Halo Wars: Why fans of Halo 3 will love Halo Wars

The UNSC Spirit of Fire CFV-88 is blessed with an AI that's smart as a whip, and a bit of a smart-ass to boot. Serina only shows up in cut-scenes, but her dry British wit and borderline insubordinate sarcasm will make you forget all about Cortana's absence.

Halo Wars' Arbiter might not be the same entity you're familiar with from Halo 2 and Halo 3, but he's like an alien Jack Bauer amped up on steroids and crank. If old Predator-face weren't tasked with wiping out humanity, we'd almost root for him instead.

The classic green jeep with the unique suspension was a thrill to drive throughout the original trilogy. You might not get to pilot your favorite fantasy vehicle directly, but you can finally enjoy gunner and grenadier passengers who can actually hit the broad side of a barn.

There's a good reason the Covenant are obsessed with the Forerunners: they left behind some pretty insane technology. We're not going to spoil it for you here, but Halo Wars doesn't let its status as a prequel prevent it from exploring some really cool ideas.

John-117 might be the most famous of these genetically engineered supermen, but three MJOLNIR-wearing bad-asses are better than one. You might have to retire your Master Chief fantasies, but watching these upgradeable walking tanks tear into the Covenant is always entertaining.