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{{Title|''Halo Wars''}} | {{Title|''Halo Wars''}} | ||
{{Era|RW}} | {{Era|RW}} | ||
{{Game Infobox | {{Game Infobox | ||
|name= ''Halo Wars'' | |name= ''Halo Wars'' | ||
|image= [[File:HaloWarsWithTeen.jpg|250px]] | |image= [[File:HaloWarsWithTeen.jpg|250px]] | ||
|developer= [[Ensemble Studios | |developer= [[Ensemble Studios]] | ||
|publisher= [[Microsoft Game Studios]] | |publisher= [[Microsoft Game Studios]] | ||
|platform= [[Xbox 360]] | |platform= [[Xbox 360]] | ||
|releasedate= '''US''': March 3rd, 2009 <ref>http://kotaku.com/5126557/ces-09-whoops-halo-wars-release-date-still-march-3</ref><br /> | |releasedate= '''US''': March 3rd, 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 /> | ||
'''UK''': February 27th, 2009<ref>http://www.amazon.co.uk/Microsoft-Halo-Wars-Xbox-360/dp/B000NG5AEW/ref=sr_1_24?ie=UTF8&s=videogames&qid=1228803251&sr=8-24</ref> | '''UK''': February 27th, 2009<ref>[http://www.amazon.co.uk/Microsoft-Halo-Wars-Xbox-360/dp/B000NG5AEW/ref=sr_1_24?ie=UTF8&s=videogames&qid=1228803251&sr=8-24 '''Amazon.co.uk''': ''Halo Wars (Xbox 360)'']</ref> | ||
|genre= [[Real-time strategy]] | |genre= [[Real-time strategy]] | ||
|modes= [[Campaign|Campaign Mode]], [[Multiplayer | |modes= [[Campaign|Campaign Mode]], [[Multiplayer]], [[Campaign#Cooperative|Co-op Campaign Mode]], Skirmish | ||
|rating= | |rating=[[Wikipedia:Entertainment Software Ratings Board|ESRB]]: Teen (T) for Mild Blood, Mild Language, and Violence<br> | ||
[[Wikipedia:Pan European Game Information|PEGI]]: 16+ (U.K. only) | |||
}} | }} | ||
{{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]]. Events in game took place in the year [[2531]], 21 years prior to ''[[Halo: Combat Evolved]]'', during the [[Covenant Empire|Covenant]] eradication of the [[Outer Colonies]] in the [[Human-Covenant War]]. The game was developed by [[Ensemble Studios]], and is an Xbox 360 exclusive, like every other ''Halo'' game. Unlike other ''Halo'' games, ''Halo Wars'' is rated "T" for Teen, downgraded from "M" for Mature given to previous installments. In the U.K, the game is a 16+ game, while its predecessor ''Halo 3'' is a 15+ game although this is due to the two games using different rating boards (PEGI is stricter than the BBFC). Downloadable content and support were being developed by [[Robot Entertainment]], a studio founded by ex-Ensemble Studios employees after its 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. | |||
==Plot synopsis== | |||
[[File:Harvest Plasma Glassed.jpg|thumb|left|[[Harvest]], just after the UNSC ''Spirit of Fire'' arrives in the system.]] | |||
{{Quote|At this point in time, the [[Covenant]] is at its most evil. They are hell-bent on the destruction of humanity, on scouring us from the universe.|Graeme Devine, Lead Writer, formerly Lead Developer.}} | |||
During the [[Harvest Campaign]], while Sergeant Forge, an infantryman from Captain Cutter's {{UNSCship|Spirit of Fire}}, is patrolling the northern regions of Harvest, [[Alpha Base (Harvest)|Alpha Base]] is attacked and destroyed by the Covenant, with survivors fleeing to the countryside. After rounding up these survivors, Forge leads them in an assault that removes the Covenant presence and reestablishes Alpha Base, returning it to operational status.<ref>'''Halo Wars''', campaign level ''[[Alpha Base (level)|Alpha Base]]''</ref> Forge then leads an assault on a nearby [[Forerunner]] [[Relic|relic site]] itself, removing the Covenant occupants and preventing the enemy from destroying it to deny human access and securing the site for Anders' examination. Shortly after, a Covenant counterattack cuts them off from Alpha Base.<ref>'''Halo Wars''', campaign level ''[[Relic Approach]]''</ref> [[M850 Main Battle Tank|Grizzly]] tanks launched from the ''Spirit of Fire'' manage to cut through the Covenant, linking up with Forge and his Marines, and escorting them back out through the relic while forces from Alpha Base holds off the Covenant. Information gathered from the Harvest relic shows that the Covenant have been pointed to a second UNSC colony, Arcadia.<ref>'''Halo Wars''', campaign level ''[[Relic Interior]]''</ref> | |||
Upon following the Covenant to Arcadia, the ''Spirit of Fire'' finds that most of the orbital defense ships have been either destroyed or damaged in battle with the Covenant. Sergeant Forge and his forces are deployed on the ground in order to assist the SPARTANs from [[Red Team]] in the effort to evacuate civilians from Arcadia City, via cargo transports.<ref>'''Halo Wars''', campaign level ''[[Arcadia City]]''</ref> Afterward, the UNSC forces withdraw to a defensible area on the city outskirts, holding off Covenant attacks long enough for [[Team Omega|SPARTAN Group Omega]] to arrive and assist in the destruction of local Covenant forces.<ref>'''Halo Wars''', campaign level ''[[Arcadia Outskirts]]''</ref> At the same time, the Covenant have erected a large energy shield generator around a site of importance, with [[Arcadia Forerunner ruins|undiscovered ruins]] surrounding the area, forcing the UNSC to deploy prototype [[M-145D Rhino|Rhino]] plasma artillery to penetrate it.<ref>'''Halo Wars''', campaign level' '[[Dome of Light]]''</ref> Moving in to examine what was of such interest to the Covenant, they come under attack from a Super Scarab, only partially complete and annihilating any UNSC forces in its line of sight. Eventually managing to destroy it, Anders and Forge begin documenting the area, only for the [[Arbiter]] [[Ripa 'Moramee]] to arrive, taking Anders prisoner and wounding Forge, with Red Team arriving too late to assist.<ref>'''Halo Wars''', campaign level ''[[Scarab (level)|Scarab]]''</ref> Rapidly heading out of the system aboard a starship, the ''Spirit of Fire'' follows, eventually emerging in orbit over a [[Shield 0459|mysterious planet]] in an [[Korinth Prior system|unknown location]].<ref>'''[[Halo: The Essential Visual Guide]]''', ''page 180''</ref> | |||
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 the ''Spirit of Fire'' over the lake - which splits to reveal an entrance, and with swarms of [[Aggressor Sentinel]]s emerging to deal with the Flood.<ref>'''Halo Wars''', campaign level ''[[Shield World (level)|Shield World]]''</ref> The ''Spirit of Fire'' manages to enter, proceeding through a docking system, removing Flood growths and moving through a system of concentric rings that filters out Flood biomass.<ref>'''Halo Wars''', campaign level ''[[Cleansing]]''</ref> The ''Spirit of Fire'' then emerges inside a massive [[Shield World]], immediately engaging a [[Unidentified CPV-class heavy destroyer|''CPV''-class heavy destroyer]] and fending off attacks while conducting repairs.<ref>'''Halo Wars''', campaign level ''[[Repairs]]''</ref> | |||
Meanwhile, the Arbiter uses Anders to activate an installation known as [[the Apex]], revealing a fleet of [[Unidentified Forerunner dreadnought class|Forerunner warships]] which the Covenant plans on reverse-engineering and incorporating into their existing naval forces to crush the humans quickly, without needing to dedicate all of their existing forces to the war. Anders manages to escape, using what had been her stasis prison as a [[Slipspace translocation|translocation device]], teleporting to the surface of the Shield World's interior, linking up with Forge and his Marines, who clear the area of Covenant forces and establish a base of operations on the Shield World.<ref>'''Halo Wars''', campaign level ''[[Beachhead (Halo Wars level)|Beachhead]]''</ref> Removing the ''Spirit of Fire'''s [[Shaw-Fujikawa Translight Engine|FTL drive]], the UNSC move it into the Apex, planning to detonate it - the chain-reaction will send the Shield World's sun into a [[supernova]], destroying the installation and the fleet, denying it to the Covenant and saving humanity from near total defeat and extinction. The Arbiter attempts to stop them, but his Sangheili are killed by Red Team, and Forge himself manages to kill the Arbiter with one of his own Energy Swords.<ref>'''Halo Wars''', campaign level ''[[Reactor]]''</ref> Forge stays behind to detonate the reactor, while the rest of the UNSC forces activate a portal out of the Shield World, evacuate to the ''Spirit of Fire'', and manage to slingshot around the sun to build up enough speed to escape the supernova's blast radius and the range of the Shield World's debris.<ref>'''Halo Wars''', campaign level ''[[Escape]]''</ref> | |||
Now unable to return to UNSC space with the speed an FTL drive would have afforded them, the ''Spirit of Fire'''s crew enter [[Cryo-chamber|cryonic storage]]. The ship begins its long journey home, likely to take many years or decades. Here, Forge's cryo-tube is closed by Captain Cutter, who briefly nods, acknowledging the sacrifice of the valiant Marine Sergeant. | |||
The ''Spirit of Fire'', lacking an FTL drive, is left adrift in space. On [[2534|February 10, 2534]], the UNSC declares the vessel "lost with all hands". At the end of the [[Halo Wars credits|credits]], Serina could be heard saying, ''"Captain. Wake up. Something has happened."'' | |||
== | ==Gameplay== | ||
[[File:HWSPARTAN.PNG|thumb|right|A Spartan from [[Team Omega|SPARTAN Group Omega]] sporting an early concept design of the Mark IV armor | [[File:HWSPARTAN.PNG|thumb|right|A Spartan from [[Team Omega|SPARTAN Group Omega]] sporting an early concept design of the Mark IV armor in the ''Halo Wars'' announcement trailer.]] | ||
