Halo Wars: Difference between revisions
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{{Title|''Halo Wars''}} | {{Title|''Halo Wars''}} | ||
{{ | {{Status|RealWorld}} | ||
{{Game | {{Game infobox | ||
|name= ''Halo Wars'' | |name= ''Halo Wars'' | ||
|image= [[File:HaloWarsWithTeen.jpg|300px]] | |image= [[File:HaloWarsWithTeen.jpg|300px]] | ||
| | |primary-dev= [[Ensemble Studios]] | ||
|support-dev=[[Robot Entertainment]] {{C|Post-launch support}} | |||
|publisher= [[Microsoft Game Studios]] | |publisher= [[Microsoft Game Studios]] | ||
|engine=[[Phoenix engine]] | |||
|writer=[[Graeme Devine]] | |||
|composer=[[Stephen Rippy]] | |||
|platform= [[Xbox 360]] | |platform= [[Xbox 360]] | ||
|releasedate= '''US''': March 3, 2009 <ref>[http://kotaku.com/5126557/ces-09-whoops-halo-wars-release-date-still-march-3 '''Kotaku''': ''CES 09: Whoops! Halo Wars Release Date Still March 3'']</ref><br /> | |releasedate= '''US''': March 3, 2009 <ref>[http://kotaku.com/5126557/ces-09-whoops-halo-wars-release-date-still-march-3 '''Kotaku''': ''CES 09: Whoops! Halo Wars Release Date Still March 3'']</ref><br /> | ||
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{{Quote|The Halo RTS has arrived.|Halo Waypoint<ref>[http://halo.xbox.com/en-us/games/halowars/Overview '''Halo Waypoint''': ''Halo Wars'']</ref>}} | {{Quote|The Halo RTS has arrived.|Halo Waypoint<ref>[http://halo.xbox.com/en-us/games/halowars/Overview '''Halo Waypoint''': ''Halo Wars'']</ref>}} | ||
'''''Halo Wars''''' is the first [[real-time strategy]] game in the [[Halo universe|''Halo'' franchise]]. The game takes place in the year [[2531]], 21 years prior to ''[[Halo: Combat Evolved]]'', during the [[Covenant]] assault on the [[Outer Colonies]] in the [[Human-Covenant War]]. The game was developed by [[Ensemble Studios]], and is an Xbox 360 exclusive. Notably, ''Halo Wars'' was the first game in the series to receive a "'T' for Teen" rating from the [[Wikipedia:Entertainment Software Rating Board|ESRB]], downgraded from the "'M' for Mature" rating given to previous installments; however, [[Wikipedia:Pan European Game Information|PEGI]] rated the game 16+ as with prior ''Halo'' games. Downloadable content and support were handled by [[Robot Entertainment]], a studio founded by ex-Ensemble Studios employees after the latter studio's closing. | '''''Halo Wars''''' is the first [[real-time strategy]] game in the [[Halo universe|''Halo'' franchise]]. The game takes place in the year [[2531]], 21 years prior to ''[[Halo: Combat Evolved]]'', during the [[Covenant]] [[Massacre of the Outer Colonies|assault]] on the [[Outer Colonies]] in the [[Human-Covenant War]]. The game was developed by [[Ensemble Studios]], and is an Xbox 360 exclusive. Notably, ''Halo Wars'' was the first game in the series to receive a "'T' for Teen" rating from the [[Wikipedia:Entertainment Software Rating Board|ESRB]], downgraded from the "'M' for Mature" rating given to previous installments; however, [[Wikipedia:Pan European Game Information|PEGI]] rated the game 16+ as with prior ''Halo'' games. Downloadable content and support were handled by [[Robot Entertainment]], a studio founded by ex-Ensemble Studios employees after the latter studio's closing. | ||
The release of ''Halo Wars'' fulfilled the original concept that ''Halo: Combat Evolved'' was supposed to be a real-time strategy game before being turned into a third-person shooter, and then a first-person-shooter. A sequel, ''[[Halo Wars 2]]'', was released on [[2017|February 21, 2017]].<ref>[http://kotaku.com/surprise-halo-wars-2-is-coming-1721996606 ''Kotaku''': ''Halo Wars (Xbox 360)]''</ref><ref>[http://uk.ign.com/articles/2015/08/04/gamescom-2015-halo-wars-2-announced ''IGN''': ''GAMESCOM 2015: HALO WARS 2 ANNOUNCED'']</ref> Players who pre-ordered [[Halo Wars 2 Ultimate Edition|''Halo Wars 2'' Ultimate Edition]] received early access to ''[[Halo Wars: Definitive Edition]]'', a remastered version of the game, on December 20, 2016.<ref>[https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/news/halo-wars-de-early-access '''Halo Waypoint''': ''Halo Wars: DE Early Access'']</ref> | The release of ''Halo Wars'' fulfilled the original concept that ''Halo: Combat Evolved'' was supposed to be a real-time strategy game before being turned into a third-person shooter, and then a first-person-shooter. A sequel, ''[[Halo Wars 2]]'', was released on [[2017|February 21, 2017]].<ref>[http://kotaku.com/surprise-halo-wars-2-is-coming-1721996606 ''Kotaku''': ''Halo Wars (Xbox 360)]''</ref><ref>[http://uk.ign.com/articles/2015/08/04/gamescom-2015-halo-wars-2-announced ''IGN''': ''GAMESCOM 2015: HALO WARS 2 ANNOUNCED'']</ref> Players who pre-ordered [[Halo Wars 2 Ultimate Edition|''Halo Wars 2'' Ultimate Edition]] received early access to ''[[Halo Wars: Definitive Edition]]'', a remastered version of the game, on December 20, 2016.<ref>[https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/news/halo-wars-de-early-access '''Halo Waypoint''': ''Halo Wars: DE Early Access'']</ref> | ||
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During the final days of the [[Harvest campaign]], [[Sergeant]] [[John Forge]], a Marine assigned to the support ship {{UNSCShip|Spirit of Fire}} under the command of [[Captain]] [[James Cutter]], is patrolling the northern regions of the planet [[Harvest]]. While Forge is on patrol, [[Alpha Base (Harvest)|Alpha Base]] is attacked and destroyed by the Covenant, with the 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 (Halo Wars level)|Alpha Base]]''</ref> Forge then leads an assault on a nearby [[Forerunner]] [[Relic (location)|relic site]] itself, removing the Covenant occupants and preventing the enemy from destroying it to deny human access and securing the site for Professor [[Ellen Anders]]' examination. Shortly after, a Covenant counterattack cuts them off from Alpha Base.<ref>'''Halo Wars''', campaign level ''[[Relic Approach]]''</ref> [[Grizzly]] tanks deployed from ''Spirit of Fire'' 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> | During the final days of the [[Harvest campaign]], [[Sergeant]] [[John Forge]], a Marine assigned to the support ship {{UNSCShip|Spirit of Fire}} under the command of [[Captain]] [[James Cutter]], is patrolling the northern regions of the planet [[Harvest]]. While Forge is on patrol, [[Alpha Base (Harvest)|Alpha Base]] is attacked and destroyed by the Covenant, with the 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 (Halo Wars level)|Alpha Base]]''</ref> Forge then leads an assault on a nearby [[Forerunner]] [[Relic (location)|relic site]] itself, removing the Covenant occupants and preventing the enemy from destroying it to deny human access and securing the site for Professor [[Ellen Anders]]' examination. Shortly after, a Covenant counterattack cuts them off from Alpha Base.<ref>'''Halo Wars''', campaign level ''[[Relic Approach]]''</ref> [[Grizzly]] tanks deployed from ''Spirit of Fire'' 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> | ||
Upon following the Covenant to Arcadia, ''Spirit of Fire''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s crew find 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 [[SPARTAN-II program|Spartans]] of [[Red Team]] in the effort to evacuate civilians from [[Pirth City]].<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 Spartan [[Team 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 [[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 [[ | Upon following the Covenant to Arcadia, ''Spirit of Fire''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s crew find 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 [[SPARTAN-II program|Spartans]] of [[Red Team]] in the effort to evacuate civilians from [[Pirth City]].<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 Spartan [[Team 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 [[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 [[R'awuw-pattern Scarab|Scarab]], only partially complete though capable of destroying any UNSC forces in its line of sight. After the Scarab's destruction, Anders and Forge begin documenting the area, only for [[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 [[Trove|mysterious planet]].<ref>'''[[Halo: The Essential Visual Guide]]''', ''page 180''</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 level ''[[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 ''Spirit of Fire'' over the lake - which splits to reveal an entrance, and with swarms of [[Aggressor Sentinel|Sentinels]] emerging to deal with the Flood.<ref>'''Halo Wars''', campaign level ''[[Shield World (level)|Shield World]]''</ref> ''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> ''Spirit of Fire'' then emerges inside a massive [[Shield World]], immediately engaging a [[Proclamation's Tithe|Covenant destroyer]] and fending off attacks while conducting repairs.<ref>'''Halo Wars''', campaign level ''[[Repairs]]''</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 level ''[[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 ''Spirit of Fire'' over the lake - which splits to reveal an entrance, and with swarms of [[Aggressor Sentinel|Sentinels]] emerging to deal with the Flood.<ref>'''Halo Wars''', campaign level ''[[Shield World (level)|Shield World]]''</ref> ''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> ''Spirit of Fire'' then emerges inside a massive [[Shield World]], immediately engaging a [[Proclamation's Tithe|Covenant destroyer]] and fending off attacks while conducting repairs.<ref>'''Halo Wars''', campaign level ''[[Repairs]]''</ref> | ||
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==Gameplay== | ==Gameplay== | ||
[[File:HWSPARTAN.PNG|thumb | [[File:HWSPARTAN.PNG|thumb|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 ''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]]''. Players are given the [[Circle Menu]] to control buildings and increase their arsenal. | 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]]''. Players are given the [[Circle Menu]] to control buildings and increase their arsenal. | ||
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===Multiplayer=== | ===Multiplayer=== | ||
{{Main|Skirmish}} | {{Main|Skirmish}} | ||
[[File:HW Screenshots 003.jpg|thumb|200px | [[File:HW Screenshots 003.jpg|thumb|200px|[[Covenant]] forces engage humans on the level ''Chasms''.]] | ||
Just like other ''Halo'' games, ''Halo Wars'' has strong characteristics of online gaming. ''Halo Wars''' live gaming characteristics include Direct voice communication & Online leader boards. Teams are differentiated by the color of the units. 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. | Just like other ''Halo'' games, ''Halo Wars'' has strong characteristics of online gaming. ''Halo Wars''' live gaming characteristics include Direct voice communication & Online leader boards. Teams are differentiated by the color of the units. 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/Reuse|xbox360fanboy.com}} | ||
;;Maps | ;;Maps | ||
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====Veterancy points==== | ====Veterancy points==== | ||
Veterancy points | Veterancy points increase a unit's statistics, including attack, attack speed, defense, and hitpoints. A unit's veterancy point is indicated by the number of stars the unit has above its health bar. 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 mist effect appears briefly over a unit when it gains a veterancy point. | ||
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/Sparrowhawks. All other Spartan-commandeered vehicles have a maximum of 13 "Veterancy Points". | 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/Sparrowhawks. All other Spartan-commandeered vehicles have a maximum of 13 "Veterancy Points". There are some special units in campaign mode (e.g. ODSTs in the level ''Anders' Signal'') that have a maximum of 6 ''Veterancy Points''. | ||
====Leader abilities==== | ====Leader abilities==== | ||
Certain characters belonging to both the Covenant and the UNSC are [[leader]]s, 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). Leaders include [[James Gregory Cutter|Captain James Cutter]], [[John Forge|Sergeant John Forge]], [[Ellen Anders|Professor Ellen Anders]], [[Ripa 'Moramee]], | Certain characters belonging to both the Covenant and the UNSC are [[leader]]s, 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). Leaders include [[James Gregory Cutter|Captain James Cutter]], [[John Forge|Sergeant John Forge]], [[Ellen Anders|Professor Ellen Anders]], [[Ripa 'Moramee]], [[Avitus]], and the [[Prophet of Regret]]. | ||
