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User:JackVibe/Drafts/4: Difference between revisions

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====Leader abilities====
====Leader abilities====
Certain characters belonging to both the Covenant and the UNSC have been confirmed to be "leader factions", which are sub-factions with unique units and bonuses. All of the Covenant leaders appear on the battlefield and have unique in-game abilities. The UNSC leaders on the other hand do not appear on the battlefield, unless on certain campaign missions. They instead have economic bonuses and "super units" (upgrades of normal units). Currently known leaders are [[James Gregory Cutter|Captain James Cutter]], [[John Forge|Sergeant John Forge]], [[Ellen Anders|Professor Ellen Anders]], [[Ripa 'Moramee]], an unknown [[Jiralhanae Army Commander]] and the [[Prophet of Regret]]. Each leader has a number of unique features, for the UNSC it's "super units", economic bonuses, unique units (Cutter's Elephant, Forge's Cyclops and Anders' Gremlin.) and leader powers ([[Orbital Drop Shock Trooper|ODST]] Drop/MAC Blast, Carpet bomb and Cryo bomb, respectively to leaders stated previously) that can be called from the ''Spirit of Fire''. The Covenant on the other hand have a unique unit (two for the Jiralhanae Commander) and a "hero unit" (their leader) with their leader power attached to the "hero unit". The Prophet of Regret's ability is to glass enemy forces (known as the "Cleansing Beam" in ''Halo Wars''), which causes significant damage to both structures and units, however it also drains resources while active. His unique units are Sangheili [[Honor Guard]]s. Ripa Moramee can go into a rage mode and wield two energy swords and can upgrade to infinitely cloak himself, but at the cost of draining resources for every second these modes are active.<ref>OXM January 2009 article</ref> Ripa Moramee will also have the ability to train [[Unggoy|Suicidal Grunts]]. The Brute Chieftain can use his [[Type-2 Energy Weapon/Hammer|Gravity Hammer]] to create a vortex which sucks in infantry, then the player can press the A button to create a massive explosion. The Brute Chieftain's unique units are a pair of [[Type-25 Grenade Launcher|Brute Shot]] wielding Brutes (which can be upgraded to have jump packs) and the [[Type-25 Rapid Assault Vehicle|Chopper]].
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
| 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
|}
 
<!--
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>
Although Covenant leaders are limited to one unit at a time, they are some of the strongest units in the entire game and are immune to stun effects. They can also empower surrounding units.<ref name = "Hands On">[http://www.videogamer.com/xbox360/halo_wars/preview-1380.html '''Videogamer''': ''Halo Wars Hands-on Preview'']</ref>
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*'''[[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.
*'''[[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====
====Collectibles====
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''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.
''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, the player capture the flag from their opponent and bring it back to their base. In '''Tug of War''' mode, the objective is who can field and maintain the strongest army who wins. In '''Reinforcements''' mode, the player needs to adapt their tactics as they are granted waves of troops, much like an endurance battle.
In '''Standard''' mode, players start off with 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.
 
It is also known that winning a Skirmish match on every playable map with all the different [[Hero Units|leaders]] is required to achieve the "[[Playin' The Field]]" and the "[[Gallivant Around The Galaxy]]" achievements.


<!--
====Cut content====
====Cut content====
[[File:Mining.jpg|thumb|A concept of a Covenant mining facility cut from the final game.]]
[[File:Mining.jpg|thumb|A concept of a Covenant mining facility cut from the final game.]]
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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.
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).]]
[[File:HwaIMG-9055-control.jpg|thumb|left|The post alpha [[Halo Xbox controls|control scheme]] for ''Halo Wars'' (outdated).]]
Before Ensemble conceived the idea for [[The Apex]], the storyline was supposed to feature a Covenant mining asteroid that was located at a [[Forerunner]] ore refining mechanism. This concept tries to show the scale of the large Forerunner machinery in place with machines that are still operational, although now controlled by the Covenant. In the end the mining aspect of the story was removed from the game.<ref>[http://www.halowars.com/default.aspx ''Halo Wars'' Update: On an Asteroid Far, far away...]</ref>


Another piece of deleted content is ambient life (i.e. Thorn Beasts, Harvest Whale, etc.) This may have been because the game already has some minor 'pathfinding issues' and the wildlife would have just been an obstacle.
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}}
{{clear}}
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*[[Prophet of Regret]]
*[[Prophet of Regret]]


;;Minor Characters
;;Supporting Characters
'''Human'''
'''Human'''
*[[Preston Cole]] {{mo}}
*[[Preston Cole]] {{mo}}
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'''Covenant'''
'''Covenant'''
*[[Re'gish Wamik]] {{1st}}
*[[Re'gish Wamik]] {{1st}}
*[[Jiralhanae Army Commander|Unnamed Jiralhanae Army Commander]] {{1st}}
*[[Jiralhanae Army Commander|Unidentified Jiralhanae Army Commander]] {{1st}}