In | In ''Halo Wars'', players command armies of both old and new UNSC units during its first encounters against the [[Covenant]], a massive collection of alien races that threatens to destroy all of humanity. ''Halo Wars'' will immerse gamers in an early period of the ''Halo'' Universe, allowing them to experience events 21 years prior to ''[[Halo: Combat Evolved]]''. | ||
With the guidance of the [[Artificial intelligence|AI]] [[Serina]], from the UNSC CFV-88 ''Spirit of Fire'', the player leads UNSC soldiers and vehicles against classic Covenant foes | With the guidance of the [[Artificial intelligence|AI]] [[Serina]], from the UNSC CFV-88 ''Spirit of Fire'', the player leads UNSC soldiers and vehicles against classic Covenant foes. Each group has its own strengths and abilities in battle. Strategic-minded players who react well under pressure will emerge victorious over their foes. | ||
''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 Studios|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. | ''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 Studios|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=== | |||
[[Campaign]] consists of fifteen levels which tells the story of ''Halo Wars''. | |||
#[[Alpha Base (level)|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 (level)|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 (level)|The Flood]] - ''"Find Anders and rescue her before it's too late."'' | |||
#[[Shield World (level)|Shield World]] - ''"Spirit of Fire is being drawn against her will in to the belly of a hostile planet. Ground force deployed to the planet's surface will be abandoned if the Spirit of Fire doesn't act quickly…"'' | |||
#[[Cleansing]] - ''"Cleanse the infection forms from Spirit's hull before they penetrate the interior."'' | |||
#[[Repairs]] - ''"Repair Spirit of Fire and drive Covenant forces back."'' | |||
#[[Beachhead (Halo Wars level)|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=== | |||
{{Main|Skirmish}} | |||
[[File:1209090473 Screenshots 1280 003.jpg|thumb|200px|right|[[Covenant]] forces engage humans on the level ''Chasms''.]] | |||
Just like ''[[Halo 2]]'', ''[[Halo 3]]'' and ''[[Halo: Reach]]'', ''Halo Wars'' has strong characteristics of online gaming. ''Halo Wars''' live gaming characteristics include Direct voice communication & Online leader boards. 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 name="xbox360fanboy.com"/> | |||
;;Maps | |||
Multiplayer maps are mostly based on the locations introduced in campaign. There are fourteen maps in the original release, and the number rose to eighteen after the release of downloadable contents. | |||
*[[Beasley's Plateau]] | |||
*[[Blood Gulch (Halo Wars level)|Blood Gulch]] | |||
*[[Chasms]] | |||
*[[Crevice]] | |||
*[[The Docks]] | |||
*[[Exile]] | |||
*[[Frozen Valley]] | |||
*[[Fort Deen (level)|Fort Deen]] | |||
*[[Pirth Outskirts]] | |||
*[[Labyrinth]] | |||
*[[Release (level)|Release]] | |||
*[[Repository]] | |||
*[[Terminal Moraine]] | |||
*[[Tundra]] | |||
'''Historic Battle Map Pack''' | |||
== | The [[Historic Battle DLC|Historic Battle Map Pack]] was released to Xbox LIVE Marketplace on July 21, 2009 and sells for 800 Microsoft Points. Along with 4 new maps, the DLC includes 4 new achievements as well. The maps included in this Map Pack are: | ||
[[ | *[[Barrens]] | ||
*[[Memorial Basin]] | |||
*[[Blood River]] | |||
*[[Glacial Ravine]] | |||
===Game concepts=== | |||
====Technology advancement==== | |||
Throughout the campaign and in Skirmishes, the player must advance their technology in order to increase their army's power. When technology is increased, more units, upgrades, and buildings become available. For instance, infantry units can receive additional members or stronger weaponry. Field Armories or Temples (and the upgrades within them) can become available with increased technology as well. | |||
The tech tree is different for the two playable factions. When playing as the UNSC, the player advances by building and upgrading [[reactor]]s. The Covenant moves through the tech-tree in [[History of the Covenant|Ages]] by purchasing upgrades at the leader temple; players can advance to the [[Ages of Doubt|Age of Doubt]] and the [[Ages of Reclamation|Age of Reclamation]] respectively. Both factions can also advance by capturing [[Forerunner Bonus Reactor]]s . | |||
When a Reactor is built or an Age is researched, or a Forerunner Bonus Reactor is claimed, the tech number on the top right of the screen goes up. Losing a source of tech level in the number goes down. Different buildings, units, and upgrades require higher numbers for use. | |||
# | |||
====Veterancy points==== | |||
Veterancy points increases 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". Some special player units in campaign mode (e.g. ODSTs in the level ''Anders' Signal'') that have a maximum of 5 ''Veterancy Points''. | |||
====Leader abilities==== | |||
Certain characters belonging to both the Covenant and the UNSC have been confirmed to be "leader factions", which are sub-factions with unique units and bonuses. All of the Covenant leaders appear on the battlefield and have unique in-game abilities. The UNSC leaders on the other hand do not appear on the battlefield, unless on certain campaign missions. They instead have economic bonuses and "super units" (upgrades of normal units). Leaders include [[James Gregory Cutter|Captain James Cutter]], [[John Forge|Sergeant John Forge]], [[Ellen Anders|Professor Ellen Anders]], [[Ripa 'Moramee]], an unknown [[Jiralhanae Army Commander]] and the [[Prophet of Regret]]. | |||
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. | |||
{| border = "1" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" | |||
| colspan="6" align="center"| '''UNSC Leaders''' | |||
|- | |||
! Leader !! Economic bonus !! Hero ability !! Unique ability !! Unique unit !! Super unit | |||
|- | |||
! Captain Cutter | |||
| Bases start with one higher level || N/A || MAC Blast/ODST Drop || Elephant || ODST | |||
|- | |||
! Sergeant Forge | |||
| Supply Pads start as Heavy Supply Pads || Warthog Ram/Shogun barrage || Carpet Bomb || Cyclops || Grizzly | |||
|- | |||
! Professor Anders | |||
| Upgrade costs & durations reduced by 50% || Repairs || Cryo Bomb || Germlin || Sparrowhawk | |||
|- | |||
| colspan="6" align="center"| '''Covenant Leaders''' | |||
|- | |||
! Leader !! colspan = "2"|Hero ability !! colspan = "3"|Unique unit | |||
|- | |||
! Arbiter Ripa 'Moramee | |||
| colspan = "2" |Rage || colspan = "3"|Suicidal Grunts | |||
|- | |||
! Brute Army Commander | |||
| colspan = "2" |Vortex || colspan = "3"|Brute/Brute Chopper | |||
|- | |||
! Prophet of Regret | |||
| colspan = "2" |Cleansing Beam ||colspan = "3"|Honor Guard Elites | |||
|} | |||
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Each leader has a number of unique features, for the UNSC it's "super units", economic bonuses, unique units (Cutter's Elephant, Forge's Cyclops and Anders' Gremlin.) and leader powers ([[Orbital Drop Shock Trooper|ODST]] Drop/MAC Blast, Carpet bomb and Cryo bomb, respectively to leaders stated previously) that can be called from the ''Spirit of Fire''. | |||
The Covenant on the other hand have a unique unit (two for the Jiralhanae Commander) and a "hero unit" (their leader) with their leader power attached to the "hero unit". The Prophet of Regret's ability is to glass enemy forces (known as the "Cleansing Beam" in ''Halo Wars''), which causes significant damage to both structures and units, however it also drains resources while active. His unique units are Sangheili [[Honor Guard]]s. Ripa Moramee can go into a rage mode and wield two energy swords and can upgrade to infinitely cloak himself, but at the cost of draining resources for every second these modes are active.<ref>OXM January 2009 article</ref> Ripa Moramee will also have the ability to train [[Unggoy|Suicidal Grunts]]. The Brute Chieftain can use his [[Type-2 Energy Weapon/Hammer|Gravity Hammer]] to create a vortex which sucks in infantry, then the player can press the A button to create a massive explosion. The Brute Chieftain's unique units are a pair of [[Type-25 Grenade Launcher|Brute Shot]] wielding Brutes (which can be upgraded to have jump packs) and the [[Type-25 Rapid Assault Vehicle|Chopper]]. | |||
Although Covenant leaders are limited to one unit at a time, they are some of the strongest units in the entire game and are immune to stun effects. They can also empower surrounding units.<ref name = "Hands On">[http://www.videogamer.com/xbox360/halo_wars/preview-1380.html '''Videogamer''': ''Halo Wars Hands-on Preview'']</ref> | |||
;;UNSC leader powers | |||
*'''[[Transport]]''': Call a Pelican down to transport selected units (maximum of three vehicles and six infantry units) to a selected area of the map. | |||
*'''[[XGBU-302 bomb|Disruption Bomb]]''': A bomb that deactivates any leader powers and prevents others being activated in a short radius during the effect.<ref name="gametrailers.com">[http://www.gametrailers.com/player/41104.html '''Game Trailers''': ''Halo Wars Video Game, TGS 2008: Demonstration (Cam)'']</ref> | |||
