Halopedia

User:JackVibe/Drafts/4: Difference between revisions

User page Discussion

User:JackVibe/Drafts/4 (view source)

Revision as of 07:18, March 28, 2012

2,559 bytes removed ,  12 years ago
no edit summary
No edit summary
No edit summary
Line 10: Line 10:
'''UK''': February 27th, 2009<ref>[http://www.amazon.co.uk/Microsoft-Halo-Wars-Xbox-360/dp/B000NG5AEW/ref=sr_1_24?ie=UTF8&s=videogames&qid=1228803251&sr=8-24 '''Amazon.co.uk''': ''Halo Wars (Xbox 360)'']</ref>
'''UK''': February 27th, 2009<ref>[http://www.amazon.co.uk/Microsoft-Halo-Wars-Xbox-360/dp/B000NG5AEW/ref=sr_1_24?ie=UTF8&s=videogames&qid=1228803251&sr=8-24 '''Amazon.co.uk''': ''Halo Wars (Xbox 360)'']</ref>
|genre= [[Real-time strategy]]
|genre= [[Real-time strategy]]
|modes= [[Campaign|Campaign Mode]], [[Multiplayer|Multi-player]], [[Campaign#Cooperative|Co-op Campaign Mode]], Skirmish
|modes= [[Campaign|Campaign Mode]], [[Multiplayer]], [[Campaign#Cooperative|Co-op Campaign Mode]], Skirmish
|rating=[[Wikipedia:Entertainment Software Ratings Board|ESRB]]: Teen (T) for Mild Blood, Mild Language, and Violence<br>
|rating=[[Wikipedia:Entertainment Software Ratings Board|ESRB]]: Teen (T) for Mild Blood, Mild Language, and Violence<br>
[[Wikipedia:Pan European Game Information|PEGI]]: 16+ (U.K. only)  
[[Wikipedia:Pan European Game Information|PEGI]]: 16+ (U.K. only)  
Line 26: Line 26:
{{Quote|At this point in time, the [[Covenant]] is at its most evil. They are hell-bent on the destruction of humanity, on scouring us from the universe.|Graeme Devine, Lead Writer, formerly Lead Developer.}}
{{Quote|At this point in time, the [[Covenant]] is at its most evil. They are hell-bent on the destruction of humanity, on scouring us from the universe.|Graeme Devine, Lead Writer, formerly Lead Developer.}}


The game's story is told through in-game cutscenes and vignettes, as with the other ''Halo'' games, though it also features pre-rendered cutscenes. The game is set in [[2531#February|February 2531]] and focuses around the [[UNSC Marine Corps|Marine]] forces of the {{UNSCShip|Spirit of Fire}} as they engage Covenant ground forces after the discovery of an ancient artifact during a journey to the partially [[glassing|glassed]] [[Harvest]]. The story begins with the [[UNSC]]'s final battles on Harvest, but also features another colony world, [[Arcadia]], which holds a [[Forerunner]] artifact of great interest to the Covenant. The planet is subsequently invaded by the Covenant and the UNSC evacuates the planet while engaging the invasion force. The ''Spirit of Fire'' then travels to a [[Forerunner]] [[Shield 0459|Shield World]], where the crew encounters the [[Flood]] and uncovers a dangerous Covenant plot.
During the [[Harvest Campaign]], while Sergeant Forge, an infantryman from {{UNSCship|Spirit of Fire}}, is patrolling the northern regions of Harvest, [[Alpha Base (Harvest)|Alpha Base]] is attacked and destroyed by the Covenant, with survivors fleeing to the countryside. After rounding up these survivors, Forge leads them in an assault that removes the Covenant presence and reestablishes Alpha Base, returning it to operational status.<ref>'''Halo Wars''', campaign level ''[[Alpha Base (level)|Alpha Base]]''</ref> Forge then leads an assault on a nearby [[Forerunner]] [[Relic|relic site]] itself, removing the Covenant occupants and preventing the enemy from destroying it to deny human access and securing the site for Anders' examination. Shortly after, a Covenant counterattack cuts them off from Alpha Base.<ref>'''Halo Wars''', campaign level ''[[Relic Approach]]''</ref> [[M850 Main Battle Tank|Grizzly]] tanks launched from the ''Spirit of Fire'' manage to cut through the Covenant, linking up with Forge and his Marines, and escorting them back out through the relic while forces from Alpha Base holds off the Covenant. Information gathered from the Harvest relic shows that the Covenant have been pointed to a second UNSC colony, Arcadia.<ref>'''Halo Wars''', campaign level ''[[Relic Interior]]''</ref>


This game differs from previous ''Halo'' titles in that [[John-117]] does not appear, although several key [[Spartans]], collectively known as [[Red Team]], do factor into the plot. In contrast, the ''Spirit of Fire'' features several new characters, such as the [[Artificial intelligence|AI]] [[Serina]], [[Ellen Anders|Professor Ellen Anders]], [[Sergeant]] [[John Forge]], and the ''Spirit of Fire'''s commanding officer, [[James Gregory Cutter|Captain James Cutter]]. Some of these characters go planet-side to aid the player. The campaign is purely from the UNSC's perspective. A short prequel story is told in the graphic novel ''[[Halo Wars: Genesis]]'', which is shipped with the game's limited edition.
Upon following the Covenant to Arcadia, the ''Spirit of Fire'' finds that most of the orbital defense ships have been either destroyed or damaged in battle with the Covenant. Sergeant Forge and his forces are deployed on the ground in order to assist the SPARTANs from [[Red Team]] in the effort to evacuate civilians from Arcadia City, via cargo transports.<ref>'''Halo Wars''', campaign level [[Arcadia City]]''</ref> Afterward, the UNSC forces withdraw to a defensible area on the city outskirts, holding off Covenant attacks long enough for [[Team Omega|SPARTAN Group Omega]] to arrive and assist in the destruction of local Covenant forces.<ref>'''Halo Wars''', campaign level ''[[Arcadia Outskirts]]'</ref> At the same time, the Covenant have erected a large energy shield generator around a site of importance, with [[Arcadia Forerunner ruins|undiscovered ruins]] surrounding the area, forcing the UNSC to deploy prototype [[M-145D Rhino|Rhino]] plasma artillery to penetrate it.<ref>'''Halo Wars''', campaign level '[[Dome of Light]]'</ref> Moving in to examine what was of such interest to the Covenant, they come under attack from a Super Scarab, only partially complete and annihilating any UNSC forces in its line of sight. Eventually managing to destroy it, Anders and Forge begin documenting the area, only for the [[Arbiter]] [[Ripa 'Moramee]] to arrive, taking Anders prisoner and wounding Forge, with Red Team arriving too late to assist.<ref>'''Halo Wars''', campaign level ''[[Scarab (level)|Scarab]]''</ref> Rapidly heading out of the system aboard a starship, the ''Spirit of Fire'' follows, eventually emerging in orbit over a [[Shield 0459|mysterious planet]] in an [[Korinth Prior system|unknown location]].<ref>'''[[Halo: The Essential Visual Guide]]''' page 180</ref>