In Campaign, the abilities "[[Transport]]", and "[[Heal and Repair]]" are available, while other bombs vary between levels. In Skirmish, all of the UNSC leaders have the aforementioned abilities, along with the "[[XGBU-302 bomb|Disruption Bomb]]" ability as well as a bomb depending on the leader. | In Campaign, the abilities "[[Transport]]", and "[[Heal and Repair]]" are available, while other bombs vary between levels. In Skirmish, all of the UNSC leaders have the aforementioned abilities, along with the "[[XGBU-302 bomb|Disruption Bomb]]" ability as well as a bomb depending on the leader. | ||
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| colspan = "2" |Cleansing Beam ||colspan = "3"|Honor Guard Elites | | colspan = "2" |Cleansing Beam ||colspan = "3"|Honor Guard Elites | ||
|} | |} | ||
<!-- | <!-- | ||
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''. | 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 [[ | 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 [[Gravity hammer (fiction)|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 [[Barukaza Workshop Chopper|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> | 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> | ||
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{{main|Achievements (Halo Wars)}} | {{main|Achievements (Halo Wars)}} | ||
In addition to the eight new achievements from the Historic Battle Map Pack, there are a total of 58 [[achievement]]s in ''Halo Wars'', worth 1200 [[Gamerscore]]. | In addition to the eight new achievements from the Historic Battle Map Pack, there are a total of 58 [[achievement]]s in ''Halo Wars'', worth 1200 [[Gamerscore]]. | ||
;Skulls | ;Skulls | ||
{{main|Halo Wars | {{main|Halo Wars skulls}} | ||
Halo Wars Skulls, just like previous skulls in other ''Halo'' games, are hidden in the campaign for the player to find, and when activated, modify gameplay elements. However, unlike previous games, players must eliminate a certain amount of particular enemy units in that level for the skull to appear in the game. When found, skulls are available for the player to activate in the game's pause menu in both campaign and Skirmish. Skulls that put players on the upper hand lowers the their final scores, while "Debuff skulls", skulls that put players in a disadvantageous situation, increase the player's final score. There are still skulls that make no change to the game's difficulty. Some skulls retain the names and effects from previous games, such as Cowbell, Catch, and Grunt Birthday Party. | Halo Wars Skulls, just like previous skulls in other ''Halo'' games, are hidden in the campaign for the player to find, and when activated, modify gameplay elements. However, unlike previous games, players must eliminate a certain amount of particular enemy units in that level for the skull to appear in the game. When found, skulls are available for the player to activate in the game's pause menu in both campaign and Skirmish. Skulls that put players on the upper hand lowers the their final scores, while "Debuff skulls", skulls that put players in a disadvantageous situation, increase the player's final score. There are still skulls that make no change to the game's difficulty. Some skulls retain the names and effects from previous games, such as Cowbell, Catch, and Grunt Birthday Party. | ||
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As of February 28, 2010 (or March 1, 2010), ''Halo Wars'' and [[Halowars.com]] support was transferred from Robot Entertainment to [[Halo Waypoint]]. It was stated that Waypoint would provide "exciting plans", but this has yet to come to fruition.<ref name="halowars.com">[http://www.halowars.com '''Official Halo Wars Community Site''']</ref> | As of February 28, 2010 (or March 1, 2010), ''Halo Wars'' and [[Halowars.com]] support was transferred from Robot Entertainment to [[Halo Waypoint]]. It was stated that Waypoint would provide "exciting plans", but this has yet to come to fruition.<ref name="halowars.com">[http://www.halowars.com '''Official Halo Wars Community Site''']</ref> | ||
On November 5, 2010, The Halo Wars Leaderboards were reset by popular demand. | On November 5, 2010, The Halo Wars Leaderboards were reset by popular demand.{{Ref/Reuse|halowars.com}} | ||
On November 16, 2010, it was announced that Halo Wars Online Stat Tracking would no longer be supported. Along with the act, [[343 Industries]] and Halo Waypoint planned to release one final Title Update to fix a cutscene bug in Theater from Title Update 4, and to disconnect the game from the site, moving the forums to Halo Waypoint's. This change was to occur on December 15, 2010.<ref>[http://www.halowars.com/forums/permalink/953396/953396/ShowThread.aspx#953396 '''Official Halo Wars Community Site''': ''Halo Waypoint Transitions (Please Read)'']</ref> However, on December 8, 2010, 343 Industries and Halo Waypoint announced a reversal in their decision to cease Online Stat Tracking, citing they were "...always uncomfortable with the idea...", and "...decided that the current plan of action was not in line with how we have always intended to support Halo games and the Halo franchise in general."<ref>[http://www.halowars.com/forums/permalink/963172/963172/ShowThread.aspx#963172 '''Official Halo Wars Community Site''': ''Halo Wars Stat-Tracking To Continue'']</ref> The ''Halo Wars'' forums have been merged with Waypoint's forums and since then, Title Updates 5 and 6 have been released.<ref>[http://www.giantbomb.com/guides/halo-wars-title-updates/2055/ '''Giant Bomb''': ''Halo Wars Title Updates'']</ref> | On November 16, 2010, it was announced that Halo Wars Online Stat Tracking would no longer be supported. Along with the act, [[343 Industries]] and Halo Waypoint planned to release one final Title Update to fix a cutscene bug in Theater from Title Update 4, and to disconnect the game from the site, moving the forums to Halo Waypoint's. This change was to occur on December 15, 2010.<ref>[http://www.halowars.com/forums/permalink/953396/953396/ShowThread.aspx#953396 '''Official Halo Wars Community Site''': ''Halo Waypoint Transitions (Please Read)'']</ref> However, on December 8, 2010, 343 Industries and Halo Waypoint announced a reversal in their decision to cease Online Stat Tracking, citing they were "...always uncomfortable with the idea...", and "...decided that the current plan of action was not in line with how we have always intended to support Halo games and the Halo franchise in general."<ref>[http://www.halowars.com/forums/permalink/963172/963172/ShowThread.aspx#963172 '''Official Halo Wars Community Site''': ''Halo Wars Stat-Tracking To Continue'']</ref> The ''Halo Wars'' forums have been merged with Waypoint's forums and since then, Title Updates 5 and 6 have been released.<ref>[http://www.giantbomb.com/guides/halo-wars-title-updates/2055/ '''Giant Bomb''': ''Halo Wars Title Updates'']</ref> | ||
====Gametypes==== | ====Gametypes==== | ||
''Halo Wars'' features a "[[Skirmish|Skirmish Mode]]", where the player can battle on multiplayer maps against an AI opponent in 1vs1, 2vs2 and 3vs3 match. There are 14 skirmish and [[multiplayer]] maps. | ''Halo Wars'' features a "[[Skirmish|Skirmish Mode]]", where the player can battle on multiplayer maps against an AI opponent in 1vs1, 2vs2 and 3vs3 match. There are 14 skirmish and [[multiplayer]] maps.{{Ref/Reuse|halowars.com}} There are two modes in Skirmish, [[Standard]] and [[Deathmatch (Halo Wars)|Deathmatch]]. Three more modes are available if the player has the Strategic Options DLC (800 Microsoft Points): Keepaway, Tug of War, and Reinforcements. | ||
In '''Standard''' mode, players start off with a tech level of 0 and 800 resources. All units must be upgraded including turrets and leader abilities. The population limit starts at 30 for the UNSC and 40 for the Covenant. In '''Deathmatch''', players start with 15,000 resources and a tech level of 4 for the UNSC, and 3 for the Covenant (Building a Temple increases the tech level to six, but more importantly give the player the leader). All the player's units, buildings and leader abilities are already fully upgraded. The player's population starts at 15 and they gain 10 population for taking over a base, up to 99. When they lose a base, the population limit goes down by 10. In '''Keepaway''' mode, players capture the flag from their opponent and bring it back to their base. In '''Tug of War''' mode, the objective is who can field and maintain the strongest army who wins. In '''Reinforcements''' mode, the player needs to adapt their tactics as they are granted waves of troops, much like an endurance battle. | In '''Standard''' mode, players start off with a tech level of 0 and 800 resources. All units must be upgraded including turrets and leader abilities. The population limit starts at 30 for the UNSC and 40 for the Covenant. In '''Deathmatch''', players start with 15,000 resources and a tech level of 4 for the UNSC, and 3 for the Covenant (Building a Temple increases the tech level to six, but more importantly give the player the leader). All the player's units, buildings and leader abilities are already fully upgraded. The player's population starts at 15 and they gain 10 population for taking over a base, up to 99. When they lose a base, the population limit goes down by 10. In '''Keepaway''' mode, players capture the flag from their opponent and bring it back to their base. In '''Tug of War''' mode, the objective is who can field and maintain the strongest army who wins. In '''Reinforcements''' mode, the player needs to adapt their tactics as they are granted waves of troops, much like an endurance battle. | ||
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====Cut content==== | ====Cut content==== | ||
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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. | 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. | ||
--> | --> | ||
==Appearances== | ==Appearances== | ||
{{Featurelist|secondcolumn=title-5|title-1=Characters| | {{Featurelist|secondcolumn=title-5|title-1=Characters| | ||
; | ;Human | ||
*[[Adam | *[[Adam Andrews]] {{1st}} | ||
*[[Alice-130]] {{1st}} | *[[Alice-130]] {{1st}} | ||
*[[August-099]] {{1st}} | |||
*[[Douglas-042]] {{1st}} | *[[Douglas-042]] {{1st}} | ||
*[[Ellen Anders]] {{1st}} | *[[Ellen Anders]] {{1st}} | ||
*[[Kai-125]] {{1st}} | |||
*[[Leon-011]] {{1st}} | |||
*[[James Cutter]] {{1st}} | *[[James Cutter]] {{1st}} | ||
*[[Jerome-092]] {{1st}} | *[[Jerome-092]] {{1st}} | ||
| Line 220: | Line 221: | ||
*[[Preston Cole]] {{Mo}} | *[[Preston Cole]] {{Mo}} | ||
*[[Papadakis]] {{1st}} | *[[Papadakis]] {{1st}} | ||
*[[Robert-025]] {{1st}} | |||
*[[Riz-028]] {{1st}} | |||
*[[Vannak-134]] {{1st}} | |||
;AI | |||
*[[Serina]] {{1st}} | *[[Serina]] {{1st}} | ||
*[[Unidentified ancilla (Shield 0459)|Unidentified ancilla]] {{1st}} | |||
; | ;San'Shyuum | ||
*[[Prophet of Regret]] | *[[Prophet of Regret]] | ||
;Sangheili | |||
*[[Ripa 'Moramee]] {{1st}} | |||
*[[Re'gish Wamik]] {{1st}} | *[[Re'gish Wamik]] {{1st}} | ||
; | ;Jiralhanae | ||
*[[ | *[[Avitus]] {{1st}} | ||
|title-2=Species| | |title-2=Species| | ||
| Line 289: | Line 297: | ||
****[[UNSC Special Forces]] | ****[[UNSC Special Forces]] | ||
*****[[Orbital Drop Shock Troopers]] | *****[[Orbital Drop Shock Troopers]] | ||
*****[[SPARTAN | *****[[SPARTAN program]] | ||
******[[SPARTAN-II program]] | ******[[SPARTAN-II program]] | ||
*******[[Red Team]] | *******[[Red Team]] | ||
*******[[Team Omega]] {{1st}} | |||
|title-4=Locations| | |title-4=Locations| | ||
| Line 308: | Line 316: | ||
***[[Deep Space Research Array]] {{Fm}} | ***[[Deep Space Research Array]] {{Fm}} | ||
*[[Korinth Prior system]] {{1st}} | *[[Korinth Prior system]] {{1st}} | ||
**[[ | **[[Trove]] {{1st}} | ||
***[[Apex Site]] {{1st}} | ***[[Apex Site]] {{1st}} | ||
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**[[Harvest campaign]] | **[[Harvest campaign]] | ||
**[[Battle of Arcadia]] {{1st}} | **[[Battle of Arcadia]] {{1st}} | ||
**[[Battle of | **[[Battle of Trove]] {{1st}} | ||
|title-6=Weapons| | |title-6=Weapons| | ||
| Line 349: | Line 357: | ||
*[[XM510 grenade launcher]] {{1st}} | *[[XM510 grenade launcher]] {{1st}} | ||
*[[XM511 Heavy Grenade Launcher]] {{1st}} | *[[XM511 Heavy Grenade Launcher]] {{1st}} | ||
*[[Zeus | *[[XM4600 Zeus plasma munition howitzer|''Zeus'' 320mm plasma cannon]] {{1st}} | ||
====Covenant==== | ====Covenant==== | ||
*[[Assault cannon]] | *[[Assault cannon]] | ||
*[[Beam rifle]] | |||
**{{Pattern|Sulok|beam rifle}} | |||
*[[Brute Shot]] | |||
**[[Jovokada Workshop Brute Shot]] | |||
*[[Carbine]] | |||
**{{Pattern|Vostu|carbine}} | |||
*[[Class-1 directed energy cannon]] | *[[Class-1 directed energy cannon]] | ||
*[[Class-2 directed energy cannon]] | *[[Class-2 directed energy cannon]] | ||
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*[[Focus cannon]] | *[[Focus cannon]] | ||
*[[Gravity cannon]] | *[[Gravity cannon]] | ||
*[[ | *[[Needle cannon]] {{1st}} | ||