*'''[[Heal and Repair]]''': Heals all units and repairs all structures in a selected area.<ref name = "Gamereactor">[http://www.gamereactor.no/grtv/?id=3396&sid=5bb9748a525446234980eb00694fb89a '''Gamereactor TV''': ''TGS08: Halo Wars Gameplay Presentation'']</ref> | |||
*'''[[Magnetic Accelerator Cannon|MAC]] [[Magnetic Accelerator Cannon#Halo Wars|Blast]]''': Calls down a MAC blast from ''Spirit of Fire''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s onboard MAC. Upgrades allow for more shots before the power has to recharge. This power is exclusive to Captain Cutter. | |||
*'''ODST Drop''': ODST pods, individually aimed by the user, are called down at 100 resources each. The pods will spawn a whole ODST squad, which is much faster than training them in a Barracks or via the Elephant. However, if reactors are destroyed or a bonus reactor garrison squad is killed, the player won't be able to to drop more.<ref>[http://e3.g4tv.com/e32008/videos/26921/Hands_On_Halo_Wars.html '''E3.G4TV''': ''Hands On: Halo Wars'']</ref> | |||
*'''[[GBU-1105 bomb|Cryo bomb]]''': The Cryo Bomb freezes any units and buildings, including the player's, within the blast radius. Units are unable to move when frozen, and buildings halt all activity. When frozen, air units have a chance of falling to the ground, shattering instantly. The more the Cryo Bomb is upgraded, the freeze time and the chance to make air units fall increases. This power is exclusive to Professor Anders. Any units that are equipped with shields fare better against the cryo bomb and also have extra time escaping then other ground units. | |||
*'''[[Carpet bombing|Carpet Bomb]]''': Calls in a bomber to wipe out a large area. Effective against mass infantry or ground vehicles. The more times it is upgraded, the stronger and larger the carpet bomb is. This power is exclusive to Sergeant Forge. | |||
--> | |||
====Collectibles==== | |||
;Achievements | |||
{{main|List of Achievements for 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 [[Gamerpoint]]s. | |||
{{Halo Wars Achievements}} | |||
;Skulls | |||
{{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 a 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 disadvantage situation, increase the player's final score. There are still skulls that does 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|Black Boxes}} | |||
Black Boxes are collectibles in the ''Halo Wars'' campaign that when collected, they add new events in the [[Halo Wars Timeline Events|Halo Wars Timeline]]. They look like black boxes with yellow stripes on them and can be picked up by any unit. When the player collects one they can just resign straight away and they will still have it. The timeline covers many of the important events from the games and the novels. There is only one black box on each campaign level in the game. | |||
=== | ====Online Stats==== | ||
As of February 28th, 2010 (or March 1st, 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 5th, 2010, The Halo Wars Leaderboards were reset by popular demand.<ref name="halowars.com"/> | |||
On November 16th, 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 15th, 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 8th, 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==== | |||
''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 name="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 0 tech level 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. | |||
<!-- | |||
====Cut content==== | |||
[[File:Mining.jpg|thumb|A concept of a Covenant mining facility cut from the final game.]] | |||
Six units, the UNSC [[Cougar]], UNSC [[Fox Cannon]], [[Covenant Air Artillery]], Covenant [[Gorgon (cut vehicle)|Gorgon]], the UNSC [[Falcon (deleted aircraft)|Falcon]], and the UNSC Leviathan were under development early in the game along with the ability to actually construct individual buildings. The developers later announced that these units been cut, as they had decided to focus on more recognizable ''Halo'' units and simpler gameplay. | |||
[[File:HwaIMG-9055-control.jpg|thumb|left|The post alpha [[Halo Xbox controls|control scheme]] for ''Halo Wars'' (outdated).]] | |||
Another piece of deleted content is ambient life (i.e. Thorn Beasts, Harvest Whale, etc.) This may have been because the game already has some minor 'pathfinding issues' and the wildlife would have just been an obstacle. | |||
--> | |||
{{clear}} | |||
=== | ==Features== | ||
{{col-begin}} | {{col-begin}} | ||
{{col-2}} | {{col-2}} | ||
===Characters=== | |||
=== | ;;Major Characters (in order of appearance) | ||
*[[ | '''UNSC''' | ||
*[[James Gregory Cutter]] {{1st}} | |||
*[[Serina]] {{1st}} | *[[Serina]] {{1st}} | ||
*[[ | *[[John Forge]] {{1st}} | ||
*[[ | *[[Ellen Anders]] {{1st}} | ||
*[[ | *[[Jerome-092]] {{1st}} | ||
*[[ | *[[Alice-130]] {{1st}} | ||
*[[ | *[[Douglas-042]] {{1st}} | ||
'''Covenant''' | |||
*[[Arbiter]] [[Ripa 'Moramee]] {{1st}} | *[[Arbiter]] [[Ripa 'Moramee]] {{1st}} | ||
*[[Prophet of Regret]] | *[[Prophet of Regret]] | ||
=== | ;;Supporting Characters | ||
'''Human''' | |||
{{ | *[[Preston Cole]] {{mo}} | ||
*[[Adam (civilian)|Adam]] {{1st}} | |||
*[[Papadakis]] {{1st}} | |||
'''Covenant''' | |||
*[[Re'gish Wamik]] {{1st}} | |||
*[[Jiralhanae Army Commander|Unidentified Jiralhanae Army Commander]] {{1st}} | |||
'''Flood''' | |||
*[[Flood infection form|Infection form]] | |||
*[[Flood carrier form|Carrier form]] | |||
*[[Flood combat form|Combat forms]] | |||
**Infected Marine | |||
**Infected Flamethrower | |||
**Infected Elite | |||
**Infected Brute | |||
**Infected Grunt | |||
**Infected Jackal | |||
*[[Flood thrasher form]] {{1st}} | |||
*[[Flood spores|Flood spore clouds]] | |||
*[[Flood swarm]] {{1st}} | |||
*[[Flood bomber form]] {{1st}} | |||
*[[Proto-Gravemind]] | |||
'''Forerunner''' | |||
*[[Unidentified ancilla (Shield 0459)|Unidentified ancilla]] {{1st}} | |||
*[[Sentinel]]s | |||
**[[Aggressor Sentinel]]s | |||
**[[Protector Sentinel]]s {{1st}} | |||
**[[Watcher Sentinel]]s {{1st}} | |||
===Events=== | |||
*[[Harvest Campaign]] | |||
*[[Battle of Arcadia]] {{1st}} | |||
*[[Battle of Shield 0459]] {{1st}} | |||
===Location=== | |||
*[[Epsilon Indi system]] | |||
**[[Harvest]] | |||
***[[Alpha Base (Harvest)|Alpha Base]] {{1st}} | |||
***[[Relic|Forerunner Relic]] {{1st}} | |||
*[[Procyon system]] {{1st}} | |||
**[[Arcadia]] {{1st}} | |||
***[[Mu]] {{1st}} | |||
****[[Abaskun]] {{First mentioned}} | |||
****[[Pirth City]] {{1st}} | |||
***[[Arcadia Forerunner ruins|Forerunner ruins]] {{1st}} | |||
***[[Arcadia ONI facility|Unidentified ONI facility]] {{1st}} | |||
***[[Deep Space Research Array]] {{First mentioned}} | |||
*[[Korinth Prior system]] {{1st}} | |||
**[[Shield 0459]] {{1st}} | |||
***[[The Apex]] {{1st}} | |||
===Organizations=== | |||
*[[Covenant Empire]] | |||
**[[Covenant Army]] | |||
**[[Covenant Navy]] | |||
***''[[Fleet of Glorious Interdiction]]'' | |||
*[[Insurrectionist]] | |||
**[[Unidentified insurrectionist group]] {{1st}} | |||
*[[United Nations Space Command]] | |||
**[[UNSC High Command]] | |||
***[[UNSC Security Council]] | |||
****[[UNSC Navy]] | |||
*****[[Third Fleet]] {{1st}} | |||
******[[Battlegroup D]] {{1st}} | |||
****[[UNSC Marine Corps]] | |||
*****[[Hellbringers]] {{1st}} | |||
*****[[Recon Team Echo]] | |||
*****[[Recon Team India]] | |||
*****[[Tango 14]] {{1st}} | |||
*****[[Tango 33]] {{1st}} | |||
****[[UNSC Special Forces]] | |||
*****[[Orbital Drop Shock Troopers]] | |||
*****[[SPARTAN Program]] | |||
******[[SPARTAN-II Program]] | |||
*******[[Red Team]] | |||
********[[Team Omega|Omega Team]] {{1st}} | |||
===Species=== | |||
*[[Human]] | |||
*[[Huragok]] | |||
*[[Jiralhanae]] | |||
*[[Kig-yar]] | |||
*[[Mgalekgolo]] | |||
*[[Sangheili]] | |||
*[[San 'Shyuum]] | |||
*[[Thorn beast]] {{mo}} | |||
*[[Unggoy]] | |||
===Equipment=== | |||
;;UNSC | |||
*[[MJOLNIR Powered Assault Armor]][[MJOLNIR Powered Assault Armor/Mark IV|/Mark IV]] | |||
*[[Maastricht/Raleigh Ordnance Delivery-Application System]] {{1st}} | |||
*[[UNSC Marine Corps Battle Dress Uniform]] | |||
;;Covenant | |||
*[[Active Camouflage]] | |||
*[[Arbiter body armor]] | |||
*[[Jiralhanae power armor]] | |||
**[[Jump pack]] | |||
*[[Kig-Yar point defense gauntlet]] | |||
*[[Sangheili combat harness]] | |||
**[[Energy shielding]] | |||
*[[Unggoy combat harness]] | |||
**[[Methane tank]] | |||
{{col-2}} | {{col-2}} | ||
===Vehicles=== | |||
;;UNSC | |||
*[[AC-220 Vulture]] {{1st}} | |||
*[[AV-14 Hornet]] | |||
*[[AV-22 Sparrowhawk]] {{1st}} | |||
*[[B-65 Shortsword]] {{1st}} | |||
*[[Dropship 77-Troop Carrier]] | |||
*[[D82-EST Darter]] {{1st}} | |||
*{{Class|Halcyon|light cruiser}} {{mo}} | |||
**{{UNSCship|Pillar of Autumn}} {{mo}} | |||
*[[HRUNTING Mark III (B) Exoskeleton|HRUNTING Mark III [B] Exoskeleton]] {{1st}} | |||
*[[M12 Force Application Vehicle]] | |||
**[[M12 Light Reconnaissance Vehicle]] | |||
**[[M12G1 Light Anti-Armor Vehicle]] | |||
*[[M145D Mobile Artillery Assault Platform]] {{1st}} | |||
*[[M312 Heavy Recovery Vehicle]] {{1st}} | |||
*[[M808B Main Battle Tank]] | |||
*[[M9 Main Anti-Aircraft Tank]] {{1st}} | |||
*{{Class|Phoenix|colony ship}} {{1st}} | |||
**{{UNSCship|Spirit of Fire}} {{1st}} | |||
*[[Pod]] {{1st}} | |||
*[[SP42 Main Battle Tank]] {{1st}} | |||
*[[XRP12 Combat Support Vehicle]] {{1st}} | |||
*{{UNSCship|Armstrong}} {{First mentioned}} | |||
*{{UNSCship|Belfast}} {{First mentioned}} | |||
*{{UNSCship|Texas}} {{First mentioned}} | |||