While Sergeant Forge is patrolling the northern regions of Harvest, [[Alpha Base (Harvest)|Alpha Base]] is attacked and destroyed by the Covenant, with survivors fleeing to the countryside. After rounding up these survivors, Forge leads them in an assault that removes the Covenant presence and reestablishes Alpha Base, returning it to operational status.<ref>'''Halo Wars''', campaign level ''[[Alpha Base (level)|Alpha Base]]''</ref> Forge then leads an assault on a nearby [[Relic|relic site]] itself, removing the Covenant occupants and preventing the enemy from destroying it to deny human access and securing the site for Anders' examination. Shortly after, a Covenant counterattack cuts them off from Alpha Base.<ref>'''Halo Wars''', campaign level ''[[Relic Approach]]''</ref> [[Grizzly]] tanks launched from the ''Spirit of Fire'' manage to cut through the Covenant, linking up with Forge and his Marines, and escorting them back out through the relic while forces from Alpha Base holds off the Covenant. Information gathered from the Harvest relic shows that the Covenant have been pointed to a second UNSC colony, Arcadia.<ref>'''Halo Wars''', campaign level ''[[Relic Interior]]''</ref>
Deploying ground forces to search for Anders, the UNSC and Covenant forces come under attack from a previously undiscovered alien organism - the Flood.<ref>'''Halo Wars''', campaign level ''[[Anders' Signal]]''</ref> Managing to regroup and hold a defensible location, the UNSC forces manage to locate the source of the signal - an apparent body of water.<ref>'''Halo Wars''', campaign ''[[The Flood (level)|The Flood]]''</ref> The UNSC forces withdraw back to the ''Spirit of Fire'' as a concentrated Flood force begins to gather momentum, narrowly escaping annihilation, regrouping at the ''Spirit of Fire'' over the lake - which splits to reveal an entrance, and with swarms of [[Aggressor Sentinel]]s emerging to deal with the Flood.<ref>'''Halo Wars''', campaign level ''[[Shield World (level)|Shield World]]''</ref> The ''Spirit of Fire'' manages to enter, proceeding through a docking system, removing Flood growths and moving through a system of concentric rings that filters out Flood biomass.<ref>'''Halo Wars''', campaign level ''[[Cleansing]]''</ref> The ''Spirit of Fire'' then emerges inside a massive [[Shield World]], immediately engaging a [[Unidentified CPV-class heavy destroyer|''CPV''-class heavy destroyer]] and fending off attacks while conducting repairs.<ref>'''Halo Wars''', campaign level ''[[Repairs]]''</ref>


Upon following the Covenant to Arcadia, the ''Spirit of Fire'' finds that most of the orbital defense ships have been either destroyed or damaged in battle with the Covenant (one of the many ships is the [[UNSC Pillar of Autumn|''Pillar of Autumn'']] which would be involved in the "Halo incident" twenty years later). Sergeant Forge and his forces are deployed on the ground in order to assist the SPARTANs from [[Red Team]] in the effort to evacuate civilians from Arcadia City, via cargo transports.<ref>'''Halo Wars''', campaign level [[Arcadia City]]''</ref> Afterward, the UNSC forces withdraw to a defensible area on the city outskirts, holding off Covenant attacks long enough for [[Team Omega|SPARTAN Group Omega]] to arrive and assist in the destruction of local Covenant forces.<ref>'''Halo Wars''', campaign level ''[[Arcadia Outskirts]]'</ref> At the same time, the Covenant have erected a large energy shield generator around a site of importance, with [[Arcadia Forerunner ruins|undiscovered ruins]] surrounding the area, forcing the UNSC to deploy prototype [[M-145D Rhino|Rhino]] plasma artillery to penetrate it.<ref>'''Halo Wars''', campaign level '[[Dome of Light]]'</ref> Moving in to examine what was of such interest to the Covenant, they come under attack from a Super Scarab, only partially complete and annihilating any UNSC forces in its line of sight. Eventually managing to destroy it, Anders and Forge begin documenting the area, only for the [[Ripa 'Moramee|Arbiter]] to arrive, taking Anders prisoner and wounding Sergeant Forge, with Red Team arriving too late to assist.<ref>'''Halo Wars''', campaign level ''[[Scarab (level)|Scarab]]''</ref> Rapidly heading out of the system aboard a starship, the ''Spirit of Fire'' follows, eventually emerging in orbit over a [[Shield 0459|mysterious planet]] in an [[Korinth Prior system|unknown location]].<ref>'''[[Halo: The Essential Visual Guide]]''' page 180</ref>
Meanwhile, the Arbiter uses Anders to activate an installation known as [[the Apex]], revealing a fleet of [[Unidentified Forerunner dreadnought class|Forerunner warships]] which the Covenant plans on reverse-engineering and incorporating into their existing naval forces to crush the humans quickly, without needing to dedicate all of their existing forces to the war. Anders manages to escape, using what had been her stasis prison as a [[Slipspace translocation|translocation device]], teleporting to the surface of the Shield World's interior, linking up with Forge and his Marines, who clear the area of Covenant forces and establish a base of operations on the Shield World.<ref>'''Halo Wars''', campaign level ''[[Beachhead (Halo Wars level)|Beachhead]]''</ref> Removing the ''Spirit of Fire'''s [[Shaw-Fujikawa Translight Engine|FTL drive]], the UNSC move it into the Apex, planning to detonate it - the chain-reaction will send the Shield World's sun into a [[supernova]], destroying the installation and the fleet, denying it to the Covenant and saving humanity from near total defeat and extinction. The Arbiter attempts to stop them, but his Sangheili are killed by Red Team, and Forge himself manages to kill the Arbiter with one of his own Energy Swords.<ref>'''Halo Wars''', campaign level ''[[Reactor]]''</ref> Forge stays behind to detonate the reactor, while the rest of the UNSC forces activate a portal out of the Shield World, evacuate to the ''Spirit of Fire'', and manage to slingshot around the sun to build up enough speed to escape the supernova's blast radius and the range of the Shield World's debris.<ref>'''Halo Wars''', campaign level ''[[Escape]]''</ref>