*[[Stasis cannon]] {{1st}} | *[[Stasis cannon]] {{1st}} | ||
*[[Needler]] | |||
**[[Type-33 needler]] | |||
*[[Plasma mortar]] | *[[Plasma mortar]] | ||
*[[Plasma turret]] | *[[Plasma turret]] | ||
*[[ | *[[Plasma grenade]] | ||
*[[ | **{{Pattern|Anskum|plasma grenade}} | ||
*[[ | *[[Energy sword]] | ||
*[[ | *[[Gravity hammer (fiction)|Gravity hammer]] | ||
* | *[[Plasma pistol]] | ||
*[[ | **{{Pattern|Eos'Mak|plasma pistol}} | ||
* | *[[Plasma rifle]] | ||
* | **{{Pattern|Okarda'phaa|plasma rifle}} | ||
*[[Spike cannon]] | |||
*[[ | |||
|title-7=Vehicles| | |title-7=Vehicles| | ||
| Line 403: | Line 418: | ||
====Covenant==== | ====Covenant==== | ||
*{{ | *Battlecruiser | ||
**[[CCS-U321]] {{Fm}} | **{{Pattern|Ket|battlecruiser}} {{Mo}} | ||
**[[CCS-U624]] {{Fm}} | ***[[CCS-U321]] {{Fm}} | ||
*{{ | ***[[CCS-U624]] {{Fm}} | ||
** | *{{Pattern|Sinaris|heavy destroyer}} | ||
*[[ | **''[[Proclamation's Tithe]]'' {{1st}} | ||
*[[ | *[[Chopper]] | ||
*[[ | **[[Barukaza Workshop Chopper]] | ||
*[[ | *[[Spirit]] | ||
*[[ | **{{Pattern|Dextro Xur|Spirit}} | ||
*[[ | *[[Wraith]] | ||
* | **{{Pattern|Zurdo|Wraith}} | ||
*[[ | *[[Banshee]] | ||
*[[ | **{{Pattern|Oghal|Banshee}} | ||
*[[Shade]] | |||
**{{Pattern|Mamua'uda|Shade}} | |||
*[[Scarab]] | |||
**{{Pattern|R'awuw|Scarab}} {{1st}} | |||
*{{Pattern|Bkowe'nei|Vampire}} {{1st}} | |||
*[[Locust]] | |||
**{{Pattern|Shua'ee|Locust}} {{1st}} | |||
*[[Ghost]] | |||
**{{Pattern|Karo'etba|Ghost}} | |||
====Forerunner==== | ====Forerunner==== | ||
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**[[UNSC Airpad|Airpad]] {{1st}} | **[[UNSC Airpad|Airpad]] {{1st}} | ||
**[[UNSC Vehicle Depot|Vehicle Depot]] {{1st}} | **[[UNSC Vehicle Depot|Vehicle Depot]] {{1st}} | ||
**[[ | **[[M5 Talos]] base turret | ||
;Covenant | ;Covenant | ||
| Line 454: | Line 478: | ||
**[[Factory]] {{1st}} | **[[Factory]] {{1st}} | ||
**[[Summit (building)|Summit]] {{1st}} | **[[Summit (building)|Summit]] {{1st}} | ||
** | **{{Pattern|Kewu Umppi'pa'|citadel turret}} {{1st}} | ||
*[[Anti-vehicle barrier]] | *[[Anti-vehicle barrier]] | ||
*[[ | *[[Covenant watchtower]] | ||
* | *{{Pattern|Emp'seam|Antlion}} {{1st}} | ||
;Forerunner | ;Forerunner | ||
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<div class="tabbox"> | <div class="tabbox"> | ||
<div class="tab">Infantry</div> | <div class="tab">Infantry</div> | ||
[[File:Marines.PNG | [[File:Marines.PNG|thumb|140px|[[UNSC Marine Corps|UNSC Marines]].]] | ||
*[[SPARTAN-II Program|SPARTAN-II]]: SPARTAN-IIs are individually trained units who are arguably superior to all UNSC and Covenant infantry types. SPARTANs are equipped with a regenerating shield in addition to a health bar. They begin with dual-wielded [[M7/Caseless Submachine Gun|SMGs]] and can hijack all enemy vehicles except the [[Type-47 Ultra Heavy Assault Platform|Scarab]] and [[AC-220 Vulture|Vulture]] gunship for balance purposes, bringing them under player control; they can also commandeer allied vehicles. They can be upgraded to wield [[AIE-486H Heavy Machine Gun|chain guns]] and [[M6 Grindell/Galilean Nonlinear Rifle|Spartan Lasers]], as well as neural implants, which help them hijack vehicles much more quickly.<ref name = "IGN E3 2008: ''Halo Wars'' Hands-on">[http://au.xbox360.ign.com/articles/890/890357p1.html E3 2008: ''Halo Wars'' Hands-on]. ''Alex Simmons''. Accessed on 2008-17-07</ref> When a SPARTAN takes control of an allied or enemy vehicle, the Spartan's rank is added to the vehicle's rank and the vehicle's stats are greatly increased. Spartans can also engage in hand-to-hand combat against certain enemies ([[Sangheili Honor Guardsman|Elite Honor Guards]], [[Pod infector|Infection Forms]], etc). Only three SPARTANs can be deployed at a time and do not contribute to the player's population limit. They are outfitted with the [[MJOLNIR Powered Assault Armor/Mark IV|MJOLNIR Mk. IV]]; the in-game units possess traits that are trademarks of the Mk. V armor, however, this is for gameplay considerations and is not accepted as canon. | *[[SPARTAN-II Program|SPARTAN-II]]: SPARTAN-IIs are individually trained units who are arguably superior to all UNSC and Covenant infantry types. SPARTANs are equipped with a regenerating shield in addition to a health bar. They begin with dual-wielded [[M7/Caseless Submachine Gun|SMGs]] and can hijack all enemy vehicles except the [[Type-47 Ultra Heavy Assault Platform|Scarab]] and [[AC-220 Vulture|Vulture]] gunship for balance purposes, bringing them under player control; they can also commandeer allied vehicles. They can be upgraded to wield [[AIE-486H Heavy Machine Gun|chain guns]] and [[M6 Grindell/Galilean Nonlinear Rifle|Spartan Lasers]], as well as neural implants, which help them hijack vehicles much more quickly.<ref name = "IGN E3 2008: ''Halo Wars'' Hands-on">[http://au.xbox360.ign.com/articles/890/890357p1.html E3 2008: ''Halo Wars'' Hands-on]. ''Alex Simmons''. Accessed on 2008-17-07</ref> When a SPARTAN takes control of an allied or enemy vehicle, the Spartan's rank is added to the vehicle's rank and the vehicle's stats are greatly increased. Spartans can also engage in hand-to-hand combat against certain enemies ([[Sangheili Honor Guardsman|Elite Honor Guards]], [[Pod infector|Infection Forms]], etc). Only three SPARTANs can be deployed at a time and do not contribute to the player's population limit. They are outfitted with the [[MJOLNIR Powered Assault Armor/Mark IV|MJOLNIR Mk. IV]]; the in-game units possess traits that are trademarks of the Mk. V armor, however, this is for gameplay considerations and is not accepted as canon. | ||
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*[[XRP12 Gremlin]]: A combat support vehicle, the Gremlin is [[Ellen Anders|Professor Anders]]'s unique unit. It attacks with an EMP cannon that disables vehicles or non-infantry units temporarily. It can be upgraded to fire farther and hit harder and to make the EMP blast chain through multiple vehicles. The Gremlin has absolutely no combat efficiency against air units. Gremlins cannot do very much damage to infantry. | *[[XRP12 Gremlin]]: A combat support vehicle, the Gremlin is [[Ellen Anders|Professor Anders]]'s unique unit. It attacks with an EMP cannon that disables vehicles or non-infantry units temporarily. It can be upgraded to fire farther and hit harder and to make the EMP blast chain through multiple vehicles. The Gremlin has absolutely no combat efficiency against air units. Gremlins cannot do very much damage to infantry. | ||
*[[M145D Rhino]]: The Rhino is a heavy tracked unit that has a greater defense but lower attack than the Scorpion. The Rhino is armed with a heavy prototype plasma cannon stolen from the Covenant that fires giant plasma bolts. The Rhino is only in the campaign and not available in Skirmish. It is incapable of attacking air units. During the campaign, it is used during [[Dome of Light]] to break through a Covenant energy shield on [[Arcadia]]. | *[[M145D Rhino]]: The Rhino is a heavy tracked unit that has a greater defense but lower attack than the Scorpion. The Rhino is armed with a heavy prototype plasma cannon stolen from the Covenant that fires giant plasma bolts. The Rhino is only in the campaign and not available in Skirmish. It is incapable of attacking air units. During the campaign, it is used during [[Dome of Light]] to break through a Covenant energy shield on [[Arcadia]]. | ||
*[[M9 Wolverine]]: The Wolverine is a specialized anti-aircraft vehicle that uses guided missiles to shoot down enemy aircraft, such as [[Type-26 Ground Support Aircraft|Banshees]] or | *[[M9 Wolverine]]: The Wolverine is a specialized anti-aircraft vehicle that uses guided missiles to shoot down enemy aircraft, such as [[Type-26 Ground Support Aircraft|Banshees]] or {{Pattern|Bkowe'nei|Vampire}}s. While powerful in this aspect, it is especially weak against infantry and anti-armor vehicles, and must be heavily protected. It can be upgraded with a volley ability to unleash a fusillade against buildings. It can also be upgraded to use Dual Launchers, increasing the number of missiles it fires, increasing its damage. | ||
*[[SP42 Cobra]]: The Cobra is a heavy anti-armor vehicle armed with a pair of rail cannons which can easily tear apart enemy armor. It can be outfitted with stronger armor when locked down and its rail cannons can be upgraded to penetrate multiple enemies. Its special ability allows it to lock down for greater range, at the expense of mobility. Cobras cannot attack aerial units.<ref>[http://www.halowars.com/GameInfo/vehicledepot.aspx#Cobra]</ref> | *[[SP42 Cobra]]: The Cobra is a heavy anti-armor vehicle armed with a pair of rail cannons which can easily tear apart enemy armor. It can be outfitted with stronger armor when locked down and its rail cannons can be upgraded to penetrate multiple enemies. Its special ability allows it to lock down for greater range, at the expense of mobility. Cobras cannot attack aerial units.<ref>[http://www.halowars.com/GameInfo/vehicledepot.aspx#Cobra]</ref> | ||
*[[Cyclops|Cyclops exoskeleton]]: The Cyclops is a re-appropriated support exoskeleton that can crush ground enemies in close combat, often finishing off infantry with impressive fatality moves. It can also repair damaged vehicles and buildings if the player upgrades it once. A second upgrade of the unit improves speed. It can also throw debris at enemy units as its special attack. (Unique to [[John Forge|Sergeant Forge]]) | *[[Cyclops|Cyclops exoskeleton]]: The Cyclops is a re-appropriated support exoskeleton that can crush ground enemies in close combat, often finishing off infantry with impressive fatality moves. It can also repair damaged vehicles and buildings if the player upgrades it once. A second upgrade of the unit improves speed. It can also throw debris at enemy units as its special attack. (Unique to [[John Forge|Sergeant Forge]]) | ||
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**[[UNSC Barracks|Barracks]]: The barracks can provide a number of infantry types for combat and to upgrade. | **[[UNSC Barracks|Barracks]]: The barracks can provide a number of infantry types for combat and to upgrade. | ||
**[[UNSC Supply Pad|Supply Pad]]: Supply Pads are used to get supplies from the ''Spirit of Fire'' via Darter dropships. Can also be upgraded to Heavy Supply Pads to double the rate of resupply. | **[[UNSC Supply Pad|Supply Pad]]: Supply Pads are used to get supplies from the ''Spirit of Fire'' via Darter dropships. Can also be upgraded to Heavy Supply Pads to double the rate of resupply. | ||
**[[ | **[[M5 Talos]] base turret: Initially armed with an [[M202 XP Machine Gun]]. The turret may be outfitted with a rail cannon for use against vehicles, a flame mortar for use against infantry, or a missile launcher for use against aircraft. Only available on "Station/Fortress" Command bases.<ref>[http://www.halowars.com/GameInfo/firebase.aspx#Turret]</ref> They can be upgraded to Medium Turrets and Large Turrets at the [[UNSC Field Armory|Field Armory]]. | ||
</div></div> | </div></div> | ||
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<div class="tabbox"> | <div class="tabbox"> | ||
<div class="tab">Infantry</div> | <div class="tab">Infantry</div> | ||
[[File:OMG Duel Energy Swords!.jpg|200px|thumb | [[File:OMG Duel Energy Swords!.jpg|200px|thumb|Concept art for the [[Elite]] grasping two [[type-1 Energy Weapon/Sword|energy swords]].]] | ||
*[[Unggoy|Grunts]]: Fight in lances consisting of a [[Sangheili Minor|Minor Elite]] (or, depending on the player's selected leader, a [[Jiralhanae Minor|Minor Brute]]) and several Grunts. They have the secondary ability to throw plasma grenades and can be upgraded with needlers, additional members, and a [[Deacon]] to boost combat capabilities through spirituality.<ref>[http://halowars.com/images/cov/covenant_grunt_squad.jpg Image of Covenant Grunt Squad]</ref> | *[[Unggoy|Grunts]]: Fight in lances consisting of a [[Sangheili Minor|Minor Elite]] (or, depending on the player's selected leader, a [[Jiralhanae Minor|Minor Brute]]) and several Grunts. They have the secondary ability to throw plasma grenades and can be upgraded with needlers, additional members, and a [[Deacon]] to boost combat capabilities through spirituality.<ref>[http://halowars.com/images/cov/covenant_grunt_squad.jpg Image of Covenant Grunt Squad]</ref> | ||
