Here’s a basic story line that gives us reasons why ODSTs aren’t present in Halo 4.
First, they ARE still around. Read the Kilo-5 novels (Glasslands/The Thursday War). These happen just prior to Halo 4.
Since the Infinity is home to a disproportionate amount of Spartans (albeit Spartan IVs), there is no need for ODSTs. As has been said, there are many who were previously ODSTs who are now Spartan IVs. Palmer is one of those. Spartans aboard the Infinity can perform the tasks of ODSTs easily.
Now as for a possible reason why they aren’t in the game…
343 wants us to focus on being Spartans, NOT ODSTs. This is one main reason why there is no choice for ODST armor in the game. Yes, the recruit helmet is similar to an ODST helmet and for good reason. It’s kind of the “transition” helmet from being an ODST to being a full on Spartan.
Again, this isn’t to say that ODSTs no longer exist in the Halo-verse as of Halo 4. They just aren’t in the same places that the campaign/Spartan Ops take place.
Personally, I’d love to see another ODST game.
In fact, this could happen with a very interesting story line. Palmer could be one of the stars of this game as could BUCK!
It was said of Buck that, “If he were any better, he’d be a Spartan.” Well, here’s that opportunity. Now that the processes for creating a Spartan from a fully grown adult are now possible within the Halo-verse, it’s quite plausible for Buck to become a Spartan.
So imagine a story where you can play as either Buck or Palmer (and possibly two other not yet named UNSC characters) who start out as ODSTs. Along the way, they are recruited to become Spartan IVs. You’re first few missions are those of them being ODSTs, then the transition to them being Spartans. This could go along quite well with Palmer’s Origin comic book by Darkhorse, coming out soon.
There are MANY fans of Buck/Nathan Fillion who would LOVE to have him back and active in the franchise again. I’m pretty sure, Nathan would love that too…
The ODSTs are the coolest part of the Halo Universe in my opinion. They’re the best that Humanity has, apart from the Spartans. But as the ODST’s like to say, they’re just inhuman freaks that get given all the cool toys. ODST are true soldiers, forged in battle, not in a lab. H3:ODST was the best in the series by a mile, and a sequel sounds way more interesting than Halo 5. The idea about the transition from ODST to Spartan IV sounds amazing, and would really help flesh out that side of the universe. They’re Ex-Covenant refugees on Earth now after all. I’m sure some exciting mission would come from that if it was set in a District-9 type location. Man, that sounds awesome.
Hmm Disctrict 9? Yeah, that could be a cool type of location. Though since ODSTs “drop” from orbit, and presumably they still do, I’d prefer multiple locales, rather than one big area as Halo 3: ODST had. Still, your idea has merit.
Man a topic I could talk about all night and then some! The ODSTs are well there’s only one word for the Helljumpers; BADASS. Dropping feet first into hell is no problem for them! I played H3:ODST so many times and Firefight, man I loved the original Firefight! The fact that ODSTs aren’t in Halo 4 was very disheartening to find out but all hope is not lost, another ODST game is always a possibility. We have only heard a select few stories from the Halo universe, the Human-Covenant war was almost 30 years, so many stories untold, the material for another game/story is limitless. Having Buck(Nathan Fillion) return for another game would be wonderful!
Im sure that many ODSTs went into the Spartan IV program moving on with their military career. Im sure they lead more of the “green” troopers in training and combat. I would like to know more about the Rookie, yes your suppose to be the Rookie but to know either a canon history or events after H3:ODST would be nice. Halo 4 with Spartan Ops is an ingenious idea in a way to expand the Halo universe/story, as a standalone ODST story could be done and with lets say ODST Ops. Just thinking out loud I guess!