Deploying ground forces to search for Anders, the UNSC and Covenant forces come under attack from a previously undiscovered alien organism - the Flood.<ref>'''Halo Wars''', campaign level ''[[Anders' Signal]]''</ref> Managing to regroup and hold a defensible location, the UNSC forces manage to locate the source of the signal - an apparent body of water.<ref>'''Halo Wars''', campaign ''[[The Flood (level)|The Flood]]''</ref> The UNSC forces withdraw back to the ''Spirit of Fire'' as a concentrated Flood force begins to gather momentum, narrowly escaping annihilation, regrouping at the ''Spirit of Fire'' over the lake - which splits to reveal an entrance, and with swarms of [[Sentinel]]s emerging to deal with the Flood.<ref>'''Halo Wars''', campaign level ''[[Shield World (level)|Shield World]]''</ref> The ''Spirit of Fire'' manages to enter, proceeding through a docking system, removing Flood growths and moving through a system of concentric rings that filters out Flood biomass.<ref>'''Halo Wars''', campaign level ''[[Cleansing]]''</ref> The ''Spirit of Fire'' then emerges inside a massive [[Shield World]], immediately engaging a [[Unidentified CPV-class heavy destroyer|''CPV''-class heavy destroyer]] and fending off attacks while conducting repairs.<ref>'''Halo Wars''', campaign level ''[[Repairs]]''</ref>
Now unable to return to UNSC space with the speed an FTL drive would have afforded them, the ''Spirit of Fire'''s crew enter [[Cryo-chamber|cryonic storage]]. The ship begins its long journey home, likely to take many years or decades. Here, Forge's cryo-tube is closed by Captain Cutter, who briefly nods, upon which the camera pans down to find the words "Sgt. J. Forge", acknowledging the sacrifice of the valiant Marine Sergeant.


Meanwhile, the Arbiter uses Anders to activate an installation known as [[the Apex]], revealing a fleet of [[Unidentified Forerunner starship|Forerunner warships]] which the Covenant plans on reverse-engineering and incorporating into their existing naval forces to crush the humans quickly, without needing to dedicate all of their existing forces to the war. Anders manages to escape, using what had been her stasis prison as a [[Slipspace translocation|translocation device]], teleporting to the surface of the Shield World's interior, linking up with Forge and his Marines, who clear the area of Covenant forces and establish a base of operations on the Shield World.<ref>'''Halo Wars''', campaign level ''[[Beachhead (Halo Wars level)|Beachhead]]''</ref> Removing the ''Spirit of Fire'''s [[Shaw-Fujikawa Translight Engine|FTL drive]], the UNSC move it into the Apex, planning to detonate it - the chain-reaction will send the Shield World's sun into a [[supernova]], destroying the installation and the fleet, denying it to the Covenant and saving humanity from near total defeat and extinction. The Arbiter attempts to stop them, but his Sangheili are killed by Red Team, and Forge himself manages to kill the Arbiter with one of his own Energy Swords.<ref>'''Halo Wars''', campaign level ''[[Reactor]]''</ref> Forge stays behind to detonate the reactor, while the rest of the UNSC forces activate a portal out of the Shield World, evacuate to the ''Spirit of Fire'', and manage to slingshot around the sun to build up enough speed to escape the supernova's blast radius and the range of the Shield World's debris.<ref>'''Halo Wars''', campaign level ''[[Escape]]''</ref>
The ''Spirit of Fire'', lacking an FTL drive, is left adrift in space. On [[2534|February 10, 2534]], the UNSC declares the vessel "lost with all hands". At the end of the [[Halo Wars credits|credits]], Serina could be heard saying, ''"Captain. Wake up. Something has happened."''
 
Now unable to return to UNSC space with the speed an FTL drive would have afforded them, the ''Spirit of Fire'''s crew enter [[Cryo-chamber|cryonic storage]]. The ship begins its long journey home, likely to take many years or decades. Here, Sgt. Forge's cryo-tube is closed by Captain Cutter, who briefly nods, upon which the camera pans down to find the words "Sgt. J. Forge", acknowledging the sacrifice of the valiant Marine Sergeant.
 
The ''Spirit of Fire'', lacking an FTL drive, is left adrift in space. On [[2534|February 10, 2534]], the UNSC declares the vessel "lost with all hands". However, as the game's logo appears on the screen during the final moments of the credits, Serina speaks the final words of the game: ''"Captain. Wake up. Something has happened."''