**[[Unggoy/Gameplay#Halo Wars|Suicide Unggoy]] (Suicide Grunts): Will berserk and blow themselves up on command. Leader-specific unit of the Arbiter. The explosion is very effective against buildings. They can be upgraded to receive more speed in suicide mode as well as to amplify damage to their suicide attack through the use of deadly adherents. | **[[Unggoy/Gameplay#Halo Wars|Suicide Unggoy]] (Suicide Grunts): Will berserk and blow themselves up on command. Leader-specific unit of the Arbiter. The explosion is very effective against buildings. They can be upgraded to receive more speed in suicide mode as well as to amplify damage to their suicide attack through the use of deadly adherents. | ||
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*[[Kig-Yar|Jackals]]: Jackals fight in pairs in ''Halo Wars'' and provide a good defense against Marines armed with conventional weapons but little defense against grenades, explosives or vehicles. They are originally armed with carbines without shields but can be upgraded to incorporate point defense gauntlets, beam rifles, and eventually stronger gauntlets in the later stages of the Covenant tech tree. | *[[Kig-Yar|Jackals]]: Jackals fight in pairs in ''Halo Wars'' and provide a good defense against Marines armed with conventional weapons but little defense against grenades, explosives or vehicles. They are originally armed with carbines without shields but can be upgraded to incorporate point defense gauntlets, beam rifles, and eventually stronger gauntlets in the later stages of the Covenant tech tree. | ||
*[[Jiralhanae|Brutes]]: In battle the Brutes wield Brute shots, which are devastating against infantry and effective against light vehicles. Due to their limited battlefield use prior to the events of ''[[Halo 2]]'', they are apparently leader-specific units belonging to the unknown [[ | *[[Jiralhanae|Brutes]]: In battle the Brutes wield Brute shots, which are devastating against infantry and effective against light vehicles. Due to their limited battlefield use prior to the events of ''[[Halo 2]]'', they are apparently leader-specific units belonging to the unknown [[Avitus|Chieftain]]. They can be upgraded to have [[Jump Pack Jiralhanae|Jump packs]] and install EMP grenades in their brute shots.<ref name="xbox.com">http://www.xbox.com/NR/rdonlyres/31804095-7B32-4CE2-A17E-3CB54A3692EF/0/HaloWars_MNL_EN.PDF</ref> | ||
**[[Jiralhanae Chieftain]]. The only usable Brute Chieftain is the same Chieftain that can be selected as a leader, making him a "hero" unit for the faction like the Arbiter. | **[[Jiralhanae Chieftain]]. The only usable Brute Chieftain is the same Chieftain that can be selected as a leader, making him a "hero" unit for the faction like the Arbiter.{{Ref/Reuse|xbox.com}} | ||
*[[San'Shyuum|Prophet]]: A Prophet fight from his [gravity throne]]s, and can attack enemy infantry with his destructive plasma weapons. The only usable in-game Prophet is the [[Prophet of Regret]], who can only be used if he is chosen as a "leader" before the start of the game. | *[[San'Shyuum|Prophet]]: A Prophet fight from his [gravity throne]]s, and can attack enemy infantry with his destructive plasma weapons. The only usable in-game Prophet is the [[Prophet of Regret]], who can only be used if he is chosen as a "leader" before the start of the game.{{Ref/Reuse|xbox.com}} The Prophet's plasma cannons can be upgraded to fuel rod cannons for increased damage. His second upgrade adds a pair of Offensive Protectors to protect him and his final upgrade gives him full flight capabilities. His leader power is called "Cleansing", where an energy projector's beam is called down from an orbiting warship to quickly incinerate anything beneath it. The glassing beam can be upgraded to deal more damage. | ||
**[[Protector Sentinel|Protectors]] - A pair of Sentinel-like Protectors guard the Prophet of Regret after the player researches "Ancestral Perversion". | **[[Protector Sentinel|Protectors]] - A pair of Sentinel-like Protectors guard the Prophet of Regret after the player researches "Ancestral Perversion". | ||
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<div class="tabbox"> | <div class="tabbox"> | ||
<div class="tab">Vehicles</div> | <div class="tab">Vehicles</div> | ||
*[[Type-47 Scarab]]: The Scarab is a super-unit that can destroy infantry, ground vehicles and aircraft with ease. The Scarab is extremely resilient to most weapons fire. Earlier versions of the Scarab have been encountered in ''[[Halo 2]]'' and ''[[Halo 3]]''. [[Spartans]] are unable to hijack Scarabs, with the exception of one campaign level in which the Covenant abandons a Scarab, allowing the player to take control of it. The Scarab is unique in its ability to traverse what is considered 'rough terrain'. In other words, Scarabs can climb over cliffs, mountains and some structures. This makes it the only playable ground unit in the game able to do so. | *[[Type-47 Scarab]]: The Scarab is a super-unit that can destroy infantry, ground vehicles and aircraft with ease. The Scarab is extremely resilient to most weapons fire. Earlier versions of the Scarab have been encountered in ''[[Halo 2]]'' and ''[[Halo 3]]''. [[Spartans]] are unable to hijack Scarabs, with the exception of one campaign level in which the Covenant abandons a Scarab, allowing the player to take control of it. The Scarab is unique in its ability to traverse what is considered 'rough terrain'. In other words, Scarabs can climb over cliffs, mountains and some structures. This makes it the only playable ground unit in the game able to do so.{{Ref/Reuse|gametrailers.com}} | ||
*[[Type-47 Scarab#Super_Scarab|Super Scarab]]: Seen in the 7th campaign level is a larger and more powerful version of the Scarab. It does not move around the map as its legs are not built yet. However, it relies on power generators scattered throughout the map for energy to turn its head. Despite the vulnerability of its power sources, the Super Scarab is still a very dangerous threat capable of incinerating anything in moments. | *[[Type-47 Scarab#Super_Scarab|Super Scarab]]: Seen in the 7th campaign level is a larger and more powerful version of the Scarab. It does not move around the map as its legs are not built yet. However, it relies on power generators scattered throughout the map for energy to turn its head. Despite the vulnerability of its power sources, the Super Scarab is still a very dangerous threat capable of incinerating anything in moments. | ||
* | *{{Pattern|Karo'etba|Ghost}}: The Ghost is a light attack vehicle that excels against infantry but not other vehicles. It can be upgraded with a ramming boost ability (similar to the [[Warthog]]'s Ram ability), the ability to strafe to avoid incoming grenades and rockets, and to have a light energy shield. | ||
*[[ | *[[Barukaza Workshop Chopper]]: The Chopper is a scout-class vehicle available only to the [[Brute Chieftain]] leader. It starts without any guns and is only able to ram hostile ground targets. The Chopper can then be upgraded to include dual cannons on its sides to give the Chopper higher combat capabilities and an additional ramming targe to increase ramming damage and decrease feedback damage (the damage the Chopper takes after ramming an enemy). The autocannons can also be upgraded with stabilizers, improving autocannon accuracy and damage.<ref>http://au.xbox360.ign.com/dor/objects/857436/halo-wars/images/halo-wars-20081113023451375.html</ref> | ||
* | *{{Pattern|Zurdo|Wraith}}: The Wraith is the main battle tank of the Covenant and is armed with a plasma mortar and a plasma turret capable of decimating enemy infantry and vehicles. It can also be upgraded to allow for the "Scorch" special ability, as well as to have an energy shield. The mortar can also be upgraded to increase overall damage. | ||
**[[Type-26 Wraith#Honor_Guard_Wraith|Honor Guard Wraith]]: This downloadable variant of the Wraith is exclusive only to the special edition of the game. | **[[Type-26 Wraith#Honor_Guard_Wraith|Honor Guard Wraith]]: This downloadable variant of the Wraith is exclusive only to the special edition of the game. | ||
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*[[Type-26 Banshee]]: The [[Type-26 Ground Support Aircraft|Banshee]] can attack infantry, tanks and other air vehicles due to its twin Plasma Cannons and single Fuel Rod Cannon. With upgrades, Banshees' rate of fire on their Plasma Cannons is increased and Banshees can attempt to crash into enemy units or buildings when they are shot down, causing extra damage. Banshees also have the ability to boost after the 1st upgrade. | *[[Type-26 Banshee]]: The [[Type-26 Ground Support Aircraft|Banshee]] can attack infantry, tanks and other air vehicles due to its twin Plasma Cannons and single Fuel Rod Cannon. With upgrades, Banshees' rate of fire on their Plasma Cannons is increased and Banshees can attempt to crash into enemy units or buildings when they are shot down, causing extra damage. Banshees also have the ability to boost after the 1st upgrade. | ||
* | *{{Pattern|Dextro Xur|Spirit}}: The Spirit is the Covenant counterpart to the UNSC Pelican, capable of carrying vehicles and infantry in addition to giving them fire support. The screen for the UNSC ''Spirit of Fire'' is not available for the Covenant Leaders and therefore these cannot be called upon to transport troops or vehicles in skirmish or multiplayer modes. | ||
* | *{{Pattern|Bkowe'nei|Vampire}}: A potent Covenant aircraft fitted to fight against hostile air vehicles. It can be upgraded to have a stasis beam that drains enemy aircraft's health and replenishes its own, and later they can create an explosion after stasis wears off if fully upgraded. It should be accompanied by Banshees to defend itself from ground units. | ||
*[[Huragok|Engineer]]: Sent into combat zones to repair damaged vehicles and structures, as well as squads of infantry. The upgrade, State of Grace, will increase its repair rate while the "Harmonious Digestion" upgrade, will increase its speed. An Engineer may repair other Engineers, but not itself.<ref>http://www.halowars.com/GameInfo/Covenant.aspx</ref> | *[[Huragok|Engineer]]: Sent into combat zones to repair damaged vehicles and structures, as well as squads of infantry. The upgrade, State of Grace, will increase its repair rate while the "Harmonious Digestion" upgrade, will increase its speed. An Engineer may repair other Engineers, but not itself.<ref>http://www.halowars.com/GameInfo/Covenant.aspx</ref> | ||
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**[[Covenant shield generator|Shield Generator]]: Provides shielding for the whole Citadel. It is possible to have multiple shield generators, thus improving the Citadel's shielding. | **[[Covenant shield generator|Shield Generator]]: Provides shielding for the whole Citadel. It is possible to have multiple shield generators, thus improving the Citadel's shielding. | ||
**[[Covenant warehouse|Warehouse]]: The warehouse is how the Covenant receive supplies. Gravity lifts bring supplies down and workers move them to their proper area. The warehouse can be upgraded to a blessed warehouse, which will receive supplies more often. | **[[Covenant warehouse|Warehouse]]: The warehouse is how the Covenant receive supplies. Gravity lifts bring supplies down and workers move them to their proper area. The warehouse can be upgraded to a blessed warehouse, which will receive supplies more often. | ||
**[[ | **[[Kewu Umppi'pa'-pattern citadel turret|Plasma Turret]]: The main defenses of a Covenant base, the Turret first starts with Plasma Turrets, but can be upgraded with a Plasma Mortar, [[Class-2 Projectile cannon|Fuel Rod Cannon]], or a [[needle cannon]]. | ||
**[[Covenant temple|Temple]]: A Covenant research building, the upgrades are very expensive but are very effective and powerful. | **[[Covenant temple|Temple]]: A Covenant research building, the upgrades are very expensive but are very effective and powerful. | ||
**[[Summit (building)|Summit]]: The roost of the Covenant air force, the Summit builds Banshees, Vampires and Engineers. | **[[Summit (building)|Summit]]: The roost of the Covenant air force, the Summit builds Banshees, Vampires and Engineers. | ||
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**[[Factory]]: The manufacturing plant of the Covenant, the Factory builds Ghost scouts, Wraith tanks and Locust walkers. | **[[Factory]]: The manufacturing plant of the Covenant, the Factory builds Ghost scouts, Wraith tanks and Locust walkers. | ||
*[[Anti-vehicle barrier]]: Same device used to block tunnels on the level [[Tsavo Highway]] in ''Halo 3'', most likely used for defense. To be used, infantry needs to go on it like a [[ | *[[Anti-vehicle barrier]]: Same device used to block tunnels on the level [[Tsavo Highway]] in ''Halo 3'', most likely used for defense. To be used, infantry needs to go on it like a [[Covenant watchtower|Lookout Tower]]. It is both available in campaign and certain maps in multiplayer<ref>http://xbox360.gamespy.com/dor/objects/857436/halo-wars/images/halo-wars-20081009024128843.html</ref> | ||
*[[ | *[[Rizsheda-pattern Shade|Shade]]: The ''[[Halo: Combat Evolved]]'' variant of the Shade is featured as a defensive Structure. This is only available in Campaign.<ref>http://www.mondoxbox.com/immagini.php?game=1128&view=1&start=9#topnav</ref> | ||
