Understanding Halo Wars - A Departure

By John W. Hall

The fourth installment of the series is set for release in February 2009. However, the game will be considerably different from its predecessors. Gamers anxious to find out what the game will be like will find those details right here.

While the Halo franchise was founded on the Master Chief and the first person shooter platform, Halo Wars deviates from that path significantly. In fact, the Master Chief is not the main character at all. To take it a step further, the Master Chief is not even the only Spartan any longer. The game takes place more than 20 years prior to the events in the original Halo, revolving around the human crew of the Spirit of Fire.

In addition, the game is no longer a first person shooter. The new iteration is, in fact, a real-time strategy game. Before you chuck your controller out the window in despair, read on. The game's development, including the control system, is significantly different from other RTS type games.

For instance, there is a reduced focus on resource gathering and development. That means that the game's true focus is on battle management (winning). In addition, the control system has been simplified to the point that you can use it effectively with a game controller. The A button is the main control for the entire game. Players use the A button to select single units, all units of the same type or use the "paintbrush" mode to select units in a specific area.

In addition to those changes, players will be able to play the Covenant, at least in skirmishes. Whether the Covenant will be a full player faction or not has not been confirmed, but it has been confirmed that players will be able to control Covenant units in at least some instances. The Flood again makes an appearance, as well. Unlike the Covenant, there has been no mention of whether they will be player-controlled, though rumors abound.

John Hall - A hardcore gamer since 1982. Atari 2600 was that first gaming console I owned. Want to receive a Free copy of Halo Wars (not yet released) and a Free XBox360 gaming console, visit http://www.halowars2009.com

Halo Wars Uncovered - The Prequel Reigns

By John W. Hall

Halo Wars differs in quite a few significant ways from its predecessors. Rather than being a first person shooter, the game is a real-time strategy game. That means that players have to harvest resources, build units and fortify locations, rather than venturing out on their own. However, developers promise that the game will remain true to its action-packed past. While there will definitely be resources that must be harvested, the true focus of the game will be on battle management. That means that you can concentrate on what the Spartans do best; taking out Covenant and Flood units!

The game focuses on the crew of the Spirit of Fire and their AI, Serina. The Covenant is still the "bad guys," though they are not yet in a civil war. The Flood also play a role, which may seem counter to the story's original telling, where the Flood first appeared on the ring of the Halo installation. However, the addition of the Flood will bring additional diversification to an already diverse game.

The storyline of Halo Wars had to be significantly expanded. Because players control entire armies, rather than single characters, the storyline had to undergo major changes and enhancements. Hardcore gamers may actually appreciate the greater depth and breadth of the new story, as it brings together new elements in the Halo universe.

Players anxious to try out the weapons of the enemy will find that the Covenant is a player-controlled faction, at least during some parts of the game. Complete details have not been released by Ensemble yet, but it has been confirmed that players will be able to control Covenant forces during skirmishes and possibly during longer periods.

The game also sees the introduction of an entirely new planet, Arcade, which was created specifically for Halo Wars. The planet will be an invasion point for players. There have been many other additions, both in terms of available units and weaponry, which will keep the game play relevant to Halo history.

John Hall - A hardcore gamer since 1982. Atari 2600 was that first gaming console I owned. Want to receive a Free copy of Halo Wars (not yet released) and a Free XBox360 gaming console, visit http://www.halowars2009.com

Halo Wars Uncovered - The Prequel Reigns

By John W. Hall

Halo Wars differs in quite a few significant ways from its predecessors. Rather than being a first person shooter, the game is a real-time strategy game. That means that players have to harvest resources, build units and fortify locations, rather than venturing out on their own. However, developers promise that the game will remain true to its action-packed past. While there will definitely be resources that must be harvested, the true focus of the game will be on battle management. That means that you can concentrate on what the Spartans do best; taking out Covenant and Flood units!

The game focuses on the crew of the Spirit of Fire and their AI, Serina. The Covenant is still the "bad guys," though they are not yet in a civil war. The Flood also play a role, which may seem counter to the story's original telling, where the Flood first appeared on the ring of the Halo installation. However, the addition of the Flood will bring additional diversification to an already diverse game.

The storyline of Halo Wars had to be significantly expanded. Because players control entire armies, rather than single characters, the storyline had to undergo major changes and enhancements. Hardcore gamers may actually appreciate the greater depth and breadth of the new story, as it brings together new elements in the Halo universe.

Players anxious to try out the weapons of the enemy will find that the Covenant is a player-controlled faction, at least during some parts of the game. Complete details have not been released by Ensemble yet, but it has been confirmed that players will be able to control Covenant forces during skirmishes and possibly during longer periods.

The game also sees the introduction of an entirely new planet, Arcade, which was created specifically for Halo Wars. The planet will be an invasion point for players. There have been many other additions, both in terms of available units and weaponry, which will keep the game play relevant to Halo history.

