones front and center in the combat since they’re underutilized

[@whiteasian3636]

I remember really liking this mission. I always loved the look of the hive and the way bungie gave the drones a new horror-movie-monster twist

[@BenPlaysGames]

The more horror in Halo the better I say. And I hope the Endless eventually make me soil myself in terror.

[@whiteasian3636]

@@BenPlaysGames I kinda doubt it but I have hope

[@ice7223]

I like it alot because of the atmosphere. But that doesn't say alot because ODST has a great atmorsphere in general :p

[@BenPlaysGames]

Halo and saxophone music? Yes please.

[@BewilderedBird]

You're quickly becoming my favorite KZbinr. Love your stuff man. You didn't ask for suggestions, and I am in no position to give any, but here's one anyway: Maybe you can show some legendary gameplay? Maybe the level's difficulty could be a topic for discussion during the video? I know that the difficulty, the types of enemies and encounters, etc. are topics that I would definitely be interested in watching you explore at a deeper level.

[@BenPlaysGames]

That's real kind of you mate, thank you! I've actually had a few requests regarding legendary difficulty stuff and it's been on my radar for a while now. I've not yet figured out exactly what I'm going to do, but there's definitely something in the post.

[@Novaren455]

Imagine this, a new halo game “Halo: Stories” Where you play as different characters every mission or so. ODST’s, marines, Spartans, Elites, and you get to see different scenarios during the human covenant war. playing as a marine and ODST should be horror levels. Spartans and elites like the OG halo’s. just telling different stories on different planets. Imagine a horror level going through as a marine with very limited health?

[@Mr.Mud69117]

When you have a level like Kikowani Station along side the roster… come on. Data Hive is personally my favorite out of all on ODST. Every single other level is wide open and grand. Fighting through a nature preserve, skyscraper roofs, city streets, and a massive ONI building (along with the bridge), Data Hive is itself a palette cleanser. Tight tunnels, and a dark atmosphere is a wonderful setting

[@YolkiiGaming]

Keep up the great work, Ben. Video was 🔥

[@BenPlaysGames]

Nice one Yolkii, will do my dude!

[@semmehh]

This was a super interesting deep dive into what I would consider one of halo's more obscure missions. 10/10.

[@thatoneotherotherguy]

The NMPD cop being the only human that attacks you first in the Halo franchise? Nah man, there's the 343 Guilty Spark marine that starts blasting with a magnum right as you walk in the room.

[@BenPlaysGames]

He does indeed attack you but not without provocation - he's lost his mind and is terrified you'll try to turn him into a Flood. The officer is the only human enemy in the series who is genuinely trying to kill you, whereas the marine is just being a bit crazy.

[@nathangordon4891]

I think it’s one of ODST’s best levels. Sure it can get a bit repetitive, but the atmosphere is spot on, and there’s a few great bits of gameplay in there (flamethrower sections, the drone hive, the finale). It also has a great payoff for if you’ve been listening to the audio logs.

[@deltahalo241]

I think another issue is that the tight corridors really don't give the drones much room to move around, their whole deal is that they're aeriel enemies that can swamp you from all sides at all angles, but in the corridors of data hive, they're basically just grunts that can hang on the ceiling.

[@RedAce93]

Halo ODST and Reach are the only.2 halo games where I feel all the levels pull their weight. Not a single bad one in either game. That's just me though

[@BenPlaysGames]

I'd actually agree with you on this point, Jeff. My personal view is that CE, 2 and 3 all have one, or more, levels which are quite poor. ODST and Reach in comparison do have some which are very bland, very middle of the road, but none I'd describe as being absolute howlers in the mould like The Library or Cortana, for example.

[@regularphill]

I love drones! Having a mission based of them is cool! Smg shreds the drones.

[@Russman25123]

Thoughts before I watch: I don't mind this level. It's not too bad, but it'd be better if you didn't run out of ammo so fast. This level with the foreign skull on is hell. (After watching): Yeah, I pretty much agreed with everything you said here. Though, I think a line of dialogue from Dare to Rookie mentioning the fact that he's aware of the pasive engineer if you found all the audio logs would probably make the scene a bit nicer and varied

[@torb-no]

Another great vid! I’m probably somewhere in the middle myself. I find the drones tedious to fight, yet I Attack on the control room is one of my fav from CE, so I can appreciate some repeated rooms. 😂

[@BenPlaysGames]

Cheers Torb! How's everything with you mate? Middling, I think, is a fair description of the level and it really depends on what you value. Gameplay-wise, it can be a struggle to get through, but in terms of story/atmosphere, it's top notch. I still yearn for Halo to do some more light horror stuff in the future (maybe with the Endless?) as there's so much potential there.