*[[ | *[[Covenant watchtower]]: Can be used to garrison infantry units from both players (in co-op), increasing their combat capabilities. | ||
* | *{{Pattern|Emp'seam|Antlion}}: A massive turret featured in campaign where the Antlion looks like a upgraded version for the Heavy Turret. It's power is very high and it is advisable to take it out with the MAC Blast. It is also featured as a neutral garrison able structure on [[Tundra]]. Here it fires in barrages and takes time to recharge. It is indestructible (but as always, the garrisoned troops can be killed). | ||
*[[Gravity lift]]: Each Covenant base has a [[Gravity lift|Gravity Lift]] right outside. Gravity Lifts let the Covenant's players to do "Hot Dropping" which allows to send any units (except the Scarab) directly to their Leader's location.<ref>[http://www.1up.com/do/previewPage?pager.offset=1&cId=3172311&p= 1]</ref> | *[[Gravity lift]]: Each Covenant base has a [[Gravity lift|Gravity Lift]] right outside. Gravity Lifts let the Covenant's players to do "Hot Dropping" which allows to send any units (except the Scarab) directly to their Leader's location.<ref>[http://www.1up.com/do/previewPage?pager.offset=1&cId=3172311&p= 1]</ref> | ||
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*[[Flood den|Flood Barracks]]: Organic structures that ceaselessly churn out a variety of attackers. They can't be destroyed by "conventional" weaponry, but players can damage them enough to force them into a withered, dormant state. The effect is only temporary, and given enough time, the Barracks will recover and begin producing more Flood forms. | *[[Flood den|Flood Barracks]]: Organic structures that ceaselessly churn out a variety of attackers. They can't be destroyed by "conventional" weaponry, but players can damage them enough to force them into a withered, dormant state. The effect is only temporary, and given enough time, the Barracks will recover and begin producing more Flood forms. | ||
*[[Flood root|Flood Root]]: This form appears to be a defensive unit that "whips" or grabs units that get close to it.<ref name="gamespot.com">http://www.gamespot.com/xbox360/strategy/halowars/video/6204958/halo-wars-video-review?hd=1</ref> | *[[Flood root|Flood Root]]: This form appears to be a defensive unit that "whips" or grabs units that get close to it.<ref name="gamespot.com">http://www.gamespot.com/xbox360/strategy/halowars/video/6204958/halo-wars-video-review?hd=1</ref> | ||
*[[Flood colony|Flood Colony]]: A large structure found in heavily infested areas. Used as a "base" by the Flood. | *[[Flood colony|Flood Colony]]: A large structure found in heavily infested areas. Used as a "base" by the Flood.{{Ref/Reuse|gamespot.com}} Regenerates only in the Campaign mode, otherwise opens up new base slots when killed. | ||
*[[Proto-Gravemind]]: This appears to be the main [[The Flood|Flood]]'s base's building. It seems to be connected to the [[Flood colony|Colony Forms]], as whenever they take damage, the Proto-Gravemind takes damage too. | *[[Proto-Gravemind]]: This appears to be the main [[The Flood|Flood]]'s base's building. It seems to be connected to the [[Flood colony|Colony Forms]], as whenever they take damage, the Proto-Gravemind takes damage too.{{Ref/Reuse|gamespot.com}} | ||
*[[Flood Nest]]: A small organic building, shaped like a jellyfish which creates [[Pod infector|Infection Forms]] and [[Flood carrier form|Carrier Forms]]. | *[[Flood Nest]]: A small organic building, shaped like a jellyfish which creates [[Pod infector|Infection Forms]] and [[Flood carrier form|Carrier Forms]].{{Ref/Reuse|gamespot.com}} | ||
*[[Flood launcher|Flood Launcher]]: Stationary tower-like forms that fire globs from their tops at enemies. These glob-like projectiles will release a spore cloud. This makes them dangerous to approach. It appears Spartans are immune to the clouds. | *[[Flood launcher|Flood Launcher]]: Stationary tower-like forms that fire globs from their tops at enemies. These glob-like projectiles will release a spore cloud. This makes them dangerous to approach. It appears Spartans are immune to the clouds. | ||
*[[Flood den|Flood Den]]: A medium-sized building form which [[Flood swarm|Flood Swarms]] and [[Flood thrasher form|Flood Thrasher Forms]] come out of. | *[[Flood den|Flood Den]]: A medium-sized building form which [[Flood swarm|Flood Swarms]] and [[Flood thrasher form|Flood Thrasher Forms]] come out of. | ||
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;;Known civilians;; | ;;Known civilians;; | ||
*'''[[Adam | *'''[[Adam Andrews|Adam]]''' - Adam is a male civilian, possibly a child due to the fact of a mother heard asking where her son Adam is. He is near a terminal. He is only seen when the player activates a control panel that opens up a door to a tower. He runs out and goes toward Cargo Ship Two. If the player can manage to escort him to the ship without him dying, they will unlock the "[[The Real Winner]]" Achievement. This is difficult as if he gets shot once, he dies. | ||
*'''Adam's mother''' - She is not seen, but when the player moves their troops close to the terminal, or activate it, she can be heard looking for her son. | *'''Adam's mother''' - She is not seen, but when the player moves their troops close to the terminal, or activate it, she can be heard looking for her son. | ||
;;Ambient life | ;;Ambient life | ||
[[File:ThornBeastHW.png|thumb | [[File:ThornBeastHW.png|thumb|180px|[[Thorn Beast]] seen in the middle of a battle.]] | ||
Ambient life forms were originally planned to be encountered during gameplay. They may have been found on the battlefield, and might have reacted to the actions of the player's forces (such as firing a weapon, flying around or near them, etc.).<ref>[http://www.halowars.com/default.aspx ''Halo Wars'' Update; 2008-02-07, Ambient Life].</ref> Examples include the [[Space Owl]], the [[Harvest whale|Harvest Whale]], the [[Arctic Beast]], [[Arctic Ice Hound|Ice Hound]] and some sort of [[eel-Snake Creature|eel-snake creature]] that has yet to be named. | Ambient life forms were originally planned to be encountered during gameplay. They may have been found on the battlefield, and might have reacted to the actions of the player's forces (such as firing a weapon, flying around or near them, etc.).<ref>[http://www.halowars.com/default.aspx ''Halo Wars'' Update; 2008-02-07, Ambient Life].</ref> Examples include the [[Space Owl]], the [[Harvest whale|Harvest Whale]], the [[Arctic Beast]], [[Arctic Ice Hound|Ice Hound]] and some sort of [[eel-Snake Creature|eel-snake creature]] that has yet to be named. | ||
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==Development== | ==Development== | ||
===Design=== | ===Design=== | ||
''Halo Wars'' started life as a project called ''Phoenix'', a real-time strategy game being headed by [[Graeme Devine]] featuring Earthlings fighting Martians in a conflict similar to ''[[Wikipedia:War of the Worlds|War of the Worlds]]''.{{Ref/Site|URL=https://www.gamasutra.com/view/feature/132312/ensemble_studios_the_last_tour.php?page=1| | [[File:HW-Pre-Halo Wars Human Air Carrier.jpg|thumb|Concept art of an "air carrier" from ''Phoenix''.]] | ||
''Halo Wars'' started life as a project called ''Phoenix'', a real-time strategy game being headed by [[Graeme Devine]] featuring Earthlings fighting Martians in a conflict similar to ''[[Wikipedia:War of the Worlds|War of the Worlds]]''.{{Ref/Site|D=01|M=6|Y=2020|URL=https://www.gamasutra.com/view/feature/132312/ensemble_studios_the_last_tour.php?page=1|Site=GamaSutra|Page=Ensemble Studios: The Last Tour}} This initial codename served as the basis for the name of the ''Spirit of Fire''.{{Ref/Twitter|zaphodgjd|979525459233923072|Graeme Devine|Y=2020|M=10|D=19|Quote=The “Spirit of Fire” spaceship name from Halo Wars is a direct reference to the code name for the project which was “Phoenix”.}} | |||
Prior to developing ''Halo Wars'', Ensemble Studios experimented with console control schemes using a modified ''Age of Mythology'' engine for a different project.<ref name="different">[http://worthplaying.com/article/2009/2/22/interviews/59199/ '''Worthplaying''': ''"Halo Wars" (X360) Developer Interview Part 1'']</ref> This was essential at the time, as real-time strategy games were unable to provide control schemes that would deliver a good gameplay experience on a console. The studio eventually concluded the experimentation with the concept of a [[circle menu|centralized user interface]] system and settled for micromanagement and base-building and restricted resource gathering and management to bases. About a year later, these concepts were presented to Microsoft, who strongly insisted that the game be rebranded as a ''Halo'' title instead;<ref name="gamasutra">[http://www.gamasutra.com/php-bin/news_index.php?story=20835#.UGSN3VG-XlM '''Gamasutra''': ''Q&A: How Ensemble Gets Halo Fans To Appreciate Halo Wars'']</ref> Microsoft doubted that a console RTS game could achieve adequate sales otherwise. [[Bungie]] didn't have the manpower to take on the game, and resented the use of the ''Halo'' IP in a different genre, going so far as to calling it a "whoring" of the franchise.<ref name="gameindustry">[https://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/2012-09-26-tony-goodman-the-publisher-as-we-know-it-may-become-extinct '''GameIndustry''': ''Tony Goodman: "The publisher as we know it may become extinct"'']</ref> | Prior to developing ''Halo Wars'', Ensemble Studios experimented with console control schemes using a modified ''Age of Mythology'' engine for a different project.<ref name="different">[http://worthplaying.com/article/2009/2/22/interviews/59199/ '''Worthplaying''': ''"Halo Wars" (X360) Developer Interview Part 1'']</ref> This was essential at the time, as real-time strategy games were unable to provide control schemes that would deliver a good gameplay experience on a console. The studio eventually concluded the experimentation with the concept of a [[circle menu|centralized user interface]] system and settled for micromanagement and base-building and restricted resource gathering and management to bases. About a year later, these concepts were presented to Microsoft, who strongly insisted that the game be rebranded as a ''Halo'' title instead;<ref name="gamasutra">[http://www.gamasutra.com/php-bin/news_index.php?story=20835#.UGSN3VG-XlM '''Gamasutra''': ''Q&A: How Ensemble Gets Halo Fans To Appreciate Halo Wars'']</ref> Microsoft doubted that a console RTS game could achieve adequate sales otherwise. [[Bungie]] didn't have the manpower to take on the game, and resented the use of the ''Halo'' IP in a different genre, going so far as to calling it a "whoring" of the franchise.<ref name="gameindustry">[https://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/2012-09-26-tony-goodman-the-publisher-as-we-know-it-may-become-extinct '''GameIndustry''': ''Tony Goodman: "The publisher as we know it may become extinct"'']</ref> | ||
Using references material previously planned for the [[Halo (film)|Halo film adaptation]], Ensemble had to recreate the game's assets from scratch. The studio focused on ensuring that the individual units are recognizable as being part of the Halo universe from a bird's eye view (a common element in real-time strategy): ''"[UNSC forces] need to fire lead, and [Covenant forces] need to fire plasma"''. | Using references material previously planned for the [[Halo (film)|Halo film adaptation]], Ensemble had to recreate the game's assets from scratch. The studio focused on ensuring that the individual units are recognizable as being part of the Halo universe from a bird's eye view (a common element in real-time strategy): ''"[UNSC forces] need to fire lead, and [Covenant forces] need to fire plasma"''.{{Ref/Reuse|gamasutra}} Renovating the game to take place in the ''Halo'' universe required a great deal of effort, despite Microsoft's misconception that the original assets could be simply ''"paint[ed] over with Halo stuff."''{{Ref/Reuse|gameindustry}} | ||
All the cutscenes were pre-rendered CGI sequences created by [[Blur Studio]].<ref>[http://vz2.blur.com/work/page/2 '''Blur Studio Work''': ''Animation, Design, VFX'']</ref> This does not include the "vignettes" (introductory and conclusion sequences) which were rendered in-game using the game engine. | All the cutscenes were pre-rendered CGI sequences created by [[Blur Studio]].<ref>[http://vz2.blur.com/work/page/2 '''Blur Studio Work''': ''Animation, Design, VFX'']</ref> This does not include the "vignettes" (introductory and conclusion sequences) which were rendered in-game using the game engine. | ||
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==Marketing promotions and release== | ==Marketing promotions and release== | ||
===Alpha test=== | ===Alpha test=== | ||