John Hall - A hardcore gamer since 1982. Atari 2600 was that first gaming console I owned. Want to receive a Free copy of Halo Wars (not yet released) and a Free XBox360 gaming console, visit http://www.halowars2009.com

Halo Wars - The Anticipation Revealed

By John W. Hall

Fans will be disappointed to learn that the inestimable Master Chief will not be their persona. However, the fact that they now control an entire army may just make up for that lack. Players will control an army of humans and do battle with the Covenant to prevent the annihilation of the human race, as well as fight for control of Forerunner artifacts.

The Covenant is still a major player in the game (possibly the only other player). In fact, it has been confirmed by game designers that the Covenant will even be a playable faction in some instances (at least in skirmishes). That means that players have a broader range of options than during other Halo games to date.

The Flood will definitely make an appearance, whether you like the parasitic invaders or not. There have even been hints (but little more) that the Flood may be playable in some instances.

Confirmation of that fact will have to be made at a later date, but players anxious to test out the range of Flood abilities and units can begin salivating in anticipation.

The fact that Halo Wars is a real-time strategy game (think Civilization) may be a turn off for many players. However, fans of the game will be happy to learn that battle management takes precedence over resource harvesting. That does not mean that economy plays no role in Halo Wars, but, true to its roots, the game is still focused on war, rather than building a civilization.

Hardcore gamers will appreciate the breadth and depth the game brings to the Halo universe. New units and machines are available, as well as old favorites. Players will also enjoy the fact that there is more than one Spartan; there are quite a few, actually. This may be one of the most exciting aspects of the game yet revealed.

John Hall - A hardcore gamer since 1982. Atari 2600 was that first gaming console I owned. Want to receive a Free copy of Halo Wars (not yet released) and a Free XBox360 gaming console, visit http://www.halowars2009.com

Halo Wars - History in the Making?

By John W. Hall

While the Halo franchise has always been the stomping ground of first person shooter games, the latest installment is a departure from the norm. Halo Wars, set for release in early 2009 (February), will take the incredibly popular story and place it firmly within the confines of real-time strategy games.

Groans and moans have echoed across the US at the announcement, it seems as though Ensemble (Halo's developer), has gone to every length possible to enable console gamers to enjoy the game. RTS (real-time strategy) games have traditionally been the hallmark of PC systems, rather than console systems. However, Ensemble has created a radically different control system, enabling the gamer to navigate complex menus with the push of a single button, no keyboard or mouse required.

In addition, the new addition to the Halo lineup departs from traditional RTS games by not focusing exclusively on resource harvesting and management. While economy is obviously a part of the game, it is not the sole focus. Players must focus on winning battle strategy, as well as proper economics, in order to succeed.

Players will also be happy to find the addition of many more Spartans to the game, as well as new (or old, as the case may be) units. Battle rifles will not make an appearance in the game. Instead, units will rely on assault rifles and grenades to destroy the Covenant and Flood units they face. In addition, new aircraft, tanks and other units have been created that reflect the history of military development in the Halo universe.

The game is set to make history by drawing fans of the Halo series into the world of an RTS game. While non-gamers may not understand the significant difference, for hardcore gamers, it is extreme. If the developers can pull off this coup, the Halo franchise will be forever enshrined as shining example of what a popular title can accomplish with the right development. While Bungie is not the main developer of this iteration (they're lending help with the vast Halo canon but not game development), Ensemble seems more than capable of pulling off the attempt. The truth will be revealed in February 2009, when the sales of the game will stand for themselves.

John Hall - A hardcore gamer since the first gaming console (Atari 2600). A gamer since 1982. To get your FREE copy of Halo Wars and Xbox 360 gaming console visit: http://www.halowars2009.com

Halo - Universe Expanding

By John W. Hall

The fourth installment of the game actually takes place in the past, at least according to game time. Set in 2531, 21 years before the events depicted in Halo: Combat Evolved. This prequel has several substantial differences that may just throw some gamers for a loop. Let's take a look at what's in store.

Halo has traditionally been a first person shooter; however, Halo Wars takes fans of the games into a real-time strategy game where they must control multiple units and actively engage in directing battles, rather than winning individual glory through one-on-one combat.

The game focuses on the crew of a single ship, Spirit of Fire, a CFV-88. The plot follows the discovery of Forerunner artifacts, as well as Sentinels and revolves around the first days after the discovery and engagement with the Covenant.

While the game play is significantly different, players will have the chance to try their hand at playing the Covenant. The Covenant is a group of allied alien races with disparate genetic makeup. The game designers drew on familiar human-world creatures to help them flesh out the Covenant creatures. Players will find avian, vulpine and many other familiar features facing them across the field of battle.

Halo Wars may also see the (rumored) debut of the Flood as a playable class. Rumors abound that the parasitic enemies of all life may make a playable debut, at least in some of the skirmish scenes of the game. For players leery of playing a RTS (real-time strategy) game, due to the limitations of the control systems, put your minds at ease. The latest reports of the game state that playing it with a controller is simpler than using a mouse and keyboard, which ensures that players are able to navigate their way through the various menus with consummate ease. The highly anticipated release of Halo Wars is set for February of 2009, and fans await expectantly.

John Hall - A hardcore gamer since 1982. Atari 2600 was that first gaming console I owned. Want to receive a Free copy of Halo Wars (not yet released) and a Free XBox360 gaming console, visit http://www.halowars2009.com