'''Flood'''
'''Flood'''
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****[[Pirth City]] {{1st}}
****[[Pirth City]] {{1st}}
***[[Arcadia Forerunner ruins|Forerunner ruins]] {{1st}}
***[[Arcadia Forerunner ruins|Forerunner ruins]] {{1st}}
***[[Arcadia ONI facility]] {{1st}}
***[[Arcadia ONI facility|Unidentified ONI facility]] {{1st}}
***[[Deep Space Research Array]] {{First mentioned}}
***[[Deep Space Research Array]] {{First mentioned}}
*[[Korinth Prior system]] {{1st}}
*[[Korinth Prior system]] {{1st}}
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*****[[Tango 14]] {{1st}}
*****[[Tango 14]] {{1st}}
*****[[Tango 33]] {{1st}}
*****[[Tango 33]] {{1st}}
****[[UNSC Special Forces|Naval Special Warfare Command]]
****[[UNSC Special Forces]]
*****[[Orbital Drop Shock Troopers]]
*****[[Orbital Drop Shock Troopers]]
*****[[SPARTAN Program]]
*****[[SPARTAN Program]]
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===Equipment===
===Equipment===
;;UNSC
;;UNSC
*[[MJOLNIR Powered Assault Armor/Mark IV]]
*[[MJOLNIR Powered Assault Armor]][[MJOLNIR Powered Assault Armor/Mark IV|/Mark IV]]
*[[Maastricht/Raleigh Ordnance Delivery-Application System]]
*[[Maastricht/Raleigh Ordnance Delivery-Application System]] {{1st}}
*[[UNSC Marine Corps Battle Dress Uniform]]
*[[UNSC Marine Corps Battle Dress Uniform]]


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*[[Type-32 Rapid Assault Vehicle]]
*[[Type-32 Rapid Assault Vehicle]]
*[[Type-47 Ultra Heavy Assault Platform]]
*[[Type-47 Ultra Heavy Assault Platform]]
;;Forerunner
*[[Unidentified Forerunner dreadnought class]] {{1st}}


===Structures===
===Structures===
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*[[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&nbsp; 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.
*[[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>
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==Development==
==Development==
===Video===
===Video===
All the cutscenes were pre-rendered CGI sequences created by [[Blur Studio]]s.<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.
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===
===Audio===
{{main|Halo Wars: Original Soundtrack}}
{{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>
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/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=music&qid=1238425481&sr=1-1]</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 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>


==Marketing promotions and release==
==Marketing promotions and release==
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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>2009-02-13, [http://www.shacknews.com/onearticle.x/57233 '''Shack News''': ''Halo Wars Demo Downloaded Over 2 Million Times, Sets New Record'']</ref>
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===
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====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. Also, in the conversation between a Zealot and the Arbiter, there is mention of "the Infection". This was speculated to be an introduction to the [[The Flood|Flood]] in ''Halo Wars'' before the release of the game, but because no Flood were encountered on Harvest, it is almost certainly just a name for the Humans on 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====
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====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 song from the ''Transformers'' movie. It can be watched [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2VyXONo-50E here].
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====
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====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 features cinematic scenes.
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====
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===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 Gamestop Limited Edition came with an excerpt of the [[Halo Wars: Official Strategy Guide]], detailing strategies for [[Relic Approach]].
''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 Warthog" unit is only available to customers who pre-ordered ''Halo Wars''.
A special in-game "Fireball Warthog" unit is only available to customers who pre-ordered ''Halo Wars''.
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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'', the helmet visor of the front most Spartan reflects the Arbiter and part of the honor stave on cover from the Limited Collector's Edition, implying that the two sides are meant to be "facing" each other.
*On the cover of ''Halo Wars'', Jerome-092's helmet visor reflects the Arbiter and part of the honor stave on cover from the Limited Collector's Edition, implying that the two sides are meant to be "facing" each other.
*''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>
*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/default.aspx ''Halo Wars'' Update: 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.
*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.
*''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>
*Canada-based [[MEGA Brands|Mega Brands]] has released several ''Halo Wars'' [[MEGA Brands Halo Toys|construction sets]].
*Canada-based [[MEGA Brands|Mega Brands]] has released several ''Halo Wars'' [[MEGA Brands Halo Toys|construction sets]].
*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.
*[[Halogen]], a conversion mod for the real-time strategy game ''[[Wikipedia:Command and Conquer: Generals|Command and Conquer: Generals]]'', was halted by Microsoft when ''Halo Wars'' began in development.
*[[Halogen]], a conversion mod for the real-time strategy game ''[[Wikipedia:Command and Conquer: Generals|Command and Conquer: Generals]]'', was halted by Microsoft when ''Halo Wars'' began in development.


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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:1206800790 Halowars.jpg|A Sangheili inspecting a dead Marine.
File:Wolveriney.jpg
File:Wolveriney.jpg
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File:HWscreen.jpeg
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==Related Pages==
==Related Pages==
===Internal===
===Internal===
*[[Halo: Contact Harvest]]  
*[[Halo: Contact Harvest]]  

Revision as of 05:50, April 30, 2012

Template:Game Infobox

"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 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.

