Halo Wars (Xbox 360, 2009)

Halo does as well as a RTS as it did when it was introduced as a FPS.
Some players found that the unfortunate decision to simplify the RTS gameplay to make it work on a console simply doesn't make for a good RTS.
Granted that, much like Civilization Revolution, the game needed to make sacrifices to depth, it still plays very well. The story, voice acting and cutscenes are all solidly done. The gameplay remains true to the RTS genre and plays smoothly. The result is a satisfying RTS that has a fast face to it.
The only criticism that have been thrown around that I agree with is the length of the campaign game. With 15 levels, each around 20 minutes on average, the game will finish very quickly. While achievements and online play provides replay value, it doesn't enjoy the same endurance that the FPS multiplayer games enjoy. In that respect, the game should've been priced at the initial 49.99 range rather than 59.99. Let's hope there will be DL contents through Live coming soon to add to the life of this game.

Ahh, the days of command and conquer are being relived with this game. Its a lot of fun, and it incorporates the characters from the Halo franchise. I know it isn't a Bungie game, but is still exciting with great graphics.

Let me begin by saying that Halo Wars is an excellent game. It appeals to many gamers for three reasons: it's an RTS, has controls that will work on the 360, and the Halo characters and universe. Another plus is the developer. Ensemble Studios, who developed excellent games such as Age of Empires/Mythology and other excellent RTS games know what they are doing with a game like this. While it is isn't perfect, its innovation and depth of gameplay forces me to give this a 5/5! So let's dive into the review!

Story
While Master Chief doesn't appear this time around, you needn't worry, the story is still deep without him. The story is set 20 years before the first Halo, as most of you already know, and follows the exploits of a ship called the Spirit of Fire. They discover that the Covenant have discovered a super device (which I can't name, i hate spoilers!) which could destroy all humankind. So as good old marines do they lock and load! While it is quite a good story line, some of the characters get annoying. The women analyst of the Covenant seems a little too persuasive and unbelievable, but other than that you got a rock-solid story here.

Gameplay
As far as gameplay goes, Bungie and Ensemble went to the basics of core gameplay design. Their is only one supply collection resource you must manage, reactors that allows you to upgrade buildings, and a counter allowing only a certain number of units on the battlefield. It does seem simplistic, but Bungie adds an interesting twist. You can't build a building anywhere like other RTS games, you must build your barracks, supply gathering buildings, research, etc. as a part of your main base. Its an interesting twist which forces a player to choose wisely to make certain buildings. While you can have more than one base, this management system is an excellent twist and adds a lot of depth to the gameplay. I do have a couple of minor gripes. The camera zoom is broken. I found the max zoom out was still not enough, and it made unit management difficult. Thankfully, the controls pull that out of the water, as I can auto-select all units with the press of a button. Another gripe is the difficulty. THIS GAME IS HARD! Period. It will take careful planning and resource management if you want to be successful in Skirmish or Online. Campaign is different: it doesn't focus as much on base building but more on objectives, but time limits and overwhelming forces will still provide plenty of challenge in the campaign.

Online
While I haven't played too much of Halo Wars online due to my limited schedule, it works quite well. The online co-op feature in the campaign is a definite plus, and it makes objectives a bit easier. A tip of advice: start on Easy or Normal if you're daring. Without a friend, heroic and Legendary are IMPOSSIBLE! And the online modes and party system is easy to use, but they are a bit time consuming.

While Halo Wars isn't perfect, the innovation it bring to the console is a great thing to see! Starcraft for 360 FTW! 5/5

VERY PLEASED WITH FAST DELIVERY AND RESPONSE OF ITEM,WOULD BUY MORE PRODUCTS FROM THIS WONDERFUL SELLER AGAIN.

my nephew has all the halo games 1,2,3 this is the prequel to the other three serina an ai drone will guide you as you play this game all the events in it take place before the first halo game and you can be one of two characters fight as unsc or covenant enter year 2531 with the crew of the spirit of fire and experience the early stages of the covenant war

Item was exactly what was ordered. A redeemable code for x-box 360 game Halo Wars. For those who didn't have a chance to preorder, but still want to look cool in game and with friends. Worth the price to see my kids smile and their friends be envious. lol.

If you like Starcraft, Warcraft, or any RTS then this game is for you. Amazing graphics, fun levels. Each map is different from the next in terms of strategy and advantages. The one-player can be a little dry sometimes, but the online is very addicting.