;;Covenant | |||
*{{Class|CCS|battlecruiser}} {{mo}} | |||
**[[CCS-U321]] {{First mentioned}} | |||
**[[CCS-U624]] {{First mentioned}} | |||
*{{Class|CPV|heavy destroyer}} | |||
**[[Unidentified CPV-class heavy destroyer]] {{1st}} | |||
*[[Type-25 Rapid Assault Vehicle]] | |||
*[[Type-25 Troop Carrier]] | |||
*[[Type-26 Assault Gun Carriage]] | |||
*[[Type-26 Ground Support Aircraft]] | |||
*[[Type-29 Anti-Infantry Stationary Gun]] | |||
*[[Type-29 Close-support Fighter]] {{1st}} | |||
*[[Type-30 Light Excavation/Anti-Fortification Platform]] {{1st}} | |||
*[[Type-32 Rapid Assault Vehicle]] | |||
*[[Type-47 Ultra Heavy Assault Platform]] | |||
;;Forerunner | |||
*[[Unidentified Forerunner dreadnought class]] {{1st}} | |||
===Structures=== | |||
;;UNSC | |||
*[[UNSC Firebase]] {{1st}} | |||
**[[UNSC Supply Pad|Supply Pad]] {{1st}} | |||
**[[UNSC reactor|Reactor]] {{1st}} | |||
**[[UNSC Field Armory|Field Armory]] {{1st}} | |||
**[[UNSC Barracks|Barracks]] {{1st}} | |||
**[[UNSC Airpad|Airpad]] {{1st}} | |||
**[[UNSC Vehicle Depot|Vehicle Depot]] {{1st}} | |||
**[[Base turret]] | |||
;;Covenant | |||
*[[Covenant citadel]] {{1st}} | |||
**[[Covenant warehouse|Warehouse]] {{1st}} | |||
**[[Covenant temple|Temple]] {{1st}} | |||
**[[Covenant shield generator|Shield generator]] {{1st}} | |||
**[[Covenant hall|Hall]] {{1st}} | |||
**[[Factory]] {{1st}} | |||
**[[Summit]] {{1st}} | |||
**[[Covenant automated plasma turret|Plasma Turret]] {{1st}} | |||
*[[Anti-vehicle barrier]] | |||
*[[Deployable lookout tower]] | |||
*[[Mega Turret]] {{1st}} | |||
;;Forerunner | |||
*[[Energy Wall]] | |||
*[[Forerunner Supply Elevator]] {{1st}} | |||
*[[Forerunner Spire of Healing]] {{1st}} | |||
*[[Forerunner Teleporter]] | |||
*[[Forerunner Bonus Reactor]] {{1st}} | |||
*[[Forerunner Lifepod|Forerunner Life Support Pod]] {{1st}} | |||
*[[Forerunner fort]] {{1st}} | |||
*[[Protector Plant]] {{1st}} | |||
*[[Relic (Halo Wars)|Relic]] {{1st}} | |||
*[[Sentinel Shop]] {{1st}} | |||
;;Flood | |||
*[[Flood colony]] {{1st}} | |||
*[[Flood den]] {{1st}} | |||
*[[Flood launcher]] {{1st}} | |||
*[[Flood growth pod]] | |||
*[[Flood Nest]] {{1st}} | |||
*[[Flood root]] {{1st}} | |||
=== | ===Weapons=== | ||
*[[ | ;;UNSC | ||
*[[ | *[[AIE-486H Heavy Machine Gun]] | ||
{{ | *[[A-74 Sylver Vertical Missile Launcher]] {{1st}} | ||
*[[Argent V missile]] | |||
*[[Combat knife]] | |||
*[[GBU-1105 bomb]] {{1st}} | |||
*[[GUA-23/AW/Linkless Feed Autocannons]] {{1st}} | |||
*[[Magnetic Accelerator Cannon]] | |||
*[[MA5B Individual Combat Weapon System]] | |||
*[[M247 General Purpose Machine Gun]] | |||
*[[M247T Medium Machine Gun]] | |||
*[[M301 Grenade Launcher]] {{1st}} | |||
*[[M310 smooth-bore high-velocity cannon]] {{1st}} | |||
*[[M41 Light Anti-Aircraft Gun]] | |||
*[[M41 Surface-to-Surface Rocket Medium Anti-Vehicle/Assault Weapon]] | |||
*[[M6 Grindell/Galilean Nonlinear Rifle]] | |||
*[[M6C Personal Defense Weapon System]] | |||
*[[M6D Personal Defense Weapon System]] | |||
*[[M66 light rail gun]] {{1st}} | |||
*[[M68 Asynchronous Linear-Induction Motor]] | |||
*[[M7/Caseless Submachine Gun]] | |||
*[[M9 High-Explosive Dual-Purpose Grenade]] | |||
*[[M90 Close Assault Weapon System]] | |||
*M98 105mm light rail gun {{1st}} | |||
*[[NA4/Defoliant Projector]] {{1st}} | |||
*[[Sniper Rifle System 99C-S2 Anti-Matériel]] | |||
*[[Unidentified UNSC deck gun]] {{1st}} | |||
*[[XGBU-302 bomb]] {{1st}} | |||
*[[XM510 Multishot Grenade Launcher]] {{1st}} | |||
*[[XM511 Heavy Grenade Launcher]] {{1st}} | |||
*[[Zeus 320mm plasma cannon|''Zeus'' 320mm plasma cannon]] {{1st}} | |||
;;Covenant | |||
*[[ | *[[Assault cannon]] | ||
*[[Class-1 directed energy cannon]] | |||
*[[Class-2 directed energy cannon]] | |||
*[[Energy stave]] | |||
*[[Energy projector]] | |||
*[[Fuel rod cannon]] | |||
*[[Focus cannon]] | |||
*[[Gravity cannon]] | |||
*[[Heavy needle cannon]] {{1st}} | |||
*[[Stasis cannon]] {{1st}} | |||
*[[Plasma mortar]] | |||
*[[Plasma turret]] | |||
*[[Type-1 Antipersonnel grenade]] | |||
*[[Type-1 Energy Weapon/Sword]] | |||
*[[Type-2 Energy Weapon/Hammer]] | |||
*[[Type-25 Directed Energy Pistol]] | |||
*[[Type-25 Directed Energy Rifle]] | |||
*[[Type-25 Grenade Launcher]] | |||
*[[Type-33 Guided Munitions Launcher]] | |||
*[[Type-50 Sniper Rifle System]] | |||
*[[Type-51 Carbine]] | |||
*[[35mm autocannon]] | |||
{{col-end}} | {{col-end}} | ||
== | <!-- | ||
===United Nations Space Command=== | ===Units=== | ||
=== | ====United Nations Space Command==== | ||
<div class="tabcontainer"> | |||
<div class="tabbox"> | |||
<div class="tab">Infantry</div> | |||
[[File:Marines.PNG|right|thumb|140px|[[UNSC Marine Corps|UNSC Marines]].]] | [[File:Marines.PNG|right|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]], [[Flood infection form|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]], [[Flood infection form|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. | ||
*[[Hellbringers]]: Also known as "Flamethrower units", these Marines are specialists equipped with heavier armor and flame-throwers that can be used to torch entire infantry units. They can be upgraded with flash bang grenades, which stun enemies when hit, napalm | *[[Hellbringers]]: Also known as "Flamethrower units", these Marines are specialists equipped with heavier armor and flame-throwers that can be used to torch entire infantry units. They can be upgraded with flash bang grenades, which stun enemies when hit, napalm ammunition, which allows their attacks to burn slightly afterward, and oxide tanks, which also increase damage. They are incapable of attacking air units, obviously because of their shorter hit range. They can run somewhat faster than standard Marines.<ref name = "IGN E3 2008: ''Halo Wars'' Hands-on"/> | ||
*[[UNSC Marine Corps|UNSC Marines]]: Marines are the basic infantry of the UNSC who are armed with [[MA5 Series]] rifles and have the special ability to throw [[M9 High-Explosive Dual-Purpose Grenade|grenades]].<ref name = "CES 09">[http://www.g4tv.com/ces2009/hdvideos/36151/Halo-Wars-CES-09-Cam-Footage.html ''Halo Wars'' CES 09 Cam Footage]. ''G4''. Accessed on 2009-01-20</ref> The squads can be upgraded to replace their [[grenade]]s with [[rocket launcher]]s (called RPGs in-game), making them more effective against vehicles and giving them superior attack power against air units.<ref name = "IGN E3 2008: ''Halo Wars'' Hands-on"/> They usually operate in squads of four but may add another member to their squads via the "[[UNSC Marine Corps/Gameplay#Halo_Wars|New Blood]]" upgrade<ref name = "CES 09"/>, and a [[hospital Corpsman|medic]] via the medic upgrade, adding up to a total of six squad members. However, the medic can only heal existing squad members, and cannot resurrect fallen squad mates. | *[[UNSC Marine Corps|UNSC Marines]]: Marines are the basic infantry of the UNSC who are armed with [[MA5 Series]] rifles and have the special ability to throw [[M9 High-Explosive Dual-Purpose Grenade|grenades]].<ref name = "CES 09">[http://www.g4tv.com/ces2009/hdvideos/36151/Halo-Wars-CES-09-Cam-Footage.html ''Halo Wars'' CES 09 Cam Footage]. ''G4''. Accessed on 2009-01-20</ref> The squads can be upgraded to replace their [[grenade]]s with [[rocket launcher]]s (called RPGs in-game), making them more effective against vehicles and giving them superior attack power against air units.<ref name = "IGN E3 2008: ''Halo Wars'' Hands-on"/> They usually operate in squads of four but may add another member to their squads via the "[[UNSC Marine Corps/Gameplay#Halo_Wars|New Blood]]" upgrade<ref name = "CES 09"/>, and a [[hospital Corpsman|medic]] via the medic upgrade, adding up to a total of six squad members. However, the medic can only heal existing squad members, and cannot resurrect fallen squad mates. | ||
*[[Orbital Drop Shock Trooper]]s: Also known as "Helljumpers", in reference to the heat of the HEV pods they use to descend from orbit, this is an available upgrade for marine squads. It can be upgraded at the [[UNSC Barracks|Barracks]].<ref name = "OXM">January 2009, ''Official Xbox Magazine'', pp 38-43</ref> The upgrades effects allow the player to substitute standard marine squads with ODST teams (armed with M90 shotguns), as well as the HEV drop. The HEV drops can also be used as a weapon similar to the MAC Blast and also like the MAC blast | *[[Orbital Drop Shock Trooper]]s: Also known as "Helljumpers", in reference to the heat of the HEV pods they use to descend from orbit, this is an available upgrade for marine squads. It can be upgraded at the [[UNSC Barracks|Barracks]].<ref name = "OXM">January 2009, ''Official Xbox Magazine'', pp 38-43</ref> The upgrades effects allow the player to substitute standard marine squads with ODST teams (armed with M90 shotguns), as well as the HEV drop. The HEV drops can also be used as a weapon similar to the MAC Blast and also like the MAC blast the ability to drop has to be used in a visible area. To do so, the player must select the HEV drop ability and put them over the area that they wish to drop them in. ODST squads still possess the rocket launcher ability that is previously upgraded for the marine squads. They are only available as the special upgrade for Captain Cutter. Effects include increased line of sight and more hitpoints. | ||
== | </div> | ||
<div class="tabbox"> | |||
<div class="tab">Vehicles</div> | |||
