Halo Wars (page 2)

Which brings us to the next seemingly insurmountable obstacle for console-based RTS games: the control scheme. Normally the control scheme is the show stopper for console RTS games. What developers generally tried to do up to now is to try and fit all the intricacies of a PC-based RTS into the console version, but without a mouse it never seemed to work.

Ensemble Studios made a wise decision in this regard: instead of trying to fit everything you can do with a mouse onto a controller, they designed 'Halo Wars' to only need the most important controls. Mapping them to the controller was probably a relatively easy task after that.

As it stands now, 'Halo Wars' is the closest any RTS game has come to perfection on a console in terms of controls. The system is so simple and easy to get into, that you'll experience the same ease of control that you'll find on a PC.

In terms of story, fans are in for a treat. There are some tantalising titbits that you'll only really understand if you know the story of the other 'Halo' games. However, even to a newcomer, the story — told through the exquisite cut scenes — will be enjoyable.

Speaking of the cut scenes, 'Halo Wars' probably has some of the best-looking videos ever to appear in a game. To a graphics nut like me, it was an absolute blast to watch three Spartan II soldiers kick the living crap out of about 20 Elites in superbly looking cut scenes.

In-game visuals are not far behind, with Ensemble Studios focussing a lot of attention on detail. There's very little to complain about in terms of the graphics. 'Halo War's is a finely crafted visual feast.

But, ultimately, it's the gameplay that makes a game. Whether you'll enjoy 'Halo Wars' in that sense really depends on how you like your RTS gameplay. Personally, I love taking my time building up my defences and then train a massive army with which to attack the enemy. It's not cerebral, but it's fun. And this is exactly the kind of gameplay to which 'Halo Wars' lends itself.

Yes, it can get boring. Yes, brute force is more important than strategy. Fortunately, Ensemble Studios developed quite varied missions that keep things interesting. One mission for example requires you to run around on the hull of a spaceship and fight off alien infestations (yes, those nasty critters on short legs are present in 'Halo Wars' too).

If you're a fan of the 'Halo' games and its story, then getting 'Halo Wars' is a foregone conclusion — and won't be a disappointing one. If you're new to the series, or couldn't really care less about the story, then it will still be worth it, if only to have an RTS that you can pick up and play a quick skirmish on without getting bogged down in frustration because of the controls.

8.7/10

Buy this game: Xbox 360