==Gameplay==
==Gameplay==
[[File:HWSPARTAN.PNG|thumb|right|A Spartan from [[Team Omega|SPARTAN Group Omega]] sporting an early concept design of the Mark IV armor in the ''Halo Wars'' announcement trailer.]]
[[File:HWSPARTAN.PNG|thumb|right|A Spartan from [[Team Omega|SPARTAN Group Omega]] sporting an early concept design of the Mark IV armor in the ''Halo Wars'' announcement trailer.]]


In the RTS game '''''Halo Wars''''', players command armies of both old and new [[UNSC]] units during its first encounters against the [[Covenant]], a massive collection of alien races that threatens to destroy all of humanity. ''Halo Wars'' will immerse gamers in an early period of the ''Halo'' Universe, allowing them to experience events 21 years prior to ''[[Halo: Combat Evolved]]''.
In ''Halo Wars'', players command armies of both old and new UNSC units during its first encounters against the [[Covenant]], a massive collection of alien races that threatens to destroy all of humanity. ''Halo Wars'' will immerse gamers in an early period of the ''Halo'' Universe, allowing them to experience events 21 years prior to ''[[Halo: Combat Evolved]]''.


With the guidance of the [[Artificial intelligence|AI]] [[Serina]], from the UNSC CFV-88 ''Spirit of Fire'', the player leads UNSC soldiers and vehicles against classic Covenant foes. Each group has its own strengths and abilities in battle. Strategic-minded players who react well under pressure will emerge victorious over their foes.
With the guidance of the [[Artificial intelligence|AI]] [[Serina]], from the UNSC CFV-88 ''Spirit of Fire'', the player leads UNSC soldiers and vehicles against classic Covenant foes. Each group has its own strengths and abilities in battle. Strategic-minded players who react well under pressure will emerge victorious over their foes.
Line 53: Line 49:
===Campaign===
===Campaign===
[[Campaign]] consists of fifteen levels which tells the story of ''Halo Wars''.
[[Campaign]] consists of fifteen levels which tells the story of ''Halo Wars''.
#"[[Alpha Base (level)|Alpha Base]]"
#[[Alpha Base (level)|Alpha Base]] - ''"Forge rallies the troops and retakes Alpha Base."''
#"[[Relic Approach]]"
#[[Relic Approach]] - ''"Get Alpha Base up and running and find what the Covenant are up to.''"
#"[[Relic Interior]]"
#[[Relic Interior]] - ''"Forge and Anders are trapped in the relic. They must be rescued."''
#"[[Arcadia City]]"
#[[Arcadia City]] - ''"The Covenant invasion of Arcadia is in full swing. Evacuation of its civilian population is UNSC's top priority."''
#"[[Arcadia Outskirts]]"
#[[Arcadia Outskirts]] - ''"The civilian evacuation is complete. UNSC forces must safely withdraw from the city.''"
#"[[Dome of Light]]"
#[[Dome of Light]] - ''"Uncover what the Covenant were after on Arcadia."''
#"[[Scarab (level)|Scarab]]"
#[[Scarab (level)|Scarab]] - ''"Send in ground units to destroy a Covenant super weapon."''
#"[[Anders' Signal]]"
#[[Anders' Signal]] - ''"Forge and Recon Groups ECHO and INDIA start the search for Anders."''
#"[[The Flood (level)|The Flood]]"
#[[The Flood (level)|The Flood]] - ''"Find Anders and rescue her before it's too late."''
#"[[Shield World (level)|Shield World]]"
#[[Shield World (level)|Shield World]] - ''"Spirit of Fire is being drawn against her will in to the belly of a hostile planet. Ground force deployed to the planet's surface will be abandoned if the Spirit of Fire doesn't act quickly…"''
#"[[Cleansing]]"
#[[Cleansing]] - ''"Cleanse the infection forms from Spirit's hull before they penetrate the interior."''
#"[[Repairs]]"
#[[Repairs]] - ''"Repair Spirit of Fire and drive Covenant forces back."''
#"[[Beachhead (Halo Wars level)|Beachhead]]"
#[[Beachhead (Halo Wars level)|Beachhead]] - ''"Protect Anders and escort her to the LZ."''
#"[[Reactor]]"
#[[Reactor]] - ''"Pull the reactor core to the Apex Site."''
#"[[Escape]]"
#[[Escape]] - ''"Help the Spirit of Fire's crew escape the Shield world."''
 
==Multiplayer==
{{Main|Skirmish}}
[[File:1209090473 Screenshots 1280 003.jpg|thumb|200px|right|[[Covenant]] forces engage humans on the level ''Chasms''.]]
Just like ''[[Halo 2]]'', ''[[Halo 3]]'' and ''[[Halo: Reach]]'', ''Halo Wars'' has strong characteristics of online gaming. ''Halo Wars''' live gaming characteristics include Direct voice communication & Online leader boards. Unlike any of the other ''Halo'' games, now your vehicles' and troops' armor will change to the teams color so you can get red Hunters, black Grunts, orange Hornets etc. There is no specific information regarding player ranking but players are able to achieve the ranks of Recruit, Lieutenant, Major, Commander, Colonel, Brigadier, and General. Multiplayer is up to 6 players at a time in a match. Two player online Co-op for the campaign story is available in the game.<ref name="xbox360fanboy.com"/><ref>http://carnage.bungie.org/haloforum/halo.forum.pl?read=874562</ref>
 
===Maps===
Multiplayer maps are mostly based on the locations introduced in campaign. There are fourteen maps in the original release, and the number rose to eighteen after the release of downloadable contents.
 