Great Game play and Graphics the game never gets old because every time you play it its different! You can play it with friends on the same xbox or friends online. I give it an excellent rating!

It's a rarity, and i plan on keeping mine for a few years and then when some classic halo junkie wants the code i'll get a box full of cash. It's a cool addition to the game, gives it more customization just like the LE Wraith did. Buy now, sell later, thats my advice.

this game aswomeeeeeeeveeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee

The game works for now but there is a spot on the cd that looks like water or something got spilled on it but it still works for now so its all good. No scratchs or anything else wrong with it or the box it comes in with the instructions either.

Multiplayer gets old quick without much variability and very limited map choices. Needs a good map editor included and more races (Starcraft 2!). Single player is enjoyable and deep with many statistics tracked. Very good control scheme for a console RTS.

Seeems good at first but becomes probaly one of the most boring games after a fwe hours.
needs a load more options of things to do

The item is in perfect condition. The shipping was slower than I would have hoped but that is understandable.

transaction and sales was great just not liking the advertising of factory sealed and new. when i got it, it had been opened not sure if it had been played.

This game is not what it is advertised to be. It's a poor man's version of Command & Conquer. Don't waste your time and/or money.

It MUST be good!
I haven't seen hide nor hair of my son since he got this.
All his friends are on line so now he never goes anywhere.
That's good.... right?

I took a chance and bought this game for my 20 yr old son, who is an avid Halo fan. I've never even come close to getting the perfect 'SURPRISE' game, until now. It was an INSTANT HIT and he loves it!!! YEAH!!! He did make one comment that the graphics aren't quite as good as the other Halo games, but he loves the different objectives and has already SPENT HOURS and HOURS perfecting his 'HALO WAR' skills. A TOP pick and a real WINNER for ALL HALO fans and for all those HALO WANNA BE'S :-)

I have always been a fan of the Halo series, so i figured that Halo Wars would be a good pick up. It's a great change-of-pace to an RTS that works about as well as it can on the console. Its truely a great game with a bomb storyline

If your a Halo fan (who isn't) that has never really gotten into the RTS games, this is the game for you. Dont be worried about the NERDS who keep bashing this game. I find the people who don't like this game fall into 2 categories. Those who thought it would be a FPS (simple mistake) and the NERDS who live in their mom's basement and play Heroscape, Dungeons and Dragons and Risk.

Sorry now for the good stuff. The Graphics are AMAZING! I myself never got into the RTS games cause I dont have 10-12 hours a night to devote to video gaming (unlike the Dungeon and Dragons NERDS who keep bashing this game). Controls are easy but thats great if your new to RTS. The game ties in the HALO series perfectly. So if you like HALO and have a life, this is a nice change of pace from the run and gun games out there, and you dont have to devote your life too it. The campaign is short (15 levels that last about a half hour each) but the real fun is the skirmishes! You and up to 2 other buddies and team up and battle 3 other players. The best part is finding who you like to be and bulding your army the way you like it! If you like Halo you MUST buy this game!!!

I have never had my intelligence so insulted by a game before. Now, I never played the campaign so I can't comment on that, but the skirmish was bad enough to not matter.

I started with the tutorial to learn the controls. It turns out they didn't need a tutorial because the controls are so babyish. Now, don't get me wrong, simple controls are good, but not when they make the game too simple! In an attempt to make the game better for consoles, they made an RTS with a little less S.

Now, if you're new to the genre, this is fine, but why couldn't they have a beginner mode! Let the people who are very familiar with the genre play the game how EVERY other RTS is; with tons of freedom. The game gives you 4 defensive turrets and I think 7 buildings (give or take one). Fine, that's good for people who are fans of Halo, but haven't played RTS's. It gets them slowly into them and maybe they'll move on to other RTS games. But, they could easily put in an advanced setting where it has a lot more freedom.

Everything else about the game seems fine. The units are cool, the hero units have cool abilities, but the simple play ruined it for me. If you're a fan of Halo, you'll get into it. If you're new to the genre, it's a good starting point. If you are a veteran of RTS's, this is one I'd suggest ignoring.

I recieved the game within one week of sale! great service, just in time to get things together in preparation for Christmas. thanks

Its an action packed RTS (Real Time Strategy) game that forces you to stay one step ahead of the AI or another player online, it tells the story of how spartans were killed and fills in gaps of the Halo universe on how it all started