Halo Wars Reviews

[modeps]

Reviews have started coming out for Ensemble Studio's RTS swan song, Halo Wars. IGN (http://xbox360.ign.com/articles/955/955576p1.html) has given it an 8.4/10 (with an Editor's Choice tag as well), and Planet Xbox360 (http://www.planetxbox360.com/article_5825/Halo_Wars) gave it a 8.7/10.

IGN (http://xbox360.ign.com/articles/955/955576p1.html)
Halo Wars deftly dodges between the hardcore micromanagement of real-time strategy and the instant gratification expected by Halo fans. Ensemble has nailed console RTS controls, but at the expense of some depth. The campaign missions often seem overly scripted and the experience doesn’t have the wide-open feel of some other RTSs. But the Halo feel is most definitely present, and serves as one of the game’s biggest strengths. The cinematic cutscenes are gorgeous, if the narrative is somewhat thin in places. Overall, Halo Wars is a fresh and expertly polished approach to the console strategy genre, and it’s a fitting goodbye from a beloved studio.
Planet Xbox360 (http://www.planetxbox360.com/article_5825/Halo_Wars)
So what does this all boil down to? Well first off, it’s the best RTS on the Xbox 360. Though this isn’t stating much, any forthcoming RTS will undoubtedly have to compare to Halo Wars in the future. Ensemble Studios did their job in creating an accessible RTS that newcomers won’t have too much trouble playing thirty minute sessions. If there’s one facet of the game that should be taken away from the game, it would have to be the gorgeous cinematics Ensemble Studios has put together. Halo Wars is basically worth the purchase for the cinematic scenes alone.

[JasonSuave]

I don't know if I speak from everyone here, but I'm just drained of RTS games. I've been playing ever since Warcraft 2 and the original Command and Conquer and aside from WC3, I don't feel that the genre has seen enough innovation. I got RA3 just a few months ago and I've maybe put a few hours into the game, and it hasn't been touched since.

Frankly, I'm glad that this game isn't hitting anything over a 9/10, because it makes my decision to skip this game that much easier. If you're new to the genre, though, I'd still say this is a must-have.

[BabyJesus]

OXM gave it a 9/10 I think.

I ordered it, I need a light strat game in my collection.

[LilAbner]

OXM gave it a 9/10 I think.

I ordered it, I need a light strat game in my collection.

Why would you go by any OXM review?! They're bought and paid for.

[modeps]

Why would you go by any OXM review?! They're bought and paid for.

I always love it when people discredit them just because they are called "Official Xbox Magazine"

[Roc Ingersol]

I always love it when people discredit them just because they are called "Official Xbox Magazine"You mean, just because they have a vested interest in the Xbox doing well? That seems like a reasonable reason to take it with a grain of salt if you ask me.

Then again, I take pretty much all reviews with a grain of salt, when they come from companies that derive revenue via advertising the very products they review.

Back on topic: I thought there was still too much micromanagement.
The controls just don't handle the back and forth easily enough to keep production/research flowing smoothly and to really leverage your units abilities in combat.

[Methos]

Good job Ensemble studios (RIP). I didn't care for the demo, I prefer my RTS to either
A) Have cheesy cutscenes written by 12 year olds acted by b-list actors
B) Have tech-trees and manuals so massive it scares people
C) PC only.

I also love how some people forget that ALL reviews are opinions and that YMMV. Official, unofficial, whatever.

[riposte101]

I played the demo and I was very impressed. It is not overly deep and complex and built perfectly for the Xbox. I'll be picking this one up.

[ResistanceAddict]

I always love it when people discredit them just because they are called "Official Xbox Magazine"

A-fucking-men.

[Bibowski]

Yeah I really enjoyed the demo. Buying this one really depends on how many of my friends buy it too. I can't see myself playing this single player for very long.

[modeps]

Yeah I really enjoyed the demo. Buying this one really depends on how many of my friends buy it too. I can't see myself playing this single player for very long.

Very good point. I don't think I'd play against strangers on Xbox Live.

[Mr.Green]

OXM should probably not be your only source for reviews of exclusives but you should not run around wearing a tinfoil hat either. They gave bad scores to some of them in the past.

[Ebon Deth]

OXM has probably the best reviewers working right now.

[Wyrm]

As an RTS diehard, they had my money on the promise of co-op alone. After reading about the experience, I believe that my group of friends will be spending quite a bit of time with the multiplayer, and campaign co-op.

After playing the demo, I'm sold on the concept. RTS down to its most basic tenants, with two races, miniature tech trees, and a small, but good variety of units to choose from. Hopefully, the game is well balanced. I was unable to discern that from the demo, but we'll see how it goes when the retail product is available.

[Chimpbot]

I don't know if I speak from everyone here, but I'm just drained of RTS games. I've been playing ever since Warcraft 2 and the original Command and Conquer and aside from WC3, I don't feel that the genre has seen enough innovation. I got RA3 just a few months ago and I've maybe put a few hours into the game, and it hasn't been touched since.

Frankly, I'm glad that this game isn't hitting anything over a 9/10, because it makes my decision to skip this game that much easier. If you're new to the genre, though, I'd still say this is a must-have.

You should check out the Dawn of War series. The first one removes resource gathering, insofar as it was pretty much entirely handled for you. The sequel has removed base-building and focuses purely on troop movement and combat.

The removal of base building really irked a number of people, but I don't miss it; they have a much greater emphasis on strategic combat and tactical maneuvers than on how quickly you can pump out buildings or memorize a tech tree. Frankly, I'm loving the series even more now.

There's been some innovation in the genre, but not many people are actually attempting to.

[heyitsjohn]

You should check out the Dawn of War series. The first one removes resource gathering, insofar as it was pretty much entirely handled for you. The sequel has removed base-building and focuses purely on troop movement and combat.

The removal of base building really irked a number of people, but I don't miss it; they have a much greater emphasis on strategic combat and tactical maneuvers than on how quickly you can pump out buildings or memorize a tech tree. Frankly, I'm loving the series even more now.

There's been some innovation in the genre, but not many people are actually attempting to.

There is also World in Conflict which is still alive and kicking, and Company of Heroes. No base building or crazy tech trees, just tactical combat of the most addicting sort.

[pwnophobia]

!1!11!1!! ZERG RU - oh...wait....wrong game..... :(

I still haven't even tried the demo, in fact, I forgot I even downloaded it. WTG me!

[Mondopest]

Also of interest, PlanetXbox360 broke the review embargo time by six hours. Naughty PlanetXbox360! =)

The outlet I write for gave it good marks (http://www.gamingshogun.com/Article/3500/GamingShogun_Reviews_Halo_Wars.html) overall, save for a few missions which become tedious and some lamentation on the control system which, while the best for a console RTS thus far, are still not nearly as precise as a keyboard and mouse.

[saulob]

I want it on PC :(
DAMN! DAMN!