[[File:1211353155 Halowarsalpha.jpg|thumb | [[File:1211353155 Halowarsalpha.jpg|thumb|A screenshot taken of an Alpha playtester.]] | ||
An Alpha test was done for ''Halo Wars'', | An Alpha test was done for ''Halo Wars'',{{Ref/Reuse|xbox360fanboy.com}} concluding during May, 2008. The test was open only to several thousand Microsoft employees, including [[Bungie|Bungie Studios]], in order to locate any bugs or glitches, and to test its performance over Xbox Live. It consisted of a brief "tutorial" and multiplayer, and was "''limited to a specific set of units.''" It is unknown how long the Alpha test was conducted, or when it began.{{citation needed}} | ||
During the Alpha test, anti-air units were glitched, so that their effectiveness was lessened, and [[M808B Main Battle Tank|Scorpion tanks]] and aircraft were extremely powerful. Aircraft strength was lessened to prevent players from sending in air-strikes against the enemy [[Firebase|Command Center]] and crippling them too easily, ruining many a protocol player's chances of victory. | During the Alpha test, anti-air units were glitched, so that their effectiveness was lessened, and [[M808B Main Battle Tank|Scorpion tanks]] and aircraft were extremely powerful. Aircraft strength was lessened to prevent players from sending in air-strikes against the enemy [[Firebase|Command Center]] and crippling them too easily, ruining many a protocol player's chances of victory.{{Ref/Reuse|halowars.com}} This actually isn't an element of the game, but in fact a "balance issue". | ||
===Demo=== | ===Demo=== | ||
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{{clear}} | {{clear}} | ||
==Release and | ==Release and reception== | ||
''Halo Wars'' received generally positive reviews. Will Porter of IGN praised the developers for creating the atmosphere in "musky UNSC-scent" by using familiar sound effects, and for creating an "RTS that works, and works well, on console."<ref name="ignreview">[http://uk.ign.com/articles/2009/02/20/halo-wars-uk-review '''IGN''': ''Halo Wars UK Review'']</ref> The storyline, although "mystical and slightly wonky", was presented well through Blur's "stunningly-rendered CG cut-scenes". | ''Halo Wars'' received generally positive reviews. Will Porter of IGN praised the developers for creating the atmosphere in "musky UNSC-scent" by using familiar sound effects, and for creating an "RTS that works, and works well, on console."<ref name="ignreview">[http://uk.ign.com/articles/2009/02/20/halo-wars-uk-review '''IGN''': ''Halo Wars UK Review'']</ref> The storyline, although "mystical and slightly wonky", was presented well through Blur's "stunningly-rendered CG cut-scenes".{{Ref/Reuse|ignreview}} The campaign was praised for its "imaginative flair", but Porter also described it as "incredibly linear" and "over all too quickly".{{Ref/Reuse|ignreview}} In addition, he lamented over how the units' effectiveness over each other are left to the player to explore, which was even more obvious for the Covenant in multiplayer. He praised multiplayer for its wide variety of possible gametypes, and, when combined with a slower pace with the opponents, they create replay value.{{Ref/Reuse|ignreview}} Other criticisms of the game were how "it rarely feels like [the player is] playing a sentient opponent" in campaign, and that cooperative play "[leaves] each player in the dark as to exactly what their counterpart is up to".{{Ref/Reuse|ignreview}} Porter rated the game 8.2/10, comparing its uniqueness among RTS games akin to how ''Halo: Combat Evolved'' was able to set itself apart from other FPS games, and praised the game for being able to satisfy both RTS fans and ''Halo'' fans.{{Ref/Reuse|ignreview}} | ||
{{expand-section}} | {{expand-section}} | ||
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==Trivia== | ==Trivia== | ||
{{#widget:Vimeo|id=24789949|width=300|thumb|caption=Halo Wars show reel}} | |||
}} | |||
*On the cover of ''Halo Wars'', Jerome-092's helmet visor reflects the Arbiter and part of the honor stave on cover from the Limited Collector's Edition, implying that the two sides are meant to be "facing" each other. | *On the cover of ''Halo Wars'', Jerome-092's helmet visor reflects the Arbiter and part of the honor stave on cover from the Limited Collector's Edition, implying that the two sides are meant to be "facing" each other. | ||
*According to a concept art note, there would have been Sangheili heretic "creep units" that would've been recruitable. The note also makes mention of similar "rogue" cyclops units. | *According to a concept art note, there would have been Sangheili heretic "creep units" that would've been recruitable. The note also makes mention of similar "rogue" cyclops units. | ||
*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/news/default.aspx?p=29 '''Official Halo Wars Community Site''': ''On an Asteroid far far Away...'']</ref> | *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/news/default.aspx?p=29 '''Official Halo Wars Community Site''': ''On an Asteroid far far Away...'']</ref> | ||
*The [[Wikipedia:Doritos|Doritos]] snack food held a sweepstakes where the winner got a voice role in the game.<ref>'''Official Xbox Magazine''', ''"Issue 74"'', ''page 32''</ref> | *The [[Wikipedia:Doritos|Doritos]] snack food held a sweepstakes where the winner got a voice role in the game.<ref>'''Official Xbox Magazine''', ''"Issue 74"'', ''page 32''</ref> The winner was Nate Beeler, who voiced a Pelican pilot on mission 5. | ||
*Canada-based [[MEGA Brands|Mega Brands]] has released several ''Halo Wars'' [[MEGA Brands Halo Toys|construction sets]]. | *Canada-based [[MEGA Brands|Mega Brands]] has released several ''Halo Wars'' [[MEGA Brands Halo Toys|construction sets]]. | ||
*[[Halogen]], a conversion mod for the real-time strategy game ''[[Wikipedia:Command and Conquer: Generals|Command and Conquer: Generals]]'', was halted by Microsoft when ''Halo Wars'' began in development. | *[[Halogen]], a conversion mod for the real-time strategy game ''[[Wikipedia:Command and Conquer: Generals|Command and Conquer: Generals]]'', was halted by Microsoft when ''Halo Wars'' began in development. | ||
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</gallery> | </gallery> | ||
===Box | ===Box art=== | ||
<gallery> | <gallery> | ||
File:HaloWars-GameCover.jpg|Box art for ''Halo Wars''. | File:HaloWars-GameCover.jpg|Box art for ''Halo Wars''. | ||
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===Screenshots=== | ===Screenshots=== | ||
<gallery> | <gallery> | ||
File: | File:HW Screenshots E07 2.jpg|An early cutscene from ''Halo Wars''. | ||
File: | File:HW Screenshots 005.jpg | ||
File:Hornet war.jpg | File:Hornet war.jpg | ||
File:HaloWarsBattle.jpg | File:HaloWarsBattle.jpg | ||
File:Scarab and wraiths.jpg|A Scarab wiping out UNSC infantry along with two Wraiths. | File:Scarab and wraiths.jpg|A Scarab wiping out UNSC infantry along with two Wraiths and Covenant infantry. | ||
File:Flood Barracks.jpg|The Covenant attacking | File:Flood Barracks.jpg|The Covenant attacking flood biomass. | ||
</gallery> | </gallery> | ||
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{{Ref/Sources|3}} | {{Ref/Sources|3}} | ||
==Related | ==Related links== | ||
===Internal=== | ===Internal=== | ||
*[[Halo: Contact Harvest]] | *[[Halo: Contact Harvest]] | ||
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{{Navbox/Media/Games}} | {{Navbox/Media/Games}} | ||
[[Category: | {{DEFAULTSORT:Wars 1, Halo}} | ||
[[Category: | [[Category:Halo Wars| ]] | ||
[[Category:Ensemble Studios games]] | |||
[[Category:Canon]] | [[Category:Canon]] | ||
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- "The Halo RTS has arrived."
- — Halo Waypoint[3]
Halo Wars is the first real-time strategy game in the Halo franchise. The game takes place in the year 2531, 21 years prior to Halo: Combat Evolved, during the Covenant assault on the Outer Colonies in the Human-Covenant War. The game was developed by Ensemble Studios, and is an Xbox 360 exclusive. Notably, Halo Wars was the first game in the series to receive a "'T' for Teen" rating from the ESRB, downgraded from the "'M' for Mature" rating given to previous installments; however, PEGI rated the game 16+ as with prior Halo games. Downloadable content and support were handled by Robot Entertainment, a studio founded by ex-Ensemble Studios employees after the latter studio's closing.
The release of Halo Wars fulfilled the original concept that Halo: Combat Evolved was supposed to be a real-time strategy game before being turned into a third-person shooter, and then a first-person-shooter. A sequel, Halo Wars 2, was released on February 21, 2017.[4][5] Players who pre-ordered Halo Wars 2 Ultimate Edition received early access to Halo Wars: Definitive Edition, a remastered version of the game, on December 20, 2016.[6]
Plot synopsis[edit]
- "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.
During the final days of the Harvest campaign, Sergeant John Forge, a Marine assigned to the support ship UNSC Spirit of Fire under the command of Captain James Cutter, is patrolling the northern regions of the planet Harvest. While Forge is on patrol, Alpha Base is attacked and destroyed by the Covenant, with the 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.[7] Forge then leads an assault on a nearby Forerunner relic site itself, removing the Covenant occupants and preventing the enemy from destroying it to deny human access and securing the site for Professor Ellen Anders' examination. Shortly after, a Covenant counterattack cuts them off from Alpha Base.[8] Grizzly tanks deployed from Spirit of Fire 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.[9]
Upon following the Covenant to Arcadia, Spirit of Fire's crew find 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 of Red Team in the effort to evacuate civilians from Pirth City.[10] Afterward, the UNSC forces withdraw to a defensible area on the city outskirts, holding off Covenant attacks long enough for Spartan Team Omega to arrive and assist in the destruction of local Covenant forces.[11] At the same time, the Covenant have erected a large energy shield generator around a site of importance, with undiscovered ruins surrounding the area, forcing the UNSC to deploy prototype Rhino plasma artillery to penetrate it.[12] Moving in to examine what was of such interest to the Covenant, they come under attack from a Scarab, only partially complete though capable of destroying any UNSC forces in its line of sight. After the Scarab's destruction, Anders and Forge begin documenting the area, only for Arbiter Ripa 'Moramee to arrive, taking Anders prisoner and wounding Forge, with Red Team arriving too late to assist.[13] Rapidly heading out of the system aboard a starship, the Spirit of Fire follows, eventually emerging in orbit over a mysterious planet.[14]
Deploying ground forces to search for Anders, the UNSC and Covenant forces come under attack from a previously undiscovered alien organism - the Flood.[15] Managing to regroup and hold a defensible location, the UNSC forces manage to locate the source of the signal - an apparent body of water.[16] The UNSC forces withdraw back to the Spirit of Fire as a concentrated Flood force begins to gather momentum, narrowly escaping annihilation, regrouping at Spirit of Fire over the lake - which splits to reveal an entrance, and with swarms of Sentinels emerging to deal with the Flood.[17] 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.[18] Spirit of Fire then emerges inside a massive Shield World, immediately engaging a Covenant destroyer and fending off attacks while conducting repairs.[19]
Meanwhile, the Arbiter uses Anders to activate an installation known as the Apex Site, revealing a fleet of Forerunner warships which the Covenant plan on using against humanity. Anders manages to escape, using what had been her stasis prison as a translocation device, teleporting to the surface of the shield world's interior and linking up with Forge and his Marines, who clear the area of Covenant forces and establish a base of operations on the shield world.[20] Removing the Spirit of Fire's 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 Elites are killed by Red Team, and Forge manages to kill the Arbiter with one of his own Energy Swords.[21] Forge stays behind to detonate the reactor, while the rest of the UNSC forces activate a portal out of the shield world, evacuate to 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.[22]
Now unable to return to human space with the speed an FTL drive would have afforded them, the crew enter cryonic storage. The ship begins her long journey home, likely to take many years or decades. Here, Forge's cryo-tube is closed by Captain Cutter, who briefly nods, acknowledging the sergeant's sacrifice.
