Some of the Units in this game are very effective against others.
Halo originally started out as an RTS Game but eventually turned into a FPS. Now going back to its roots with the help of ENSEMBLE Studios is this match made good? Actually yes it does.
Halo Wars Storyline takes place 20 years before Halo: Combat Evolved, you follow the ship "Spirit of Fire" and its crew as they repel Covenant Forces while trying to uncover lost Forunner Secrets. Storyline wise its your usual Sci-Fi storyline like we all heard over a hundred times before. Compared to Bungie's Story, it could definatly used improvements. Though the Cutscenes in the game are actually pretty darn good. They are something great to watch but when you are loving it, it ends. Again the story is ok and could of use some improvements here and there.
Battles can get crazy and hectic so you definatly need to keep and eye on your units.
Gameplay wise for an RTS on a Console it really does work because of its 1 saving grace, its been built ground up for the Xbox 360 Controller. This by itself makes playing the game alot easier than other RTS titles which are basically PC ports with iffy controls. How the game is you start off with 1 base, you use the slots on the base to build buildings to train Infantry, Vehicles, and more. You can also upgrade your base for more slots to fill or unit upgrades. You can as well build other bases. Another key thing I like is the resource management, all you need to do is build resource buildings and thats it, no need to have units scan the field and harvest resources. There are also different kinds of units to build and use, the USNC forces have their classic and recognizable units like the Warthog or Scorpion Tank to more interesting weapons like the Hawk, Csyclops, FlameThrower Units, and more. You can also play the Covenant Side too in multiplayer and of course they have their recognizable units to brand new ones that just kickass. You can play up to 6 Players on XBL or System link, there is only 2 Game Modes to play Standard and Deathmatch and you get a solid list of maps though through DLC Packs you can download a Game Modes pack with include 3 extra Game Modes or new Maps, each costing 800 MS Points which really is not worth that high of a price. Overall the Gameplay is simple to use and easy to pick up once you get used to the controls and how the game is structured, you will go from newbie to full on general in no time.
Graphics Wise the game does look good, the game is detailed with units and maps helping you dive into the experience. Also good to note there hasn't been much frame rate issues I encountered with the game, even though having alot of units on screen the game still soldiered on with no problems. Sound wise is very impressive, most of the sound effects in this game are used from the Halo titles for authentisity, the voice acting is solid and the Soundtrack to the game is impressive. Overall the game passes my expectations in both departments.
While this is one of the better RTS games to play it does fall short in few areas, for one are issues with the game I noticed, units will annoyingly get suck trying to move around each other, making it harder for you to order them around or save them when they are low on health. Also for Xbox Live some of the tactics gamers has used including "Warthog Rushing" which is similiar to Starcraft's "Zerg Rush" might put new players or casual ones off guard. Other than that it is a great RTS to pick up and if your a Halo Fan you will defiantly enjoy the game.
I give this game a 8.8