*[[M12 Force Application Vehicle|Warthog]]: Can jump gaps, and has a ramming ability as its special attack. May be upgraded so its passenger has a grenade launcher. Ramming ability is strong enough to destroy a Ghost.<ref name = "CES 09">[http://www.g4tv.com/ces2009/hdvideos/36151/Halo-Wars-CES-09-Cam-Footage.html Halo Wars CES 09 Cam Footage]. ''G4''. Accessed on 2009-01-20</ref> Warthogs can collect resources from crates found on the battlefield. | *[[M12 Force Application Vehicle|Warthog]]: Can jump gaps, and has a ramming ability as its special attack. May be upgraded so its passenger has a grenade launcher. Ramming ability is strong enough to destroy a Ghost.<ref name = "CES 09">[http://www.g4tv.com/ces2009/hdvideos/36151/Halo-Wars-CES-09-Cam-Footage.html Halo Wars CES 09 Cam Footage]. ''G4''. Accessed on 2009-01-20</ref> Warthogs can collect resources from crates found on the battlefield. | ||
**Upgrade 1: The Warthog gains a marine mounted on the [[M41 Light Anti-Aircraft Gun|M41 LAAG]] turret. | **Upgrade 1: The Warthog gains a marine mounted on the [[M41 Light Anti-Aircraft Gun|M41 LAAG]] turret. | ||
| Line 136: | Line 509: | ||
*[[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]]) | ||
== | </div> | ||
<div class="tabbox"> | |||
<div class="tab">Aerial</div> | |||
*[[D77-TC Pelican]]: The Pelican is used via a UNSC ability that is called from the ''Spirit of Fire'' menu. The pickup area is selected, then the drop-off area. The Pelican can transport multiple units at one time. A single Pelican drop can airlift 6 infantry squads and three vehicles. It cannot carry Elephants. If it is destroyed, all units being carried by it are lost as well, except Spartans, who drop to the ground safely. | *[[D77-TC Pelican]]: The Pelican is used via a UNSC ability that is called from the ''Spirit of Fire'' menu. The pickup area is selected, then the drop-off area. The Pelican can transport multiple units at one time. A single Pelican drop can airlift 6 infantry squads and three vehicles. It cannot carry Elephants. If it is destroyed, all units being carried by it are lost as well, except Spartans, who drop to the ground safely. | ||
| Line 150: | Line 525: | ||
*[[D82-EST Darter]] - The Darter is used to deliver supplies, such as munitions and construction equipment, from the ''Spirit of Fire'' to firebases on the ground. | *[[D82-EST Darter]] - The Darter is used to deliver supplies, such as munitions and construction equipment, from the ''Spirit of Fire'' to firebases on the ground. | ||
== | </div> | ||
<div class="tabbox"> | |||
<div class="tab">Buildings</div> | |||
*[[Firebase]]: Provides the basic base of the UNSC with optional "add-on" buildings that can increase its usefulness. May be upgraded to a Station then a Fortress ([[James Gregory Cutter|Captain Cutter]] Can drop in already upgraded Stations and starts with a Fortress). | *[[Firebase]]: Provides the basic base of the UNSC with optional "add-on" buildings that can increase its usefulness. May be upgraded to a Station then a Fortress ([[James Gregory Cutter|Captain Cutter]] Can drop in already upgraded Stations and starts with a Fortress). | ||
**[[UNSC reactor|Reactor]]: The reactor provides power for a UNSC base to run on. Can be upgraded once into an advanced reactor to double energy output. | **[[UNSC reactor|Reactor]]: The reactor provides power for a UNSC base to run on. Can be upgraded once into an advanced reactor to double energy output. | ||
| Line 160: | Line 537: | ||
**[[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]]. | **[[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]]. | ||
===Covenant=== | </div></div> | ||
=== | |||
====Covenant==== | |||
<div class="tabcontainer"> | |||
<div class="tabbox"> | |||
<div class="tab">Infantry</div> | |||
[[File:OMG Duel Energy Swords!.jpg|200px|thumb|right|Concept art for the [[Elite]] grasping two [[type-1 Energy Weapon/Sword|energy swords]].]] | [[File:OMG Duel Energy Swords!.jpg|200px|thumb|right|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> | ||
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**[[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". | ||
== | </div> | ||
*[[Type-47 Ultra Heavy Assault Platform|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 name="gametrailers.com" | <div class="tabbox"> | ||
<div class="tab">Vehicles</div> | |||
*[[Type-47 Ultra Heavy Assault Platform|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 name="gametrailers.com"/> | |||
*[[Type-47 Ultra Heavy Assault Platform#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 Ultra Heavy Assault Platform#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. | ||
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*[[Type-30 Light Excavation/Anti-Fortification Platform|Locust]]: A smaller counterpart to the Covenant [[Type-47 Ultra Heavy Assault Platform|Scarab]] which is described as a 'building killer'. When upgraded with the Overdrive Ability, the Locust is able to drain its shields to inflict extra damage. Another upgrade for the Locust allows its shield to regenerate faster, which can be bolstered by the 'Shield of the Forerunners' upgrade to compound the recharge speed. | *[[Type-30 Light Excavation/Anti-Fortification Platform|Locust]]: A smaller counterpart to the Covenant [[Type-47 Ultra Heavy Assault Platform|Scarab]] which is described as a 'building killer'. When upgraded with the Overdrive Ability, the Locust is able to drain its shields to inflict extra damage. Another upgrade for the Locust allows its shield to regenerate faster, which can be bolstered by the 'Shield of the Forerunners' upgrade to compound the recharge speed. | ||
== | </div> | ||
<div class="tabbox"> | |||
<div class="tab">Aerial</div> | |||
*[[Type-26 Ground Support Aircraft|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 Ground Support Aircraft|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- | *[[Type-25 Troop Carrier|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. | ||
*[[Type-29 Close-support Fighter|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. | *[[Type-29 Close-support Fighter|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. | ||
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*[[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> | ||
== | </div> | ||
<div class="tabbox"> | |||
<div class="tab">Buildings</div> | |||
*[[Covenant citadel|Outpost/Keep/Citadel]]: Provides the basic base of the Covenant with optional 'add on' buildings that can increase its usefulness. Outpost can be upgraded to Keep and then to a Citadel. | *[[Covenant citadel|Outpost/Keep/Citadel]]: Provides the basic base of the Covenant with optional 'add on' buildings that can increase its usefulness. Outpost can be upgraded to Keep and then to a Citadel. | ||
**[[Covenant shield generator|Shield Generator]]: Provides shield protection for the whole Citadel. It is possible to have multiple shield generators, thus improving the Citadel's shielding. | **[[Covenant shield generator|Shield Generator]]: Provides shield protection for the whole Citadel. It is possible to have multiple shield generators, thus improving the Citadel's shielding. | ||
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*[[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> | ||
== | </div> | ||
<div class="tabbox"> | |||
<div class="tab">Ship support</div> | |||
*[[Glassing]]: This appears to be used as a Covenant super weapon. The glassing ship can fire this from orbit to destroy ground positions and units. Can be upgraded for an even more devastating effect. This is named the "[[Energy projector|Cleansing Beam]]" in the game and is the [[Prophet of Regret]]'s leader power. | *[[Glassing]]: This appears to be used as a Covenant super weapon. The glassing ship can fire this from orbit to destroy ground positions and units. Can be upgraded for an even more devastating effect. This is named the "[[Energy projector|Cleansing Beam]]" in the game and is the [[Prophet of Regret]]'s leader power. | ||
*MAC Rounds: These explosive rounds are fired from an orbiting ship onto the target in the designated area | *MAC Rounds: These explosive rounds are fired from an orbiting ship onto the target in the designated area the player chooses. The orbiting ship (''Spirit Of Fire'') can fire MAC rounds to decimate Ground positions and units alike. This can be upgraded to have even more devastating power. In the game this is known as a "MAC Blast" and is Captain Cutter's leader power. | ||
*ODST: The ODST is a super unit only available to Captain Cutter. They are more powerful than normal marines and can be dropped from orbit. For more information on the ODSTs go to one of the previous articles: UNSC, Section: infantry, Unit: orbital drop shock trooper. | *ODST: The ODST is a super unit only available to Captain Cutter. They are more powerful than normal marines and can be dropped from orbit. For more information on the ODSTs go to one of the previous articles: UNSC, Section: infantry, Unit: orbital drop shock trooper. | ||
===Neutral | </div></div> | ||
=== | ====Neutral Units==== | ||
<div class="tabcontainer"> | |||
<div class="tabbox"> | |||
<div class="tab">Rebel</div> | |||