Spirit of Fire, lacking an FTL drive, is left adrift in space. On February 10, 2534, the UNSC declares the vessel "lost with all hands". At the end of the credits, Serina is be heard saying, "Captain. Wake up. Something has happened."
Gameplay[edit]
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. Players are given the Circle Menu to control buildings and increase their arsenal.
With the guidance of the 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.
Halo Wars can be played in both single-player and online cooperative campaign modes. Additionally, up to six players can play three-versus-three match head-to-head over Xbox LIVE. Published by Microsoft Game Studios, Halo Wars is a title exclusive to the Xbox 360. Despite speculation of a version for the PC, Ensemble and Microsoft have repeatedly said that no such plans have been made or even considered. The Covenant is playable only in multiplayer and Skirmish modes.
Campaign[edit]
Campaign consists of fifteen levels which tells the story of Halo Wars.
- Alpha Base - "Forge rallies the troops and retakes Alpha Base."
- Relic Approach - "Get Alpha Base up and running and find what the Covenant are up to."
- Relic Interior - "Forge and Anders are trapped in the relic. They must be rescued."
- Arcadia City - "The Covenant invasion of Arcadia is in full swing. Evacuation of its civilian population is UNSC's top priority."
- Arcadia Outskirts - "The civilian evacuation is complete. UNSC forces must safely withdraw from the city."
- Dome of Light - "Uncover what the Covenant were after on Arcadia."
- Scarab - "Send in ground units to destroy a Covenant super weapon."
- Anders' Signal - "Forge and Recon Groups ECHO and INDIA start the search for Anders."
- The Flood - "Find Anders and rescue her before it's too late."
- Shield World - "Spirit of Fire is being drawn against her will into 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 - "Cleanse the infection forms from Spirit's hull before they penetrate the interior."
- Repairs - "Repair Spirit of Fire and drive Covenant forces back."
- Beachhead - "Protect Anders and escort her to the LZ."
- Reactor - "Pull the reactor core to the Apex Site."
- Escape - "Help the Spirit of Fire's crew escape the Shield world."
Multiplayer[edit]
- Main article: Skirmish
Just like other Halo games, Halo Wars has strong characteristics of online gaming. Halo Wars' live gaming characteristics include Direct voice communication & Online leader boards. Teams are differentiated by the color of the units. 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.[23]
- 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
- Chasms
- Crevice
- The Docks
- Exile
- Frozen Valley
- Fort Deen
- Pirth Outskirts
- Labyrinth
- Release
- Repository
- Terminal Moraine
- Tundra
Historic Battle Map Pack
The 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:
Game concepts[edit]
Base assembly[edit]
At the start of matches or levels, players are given one base with one scout unit and a limited amount of resources. Using their scout unit (Warthogs for UNSC, Ghosts or Choppers for Covenant), the player can seek out more resources to build manufacturing sites and supply pads, which in turn let the player build more powerful units and gain resources faster. Bases can be built only in select sites, and a base already occupying that site must be destroyed before another can be built. Multiplayer matches are won by destroying the opposing team's bases, while campaign missions can call for other victory requirements.
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Technology advancement[edit]
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 reactors. The Covenant moves through the tech-tree in Ages by purchasing upgrades at the leader temple; players can advance to the Age of Doubt and the Age of Reclamation respectively. Both factions can also advance by capturing Forerunner secondary reactors.
When a Reactor is built or an Age is researched, or a Forerunner secondary reactor is claimed, the tech number on the top right of the screen goes up. Losing a source of tech level in the number goes down. Different buildings, units, and upgrades require higher numbers for use.
Veterancy points[edit]
Veterancy points increase a unit's statistics, including attack, attack speed, defense, and hitpoints. A unit's veterancy point is indicated by the number of stars the unit has above its health bar. 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 mist effect appears briefly over a unit when it gains a veterancy point.
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/Sparrowhawks. All other Spartan-commandeered vehicles have a maximum of 13 "Veterancy Points". There are some special units in campaign mode (e.g. ODSTs in the level Anders' Signal) that have a maximum of 6 Veterancy Points.
Leader abilities[edit]
Certain characters belonging to both the Covenant and the UNSC are leaders, 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). Leaders include Captain James Cutter, Sergeant John Forge, Professor Ellen Anders, Ripa 'Moramee, Avitus, and the Prophet of Regret.
In Campaign, the abilities "Transport", and "Heal and Repair" are available, while other bombs vary between levels. In Skirmish, all of the UNSC leaders have the aforementioned abilities, along with the "Disruption Bomb" ability as well as a bomb depending on the leader.
| UNSC Leaders | |||||
| Leader | Economic bonus | Hero ability | Unique ability | Unique unit | Super unit |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Captain Cutter | Bases start with Station | N/A | MAC Blast/ODST Drop | Elephant | ODST |
| Sergeant Forge | Supply Pads start as Heavy Supply Pads | Warthog Ram/Shotgun barrage | Carpet Bomb | Cyclops | Grizzly |
| Professor Anders | Upgrade costs & durations reduced by 50% | Repairs | Cryo Bomb | Gremlin | Sparrowhawk |
| Covenant Leaders | |||||
| Leader | Hero ability | Unique unit | |||
| Arbiter Ripa 'Moramee | Rage | Suicidal Grunts | |||
| Brute Army Commander | Vortex | Brute/Brute Chopper | |||
| Prophet of Regret | Cleansing Beam | Honor Guard Elites | |||
Collectibles[edit]
- Achievements
- Main article: Achievements (Halo Wars)
In addition to the eight new achievements from the Historic Battle Map Pack, there are a total of 58 achievements in Halo Wars, worth 1200 Gamerscore.
- Skulls
- Main article: Halo Wars skulls
Halo Wars Skulls, just like previous skulls in other Halo games, are hidden in the campaign for the player to find, and when activated, modify gameplay elements. However, unlike previous games, players must eliminate a certain amount of particular enemy units in that level for the skull to appear in the game. When found, skulls are available for the player to activate in the game's pause menu in both campaign and Skirmish. Skulls that put players on the upper hand lowers the their final scores, while "Debuff skulls", skulls that put players in a disadvantageous situation, increase the player's final score. There are still skulls that make no change to the game's difficulty. Some skulls retain the names and effects from previous games, such as Cowbell, Catch, and Grunt Birthday Party.
- Black boxes
- Main article: Black Boxes
Black Boxes are collectibles in the Halo Wars campaign that when collected, they add new events in the 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.
Online Stats[edit]
As of February 28, 2010 (or March 1, 2010), Halo Wars and Halowars.com support was transferred from Robot Entertainment to Halo Waypoint. It was stated that Waypoint would provide "exciting plans", but this has yet to come to fruition.[24]
On November 5, 2010, The Halo Wars Leaderboards were reset by popular demand.[24]
On November 16, 2010, it was announced that Halo Wars Online Stat Tracking would no longer be supported. Along with the act, 343 Industries and Halo Waypoint planned to release one final Title Update to fix a cutscene bug in Theater from Title Update 4, and to disconnect the game from the site, moving the forums to Halo Waypoint's. This change was to occur on December 15, 2010.[25] However, on December 8, 2010, 343 Industries and Halo Waypoint announced a reversal in their decision to cease Online Stat Tracking, citing they were "...always uncomfortable with the idea...", and "...decided that the current plan of action was not in line with how we have always intended to support Halo games and the Halo franchise in general."[26] The Halo Wars forums have been merged with Waypoint's forums and since then, Title Updates 5 and 6 have been released.[27]
Gametypes[edit]
Halo Wars features a "Skirmish Mode", where the player can battle on multiplayer maps against an AI opponent in 1vs1, 2vs2 and 3vs3 match. There are 14 skirmish and multiplayer maps.[24] There are two modes in Skirmish, Standard and Deathmatch. Three more modes are available if the player has the Strategic Options DLC (800 Microsoft Points): Keepaway, Tug of War, and Reinforcements.
In Standard mode, players start off with a tech level of 0 and 800 resources. All units must be upgraded including turrets and leader abilities. The population limit starts at 30 for the UNSC and 40 for the Covenant. In Deathmatch, players start with 15,000 resources and a tech level of 4 for the UNSC, and 3 for the Covenant (Building a Temple increases the tech level to six, but more importantly give the player the leader). All the player's units, buildings and leader abilities are already fully upgraded. The player's population starts at 15 and they gain 10 population for taking over a base, up to 99. When they lose a base, the population limit goes down by 10. In Keepaway mode, players capture the flag from their opponent and bring it back to their base. In Tug of War mode, the objective is who can field and maintain the strongest army who wins. In Reinforcements mode, the player needs to adapt their tactics as they are granted waves of troops, much like an endurance battle.
Appearances[edit]
Development[edit]
Design[edit]
Halo Wars started life as a project called Phoenix, a real-time strategy game being headed by Graeme Devine featuring Earthlings fighting Martians in a conflict similar to War of the Worlds.[28] This initial codename served as the basis for the name of the Spirit of Fire.[29]
Prior to developing Halo Wars, Ensemble Studios experimented with console control schemes using a modified Age of Mythology engine for a different project.[30] This was essential at the time, as real-time strategy games were unable to provide control schemes that would deliver a good gameplay experience on a console. The studio eventually concluded the experimentation with the concept of a centralized user interface system and settled for micromanagement and base-building and restricted resource gathering and management to bases. About a year later, these concepts were presented to Microsoft, who strongly insisted that the game be rebranded as a Halo title instead;[31] Microsoft doubted that a console RTS game could achieve adequate sales otherwise. Bungie didn't have the manpower to take on the game, and resented the use of the Halo IP in a different genre, going so far as to calling it a "whoring" of the franchise.[32]
Using references material previously planned for the Halo film adaptation, Ensemble had to recreate the game's assets from scratch. The studio focused on ensuring that the individual units are recognizable as being part of the Halo universe from a bird's eye view (a common element in real-time strategy): "[UNSC forces] need to fire lead, and [Covenant forces] need to fire plasma".[31] Renovating the game to take place in the Halo universe required a great deal of effort, despite Microsoft's misconception that the original assets could be simply "paint[ed] over with Halo stuff."[32]
All the cutscenes were pre-rendered CGI sequences created by Blur Studio.[33] This does not include the "vignettes" (introductory and conclusion sequences) which were rendered in-game using the game engine.
Audio[edit]
- Main article: Halo Wars: Original Soundtrack
Ensemble Studios began recording the music for the game in March 2008, with Ensemble's Music and Sound Director, Stephen Rippy, flying to Prague for the orchestral and choral parts and to Seattle for the piano and mixing.[23][34][35]
The music for Halo Wars was composed by Ensemble Studios in-house composer Stephen Rippy, with additional music by his long time collaborator and game Audio Lead Kevin McMullan. It was recorded in Prague, Czech Republic by 45 members of the FILMHarmonic Orchestra and a 21 voice choir at CNSO Studio No. 1.[36] The score was released as a single CD package with a bonus DVD containing additional tracks, 5.1 surround sound mixes of some cues and a behind the scenes video showing the recording sessions of the Halo Wars main theme and various trailers for the game.[37] It was also put up for retail as a digital download over iTunes and Sumthing Digital.[38][39] The response to the score was almost universally enthusiastic, with most critics praising Stephen Rippy's taking the series into new stylistic territory while still paying homage to and reworking classic themes and ideas.[40]
Marketing promotions and release[edit]
Alpha test[edit]
An Alpha test was done for Halo Wars,[23] concluding during May, 2008. The test was open only to several thousand Microsoft employees, including Bungie Studios, in order to locate any bugs or glitches, and to test its performance over Xbox Live. It consisted of a brief "tutorial" and multiplayer, and was "limited to a specific set of units." It is unknown how long the Alpha test was conducted, or when it began.[citation needed]
During the Alpha test, anti-air units were glitched, so that their effectiveness was lessened, and Scorpion tanks and aircraft were extremely powerful. Aircraft strength was lessened to prevent players from sending in air-strikes against the enemy Command Center and crippling them too easily, ruining many a protocol player's chances of victory.[24] This actually isn't an element of the game, but in fact a "balance issue".