*[[Beasley's Plateau]]
*[[Blood Gulch (Halo Wars level)|Blood Gulch]]
*[[Chasms]]
*[[Crevice]]
*[[The Docks]]
*[[Exile]]
*[[Frozen Valley]]
*[[Fort Deen (level)|Fort Deen]]
*[[Pirth Outskirts]]
*[[Labyrinth]]
*[[Release (level)|Release]]
*[[Repository]]
*[[Terminal Moraine]]
*[[Tundra]]
 
;;Historic Battle Map Pack
The [[Historic Battle DLC|Historic Battle Map Pack]] was released to Xbox LIVE Marketplace on July 21, 2009 and sells for 800 Microsoft Points. Along with 4 new maps, the DLC includes 4 new achievements as well. The maps included in this Map Pack are:
*[[Barrens]]
*[[Memorial Basin]]
*[[Blood River]]
*[[Glacial Ravine]]
 
===Game concepts===
====Technology advancement====
Throughout the campaign and in Skirmishes, the player must advance their technology in order to increase their army's power. When technology is increased, more units, upgrades, and buildings become available. For instance, infantry units can receive additional members or stronger weaponry. Field Armories or Temples (and the upgrades within them) can become available with increased technology as well.
 
The tech tree is different for the two playable factions. When playing as the UNSC, the player advances by building and upgrading [[reactor]]s. The Covenant moves through the tech-tree in [[History of the Covenant|Ages]] by purchasing upgrades at the leader temple; players can advance to the [[Ages of Doubt|Age of Doubt]] and the [[Ages of Reclamation|Age of Reclamation]] respectively. Players can also advance by capturing [[Forerunner Bonus Reactor]]s .
 
When a Reactor is built or an Age is researched, or a Forerunner Bonus Reactor is claimed, the tech number on the top right of the screen goes up. If, say, a reactor is destroyed, the number goes down. Different buildings, units, and upgrades require higher numbers for use.
 
=====Veterancy points=====
Veterancy points increases a unit's statistics, such as attack, attack speed, defense, etc. This number can be calculated by counting how many stars a unit has above their health bar. This is the number of veterancy points said unit has. The stars, or ''Veterancy Points''. are acquired only after a unit or a group of units have defeated enemy structures, units, vehicles, or other combat related situations. They are also gained by upgrading the unit. A unit has a maximum of 3 stars, except a Spartan-Commandeered vehicle, which has a maximum of 14 "Veterancy Points" for Scorpions/Grizzlies and Hornets/Hawks. All other Spartan-Commandeered vehicles have a maximum of 13 "Veterancy Points". Some special player units in campaign mode (e.g. ODSTs in the level ''Anders' Signal'') that have a maximum of 5 ''Veterancy Points''. A mist effect appears briefly over a unit when it gains a veterancy point.
 
====Leader abilities====
Certain characters belonging to both the Covenant and the UNSC have been confirmed to be "leader factions", which are sub-factions with unique units and bonuses. All of the Covenant leaders appear on the battlefield and have unique in-game abilities. The UNSC leaders on the other hand do not appear on the battlefield, unless on certain campaign missions. They instead have economic bonuses and "super units" (upgrades of normal units). Currently known leaders are [[James Gregory Cutter|Captain James Cutter]], [[John Forge|Sergeant John Forge]], [[Ellen Anders|Professor Ellen Anders]], [[Ripa 'Moramee]], an unknown [[Jiralhanae Army Commander]] and the [[Prophet of Regret]]. Each leader has a number of unique features, for the UNSC it's "super units", economic bonuses, unique units (Cutter's Elephant, Forge's Cyclops and Anders' Gremlin.) and leader powers ([[Orbital Drop Shock Trooper|ODST]] Drop/MAC Blast, Carpet bomb and Cryo bomb, respectively to leaders stated previously) that can be called from the ''Spirit of Fire''. The Covenant on the other hand have a unique unit (two for the Jiralhanae Commander) and a "hero unit" (their leader) with their leader power attached to the "hero unit". The Prophet of Regret's ability is to glass enemy forces (known as the "Cleansing Beam" in ''Halo Wars''), which causes significant damage to both structures and units, however it also drains resources while active. His unique units are Sangheili [[Honor Guard]]s. Ripa Moramee can go into a rage mode and wield two energy swords and can upgrade to infinitely cloak himself, but at the cost of draining resources for every second these modes are active.<ref>OXM January 2009 article</ref> Ripa Moramee will also have the ability to train [[Unggoy|Suicidal Grunts]]. The Brute Chieftain can use his [[Type-2 Energy Weapon/Hammer|Gravity Hammer]] to create a vortex which sucks in infantry, then the player can press the A button to create a massive explosion. The Brute Chieftain's unique units are a pair of [[Type-25 Grenade Launcher|Brute Shot]] wielding Brutes (which can be upgraded to have jump packs) and the [[Type-25 Rapid Assault Vehicle|Chopper]].
 
Although Covenant leaders are limited to one unit at a time, they are some of the strongest units in the entire game and are immune to stun effects. They can also empower surrounding units.<ref name = "Hands On">[http://www.videogamer.com/xbox360/halo_wars/preview-1380.html '''Videogamer''': ''Halo Wars Hands-on Preview'']</ref>
 
;;UNSC leader powers
*'''[[Transport]]''': Call a Pelican down to transport selected units (maximum of three vehicles and six infantry units) to a selected area of the map.
 
*'''[[XGBU-302 bomb|Disruption Bomb]]''': A bomb that deactivates any leader powers and prevents others being activated in a short radius during the effect.<ref name="gametrailers.com"/>
 
*'''[[Heal and Repair]]''': Heals all units and repairs all structures in a selected area.<ref name = "Gamereactor">[http://www.gamereactor.no/grtv/?id=3396&sid=5bb9748a525446234980eb00694fb89a '''Gamereactor TV''': ''TGS08: Halo Wars Gameplay Presentation'']</ref>
 
*'''[[Magnetic Accelerator Cannon|MAC]] [[Magnetic Accelerator Cannon#Halo Wars|Blast]]''': Calls down a MAC blast from ''Spirit of Fire''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s onboard MAC. Upgrades allow for more shots before the power has to recharge. This power is exclusive to Captain Cutter.
 