  1. Alpha Base - "Forge rallies the troops and retakes Alpha Base."
  2. Relic Approach - "Get Alpha Base up and running and find what the Covenant are up to."
  3. Relic Interior - "Forge and Anders are trapped in the relic. They must be rescued."
  4. Arcadia City - "The Covenant invasion of Arcadia is in full swing. Evacuation of its civilian population is UNSC's top priority."
  5. Arcadia Outskirts - "The civilian evacuation is complete. UNSC forces must safely withdraw from the city."
  6. Dome of Light - "Uncover what the Covenant were after on Arcadia."
  7. Scarab - "Send in ground units to destroy a Covenant super weapon."
  8. Anders' Signal - "Forge and Recon Groups ECHO and INDIA start the search for Anders."
  9. The Flood - "Find Anders and rescue her before it's too late."
  10. 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…"
  11. Cleansing - "Cleanse the infection forms from Spirit's hull before they penetrate the interior."
  12. Repairs - "Repair Spirit of Fire and drive Covenant forces back."
  13. Beachhead - "Protect Anders and escort her to the LZ."
  14. Reactor - "Pull the reactor core to the Apex Site."
  15. 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.

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 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.

v • d • e
 
Achievements in Halo Wars (list)
Campaign level medals
Other
Secret achievements
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

Characters

Major Characters

UNSC

Covenant

Supporting Characters

Human

Covenant

Flood

Forerunner

Events

Location

Organizations

Species

Equipment

UNSC
Covenant

Vehicles

UNSC
Covenant
Forerunner

Structures

UNSC
Covenant
Forerunner
Flood

Weapons

UNSC
Covenant


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

A screenshot taken of an Alpha playtester.

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 HaloWarsWithTeen.jpg Halo-wars-limited-edition-box-art.jpg
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

Template:Header

  • 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.

    Title art.

Promotional images

  • Promotional poster.

    Promotional poster.

  • Promotional poster for Halo Wars.

    Promotional poster for Halo Wars.

  • Promotional poster for Halo Wars.

    Promotional poster for Halo Wars.

  • A Sangheili inspecting a dead Marine in the announcement trailer.

    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
  • Hornet war.jpg
  • HaloWarsBattle.jpg
  • A Scarab wiping out UNSC infantry along with two Wraiths.

    A Scarab wiping out UNSC infantry along with two Wraiths.

Sources

  1. ^ Halo Waypoint: Halo Wars
  2. ^ Halo Wars, campaign level Alpha Base
  3. ^ Halo Wars, campaign level Relic Approach
  4. ^ Halo Wars, campaign level Relic Interior
  5. ^ Halo Wars, campaign level Arcadia City
  6. ^ Halo Wars, campaign level Arcadia Outskirts'
  7. ^ Halo Wars, campaign level 'Dome of Light'
  8. ^ Halo Wars, campaign level Scarab
  9. ^ Halo: The Essential Visual Guide, page 180
  10. ^ Halo Wars, campaign level Anders' Signal
  11. ^ Halo Wars, campaign level The Flood
  12. ^ Halo Wars, campaign level Shield World
  13. ^ Halo Wars, campaign level Cleansing
  14. ^ Halo Wars, campaign level Repairs
  15. ^ Halo Wars, campaign level Beachhead
  16. ^ Halo Wars, campaign level Reactor
  17. ^ Halo Wars, campaign level Escape
  18. ^ a b c Joystiq: Halo Wars Alpha Spotted on Xbox Live
  19. ^ a b c d Official Halo Wars Community Site
  20. ^ Official Halo Wars Community Site: Halo Waypoint Transitions (Please Read)
  21. ^ Official Halo Wars Community Site: Halo Wars Stat-Tracking To Continue
  22. ^ Giant Bomb: Halo Wars Title Updates
  23. ^ Blur Studio Work: Animation, Design, VFX
  24. ^ Official Halo Wars Community Site: Halo Wars Monthly Update 03/27/08
  25. ^ Interview-Graeme Divine.
  26. ^ Official Halo Wars Community Site: Over and Out
  27. ^ Amazon: Halo Wars / Game O.S.T.
  28. ^ iTunes - Music: Halo Wars (Original Soundtrack)
  29. ^ Sumthing Digital: Halo Wars Original Soundtrack
  30. ^ Original Sound Version: Under a Dark Halo: The Brooding Sounds of the Halo Wars Original Soundtrack (Review)
  31. ^ Shack News: Halo Wars Demo Downloaded Over 2 Million Times, Sets New Record
  32. ^ IGN - Xbox 360: Halo Wars Video — TGS 2008: Beating Mission (Off-Screen Demo)
  33. ^ Xbox 360: Australia's 100% Game Magazine, "Issue 28", page 28-29
  34. ^ Halo Wars Update: On an Asteroid Far, far away...
  35. ^ Official Xbox Magazine, "Issue 74", page 32

Related Pages

Internal

External

Template:Halo Games

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