Halo Wars
- March 03, 2009 11:24 AM PST
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Network downtime at Microsoft prevented us from evaluating online multiplayer in time for the print version of this review but Skirmish Mode proved a remarkably satisfying substitute. Fourteen maps run the gamut from dust-choked Flood-infested wastes to lush green grasslands, and pit humans and AI bots against one another in 1-on-1, 2-on-2, and 3-on-3 matchups. Special abilities and units unique to each of the six UNSC and Covenant leaders add just enough spice, and taking a break from the eye-in-the-sky view to direct each individual slash of an enraged Arbiter's energy blade is a blast. The only irritating drawbacks are the occasional path-finding glitches and the inability to save in the middle of a match.
What kept Skirmish Mode fun for me even after many hours was the automatic difficulty that tailored itself to my skill level, and indirectly helped me work through some of the weak points in my methods. Unfortunately, even this learning process eventually underscored the game's limitations more than my own. If there were a way to pry the training wheels off of building placement, and unlock a more flexible array of unit selection and grouping options, Halo Wars might've been a legendary contender. Instead, it merely adds up to a wonderful temporary diversion, albeit one still worth every ounce of effort you put into it. Halo fans, especially, will want to take this one out for a spin.
PROS: Simple and intuitive controls; superb upgrade system; detailed battles; good unit variety.
CONS: Base and building placement is constrained; poor unit selection tools; limited save system; minor path-finding issues.
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I'm not a fan of RTS games at all, but if they made a Zelda RTS game I would buy it in a second. So I could see why fans of the Halo shooter games would wanna get this game regardless. It'll probably get way more sales than actual playtime.
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This game is horrible i hate halo now even more dont know wats the reason for this game and it got 4 stars out of 5 no way the visuals r not that good anyway
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I like this game and I have only played the demo. I'm looking forward to playing the full-version. I like how the game controls, it's very simple and straight forward. This is especially a good thing beings the fact that it is on a console and not a PC. I hate complex strategy control schemes on a console controller. It just slows the pace of a RTS game down messing around with bad controls. Also I like how this game puts more emphasis on combat rather than resource gathering and building placement etc. But, I could see where a hardcore RTS player might think this game is a little watered down for their taste. But so far, I like it.
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This disappoints me. Here I thought it would revolutionize RTS gaming for consoles, but instead they've trimmed down the RTS elements, and the depth of a true strategy game is lost. Boohoo.
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If you want Revolutionized RTS then go play "Valkyria Chronicles" for the PS3. That game take RTS's and completely turns it upside down. No online play or multiplayer, but the game has loads of depth and is refreshing to play. All "Halo Wars" is is a fun RTS, but not a Revolutionary RTS like everybody wanted.
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Looks great. Hopefully its more revolutional that Valkyria Chronicles -.- The demo is pretty good
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