Microsoft sent over an early copy of the Halo Wars demo for Xbox 360 and I spent a good deal of time with it both over the weekend and this morning. Ensemble Studios used the Halo universe to bring RTS games to the masses. Based on what I’ve seen with the demo, they’ve definitely succeeded.
Let’s get the basics out of the way. The game looks great, both in action and the CGI cutscenes between missions. The sound is done very well also, with various UNSC and Covenant weapons sounding exactly how you’d expect. The menu system is very reminiscent of Halo 3, so you’ll feel right at home from the start.
The demo features two missions from the UNSC campaign as well as a Basic and Advanced tutorial system. I highly recommend going through the tutorials just to get a feel for the controls and features. Aside from that, you can play a 1v1 Skirmish match against the computer. The full game will allow 1v1, 2v2, and 3v3 play both offline and online. You’ll also be able to go through the campaign with a friend over Xbox Live.
Moving on to what you really care about: how does the game play? Surprisingly well, actually. Ensemble did a terrific job of simplifying RTS controls to work with the Xbox 360 controller. Most of the action is controlled with the A and X buttons. Hitting A allows you to select units or areas for movement, building, upgrading, etc. You can hold A and use the left thumbstick as a paint brush to select multiple units. Hitting the left bumper allows you to select all units, while hitting the right bumper allows you to select all on-screen units. Movement is done by navigating to where you want to go and hitting X. In a similar manner, highlighting an enemy unit or group and hitting X allows you to attack. If you hit Y instead, you can perform the special action of your selected group of troops.
All in all, the controls are very simple and are designed to allow newcomers to the genre pick up and play quickly. Hardcore RTS players may still miss the intricacies and customization afforded by using a mouse and keyboard, but for most people, the controls will be a breath of fresh air for RTS games on consoles.
The only real criticism I have of Halo Wars is that base building takes a large backseat to the action. While it provides more enjoyment for the casual player, RTS fans may miss tweaking their bases before heading into battle. Thankfully, you’ll be able to do this to your heart’s content in multiplayer, but the campaign is more action based.
If you’re a Halo fan, I don’t have any doubts this one will be a must buy. For me, I’ll be picking it up day one. I was highly cautious because of the control schemes, but after getting my hands on the demo, I can safely say this will be the biggest console RTS you’ll play.
You lucky bastard, I want to play! I am relieved that it controls as well as it has been hyped to. I used to be a huge RTS fan back in the day, I actually enjoyed the “monotonous” structure building tasks. I feel your pain.
Yeah, the base building could have been fleshed out more, but I fully understand why it didn’t take center stage. Ensemble wanted to bring RTS games to the masses with Halo Wars. I have a feeling it’s going to sell a ton.
Can you really expect any less from Ensemble? Heck no. I was expecting Halo Wars to be awesome, no doubt. And from the sounds and looks of it, it’s going to be. As of now, Matt, I hate you.
LOL. All I can think of the song from the Lion King… and caaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaan you feeeeeeeeeeeeeeel the loooooooooooooove toniiiiiiiiiiiiight.
lol. The only thing I’m feeling is envy, you lucky bastard, You know what’s funny? That is the very song I sing when I am playing COD4 on PS3. Oh yes, and I sing it almost exactly like Elton. I’m good like that ha!
If you send me a copy you can feel the love tonight… wow… that sounded weird… lets forget about that
Yes, Mixb, let us forget about what was just said. I will make believe as if that statement was never said by enjoying the smell of fried hot dogs imbued in the air around me right now. Who the fuck is frying hot dogs in my house?!? *Goes and checks*
Ummmmmmmmm, don’t know what to say to that one there Mixb….
dick dick dick dick dick dick dick. thats what halo wars will amout to but i cant be sure till i play the demo. too bad my xbox is broken
I wish you’d tell us how you really feel…
So do you think you could just sit there playing for hours with this game and not be bored? Plus do you know if the Demo will cost any Microsoft Points?
I played the demo this weekend. Loved it. I loved it almost as much as my favorite RTSG of all time. Uprising. If you have a hankering for some good old fashioned PC strategery, play Uprising. It’s allsome.
Halo Wars Rocks!
I played the demo over the weekend. I loved it. I used to play the CRAP out of a RTSG called Uprising, on PC. It was allsome. No RTSG has come this close to being as awesome as Uprising. Halo Wars is definitely on my purchase list now!
Ryan S.