[@torb-no]

@@BenPlaysGames Yeah. Your video really showed how much potential this level really had. Considering how positive of an impact it would be to have remove a lot of enemies and then maybe place some new (sleeping ones earlier), it shouldn‘t be out of reach of something modders could do.

[@BenPlaysGames]

@@torb-no Halo modders are insanely talented - I've not played many but did Cursed Halo on stream the other day, and what's been accomplished with that is so, so impressive.

[@torb-no]

@@BenPlaysGames Yeah. I'm still working my way through the stream. It‘s entertaining (your one of the few going into Cursed fairly blind). And speaking of Abba, what is Master Chief if not a Super Trouper?! 🕺🏻

[@Sman349]

Bro this tops anything on Halo 5 save maybe Genesis and the Sanhelios Missions

[@mmcfacialhair]

Honestly it’s one of my favorite levels in the series. It’s the first time the Rookie feels like the hunter instead of the hunted, at least until you get to the actual hive. Plus, after an entire game of the Rookie being alone, interacting with Dare and the officer is a breath of fresh air.

[@connor9295]

I wish there was an Infinite ammo skull for ODST. The suppressed SMG is so fun, and it's such a cool looking little piece of kit, but one Brute and two Grunts later, you're out of ammo 😂

[@physical_insanity]

I really like this level for the fact that it's the most isolating out of all of them, and the symbolism of descending deeper into the 9 circles of Hell is really cool, but I can't help but groan at the slog that is the encounters with the drones. They're pretty tolerable most of the time, but down in the data centre it feels unnaturally claustrophobic and like I don't have enough room to manoeuvre, and the disadvantage of having to shoot upwards, makes the whole thing feel horrible. I also wish there was some more ammo for your SMG or SOCOM scattered around, or less enemies like you suggested, because I find myself running out more often than not on any difficulty. It is saved by the amazing atmosphere, story, Dare's cool armour and the bad cop Easter Egg. When I first got all the audio logs, my dumbass really stood outside the door for like 3 minutes waiting for him to come back out, until I went to go check. Needless to say, the resulting encounter was quite a blast.

[@SpiderSOI]

Not a huge fan of drones, but honestly I still enjoy this level

[@ObsidionshadowX]

There are only two enemies in all of Halo that I find annoying, Halo 2 sniper jackals.. and rocket flood from Halo 1 and 2 in particular, they didn't seem as accurate or deadly in Halo 3.

[@witherwolf3316]

I actually quite like it. It's very atmospheric and a unique environment from the rest of the series, though perhaps a bit repetitive in some places they really nailed the ambience but I agree that the first few rooms and corridors should have been empty to help build it up even more, especially because it'll eat through most of your ammo before you even get to the big encounters. One thing necessary make sure that the player knows that they're heading in the right direction is to have Vergil open locked doors in their path with an audible message like "Access granted" followed by a chime every few seconds to help direct them properly. It fills the role that first few enemies do by saying "yes, this is the right way, keep going."

[@burge117]

Ben. Unexpected video. Bold claim too! Will be an interesting watch, will tweak the comment after viewing! Great discussion regarding the level. I actually really like it, sure some things could have been moved around...but overall it is a good level, one that has some unique stuff. What can I say...Halo fans are fickle haha! The only right answer for the worst Bungie created level is The Library, Cortana or Nightfall. In this case. You are correct!

[@BenPlaysGames]

Nice one Burge! I like it too, it definitely feels unique enough that it has something to offer for most. You've reminded me I must cover Nightfall too...

[@burge117]

@@BenPlaysGames I look forward to your view on Nightfall!

