Halo Wars: Difference between revisions

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

[[Image:HwaIMG-9055-control.jpg|thumb|right|The control scheme in Halo Wars.]]

In '''Halo Wars''', players can command armies of both familiar, and new [[UNSC]] units during its first encounters against the [[Covenant]], a coalition of alien races that threatens to eradicate all of mankind. 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]]''.

Halo Wars can be played online on Xbox Live and through the single-player or co-op campaign. Additionally, up to 6 players can play 3 versus 3 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 for it. It has been confirmed that the [[Covenant]] will be a playable race only in skirmish mode.

Bungie has teamed with Ensemble Studios to confirm that the Halo Wars Limited Edition will include an extra disc with the [[Mythic Map Pack]] on it for Halo 3.

The story will thus begin with the UNSC's early battles on Harvest, but will also feature another colony world, [[Arcadia]], which holds "''something of great interest to the Covenant''". The planet is subsequently invaded by the Covenant, and the UNSC must evacuate the planet while engaging the invasion force. While no Halo Installations will be featured in the campaign, they are likely to be present in some multiplayer maps.<ref>'''Gamepro''', July Edition, pg. 52</ref> The majority of the campaign (15 missions in total)<ref>Xbox World 360 Issue 63 p9</ref> will take place in the polar/mountainous, parts of the jungle, and ruin regions of the world, allowing Ensemble Studios to "''do some great stuff with mountains, snow, ice, forests and some [[Forerunner]] structures''".<ref>http://www.halowars.com/news/articles/archive/2008/02/27/Lance-Hoke-Question-_2600_-Answer.aspx</ref> In addition to striking into new territory, past events not just from the games will be expanded upon.<ref name = "Imagine">[http://www.360magazine.co.uk/games/halo_wars/halo_wars.html Imagine Publishing]. ''Simon Miller''. Accessed on 2008-13-07</ref>

It has been confirmed that the Master Chief will not be making an appearance in the game. There will be a group of SPARTANs that are called [[SPARTAN Group Omega]]. In contrast, the ''Spirit of Fire'' is set to be "full of new characters," such as the AI [[Serina]], Sergeant [[John Forge]], and the ''[[Spirit of Fire]]'''s commander, [[Cutter]].<ref>[http://forums.halo.fr/viewtopic.php?p=315181 Interview-Graeme Devine]</ref> At least some of these characters will go planet side to aid the player. It has also been confirmed that the single player campaign is purely from the UNSC's perspective. Co-op campaign over Xbox Live has been announced too.

*Halo Wars will incorporate the concept of "Socket Bases", in which only specific areas can be used to build specific buildings.<ref>http://www.halowars.com/GameInfo/UNSC.aspx</ref>

*'Supply runs' are set to be featured, allowing a regular rejuvenation of supply for the production of units as opposed to a resource gathering system.<ref>Xbox World 360 Issue 63 P.7</ref>

*It is stated so far that the currency featured in the game will be Energy and Resources. Large vehicles such as the Covenant ''[[Scarab]]'' will be costly.

*It is unknown whether or not the [[Covenant]] [[Yanme'e|Drone]] race will be included for the Covenant. At this time in the Halo Universe, they still filled a minor technical role, rather than a more important combat role.

*In Halo Wars, certain units and powers are only available for certain leaders. The player(s) must choose a leader in multiplayer and skirmish mode.

Aside from CGI cutscenes and on-the-battlefield appearances, characters in Halo Wars often appear in "talking head" animations, where a small view screen appears in the upper left corner showing the face of the character speaking at the moment.