*'''ODST Drop''': ODST pods, individually aimed by the user, are called down at 100 resources each. The pods will spawn a whole ODST squad, which is much faster than training them in a Barracks or via the Elephant. However, if reactors are destroyed or a bonus reactor garrison squad is killed, the player won't be able to to drop more.<ref>[http://e3.g4tv.com/e32008/videos/26921/Hands_On_Halo_Wars.html '''E3.G4TV''': ''Hands On: Halo Wars'']</ref>
 
*'''[[GBU-1105 bomb|Cryo bomb]]''': The Cryo Bomb freezes any units and buildings, including the player's, within the blast radius. Units are unable to move when frozen, and buildings halt all activity. When frozen, air units have a chance of falling to the ground, shattering instantly. The more the Cryo Bomb is upgraded, the freeze time and the chance to make air units fall increases. This power is exclusive to Professor Anders. Any units that are equipped with shields fare better against the cryo bomb and also have extra time escaping then other ground units.
 
*'''[[Carpet bombing|Carpet Bomb]]''': Calls in a bomber to wipe out a large area. Effective against mass infantry or ground vehicles. The more times it is upgraded, the stronger and larger the carpet bomb is. This power is exclusive to Sergeant Forge.
 
====Black boxes====
{{main|Black Boxes}}
Black Boxes are a new feature in the game. Black Boxes are collectibles in the ''Halo Wars'' campaign that when collected, they add new events in the [[Halo Wars Timeline Events|Halo Wars Timeline]]. They look like black boxes with yellow stripes on them and can be picked up by any unit. When the player collects one they can just resign straight away and they will still have it. The timeline covers many of the important events from the games and the novels. There is only one black box on each campaign level in the game.
 
====Cut content====
[[File:Mining.jpg|thumb|A concept of a Covenant mining facility cut from the final game.]]
 
Six units, the UNSC [[Cougar]], UNSC [[Fox Cannon]], [[Covenant Air Artillery]], Covenant [[Gorgon (cut vehicle)|Gorgon]], the UNSC [[Falcon (deleted aircraft)|Falcon]], and the UNSC Leviathan were under development early in the game along with the ability to actually construct individual buildings. The developers later announced that these units been cut, as they had decided to focus on more recognizable ''Halo'' units and simpler gameplay.
[[File:HwaIMG-9055-control.jpg|thumb|left|The post alpha [[Halo Xbox controls|control scheme]] for ''Halo Wars'' (outdated).]]
 
Before Ensemble conceived the idea for [[The Apex]], the storyline was supposed to feature a Covenant mining asteroid that was located at a [[Forerunner]] ore refining mechanism. This concept tries to show the scale of the large Forerunner machinery in place with machines that are still operational, although now controlled by the Covenant. In the end the mining aspect of the story was removed from the game.<ref>[http://www.halowars.com/default.aspx ''Halo Wars'' Update: On an Asteroid Far, far away...]</ref>
 
Another piece of deleted content is ambient life (i.e. Thorn Beasts, Harvest Whale, etc.) This may have been because the game already has some minor 'pathfinding issues' and the wildlife would have just been an obstacle.
 
{{clear}}


==Features==
==Features==
Line 75: Line 148:
{{col-2}}
{{col-2}}


====UNSC====
;;UNSC
*[[James Gregory Cutter|Captain James Gregory Cutter]] {{1st}}
*[[James Gregory Cutter|Captain James Gregory Cutter]] {{1st}}
*[[Serina]] {{1st}}
*[[Serina]] {{1st}}
Line 83: Line 156:
*[[Douglas-042|SPARTAN Douglas-042]] {{1st}}
*[[Douglas-042|SPARTAN Douglas-042]] {{1st}}
*[[Jerome-092|SPARTAN Jerome-092]] {{1st}}
*[[Jerome-092|SPARTAN Jerome-092]] {{1st}}
*[[Team Omega]]
*[[Team Omega]] {{1st}}
*[[Papadakis|Private Papadakis]]
*[[Papadakis|Private Papadakis]] {{1st}}
{{col-2}}
{{col-2}}


====Covenant====
;;Covenant
*[[Arbiter]] [[Ripa 'Moramee]] {{1st}}
*[[Arbiter]] [[Ripa 'Moramee]] {{1st}}
*[[Prophet of Regret]]
*[[Prophet of Regret]]
Line 93: Line 166:
{{col-end}}
{{col-end}}