Demo[edit]
- Main article: Halo Wars Demo
On February 5, a demo for Halo Wars was released on Xbox Live for the first time for Gold Xbox Live Subscribers. The demo was made available to non-Gold subscribers on February 12. The demo also set a record for most downloaded demo in one day.
The demo had been downloaded over two million times in the week following its debut, setting a "day one record" in its initial release.[41]
Spirit of Fire Archives[edit]
- Main article: Spirit of Fire Archives
A series of personal logs, crew reports, and incident reports centered around the staff of the Spirit of Fire were written in the months prior to the release of the game on lead writer Graeme Devine's personal website. These are admitted by the writer to be "basically fanfiction" and are not considered canon, though some elements have made it into the canon proper.
Trailers[edit]
E3 2008[edit]
- Main article: Five Long Years Cinematic
Five Long Years is a Halo Wars cinematic preview released on the July 14th of 2008 depicting the five year long struggle to reclaim Harvest from the Covenant, as well as being the first cutscene for the game. The trailer can be downloaded from the Halo Wars official website or here.
An early build was shown on G4's E3 08 LIVE, showing a hands-on demo. Some newer off-screen demos were released, showing how the controls work and how battles proceed.[42]
Field Trip To Harvest[edit]
Field Trip To Harvest is a cinematic preview of the first two cutscenes that was released to the public on October 3, 2008 showing the UNSC's retaking of the planet Harvest and the Covenant's finding of a Forerunner structure.
The Call To Battle[edit]
The Call to Battle is a collection of already known cinematics, but it also shows some campaign maps. The video also shows a higher population limit compared to the final game.
Unknown Trailer Video/ Blur Demo Reel[edit]
On February 8, 2009, the Taiwanese Xbox Live website released a four minute-long trailer which contained spoilers detailing the later story of Halo Wars. It was soon taken down, and other sites which put it up, including halo.bungie.org, removed it at the request of Microsoft Game Studios. However, several sites still have the video. The music from the trailer has been confirmed to be "Optimus vs. Megatron", a soundtrack from the Transformers movie. It can be watched here. This video is a demo reel of the work done by Blur Studios on the game's cutscenes, and can be viewed in high-definition on their website.[43]
ViDoc: Halo Times Ten[edit]
- Main article: Halo Wars ViDoc: Halo Times Ten
On January 23, 2009, the first ViDoc of Halo Wars was released on Xbox LIVE marketplace. It tells how a different perspective can change the gameplay and an announcement of the demo was planned for February the 5th.
ViDoc: Expanding The Arsenal[edit]
- Main article: Halo Wars ViDoc: Expanding The Arsenal
On February 3, 2009, the second Halo Wars ViDoc was released. It tells about Spartans and hero unit abilities.
ViDoc: Strategy on Xbox[edit]
- Main article: Halo Wars ViDoc: Strategy on Xbox
On February 12, 2009, the third Halo Wars ViDoc was released. It describes the controls featured and what expectation there are of the game. Like the previous ViDocs, this one also featured cinematic scenes.
ViDoc: Jaws of Victory[edit]
- Main article: Halo Wars ViDoc: Jaws of Victory
On February 19, 2009 the fourth Halo Wars ViDoc was released. It informs the viewer about tactics, including multiplayer and the developers' tactics.
Merchandise and Promotions[edit]
| Features | Standard | Limited |
|---|---|---|
| Image of contents |
|
|
| Game disc & manual | Yes | Yes |
| Halo Wars: Genesis | No | Yes |
| Halo 3: Mythic Map Pack | No | Yes |
| 6 Leader cards | No | Yes |
| UNSC Spirit of Fire emblem patch | No | Yes |
| Honor Guard Wraith | No | Yes |
Halo Wars was released in two separate versions. The Standard Edition contains the game disc and manual. The Limited Edition, contained in a metal case, contains the game disc, manual, the Halo Wars: Genesis graphic novel, a one-time only code to download the Halo 3: Mythic Map Pack for free, six Leader cards, which show information on all six UNSC and Covenant leaders, a UNSC Spirit of Fire embroidered ship emblem patch and the Honor Guard Wraith. The GameStop Limited Edition included an excerpt of the Halo Wars: Official Strategy Guide, detailing strategies for the campaign mission Relic Approach.
A special in-game "Fireball Warthog" unit is only available to customers who pre-ordered Halo Wars.
Release and reception[edit]
Halo Wars received generally positive reviews. Will Porter of IGN praised the developers for creating the atmosphere in "musky UNSC-scent" by using familiar sound effects, and for creating an "RTS that works, and works well, on console."[44] The storyline, although "mystical and slightly wonky", was presented well through Blur's "stunningly-rendered CG cut-scenes".[44] The campaign was praised for its "imaginative flair", but Porter also described it as "incredibly linear" and "over all too quickly".[44] In addition, he lamented over how the units' effectiveness over each other are left to the player to explore, which was even more obvious for the Covenant in multiplayer. He praised multiplayer for its wide variety of possible gametypes, and, when combined with a slower pace with the opponents, they create replay value.[44] Other criticisms of the game were how "it rarely feels like [the player is] playing a sentient opponent" in campaign, and that cooperative play "[leaves] each player in the dark as to exactly what their counterpart is up to".[44] Porter rated the game 8.2/10, comparing its uniqueness among RTS games akin to how Halo: Combat Evolved was able to set itself apart from other FPS games, and praised the game for being able to satisfy both RTS fans and Halo fans.[44]
This section needs expansion. You can help Halopedia by expanding it.
By March 19, 2009, the game had sold 1 million copies, with 118 total years of time spent in online skirmish matches.[45]
Trivia[edit]
- On the cover of Halo Wars, Jerome-092's helmet visor reflects the Arbiter and part of the honor stave on cover from the Limited Collector's Edition, implying that the two sides are meant to be "facing" each other.
- According to a concept art note, there would have been Sangheili heretic "creep units" that would've been recruitable. The note also makes mention of similar "rogue" cyclops units.
- 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.[46]
- The Doritos snack food held a sweepstakes where the winner got a voice role in the game.[47] The winner was Nate Beeler, who voiced a Pelican pilot on mission 5.
- Canada-based Mega Brands has released several Halo Wars construction sets.
- Halogen, a conversion mod for the real-time strategy game Command and Conquer: Generals, was halted by Microsoft when Halo Wars began in development.
- The backside of the Halo Wars case shows a Protos Scarab from the game's early development, although in final gameplay, the model is a Deutoros Scarab.
- A promotional image for Halo Wars appeared briefly in the background of the 2014 E3 Phantom Dust trailer.[48]
- Halo Wars lead writer Graeme Devine described a brief outline of how the game would have continued. The core of Shield 0459 transported Forge to another location in space, thus saving him from the shield world's destruction. Anders, who had programmed to release herself from her cryochamber shortly after Cutter entered cryostasis, followed Forge's signal and directed UNSC Spirit of Fire to his location. After three years, one hundred and seven days, Cutter was awakened by Serina, Anders and Forge.[49]
Gallery[edit]
Logos[edit]
Title art.
Box art[edit]
Box art for Halo Wars.
Extremely wide-angle full cover art.
Extremely wide-angle full cover art for the Limited Edition cover.
Promotional images[edit]
Promo image of a helmet for Halo Wars.
Promotional poster.
Promotional poster for Halo Wars.
Promotional poster for Halo Wars.
A Sangheili inspecting a dead Marine in the announcement trailer.
Concept art[edit]
Lookdev concept art.
Lookdev concept art.
![An old concept poster for the game, featuring early renditions of the main cast.[50]](https://halo.wiki.gallery/images/thumb/1/1e/HW_Concept_Poster.jpg/160px-HW_Concept_Poster.jpg)
An old concept poster for the game, featuring early renditions of the main cast.[50]
Concept art of an intense battle to claim a Forerunner structure.
Concept art of the Kig-yar.
Concept art with a SPARTAN-II and a marine overlooking a UNSC base with a Library-like structure in the background.
Concept art of recruitable Sangheili heretics.
Cut content, featuring a titanic Forerunner technology uncovered by the Covenant.
Red team vs Arbiter sketches.
Red team sketches.
Arbiter vs Marine squad sketches.
Arbiter vs Marine squad sketches.
Arbiter vs Marine squad sketches.
Arbiter sketches.
A Forerunner structure.
![An old concept poster for the game, featuring early renditions of the main cast.[50]](/File:HW_Concept_Poster.jpg)
Screenshots[edit]
An early cutscene from Halo Wars.
A Scarab wiping out UNSC infantry along with two Wraiths and Covenant infantry.
The Covenant attacking flood biomass.
Sources[edit]
- ^ Kotaku: CES 09: Whoops! Halo Wars Release Date Still March 3
- ^ Amazon.co.uk: Halo Wars (Xbox 360)
- ^ Halo Waypoint: Halo Wars
- '^ Kotaku: Halo Wars (Xbox 360)
- '^ IGN: GAMESCOM 2015: HALO WARS 2 ANNOUNCED
- ^ Halo Waypoint: Halo Wars: DE Early Access
- ^ Halo Wars, campaign level Alpha Base
- ^ Halo Wars, campaign level Relic Approach
- ^ Halo Wars, campaign level Relic Interior
- ^ Halo Wars, campaign level Arcadia City
- ^ Halo Wars, campaign level Arcadia Outskirts
- ^ Halo Wars, campaign level Dome of Light
- ^ Halo Wars, campaign level Scarab
- ^ Halo: The Essential Visual Guide, page 180
- ^ Halo Wars, campaign level Anders' Signal
- ^ Halo Wars, campaign level The Flood
- ^ Halo Wars, campaign level Shield World
- ^ Halo Wars, campaign level Cleansing
- ^ Halo Wars, campaign level Repairs
- ^ Halo Wars, campaign level Beachhead
- ^ Halo Wars, campaign level Reactor
- ^ Halo Wars, campaign level Escape
- ^ a b c Joystiq: Halo Wars Alpha Spotted on Xbox Live
- ^ a b c d Official Halo Wars Community Site
- ^ Official Halo Wars Community Site: Halo Waypoint Transitions (Please Read)
- ^ Official Halo Wars Community Site: Halo Wars Stat-Tracking To Continue
- ^ Giant Bomb: Halo Wars Title Updates
- ^ GamaSutra, Ensemble Studios: The Last Tour (Retrieved on Jun 1, 2020) [archive]
- ^ Twitter, Graeme Devine (@zaphodgjd): "The “Spirit of Fire” spaceship name from Halo Wars is a direct reference to the code name for the project which was “Phoenix”." (Retrieved on Oct 19, 2020) [archive]
- ^ Worthplaying: "Halo Wars" (X360) Developer Interview Part 1
- ^ a b Gamasutra: Q&A: How Ensemble Gets Halo Fans To Appreciate Halo Wars
- ^ a b GameIndustry: Tony Goodman: "The publisher as we know it may become extinct"
- ^ Blur Studio Work: Animation, Design, VFX
- ^ Official Halo Wars Community Site: Halo Wars Monthly Update 03/27/08
- ^ Interview-Graeme Divine.
- ^ Official Halo Wars Community Site: Over and Out
- ^ Amazon: Halo Wars / Game O.S.T.
- ^ iTunes - Music: Halo Wars (Original Soundtrack)
- ^ Sumthing Digital: Halo Wars Original Soundtrack
- ^ Original Sound Version: Under a Dark Halo: The Brooding Sounds of the Halo Wars Original Soundtrack (Review)
- ^ Shack News: Halo Wars Demo Downloaded Over 2 Million Times, Sets New Record
- ^ IGN - Xbox 360: Halo Wars Video — TGS 2008: Beating Mission (Off-Screen Demo)
- ^ Blur Studio - Halo Wars
- ^ a b c d e f IGN: Halo Wars UK Review
- ^ Gamasutra: Halo Wars Sells 1 Million
- ^ Official Halo Wars Community Site: On an Asteroid far far Away...
- ^ Official Xbox Magazine, "Issue 74", page 32
- ^ Youtube - Halo Wars 2 Teased In Phantom Dust Trailer?
- ^ Reddit: Halo Wars - Halo Wars AMA with Graeme Devine is here!
- ^ Twitter, @zaphodgjd: "Old old concept poster for Halo Wars." (Retrieved on Oct 19, 2020) [archive]
Related links[edit]
Internal[edit]
- Halo: Contact Harvest
- Halo Wars: Limited Edition
- Halo Wars Title Updates
- Halowars.com
- List of Halo Wars cinematic cutscenes
External[edit]
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