In Halo 3, what's the advantage of collecting skulls?

[Mawkish]

I've read a few websites that say some skulls unlock achievements... but they also say that collecting skulls affects the gameplay. Each effect I've seen seems to be deleterious.

For example, collecting one particular skull means if you die you have to start at the beginning of the level, checkpoints no-longer work. Is that right?! Does that last for the whole game or just that level?!

What are the advantages of collecting skulls?

 

[Joe]

collecting skulls in halo can do many things.

1. yes they can unlock achievements.
2. yes they can change the game play on story mode ( for example, if you die you have to start at the beginning of the level, checkpoints no-longer work) But you have the option to turn them on or off.
3. collecting the skulls allow you to obtain the hayabusa armor.

overall collecting the skulls is good and the hayabusa helmet is awesome