{{clear}}
====Units====
===United Nations Space Command===
===United Nations Space Command===
<div class="tabcontainer">
<div class="tabcontainer">
Line 330: Line 406:
These creatures have been cut from the game, as the only ambient life visible on any campaign or multiplayer maps are birds who do not visibly react to actions taken by the player.
These creatures have been cut from the game, as the only ambient life visible on any campaign or multiplayer maps are birds who do not visibly react to actions taken by the player.
</div></div>
</div></div>
{{clear}}
==Game concepts==
===Technology advancement===
Throughout the campaign and in Skirmishes, the player must advance their technology in order to increase their army's power. When technology is increased, more units, upgrades, and buildings become available. For instance, infantry units can receive additional members or stronger weaponry. Field Armories or Temples (and the upgrades within them) can become available with increased technology as well.
The tech tree is different for the two playable factions. When playing as the UNSC, the player advances by building and upgrading [[reactor]]s. The Covenant moves through the tech-tree in [[History of the Covenant|Ages]] by purchasing upgrades at the leader temple; players can advance to the [[Ages of Doubt|Age of Doubt]] and the [[Ages of Reclamation|Age of Reclamation]] respectively. Players can also advance by capturing [[Forerunner Bonus Reactor]]s .
When a Reactor is built or an Age is researched, OR a Forerunner Bonus Reactor is claimed, the tech number on the top right of the screen goes up. If, say, a reactor is destroyed, the number goes down. Different buildings, units, and upgrades require higher numbers for use.
====Veterancy points====
Veterancy points increases a unit's statistics, such as attack, attack speed, defense, etc. This number can be calculated by counting how many stars a unit has above their health bar. This is the number of veterancy points said unit has. The stars, or ''Veterancy Points''. are acquired only after a unit or a group of units have defeated enemy structures, units, vehicles, or other combat related situations. They are also gained by upgrading the unit. A unit has a maximum of 3 stars, except a Spartan-Commandeered vehicle, which has a maximum of 14 "Veterancy Points" for Tanks/Grizzlies and Hornets/Hawks. All other Spartan-Commandeered vehicles have a maximum of 13 "Veterancy Points". Some special player units in campaign mode (example: [[Orbital Drop Shock Trooper|ODSTs]] in the level [[Anders' Signal]]) that have a maximum of 5 ''Veterancy Points''. A mist effect appears briefly over a unit when it gains a veterancy point, though this is hard to see unless closely watching the unit.
===Leader abilities===
Certain characters belonging to both the Covenant and the UNSC have been confirmed to be "leader factions", which are sub-factions with unique units and bonuses. All of the Covenant leaders appear on the battlefield and have unique in-game abilities. The UNSC leaders on the other hand do not appear on the battlefield, unless on certain campaign missions. They instead have economic bonuses and "super units" (upgrades of normal units). Currently known leaders are [[James Gregory Cutter|Captain James Cutter]], [[John Forge|Sergeant John Forge]], [[Ellen Anders|Professor Ellen Anders]], [[Ripa 'Moramee]], an unknown [[Jiralhanae Army Commander|Brute Army Commander]] and the [[Prophet of Regret]]. Each leader has a number of unique features, for the UNSC it's "super units", economic bonuses, unique units (Cutter's Elephant, Forge's Cyclops and Anders' Gremlin.) and leader powers ([[Orbital Drop Shock Trooper|ODST]] Drop/MAC Blast, Carpet bomb and Cryo bomb, respectively to leaders stated previously) that can be called from the ''Spirit of Fire''. The Covenant on the other hand have a unique unit (two for the brute leader) and a "hero unit" (their leader) with their leader power attached to the "hero unit". The Prophet of Regret's ability is to glass enemy forces (known as the "Cleansing Beam" in ''Halo Wars''), which causes significant damage to both structures and units, however it also drains resources while active. His unique units are Sangheili [[Honor Guard]]s. Ripa Moramee can go into a rage mode and wield two energy swords and can upgrade to infinitely cloak himself, but at the cost of draining resources for every second these modes are active.<ref>OXM January 2009 article</ref> Ripa Moramee will also have the ability to train [[Unggoy|Suicidal Grunts]]. The Brute Chieftain can use his [[Type-2 Energy Weapon/Hammer|Gravity Hammer]] to create a vortex which sucks in infantry, then the player can press the A button to create a massive explosion. The Brute Chieftain's unique units are a pair of [[Type-25 Grenade Launcher|Brute Shot]] wielding Brutes (which can be upgraded to have jump packs) and the [[Type-25 Rapid Assault Vehicle|Chopper]].
Although Covenant leaders are limited to one unit at a time, they are some of the strongest units in the entire game and are immune to stun effects. They can also empower surrounding units.<ref name = "Hands On">2008-17-11, [http://www.videogamer.com/xbox360/halo_wars/preview-1380.html Halo Wars Hands-on Preview]. ''Videogamer''. Accessed on 2008-19-11</ref>
====UNSC leader powers====
*'''[[Transport]]''': Call a [[Pelican]] down to transport selected units (maximum of three vehicles and six infantry units) to a selected area of the map.
*'''[[XGBU-302 bomb|Disruption Bomb]]''': A bomb that deactivates any leader powers and prevents others being activated in a short radius during the effect.<ref name="gametrailers.com"/>
*'''[[Heal and Repair]]''': Heals all units and repairs all structures in a selected area.<ref name = "Gamereactor">2008-04-11, [http://www.gamereactor.no/grtv/?id=3396&sid=5bb9748a525446234980eb00694fb89a TGS08: Halo Wars Gameplay Presentation]. ''Gamereactor TV''. Accessed on 2008-17-12</ref>
*'''[[Magnetic Accelerator Cannon|MAC]] [[Magnetic Accelerator Cannon#Halo_Wars|Blast]]''': Calls down a MAC blast from ''Spirit of Fire''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s onboard MAC. Upgrades allow for more shots before the power has to recharge. This power can only be used by Captain Cutter.
*'''[[Orbital Drop Shock Trooper|ODST]] Drop''': ODST pods, individually aimed by the user, are called down at 100 resources each. The pods will spawn a whole ODST squad. Note that it is much faster to drop them from their pods than producing them in a Barracks or via the Elephant, but beware; if your reactors are destroyed or a bonus reactor garrison squad is killed you won't be able to to drop more.<ref>http://e3.g4tv.com/e32008/videos/26921/Hands_On_Halo_Wars.html</ref> (Unique to [[James Gregory Cutter|Captain Cutter]])