[@discojoe3]

I just recently played through all the Bungie Halos via the MCC, and ODST is a masterpiece. It's beautifully paced, all the traditionally linear levels feel great to play, and the writing is very well done. The only complaint I'd lay on it is the hub area can be a little bit annoying to navigate (and you're not given sufficient directional guidance right at the beginning). Other than that, it's superbly executed. It really shows off what Bungie can do when they have time to apply polish, and it makes me sad that Halo 2 turned out to have so many time-related balance and encounter-design issues.

[@Cheddarhead7]

I love Data Hive, the segment where you fight in a drones nest along the catwalks is the only time in the entire series I enjoy fighting drones

[@BenPlaysGames]

I rather like it too mate - but for someone who's not a fan of drones, I'd guess it's hell 😂

[@MasonOfLife]

I love this level!

[@BenPlaysGames]

Snap.

[@zobizobstudio]

I love this level a lot, i didnt know it was hated... it was such a Nice thing to see drones nest, the conclusion to the audio log story, meeting Dare in real time compared to flashback missions ... To me the best ODST level.

[@beeno3487]

There’s not a single level I don’t like in the bungie halo games, thanks for the videos.

[@BenPlaysGames]

No worries Been, cheers for checking them out!

[@VaporWaveGamingVTuberCh]

Nope I disagree, I think its one of the most unique and most interesting levels in the entire original bungie trilogy. Lot of fun and we get to see the hive of the drones for the first time ever, something we never really saw before. I wish there was a multiplayer map based off this.

[@EnderWazHere]

this level is better than every single level in halo 4 and 5

[@josephhughes3490]

Truthfully, I've always considered data hive as average (but I also really like odst as a whole). Interesting you likened drones to the flood. I can see similarities, but the series (as memory serves me) tends to give you different ways to encounter drones most times you encounter them. With a turret in outskirts, long range on outskirts and gravemind, mid/close range in pullar of autumn and data hive. Close range in gravemind; to name a few. I guess I enjoy drone encounters because it adds to Halo's diversity of enemy encounters. Data hive makes them a main focus, which I think is interesting.

[@Smartyvoy]

What Halo 3: ODST needed was a mission where you fought with the full strength of your ODST squad. Such a missed opportunity.

[@bombomos]

This level has better story telling than Halo 4

[@ImperialDevastator]

i replayed ODST on Legendary recently, and i gained a new appreciation for this level. on harder difficulties, i felt like i needed to take my time and that definitely added to the spooky atmosphere of the level! love the video and glad to see you tackling both sides haha

[@Moerfel]

I hated this level when i played it for the first time with my buddy back in the day. Once i learned more about Halo, i figured out that these hive drones were basically freshly hatched drones and can be killed by one hit with the Carbine. They also only respawn once or twice. So once i learned their patterns, the part was pretty easy. Also can't forget to mention the excellent guides by hokiebird428.

[@stardust_2339]

I really like Data Hive. It's atmospheric and mysterious. The tuning is also really good and it features really good up close encounters. Halo 3 had an issue with brutes as too many of them had brute shots which can kill you behind cover or just via regular splash damage pretty easily, but ODST is an improved Halo 3 in the sense of enemy placement and damage numbers, which make it one of the best balanced Halo games.

[@terribleterror5786]

People may not like this mission because this mission carries the same ambience and pacing from the Mombasa Streets missions. ODST has a very distinct mission splitting system which we all know. The Mombasa Streets are crafted to be very atmospheric, lonely, slower paced, and dark in color. The flashback missions by contrast are fast paced, bright, grand in scale, and short. So, when players finished the last Mombasa Streets section, they were probably expecting another mission like ONI Alpha Site or Kikowani Station. Instead, they were treated to a mission with very similar feels to the Mombasa Streets. Data Hive has way more enemies and the mission does become faster paced after you retrieve Vergil. But it still is very dark, quiet, and mysterious like Mombasa Streets. I do not think some people dislike Data Hive for being bad, but rather its similarities to the Mombasa Street sections after players being used to the contrast between flashback missions and street sections.

[@iU0n]

Great video! I’ve always found this level pretty dull but it does have pretty good atmosphere if you ask me. I also enjoy the easter egg on this level (the one you get if you find all of the phones prior to this level).

