Halo Wars

Developer: Ensemble Studios

Platform:

XBox 360

Halo Wars is the first real-time strategy game in the Halo Universe. It begins in the year 2531, during the Covenant eradication of the Outer Colonies in the Human-Covenant War. The game was developed by Ensemble Studios, and is an Xbox 360 exclusive, like Halo 3. Unlike other Halo games, Halo Wars is rated "T" for Teen, downgraded from "M" for Mature given to previous installments. In the U.K, the game is a 16+ game, while its predecessor Halo 3 is a 15+ game although this is due to the two games using different rating boards (PEGI is stricter than the BBFC). Downloadable content and support is currently being developed by Robot Entertainment, a studio founded by ex-Ensemble Studios employees after its closing.

In the RTS game Halo Wars, players can command armies of both familiar and new UNSC units during its first encounters against the Covenant, a massive collection of alien races that threatens to destroy all of humanity. Halo Wars will immerse gamers in an early period of the Halo Universe, allowing them to experience events 21 years before Halo: Combat Evolved.

With the guidance of the A.I. Serina, who is commanding them from the UNSC CFV-88 Spirit of Fire, the player leads UNSC soldiers and vehicles against classic Covenant foes, such as Grunts, Elites, Ghosts, and Banshees. Each group has its own strengths and abilities in battle. Strategic-minded players who react well under pressure will emerge victorious over their foes.

Halo Wars can be played in both single-player and online cooperative campaign modes. Additionally, up to six players can play three-versus-three match head-to-head over Xbox Live. Published by Microsoft Game Studios, Halo Wars is a title exclusive to the Xbox 360. Despite speculation of a version for the PC, Ensemble and Microsoft have repeatedly said that no such plans have been made or even considered. The Covenant is playable only in multiplayer and Skirmish modes. (Wikia)

Features:

• UNSC Cougar Sometimes it's all about getting to the front line. The UNSC Cougar is a lightweight, fast and highly flexible armored vehicle. Although heavy armor fire will blow the Cougar away quite easily, this vehicle is highly effective holding off enemy armored vehicles while the slower armored ones are on transit. The Cougar had gained infamy in several urban tactical situations prior to the deployments in the war with the Covenant.


• UNSC Supply Pad Behind every good UNSC base is a series of good Supply Pads. Providing access to the underground assembly and storage areas, these pads are crucial to the smooth operation of any base. Providing everything from medical kits to full-sized Warthog engines, the crew of a well run supply pad knows that a working pad means a working base.


• Covenant Air Artillery Recently sighted behind several front line battles, it seems that the Covenant have developed an air based artillery unit. With no on board defenses, it can be very vulnerable if dealt with promptly. However, its heavy plasma mortar cannons can lay waste to an entire UNSC base quickly and it is therefore critical that we gain more field information on this vehicle.

Gameplay Montage

Vid Courtesy of StatikShocKVids