*'''[[Cryo bomb|Cryo Bomb]]''': The Cryo Bomb freezes any units and buildings within the blast radius. Units are unable to move when frozen, and buildings halt all activity. When frozen, air units have a chance of falling to the ground, shattering instantly. The more the Cryo Bomb is upgraded, the freeze time and the chance to make air units fall increases. Note that this also has an effect on your team. (Unique to Professor Anders). Any units that are equipped with shields fare better against the cryo bomb and also have extra time escaping then other ground units.
*'''[[Carpet bombing|Carpet Bomb]]''': Calls in a bomber to wipe out a large area. Effective against mass infantry or ground vehicles. The more times it is upgraded, the stronger and larger the carpet bomb is. (Unique to Sergeant Forge)
===Black boxes===
{{main|Black Boxes}}
Black Boxes are a new feature in the game. Black Boxes are collectibles in the ''Halo Wars'' campaign that when collected, they add new events in the [[Halo Wars Timeline Events|Halo Wars Timeline]]. They look like black boxes with yellow stripes on them and can be picked up by any unit. When you collect one you can just resign straight away and you will still have it. The timeline covers many of the important events from the games and the novels. There is only one black box on each level in the game.
===Cut content===
[[File:Mining.jpg|thumb|A concept of a Covenant mining facility cut from the final game.]]
Six units, the UNSC [[Cougar]], UNSC [[Fox Cannon]], [[Covenant Air Artillery]], Covenant [[Gorgon (cut vehicle)|Gorgon]], the UNSC [[Falcon (deleted aircraft)|Falcon]], and the UNSC Leviathan were under development early in the game along with the ability to actually construct individual buildings. The developers later announced that these units been cut, as they had decided to focus on more recognizable ''Halo'' units and simpler gameplay.
[[File:HwaIMG-9055-control.jpg|thumb|left|The post alpha [[Halo Xbox controls|control scheme]] for ''Halo Wars'' (outdated).]]
Before Ensemble conceived the idea for [[The Apex]], the storyline was supposed to feature a Covenant mining asteroid that was located at a [[Forerunner]] ore refining mechanism. This concept tries to show the scale of the large Forerunner machinery in place with machines that are still operational, although now controlled by the Covenant. In the end the mining aspect of the story was removed from the game.<ref>[http://www.halowars.com/default.aspx ''Halo Wars'' Update: On an Asteroid Far, far away...]</ref>
Another piece of deleted content is ambient life (i.e. Thorn Beasts, Harvest Whale, etc.) This may have been because the game already has some minor 'pathfinding issues' and the wildlife would have just been an obstacle.
{{clear}}
==Multiplayer==
[[File:1209090473 Screenshots 1280 003.jpg|thumb|200px|right|[[Covenant]] forces engage humans on the level [[Chasms]].]]
Just like ''[[Halo 2]]'', ''[[Halo 3]]'' and ''[[Halo: Reach]]'', ''Halo Wars'' has strong characteristics of online gaming. ''Halo Wars''' live gaming characteristics include Direct voice communication & Online leader boards. Unlike any of the other ''Halo'' games, now your vehicles' and troops' armor will change to the teams color so you can get red Hunters, black Grunts, orange Hornets etc. There is no specific information regarding player ranking but players are able to achieve the ranks of Recruit, Lieutenant, Major, Commander, Colonel, Brigadier, and General. Multiplayer is up to 6 players at a time in a match. Two player online Co-op for the campaign story is available in the game.<ref name="xbox360fanboy.com"/><ref>http://carnage.bungie.org/haloforum/halo.forum.pl?read=874562</ref>
===Maps===
Each multiplayer map apparently takes place on a different "world", each with its own musical theme and playlist.<ref name="halowars.com">http://www.halowars.com/news/articles/archive/2008/04/28/Halo-Wars-Monthly-Update-4.28.08.aspx</ref> The Halo Rings won't be in the story, but may be included in future maps for multiplayer.
*[[Beasley's Plateau|Beasley Plateau]] - A multiplayer map set on a dense jungle plateau on Arcadia.<ref>http://www.gametrailers.com/player/40807.html</ref>
*[[Chasms]] - A multiplayer map set on a frozen region of Harvest.<ref>http://www.gametrailers.com/player/40805.html</ref>
*[[Blood Gulch (Halo Wars level)|Blood Gulch]] - A multiplayer map based off designs from [[Blood Gulch]], the ''[[Halo: Combat Evolved]]'' map, (possibly on Installation 04?).<ref>Official Xbox Magazine, January 2009 Article</ref>
*[[Release (level)|Release]] - A multiplayer map set on a Flood-dominated environment, most likely set on the Shield World.
*[[Fort Deen (level)|Fort Deen]] - A multiplayer map set on [[Fort Deen]], UNSC military base, most likely set on Arcadia.
*[[Tundra]] - A multiplayer map set on a icy area and has a mega turret in the center with Covenant Energy Barriers surrounding it, most likely set on Harvest.
*[[Pirth Outskirts]] - A multiplayer map set on the outskirts of Pirth, Arcadia.
*[[Crevice]]- A multiplayer map set on a Flood-dominated environment, presumably on the Shield World.
*[[The Docks]] - A multiplayer map set in the [[Pirth City|city]] of Arcadia.
*[[Labyrinth]] - A multiplayer map set on a open, bridge-like map in a forest environment, possibly on the Shield World.
*[[Repository]] - A multiplayer map with a [[Sentinel]] factory in the middle, most likely on the Shield World.
*[[Terminal Moraine]] - A multiplayer map set in an icy environment with two timed Forerunner bridges that provide access to tactically important locations, probably on Harvest.
*[[Frozen Valley]] - A multiplayer map set in a large, open area of snow with a Forerunner Spire of Healing in the center, presumably either on Harvest or the Shield World.
*[[Exile]]<ref>http://www.halowars.com/forums/permalink/451842/454925/ShowThread.aspx#454925</ref> - A multiplayer map set in a Flood-dominated environment, most likely on the Shield World.
====Historic Battle Map Pack====
The [[Historic Battle DLC|Historic Battle Map Pack]] was released to Xbox LIVE Marketplace on July 21, 2009 and sells for 800 Microsoft Points. Along with 4 new maps, the DLC includes 4 new achievements as well. The maps included in this Map Pack are:
*[[Barrens]]
*[[Memorial Basin]]
*[[Blood River]]
*[[Glacial Ravine]]


===Gametypes===
===Gametypes===
Retrieved from "https://www.halopedia.org/Special:MobileDiff/974208"