Multiplayer supports up to 3vs3 and has its own unique twists. Such as the fact that UNSC leaders do not appear on the map in online matches (though their powers are still available) but at least one covenant leader does take to the battlefield in person.
The graphics are above average, not incredible, but still very cool to look at. Individual unit models could look a bit sharper, but the animations are solid and the explosions and firefights are all that and a bag of cookies. The cinematic sequences are some of the best I have ever seen in an RTS and obvious attention was placed on the fairly lengthy cut-scenes which help tell the story, which is set 20 years before the first Halo game.
A demo for Halo Wars will be available on February 5th and will feature both tutorial levels, the first two single player campaigns levels and a skirmish option. While the campaign levels place limits on what you can and cannot build, the skirmish mode is 100% intact, allowing you full access.
The game itself comes out on March 3rd. A special limited edition version will be available, and will come with a hardbound graphic novel, unique in-game vehicle (a Covenant Honor Guard Wraith Tank), special tin case and a mythic map pack(s). All for just $20 more!
I still have my doubts about whether or not the RTS genre can truly find a home on consoles, but if any game can kick open the doors (Frawlz smash style) it’s Halo Wars. The very fact it is based in the Iconic Halo series guarantees that a lot of fanboys will buy it no matter what and the actual merits of the game will, I hope, help truly bring RTS gaming to a platform besides the PC. I still love my PC RTS games, but anything that offers me more of my favorite genre must be considered a good thing. If only so I can say that I at least own one Halo game on the Xbox 360.
|
Related posts: |