[@roderick5597]

Bro data hive was unreal, I always felt lost when I played odst as a kid and when I heard dare's voice as a kid I was like wholly shit another survivor, and then we had to go underground that was a nice spin after finishing all beacon missions

[@jakeslamakowski6990]

It's fun at first. If you die and have to repeat parts of an already repetitive level it can be soul crushing sometimes. I know last time I played ODST I got tired of the first half of the level. That fight in the hive though is what makes it all worth it.

[@michaelkorenberg1313]

If it were up to me-I’d mod the level by spicing it up as a Flood hive where the Rookie and Dare must rescue the Engineer superintendent from the Flood to protect Humanity from being consumed.

[@Draeckon]

The Hive is a lot easier when you give Dare a beam rifle. I played on Legendary again recently and I just hung further back, taking pot shots with my own rifle, while Dare tanked for me and occasionally took them out.

[@r863sa]

"Only human in the series who will attack you without provocation" Pretty sure the marine in 343 guilty spark in CE also counts here.

[@FromSouthPark]

ODST was just... *chef's kiss*

[@chrisa8799]

I think underground battles between surviving cops and covenant would've been cool, but its a mixed feelings sort of mission. I think its more fun than Tayari Plaza, which I felt was the worst mission in ODST.

[@EggSheeran29]

I think this level's one of the best in Halo 3 ODST

[@joebones10]

I absolutely LOVE Halo ODST and consider it one of the most underrated games of all time... BUT! I hated this level solely from the "hive" portion of it... I have always hated fighting Buggers... and am extremely jealous... if thats you in the gameplay... just ripping Bugger headshots one by one at ease! For me, it would be at least one head shot out of every five Buggers I would be facing! lol

[@BenPlaysGames]

That is me and it's one of the rare occasions during which my gameplay isn't absolutely terrible, so thanks for noticing. Viewers regularly let me know how terrible I am at everything 😂

[@brownleelogan1]

I disagree with having the first few corridors being empty of enemies. I feel like all it would do is make players a little bored, instead of building tension, just walking through empty hallways with nothing at all going on. Not only that, but I don't think buggers would live up to the build up. We've already seen buggers by that point, and they weren't exactly popular, no one would be excited after that build up. Sure it works with the flood, but the flood are supposed to be an existential threat that even the Covenant fear, they live up to the hype, regardless of whether or not they're actually fun to fight.

[@ugipse]

Is the level “divisive”? Since I define “divisive” as The Last Jedi, I think not!

[@raaaaaaaaaam496]

It could have done with more variation. Maybe showing the covenant taking over or the buggers infesting and covering everything. Idk. Valve has good examples of underground environments that have a ton of variety and still feel like a realistic location.

[@BenPlaysGames]

Variation is key, I think. More moments like the one where you drop down into the area where they're all sleeping would be awesome. Maybe there's even a longer area you're meant to traverse without firing your weapons.

[@calebpope4664]

7:10 isn’t true; there’s a marine on 343 guilty spark Halo CE that attacks you because he’s gone insane

[@BenPlaysGames]

There is my dude, which is why the provocation part is important. The marine wasn't really trying to kill you, he'd gone a bit bananas and was scared you were going to turn him into a Flood or alert them to his presence. The officer on the other hand just straight up tries to kill you.

[@calebpope4664]

@@BenPlaysGames I suppose it depends on how the “attack” is intended

[@adroharv5140]

the only problem with having no encounters during walking through these locations is wouldn't be at all fun from a gameplay point. Playing for the twentieth time as an example through these levels would be boring as nothing would happen during the spaces. No I'm quite happy we get to shoot some enemy thank you and with the relative shortness to the game, I'm very glad they didn't do that

[@LifelessTooth]

In both scenes where Dare and Rookie meet Virgil, both of them point their gun at him at first, and they both stop after the same amount of time. The only difference is Rookie nudging Dare before she can do the same to him. You can literally see her starting to lower her gun before Rookie puts his arm out.

[@sfk187]

After "Cortana" and "the library" is "data hive" the worst level in the halo series? Fixed it for you

[@KyleMack71]

I loved this mission for it’s different aesthetic and reference to Dante’s Inferno.