*[[Unidentified insurrectionist group|Insurrectionist Infantry]]: Can be found occupying neutral base sites, and the area around any Forerunner structures and/or garrisonable areas that give bonuses, supply elevators, reactors, etc. They come usually armed with Assault Rifles, and in conjunction may use Rocket Launchers and snipers. | *[[Unidentified insurrectionist group|Insurrectionist Infantry]]: Can be found occupying neutral base sites, and the area around any Forerunner structures and/or garrisonable areas that give bonuses, supply elevators, reactors, etc. They come usually armed with Assault Rifles, and in conjunction may use Rocket Launchers and snipers. | ||
</div> | |||
== | <div class="tabbox"> | ||
<div class="tab">Forerunner</div> | |||
*[[Sentinel]]: Standard Sentinel, fires a standard beam, doing medium damage. Occupies Forerunner Neutral base sites and bonuses. | *[[Sentinel]]: Standard Sentinel, fires a standard beam, doing medium damage. Occupies Forerunner Neutral base sites and bonuses. | ||
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*[[Sentinel Shop]]: Produces Sentinels for the player who stands near it. Only found on the multiplayer levels [[Repository]] and [[Glacial Ravine]]. | *[[Sentinel Shop]]: Produces Sentinels for the player who stands near it. Only found on the multiplayer levels [[Repository]] and [[Glacial Ravine]]. | ||
*[[Forerunner Supply Elevator]]: Produces supplies when infantry are garrisoned inside it. Equivalent to an additional Supply Pad or Warehouse. Means | *[[Forerunner Supply Elevator]]: Produces supplies when infantry are garrisoned inside it. Equivalent to an additional Supply Pad or Warehouse. Means players can build one less Supply Pad/Warehouse. | ||
*[[Forerunner Spire of Healing]]: Heals any friendly units nearby for the player who controls it. Only found on multiplayer levels [[Frozen Valley]] and [[Barrens]]. | *[[Forerunner Spire of Healing]]: Heals any friendly units nearby for the player who controls it. Only found on multiplayer levels [[Frozen Valley]] and [[Barrens]]. | ||
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*[[Forerunner Teleporter]]: Instantly sends units to another teleporter location. In most maps, these are just one way. | *[[Forerunner Teleporter]]: Instantly sends units to another teleporter location. In most maps, these are just one way. | ||
*[[Forerunner Bonus Reactor]]: Increases tech level of any player that controls it. This will mean | *[[Forerunner Bonus Reactor]]: Increases tech level of any player that controls it. This will mean players can have an extra slot on open in a base for other usage. | ||
*[[Forerunner Lifepod|Forerunner Life Support Pod]]: Increases the max population for any player who controls it. Only found on the multiplayer level [[Beasley's Plateau]]. | *[[Forerunner Lifepod|Forerunner Life Support Pod]]: Increases the max population for any player who controls it. Only found on the multiplayer level [[Beasley's Plateau]]. | ||
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*[[Relic (Halo Wars)|Relic]]: Releases Flood upon an enemy when infantry are garrisoned inside it. Only found on the multiplayer level [[Release (level)|Release]]. | *[[Relic (Halo Wars)|Relic]]: Releases Flood upon an enemy when infantry are garrisoned inside it. Only found on the multiplayer level [[Release (level)|Release]]. | ||
</div> | |||
== | <div class="tabbox"> | ||
<div class="tab">The Flood</div> | |||
[[File:Halo Wars Flood.jpg|thumb|left|Flood biomass and tentacles ensnare an [[M312 Heavy Recovery Vehicle|Elephant]], with Flood [[Flood infection form|Infection Forms]] and [[Flood combat form|Combat Forms]] in the background.]] | [[File:Halo Wars Flood.jpg|thumb|left|Flood biomass and tentacles ensnare an [[M312 Heavy Recovery Vehicle|Elephant]], with Flood [[Flood infection form|Infection Forms]] and [[Flood combat form|Combat Forms]] in the background.]] | ||
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In respect to keeping the appearance of the Flood in canon with the rest of the series, the game has the ''[[UNSC Spirit of Fire|Spirit of Fire]]'' traveling back to Earth at speeds slower than light due to the loss of their FTL drive, making it impossible for them to report the Flood's existence. However, this raises further controversy over the presence of the Spartans on board the ''Spirit of Fire'', as well as why the Covenant who encountered the parasite did not report the Flood's discovery either.<ref>[http://blog.ascendantjustice.com/more-weight-page-four/ The Ascendant Justice Archive, "More Weight", page 4.]</ref> | In respect to keeping the appearance of the Flood in canon with the rest of the series, the game has the ''[[UNSC Spirit of Fire|Spirit of Fire]]'' traveling back to Earth at speeds slower than light due to the loss of their FTL drive, making it impossible for them to report the Flood's existence. However, this raises further controversy over the presence of the Spartans on board the ''Spirit of Fire'', as well as why the Covenant who encountered the parasite did not report the Flood's discovery either.<ref>[http://blog.ascendantjustice.com/more-weight-page-four/ The Ascendant Justice Archive, "More Weight", page 4.]</ref> | ||
;;Ground forms | |||
*[[Flood infection form|Infection Forms]] have the ability to crawl over walls, increasing its potent abilities, and is able to reach ground no other forces can reach. When any infantry units encounters Infection forms, they are usually attacked and infected. This applies to all combat infantry units(except hero units such as [[John Forge]]) in the game, including both Grunts and Jackals, turning them into Combat Forms and making use of their weapons. | *[[Flood infection form|Infection Forms]] have the ability to crawl over walls, increasing its potent abilities, and is able to reach ground no other forces can reach. When any infantry units encounters Infection forms, they are usually attacked and infected. This applies to all combat infantry units(except hero units such as [[John Forge]]) in the game, including both Grunts and Jackals, turning them into Combat Forms and making use of their weapons. | ||
*[[Flood combat form|Combat Forms]]: The standard fighting force of the [[The Flood|Flood]]. There are six additional types of Combat Forms: Marine, Flamethrower, Elite, Brute, Jackal and Grunt forms in-game. Note when the infected units turn into the corresponding combat form, that unit's rank (if any) also goes with the combat form, making it more deadly. | *[[Flood combat form|Combat Forms]]: The standard fighting force of the [[The Flood|Flood]]. There are six additional types of Combat Forms: Marine, Flamethrower, Elite, Brute, Jackal and Grunt forms in-game. Note when the infected units turn into the corresponding combat form, that unit's rank (if any) also goes with the combat form, making it more deadly. | ||
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*[[Flood spores|Flood spore]] clouds: A green mist that if units are in for too long, they are killed and infected. It should be noted that these can not be killed except on occasion by [[hellbringers|flamethrower marines]] and will decimate infantry ground forces in seconds due to their superior speed in comparison to UNSC ground units. It is also advisable to keep vehicles separate from ground infantry as the infected troop will often destroy the vehicles as they transform. | *[[Flood spores|Flood spore]] clouds: A green mist that if units are in for too long, they are killed and infected. It should be noted that these can not be killed except on occasion by [[hellbringers|flamethrower marines]] and will decimate infantry ground forces in seconds due to their superior speed in comparison to UNSC ground units. It is also advisable to keep vehicles separate from ground infantry as the infected troop will often destroy the vehicles as they transform. | ||
;;Air forms | |||
*[[Flood swarm|Flood Swarms]]: The first-ever-seen flying incarnation of the Flood, described by developers as "infected buzzards crossed with evil bats". These creatures travel in large airborne packs, and can emit dart-like projectiles to puncture enemies. | *[[Flood swarm|Flood Swarms]]: The first-ever-seen flying incarnation of the Flood, described by developers as "infected buzzards crossed with evil bats". These creatures travel in large airborne packs, and can emit dart-like projectiles to puncture enemies. | ||
*[[Flood bomber form|Flood Bomber Forms]]: Large, bloated, airborne Flood forms. They attack by dropping [[Flood growth pod|Flood Growth Pods]] full of [[Flood infection form|Infection Forms]] onto enemies. | *[[Flood bomber form|Flood Bomber Forms]]: Large, bloated, airborne Flood forms. They attack by dropping [[Flood growth pod|Flood Growth Pods]] full of [[Flood infection form|Infection Forms]] onto enemies. | ||
;;Building 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 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> | ||
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*Flood Vent: Large vents covered in Flood biomass which create [[Flood bomber form|Flood Bomber Forms]]. | *Flood Vent: Large vents covered in Flood biomass which create [[Flood bomber form|Flood Bomber Forms]]. | ||
=== | </div> | ||
<div class="tabbox"> | |||
<div class="tab">Arcadia civilians</div> | |||
====Arcadia civilians==== | |||
