AbstractHalo Wars places the player in command of human UNSC armies as they deploy for mankinds first deadly encounter with the enemy Covenant forces.
ESRB rating
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Mild Blood, Mild Language, Violence |
Full descriptionHalo Wars is a real-time strategy game set in the universe of Microsoft's blockbuster first-person shooter series. The game was created specifically for Xbox 360 by Ensemble Studios, the developer behind the acclaimed Age of Empires and Age of Mythology series. The focus of the game is on combat and conquest, with resource management taking a backseat to battlefield tactics. Units, vehicles, and the supplies needed to keep them running are produced at different buildings on base. In most missions, players order down the buildings they need on the planet's surface in pods sent from an orbiting command ship. The game's control scheme revolves around large, contextual, circular menus, designed with the Xbox gamepad in mind. The D-pad can be used to jump quickly between important spots on the map and the face buttons are used to select units and give common commands.
The main Halo Wars campaign plays through a series of scripted missions that follow a storyline set 20 years before the original Halo: Combat Evolved. Players control United Nations Space Command forces in a command ship called
Spirit of Fire, on a mission over a distant planet called Harvest. The alien Covenant had taken Harvest from the UNSC and the UNSC has just taken it back, but Covenant activity continues in remote locations. When it is discovered that this activity centers on ancient Forerunner relics, hidden just beneath the surface and undiscovered during the humans' previous occupation, war on planet Harvest becomes a lot more interesting.
The looks and sounds of the vehicles and units were designed to match those of the original Halo games in detail, with zippy warthogs, wise-cracking infantry, and raspy, zealous aliens. A few units are introduced in this game, along with new hero characters, who fought the Covenant in the days before there was a Master Chief. In addition to the single-player campaign, a multiplayer mode is available for as many as six. In multiplayer games, players can choose to take command of the Covenant as well as the UNSC. The sides have different strengths, but each has unique powers that can turn the tide in a fight if used wisely. Capturing Forerunner relics on a map yields advantages, as well. During the development of the game, Microsoft announced that it would close Ensemble upon completion, making Halo Wars the swan song to the studio's successful, 14-year run.
Editorial reviewSource:
AmazonGet your hands dirty in the early stages of the epic battle between UNSC and Covenant. Developed by Ensemble Studios,
Halo Wars for Xbox 360Â brings all the drama of a real-time strategy game to the popular Halo Universe. Set in the year 2531, before the initial Halo first-person shooter game, this game lets you control the human armies of UNSC in a whole new way.
Play as UNSC or Covenant and exploit your faction's unique strengths. View larger. |
Invade enemy strongholds full of advanced technology. View larger. |
Find ways to make the detailed environments work for you. View larger. |
Bring in air support to turn the tide of battle. View larger. |
Defense, offense, and the ability to hold down a command center in the face of hostile attacks: there's a lot to think about when laying out tactics for an all-out alien war. Featuring detailed environments and complicated new battle mechanisms, this game demands a different kind of perspective than the first-person shooters from the original Halo series. You'll need to uncover the hidden strengths and weaknesses of each unit and play them to your tactical advantage, and that's just the beginning.
UNSC: Be Part of a Legendary Conflict
The story opens with UNSC forces retaking the planet Harvest from the Covenant. At your disposal -- should you choose to take command of UNSC forces -- will be everything from a corps of highly-trained Marines to the Warthogs, Scorpions, and Hornets you'll need for air and land attacks. You'll take stock of the map and decide between holding your ground or advancing on enemy strongholds, all while trying to navigate the local terrain and outsmart Covenant forces. And when you need something extra to tip the tide in your favor, UNSC leaders can provide you with the ability to mobilize highly specialized units or call the Spirit of Fire vessel for support from above. Covenant: A Capable, Playable Enemy Faction
That's right, Covenant is playable in this corner of the Halo universe. This alliance of alien species has manipulated advanced technology, firepower, and tactical prowess into a powerful force that is engaged in a Genocidal war against human race, having branded humans as heretics. With the ability to play as these tough, alien fighters, you'll have advanced shield technology, the modular Citadel at the heart of Covenant's colonizing power, and, of course, the iconic Scarab attack vehicle at your disposal, adding a whole new dimension to your strategic warfare. The Scarab is a terrifying military vehicle crafted from heavy mining equipment. And with a mining laser that delivers massive damage across battlefields large and small, turrets for taking on air attacks, and the ability to clamber over any terrain, what's not to love about commanding Scarabs instead of fighting against them?
Developed Exclusively for Xbox 360
Most console RTS games are adapted from existing PC games, which can make their controls bulky or awkward, but Halo Wars has been developed for Xbox 360 from the ground up. This means the controls are sensitive, intuitive, and easy-to-operate in the midst of battle. And the UI is just as intuitive, so whether you're managing a unit of marines or a deadly machine, you can focus on creating a battle strategy instead of worrying about how to overcome a clumsy controller.
No matter which faction you choose to play as, you can test your skills against those of other players in online skirmishes that allow up to six players with the New Xbox Experience through Xbox LIVE.
Developed by Ensemble Studios, creator of Age of Empires
Take the fight to the Covenant, 20 years before Halo: Combat Evolved
Command powerful hero characters to turn the tide in the heat of battle
Multiplayer warfare for up to six
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