[@armstronggaming8566]

Virgil on legendary is more difficult than halo 2 jackal snipers

[@frogfinance4605]

Are we discounting 4, 5 and infinite because they don't exist? If not, this level is a masterpiece

[@Loch_Ness_Lachster]

When I first played ODST data give was the first level when crap started to make sense in my head, I'm not the first the click

[@LifelessTooth]

Who tf is saying this is the worst mission in Halo? Is it like one of those "not counting the Library, Quarantine Zone, Cortana, and all the other bad levels" kinda thing.

[@spuriusscapula4829]

The library in Halo 1, a couple of the arbiter levels in Halo 2, Cortana in Halo 3. But I think the promethean levels in Halo 4 were worse than all of them. I can't fight those shitty promethean knights and watchers again. I'd still be able to redo the library.

[@MistahFox]

Data Hive is the climax of ODST's themes. The whole game is a Dante's Inferno allegory, but Data Hive is the most overt with you progressing to the frozen over 9th level of hell that represents treachery, as you literally descend to sub-level 9 where the rooms have frozen over and for the only time in Halo a human consciously betrays you for selfish reasons.

[@connormarlin6429]

7:09 Isn't there a marine that attacks you without provocation during 343 Guilty Spark in CE?

[@I_Am_Wasabi_Man]

i will stand by that some of halo CE's later half campaign missions are the worst in the bungie series

[@alexgreenwood404]

7G has to be a subtle simpsons reference

[@BenPlaysGames]

😉

[@TheTb2364]

My problem with this level is that it really stands out from other ODST levels, some of which are almost 'coffee break' length.

[@Slender_Man_186]

Tbh it kinda depends most of the time, Uplift Reserve for example can be 2 minutes if you blaze past everything and use a few short cuts, 20 minutes if you actually take your time and participate in the battle.

[@cromtuiseagain]

I hated the mission after this more because of the highway section before you get the Scorpion; dealing with Buck's AI's decision making is frustrating in Legendary.

[@Derkiboi]

It's short enough that enen if it's not a person's preference, it goes by pretty quickly

[@BenPlaysGames]

This is true, my favourite part of ODST is the 'bite size' quality its missions have.

[@obamastolemyvcr1446]

I'll taking Data Hive over any flood mission anyday

[@Nichi-Ji]

The Library would like to have a word with everyone who thinks this is the worst level in halo

[@josuemartinez4376]

You’re going down to level 9 to guess I could use some backup Unknown Nmpd officer

[@BenPlaysGames]

Sus 😂

[@lobozacatecas1]

I always liked this mission, mainly due to the flamethrower.

[@badrat484]

For me it’s the flood levels. Just in general

[@CloneCommanderCrater1102]

Even if it's not the best level, it's still more fun to play than Cortana in Halo 3

[@taotd]

Is it the Library from Halo 1? No? Then it's not the worst.

[@yourma-uh5um]

No, The Library is, end of discussion.

[@ORLY911]

wasnt a fan of the escort part since it was uber easy for the engie to get grenade spammed or hard focused by jackal carbiners and instantly pop, but it was fine other than that.

[@JA-lr5ix]

It’s fucking amazing.

[@BenPlaysGames]

No arguments here!

[@thebreakroom4195]

Ironically enough, "Halo", the 2nd level of Halo CE is the worst, but this is all subjective. Same as everyone's favorite level. But it doesn't matter how many dozens of times I play the 2nd level of the game, I get lost every damm time searching for the right way to go at some point.

[@justinnyugen7015]

I think I dislike Uplift Nature Reserve more. Feels out of place with the rest of the atmospheric urban battlefield (I guess I was sick of the African savanna from Halo 3 already), plus player vehicles are paper thin on higher difficulties so it's a level I try to blow through as fast as possible.

[@dafarmer3721]

You ever played halo 4-5? Those are the worst levels by far I love halo but I do not remember any levels except the mammoth mission only because half the level wasn’t there on mcc

[@BenPlaysGames]

I've not really covered Halo 5 much yet (probably my least favourite Halo) but I've done some stuff on 4 if you're interested mate: kzbin.info/aero/PLZ0a88md6HYRkyJo2F4jxZa3HCcGXxbTZ

[@Slender_Man_186]

I mean, really? I always liked it, they sold the near constant descent well, especially considering the game’s audio log side story is one big Dante’s Inferno reference and this is the level where the audio log story connects with the rest of the game’s story, it’s pretty much supposed to be a descent down the 7 levels of hell.