Civilians are only encountered on Mission 4: Arcadia City, where the Spirit of Fire and Spartan Red Team helps them board Cargo ships for evacuation from the city. They function as normal infantry units, with five people per "squad" and a health bar that can be healed from a Repair Beam. They have no offensive capabilities at all. | Civilians are only encountered on Mission 4: Arcadia City, where the Spirit of Fire and Spartan Red Team helps them board Cargo ships for evacuation from the city. They function as normal infantry units, with five people per "squad" and a health bar that can be healed from a Repair Beam. They have no offensive capabilities at all. | ||
Arcadian Police: They come armed with M6D pistols, but do little damage and are easily killed. | Arcadian Police: They come armed with M6D pistols, but do little damage and are easily killed. | ||
;;Known civilians;; | |||
*'''[[Adam (civilian)|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 | *'''[[Adam (civilian)|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 activate 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 | *'''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 | |||
[[File:ThornBeastHW.png|thumb|right|180px|[[Thorn Beast]] seen in the middle of a battle.]] | [[File:ThornBeastHW.png|thumb|right|180px|[[Thorn Beast]] seen in the middle of a battle.]] | ||
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These creatures have been cut from the game, as the only ambient life visible on any campaign or multiplayer maps are birds who do not visibly react to actions taken by the player. | These creatures have been cut from the game, as the only ambient life visible on any campaign or multiplayer maps are birds who do not visibly react to actions taken by the player. | ||
</div></div> | |||
--> | |||
== | ==Development== | ||
===Video=== | |||
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" (Intro and Conclusion sequences) which were rendered in-game using the game engine. | |||
=== | ===Audio=== | ||
{{main|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.<ref>[http://www.halowars.com/news/articles/archive/2008/03/27/Halo-Wars-Monthly-Update-03.27.08.aspx '''Official Halo Wars Community Site''': ''Halo Wars Monthly Update 03/27/08'']</ref><ref>[http://forums.halo.fr/viewtopic.php?p=315181 Interview-Graeme Divine].</ref><ref name="xbox360fanboy.com">[http://www.xbox360fanboy.com/2008/04/18/halo-wars-alpha-spotted-on-xbox-live/ '''Joystiq''': ''Halo Wars Alpha Spotted on Xbox Live''] </ref> | |||
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.<ref>[http://www.halowars.com/news/articles/archive/2008/12/12/_2200_Over-and-Out_2200_.aspx '''Official Halo Wars Community Site''': ''Over and Out'']</ref> 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'' [[Spirit of Fire (music)|main theme]] and various trailers for the game.<ref>[http://www.amazon.com/Halo-Wars-O-S-T-Stephen-Rippy/dp/B001OB3R1I '''Amazon''': ''Halo Wars / Game O.S.T.'']</ref> It was also put up for retail as a digital download over iTunes and Sumthing Digital.<ref>[http://itunes.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewAlbum?id=303159741&s=143441 '''iTunes - Music''': ''Halo Wars (Original Soundtrack)'']</ref><ref>[https://www.sumthingdigital.com/AlbumDetails.aspx?albumid=4074 '''Sumthing Digital''': ''Halo Wars Original Soundtrack'']</ref> 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.<ref>[http://www.originalsoundversion.com/?p=2028#more-2028 '''Original Sound Version''': ''Under a Dark Halo: The Brooding Sounds of the Halo Wars Original Soundtrack (Review)'']</ref> | |||
The music for Halo Wars was composed by [[Ensemble Studios]] in-house composer | |||
==Marketing promotions and release== | ==Marketing promotions and release== | ||
===Alpha test=== | ===Alpha test=== | ||
[[File:1211353155 Halowarsalpha.jpg|thumb|right|A screenshot taken of an Alpha playtester.]] | [[File:1211353155 Halowarsalpha.jpg|thumb|right|A screenshot taken of an Alpha playtester.]] | ||
An Alpha test was done for ''Halo Wars''<ref name="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. | An Alpha test was done for ''Halo Wars''<ref name="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 | 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 name="halowars.com"/> This actually isn't an element of the game, but in fact a "balance issue". | ||
===Demo=== | ===Demo=== | ||
{{Main|Halo Wars Demo}} | {{Main|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. | 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.<ref>[http://www.shacknews.com/onearticle.x/57233 '''Shack News''': ''Halo Wars Demo Downloaded Over 2 Million Times, Sets New Record'']</ref> | |||
===Trailers=== | ===Trailers=== | ||
====E3 2008 | ====E3 2008==== | ||
{{main|Five Long Years Cinematic}} | {{main|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 [http://download.microsoft.com/download/2/9/5/29513e72-9c85-43e2-968b-bd94a7b694e3/Halo_Wars_ratedNYR_360p30_ST_1500kbps.wmv here]. | ''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 [http://download.microsoft.com/download/2/9/5/29513e72-9c85-43e2-968b-bd94a7b694e3/Halo_Wars_ratedNYR_360p30_ST_1500kbps.wmv 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.<ref>[http://xbox360.ign.com/dor/objects/857436/halo-wars/videos/3halowars_beatingmission_100908.html '''IGN - Xbox 360''': ''Halo Wars Video — TGS 2008: Beating Mission (Off-Screen Demo)'']</ref> | |||
====Field Trip To Harvest==== | ====Field Trip To Harvest==== | ||
''Field Trip To Harvest'' is a cinematic preview 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 | ''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==== | ====The Call To Battle==== | ||
The Call to Battle is a collection of already known cinematics, but it also shows some campaign maps. | 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 the final game. | ||
====Unknown Trailer Video==== | ====Unknown Trailer Video==== | ||
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 | 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 [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2VyXONo-50E here]. | ||
====ViDoc: Halo Times Ten==== | ====ViDoc: Halo Times Ten==== | ||
| Line 442: | Line 766: | ||
====ViDoc: Strategy on Xbox==== | ====ViDoc: Strategy on Xbox==== | ||
{{Main|Halo Wars ViDoc: Strategy on Xbox}} | {{Main|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 | 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==== | ====ViDoc: Jaws of Victory==== | ||
| Line 450: | Line 774: | ||
===Merchandise and Promotions=== | ===Merchandise and Promotions=== | ||
{{Halo Wars Versions}} | {{Halo Wars Versions}} | ||
''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 | ''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 [[Wikipedia:GameStop|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 | A special in-game "Fireball Warthog" unit is only available to customers who pre-ordered ''Halo Wars''. | ||
{{clear}} | {{clear}} | ||
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|content=<videoflash type="vimeo">24789949|300|170</videoflash> | |content=<videoflash type="vimeo">24789949|300|170</videoflash> | ||
}} | }} | ||
* | *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. | ||
*''Halo Wars'' didn't start as a ''Halo'' game at all. Six months were spent developing a control scheme for a viable RTS for the Xbox 360, which was later pitched to Microsoft, asking to use the ''Halo'' IP, to which Microsoft agreed.<ref>'''Xbox 360: Australia's ''100% Game Magazine''''', ''"Issue 28"'', ''page ''28-29''</ref> | |||
*''Halo Wars'' didn't start as a ''Halo'' game at all. Six months were spent developing a control scheme for a viable RTS for the Xbox 360, which was later pitched to Microsoft, asking to use the ''Halo'' IP, to which Microsoft agreed.<ref>Xbox 360: Australia's ''100% Game Magazine'' | |||
*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> | |||
*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> Unfortunately, it is not known who won the contest or which character they play. | |||
*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. | |||
==Gallery== | ==Gallery== | ||
| Line 485: | Line 803: | ||
File:give-them-war-halo-wars-poster.jpg|Promotional poster for ''Halo Wars''. | File:give-them-war-halo-wars-poster.jpg|Promotional poster for ''Halo Wars''. | ||
File:Mark_ivPoster.jpg|Promotional poster for ''Halo Wars''. | File:Mark_ivPoster.jpg|Promotional poster for ''Halo Wars''. | ||
File:1206800790 Halowars.jpg|A Sangheili inspecting a dead Marine in the announcement trailer. | |||
</gallery> | </gallery> | ||
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<gallery> | <gallery> | ||
File:HarvestT-1-.jpg|An early cutscene from ''Halo Wars''. | File:HarvestT-1-.jpg|An early cutscene from ''Halo Wars''. | ||
File:Wolveriney.jpg | File:Wolveriney.jpg | ||
File:HWscreen.jpeg | File:HWscreen.jpeg | ||
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==Related Pages== | ==Related Pages== | ||
===Internal=== | ===Internal=== | ||
*[[Halo: Contact Harvest]] | *[[Halo: Contact Harvest]] | ||
*[[Halo Wars: Limited Edition]] | *[[Halo Wars: Limited Edition]] | ||
*[[Halo Wars Title Updates]] | *[[Halo Wars Title Updates]] | ||
*[[Halowars.com]] | *[[Halowars.com]] | ||
*[[List of Halo Wars cinematic cutscenes | *[[List of Halo Wars cinematic cutscenes]] | ||
==External== | ==External== | ||
Revision as of 00:13, May 2, 2012
- "The Halo RTS has arrived."