**[[SPARTAN Group Omega]]: SPARTAN-IIs are individual units who are superior to Marines. They begin with dual-wielded [[M7/Caseless Submachine Gun|SMGs]] and can hijack enemy vehicles, so the player can control them. They can also be outfitted with [[AIE-486H Heavy Machine Gun|chainguns]] and [[Spartan Lasers]] as well as AIs which can increase their speed, much like Cortana does for John-117 in ''[[The Fall of Reach|Halo: The Fall of Reach]]'', and help them hijack vehicles faster.  <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 hijacks an enemy vehicle, their rank is added to the vehicle's rank and the captured vehicle's stats are increased. Only three SPARTANs can be deployed at a time. It has been confirmed that their health will regenerate over time; They are outfitted with the MJOLNIR Mk. IV, meaning they should not be capable of supporting AIs or shields, facts which have apparently been overlooked. In Skirmish mode, only 3 spartans may be deployed, but they do not count against maximum population count.

**[[Orbital Drop Shock Troopers]]: An available upgrade for infantry. It can be upgraded at the [[Field Armory]]. <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. Note that ODST squads can still use the rocket launcher ability. They are only available when the player chooses Captain Cutter before the match.

**[[M808 Scorpion MBT]]: The M808 Scorpion is the basic human tank that can be upgraded to the 'Grizzly' variant

**[[Behemoth-class Troop Transport]]<ref name=Forum/> (Elephant): The Elephant, as it is more commonly known, can carry squads into combat and can fulfill the role of a barracks in the field, along with having the ability to be upgraded with a cannon and twin engines to upgrade speed It is [[Captain Cutter|Captain Cutter's]] unique unit.  

**[[Hornet]]<ref name=Forum/>: The Hornet is a light gunship that can carry two passengers to provide support and fire on enemy ground and air targets. The Hornet can also carry "rocket-toting" passengers<ref>OXM January 2009 Article</ref>. If upgraded once ("Wingmates" upgrade)two marines ride on the Hornet for increased damage. A second upgrade ("chaff pods") allows for better avoidance of missile attacks.

**[[Station]]: Provides the basic base of the UNSC with optional 'add on' buildings that can increase its usefulness. May be upgraded to a [[fortress]].

**'''ODST Drop''': Several ODST Pods, individually aimed by the user, are called down at 100 resoureces each. The Pods will spawn a whole ODST squad.<ref>http://e3.g4tv.com/e32008/videos/26921/Hands_On_Halo_Wars.html</ref> Only available in skirmish mode if [[Captain Cutter]] is the selected Hero unit.

**[[Unggoy]] (Grunts): Fight in lances consisting of a Sangheili Minor or Major (or, depending on the player's selected leader, a Brute Minor or Major) and several Grunts. They have the secondary ability to throw plasma grenades. Can be upgraded with needlers, additional members, and a [[Deacon]] to boost combat capabilities. <ref>http://halowars.com/images/cov/covenant_grunt_squad.jpg</ref>

**[[Sangheili]] (Elites): In addition to leading Unggoy lances, several specialties of Elites may be fielded. It is unknown if Elite groups may be purchased in the Covenant faction, but it might be possible as it is shown in a video of the Halo Wars demo.

***[[Unnamed Arbiter|Arbiter]]: An antagonist in the campaign and a leader unit in multiplayer. He might be Cutter's counterpart. His secondary ability is a rage power that drains resources but makes the Arbiter go on a "killing spree."Unknown is Elite Specific<ref>http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rjS8PnT-ESw</ref>

**[[Mgalekgolo]]  (Hunters): Hunters are heavily armored and armed with fuel rod-launching Assault Cannons, like they are in ''Halo: Combat Evolved''. They are the Covenant's primary anti-vehicle infantry. It is unknown if they will be able to melee enemy units in close combat, but it is confirmed they have a charge ability that can knock enemy infantry into the air. When upgraded, they can fire a more powerful beam from their cannons.<ref>http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rjS8PnT-ESw</ref>

**[[Kig-Yar]]  (Jackals): Jackals fight in pairs in Halo Wars and provide decent defense against Marines armed with conventional weapons but little defense against grenades, explosives or vehicles. They are originally armed with carbines and can be positioned in Covenant Watchtowers to provide a higher range of view. They are initially trained without shields but can be upgraded to incorporate personal energy shields and use beam rifles with the shields in the later stages of the Covenant tech tree.