Halo Wars as mentioned above is a real time strategy game, which is set in the lead up to the first Halo game. Developed by Ensemble Studios, rather than the now famous Bungie, the game takes a more simplistic and action orientated approach than most RTS games, what this means is that you are constantly embedded in the action before moving forward onto the next mission, with no time for a breather.

 

 

Anyone put off by the fact that this game is an RTS and therefore may just require too much thought shouldn’t be too worried, Halo Wars pretty much disposes of any complicated parts that RTS games are usually linked with and takes a more hold you by the hand approach, showing you how to build, fight and command your troops as you go. This approach is great for first time RTS users, however anyone who is accustomed to this style of game already may actually find this very frustrating.

 

In most RTS games you can set up a base and design it in anyway you see fit, however Halo Wars takes a different approach, telling you where to set up the base and limiting you to the type of buildings and squad that you can create. In someways this is a good and unique and fresh approach to the RTS, it should certainly help those people out who are a bit fazed by all the options in games such as Command & Conquer. The stripped back approach does let you focus more on the action, due to the fact that you can build your squad and base quickly and then get on with the mission, which is the main focus of the game anyway.

 

The controls in Halo Wars follow the same path as the game by being simple and easy to use, practically anyone who picks this game up will have the controls mastered within a few minutes. Most actions in the game can be done with the press of two buttons, so should you wish for your troops to take on an oncoming enemy you simply press the A button to select them, use the cursor to mark their location and then press the X button, this will cause your troops move to this location and attack, should you wish to use a special attack (the effect of which varies depending on the unit type) you simply press the Y button instead of X.

 

Building your troops is a simple task, the game will show you where to build your level, and with a press of the button your base will appear. Once established you must then decide which buildings you wish to have, it is advisable to have a supply hut as this will give you the resources you need to pay for the troops you need, and of course you can’t build troops without Barracks. There are quite a few options as far as buildings are concerned and all of these can be fully upgraded, which later on in the game can allow for some rather impressive moves. This area of the game, while maybe not as in depth as other RTS games still requires strategy and thought, there is no point building loads of weaponry only to run out of resources.

 

The games approach to the story is very impressive, cutscenes link up the loose ends in stylish fashion, while the missions are peppered with objectives which lead you in the right direction. Ensemble has certainly made sure during development that they have stuck to the type of presentation that has made the Halo series what it is, therefore people playing this game should not be disappointed with this aspect.

 

Graphically the game is also pleasing to the eye, each of the environments are well detailed and all of the missions run very smoothly. The atmosphere is also helped along with the sound, which provides impressive explosions and great voice acting throughout each of the missions.

 

Halo Wars also includes a multiplayer system, allowing for players to match up to those with similar skills, this means that you won’t be thrown in against those who are obviously masters of the game already. When taking part in the multiplayer game you are given the choice of two playable factions, the UNSC and Covenant, both of which have three leaders to choose. Depending on which leader you choose you will gain access to different skills and abilities, which will obviously make a difference when you are on the battlefield.

 

 

The game includes 14 maps altogether and if you where luck enough to get the limited edition (which it seems that most people opted for), then you can also gain access to the excellent Assembly, Orbital and Sandbox maps from Halo 3, which add even more value to the online modes. Unfortunately these maps are not available to purchase yet, so anyone with the standard edition may have to wait to experience these.

 

As well as including all the usual online modes, Halo Wars also gives you the ability to play through the campaign in co-op mode, therefore adding even more value to the overall package.

 

Halo Wars is a RTS built from the ground up with the Xbox 360 console in mind, and it shows.The game is easy to pick up and play and scraps all of the things that make real time strategy games on consoles restrictive and awkward to play. If you want to take your first step into this type of game then there is not going to be an easier step than this.