- — Halo Waypoint[1]
Halo Wars is the first real-time strategy game in the Halo franchise. Events in game took place in the year 2531, 21 years prior to Halo: Combat Evolved, during the Covenant eradication of the Outer Colonies in the Human-Covenant War. The game was developed by Ensemble Studios, and is an Xbox 360 exclusive, like every other Halo game. Unlike other Halo games, Halo Wars is rated "T" for Teen, downgraded from "M" for Mature given to previous installments. In the U.K, the game is a 16+ game, while its predecessor Halo 3 is a 15+ game although this is due to the two games using different rating boards (PEGI is stricter than the BBFC). Downloadable content and support were being developed by Robot Entertainment, a studio founded by ex-Ensemble Studios employees after its 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.
Plot synopsis
Harvest, just after the UNSC Spirit of Fire arrives in the system.
- "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 Harvest Campaign, while Sergeant Forge, an infantryman from Captain Cutter's Template:UNSCship, is patrolling the northern regions of Harvest, Alpha Base is attacked and destroyed by the Covenant, with survivors fleeing to the countryside. After rounding up these survivors, Forge leads them in an assault that removes the Covenant presence and reestablishes Alpha Base, returning it to operational status.[2] 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 Anders' examination. Shortly after, a Covenant counterattack cuts them off from Alpha Base.[3] Grizzly tanks launched from the Spirit of Fire manage to cut through the Covenant, linking up with Forge and his Marines, and escorting them back out through the relic while forces from Alpha Base holds off the Covenant. Information gathered from the Harvest relic shows that the Covenant have been pointed to a second UNSC colony, Arcadia.[4]
Upon following the Covenant to Arcadia, the Spirit of Fire finds that most of the orbital defense ships have been either destroyed or damaged in battle with the Covenant. Sergeant Forge and his forces are deployed on the ground in order to assist the SPARTANs from Red Team in the effort to evacuate civilians from Arcadia City, via cargo transports.[5] Afterward, the UNSC forces withdraw to a defensible area on the city outskirts, holding off Covenant attacks long enough for SPARTAN Group Omega to arrive and assist in the destruction of local Covenant forces.[6] 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.[7] Moving in to examine what was of such interest to the Covenant, they come under attack from a Super Scarab, only partially complete and annihilating any UNSC forces in its line of sight. Eventually managing to destroy it, Anders and Forge begin documenting the area, only for the Arbiter Ripa 'Moramee to arrive, taking Anders prisoner and wounding Forge, with Red Team arriving too late to assist.[8] Rapidly heading out of the system aboard a starship, the Spirit of Fire follows, eventually emerging in orbit over a mysterious planet in an unknown location.[9]
Deploying ground forces to search for Anders, the UNSC and Covenant forces come under attack from a previously undiscovered alien organism - the Flood.[10] Managing to regroup and hold a defensible location, the UNSC forces manage to locate the source of the signal - an apparent body of water.[11] The UNSC forces withdraw back to the Spirit of Fire as a concentrated Flood force begins to gather momentum, narrowly escaping annihilation, regrouping at the Spirit of Fire over the lake - which splits to reveal an entrance, and with swarms of Aggressor Sentinels emerging to deal with the Flood.[12] The Spirit of Fire manages to enter, proceeding through a docking system, removing Flood growths and moving through a system of concentric rings that filters out Flood biomass.[13] The Spirit of Fire then emerges inside a massive Shield World, immediately engaging a CPV-class heavy destroyer and fending off attacks while conducting repairs.[14]
Meanwhile, the Arbiter uses Anders to activate an installation known as the Apex, revealing a fleet of Forerunner warships which the Covenant plans on reverse-engineering and incorporating into their existing naval forces to crush the humans quickly, without needing to dedicate all of their existing forces to the war. Anders manages to escape, using what had been her stasis prison as a translocation device, teleporting to the surface of the Shield World's interior, linking up with Forge and his Marines, who clear the area of Covenant forces and establish a base of operations on the Shield World.[15] 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 Sangheili are killed by Red Team, and Forge himself manages to kill the Arbiter with one of his own Energy Swords.[16] Forge stays behind to detonate the reactor, while the rest of the UNSC forces activate a portal out of the Shield World, evacuate to the Spirit of Fire, and manage to slingshot around the sun to build up enough speed to escape the supernova's blast radius and the range of the Shield World's debris.[17]
Now unable to return to UNSC space with the speed an FTL drive would have afforded them, the Spirit of Fire's crew enter cryonic storage. The ship begins its long journey home, likely to take many years or decades. Here, Forge's cryo-tube is closed by Captain Cutter, who briefly nods, acknowledging the sacrifice of the valiant Marine Sergeant.
The 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 could be heard saying, "Captain. Wake up. Something has happened."
Gameplay
A Spartan from 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.
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
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 in to the belly of a hostile planet. Ground force deployed to the planet's surface will be abandoned if the Spirit of Fire doesn't act quickly…"
- Cleansing - "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
- Main article: Skirmish
File:1209090473 Screenshots 1280 003.jpg
Covenant forces engage humans on the level Chasms.
Just like Halo 2, Halo 3 and Halo: Reach, Halo Wars has strong characteristics of online gaming. Halo Wars' live gaming characteristics include Direct voice communication & Online leader boards. 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.[18]
- 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
Technology advancement
Throughout the campaign and in Skirmishes, the player must advance their technology in order to increase their army's power. When technology is increased, more units, upgrades, and buildings become available. For instance, infantry units can receive additional members or stronger weaponry. Field Armories or Temples (and the upgrades within them) can become available with increased technology as well.
The tech tree is different for the two playable factions. When playing as the UNSC, the player advances by building and upgrading 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 Bonus Reactors .
When a Reactor is built or an Age is researched, or a Forerunner Bonus Reactor is claimed, the tech number on the top right of the screen goes up. Losing a source of tech level in the number goes down. Different buildings, units, and upgrades require higher numbers for use.
Veterancy points
Veterancy points increases 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". Some special player units in campaign mode (e.g. ODSTs in the level Anders' Signal) that have a maximum of 5 Veterancy Points.
Leader abilities
Certain characters belonging to both the Covenant and the UNSC have been confirmed to be "leader factions", which are sub-factions with unique units and bonuses. All of the Covenant leaders appear on the battlefield and have unique in-game abilities. The UNSC leaders on the other hand do not appear on the battlefield, unless on certain campaign missions. They instead have economic bonuses and "super units" (upgrades of normal units). Leaders include Captain James Cutter, Sergeant John Forge, Professor Ellen Anders, Ripa 'Moramee, an unknown Jiralhanae Army Commander 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 one higher level | N/A | MAC Blast/ODST Drop | Elephant | ODST |
| Sergeant Forge | Supply Pads start as Heavy Supply Pads | Warthog Ram/Shogun barrage | Carpet Bomb | Cyclops | Grizzly |
| Professor Anders | Upgrade costs & durations reduced by 50% | Repairs | Cryo Bomb | Germlin | 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
- Achievements
- Main article: List of Achievements for 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 Gamerpoints.
| |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
- 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 a 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 disadvantage situation, increase the player's final score. There are still skulls that does 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
As of February 28th, 2010 (or March 1st, 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.[19]
On November 5th, 2010, The Halo Wars Leaderboards were reset by popular demand.[19]
On November 16th, 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 15th, 2010.[20] However, on December 8th, 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."[21] The Halo Wars forums have been merged with Waypoint's forums and since then, Title Updates 5 and 6 have been released. [22]
Gametypes
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.[19] 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 0 tech level 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.
Features
Development
Video
All the cutscenes were pre-rendered CGI sequences created by Blur Studio.[23] This does not include the "vignettes" (Intro and Conclusion sequences) which were rendered in-game using the game engine.
Audio
- 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.[24][25][18]
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.[26] 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.[27] It was also put up for retail as a digital download over iTunes and Sumthing Digital.[28][29] 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.[30]
Marketing promotions and release
Alpha test
An Alpha test was done for Halo Wars[18], 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.[19] This actually isn't an element of the game, but in fact a "balance issue".
Demo
- 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.[31]
Trailers
E3 2008
- 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.[32]
Field Trip To Harvest
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
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 the final game.
Unknown Trailer Video
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.
ViDoc: Halo Times Ten
- 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 planned for February the 5th.
ViDoc: Expanding The Arsenal
- 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
- 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
- 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
| 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.
Trivia
- 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.
- Halo Wars didn't start as a Halo game at all. Six months were spent developing a control scheme for a viable RTS for the Xbox 360, which was later pitched to Microsoft, asking to use the Halo IP, to which Microsoft agreed.[33]
- 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.[34]
- The Doritos snack food held a sweepstakes where the winner got a voice role in the game.[35] Unfortunately, it is not known who won the contest or which character they play.
- 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.
Gallery
Logos
Title art.
Promotional images
Promotional poster.
Promotional poster for Halo Wars.
Promotional poster for Halo Wars.
A Sangheili inspecting a dead Marine in the announcement trailer.
Concept art
- Screenshot 6 preview.jpg
Concept art of an intense battle to claim a Forerunner structure.
- Cov jackalfinal.jpg
Concept art of the Kig-yar.
- HaloWarsConceptart8.jpg
Concept art with a SPARTAN-II and a marine overlooking a UNSC base with a Library-like structure in the background.
- Hw heretics.jpg
Concept art of recruitable Sangheili heretics.
Screenshots
- HarvestT-1-.jpg
An early cutscene from Halo Wars.
- Wolveriney.jpg
- HWscreen.jpeg
A Scarab wiping out UNSC infantry along with two Wraiths.
Sources
- ^ Halo Waypoint: Halo Wars
- ^ 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
- ^ 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)
- ^ Xbox 360: Australia's 100% Game Magazine, "Issue 28", page 28-29
- ^ Official Halo Wars Community Site: On an Asteroid far far Away...
- ^ Official Xbox Magazine, "Issue 74", page 32
Related Pages
Internal
- Halo: Contact Harvest
- Halo Wars: Limited Edition
- Halo Wars Title Updates
- Halowars.com
- List of Halo Wars cinematic cutscenes
