Halo Wars

 Xbox 360
User Score
7.6

Generally favorable reviews- based on 600 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 394 out of 600
  2. Mixed: 129 out of 600
  3. Negative: 77 out of 600
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  1. Yojimbo2015
    Jun 27, 2023
    7
    Essentially Command & Conquer set in the Halo universe, complete with appropriate story line to embellish the carnage. If you like either of those games, there's plenty to enjoy here. If you like both, you're in for a treat.
  2. HydrophobikFish
    Jun 9, 2023
    8
    Pretty fun campaign with lovingly recreated halo fanfare. Mediocre story with bland characters, but the character in the gameplay itself makes up for it. Custom games were pretty fun.
  3. decent_cat
    Feb 11, 2023
    10
    Great game. I enjoyed the dynamic and intuitive game style a lot. The synergies between the leaders in online matches are great. It is easy to learn and hard to master. Not too complex and therefore perfectly fitting for console. The campaign is very entertaining and has a good storyline too. The music is inspiring and epic.
  4. Parrabam
    Jan 30, 2023
    7
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Un juego de Halo al estilo de Age of Empires II para Consola, es increible, cuenta una historia diferente, mostrando que Halo no es solo el Jefe Maestro, es un universo donde hay diferentes heroes, la historia es una precuela de la trilogia de juegos, contando desde casí el primer contacto con el Covenant, con un final que deja abierto a cualquier posibilidad en el futuro. La jugabilidad es algo nuevo, porque ahora usas el mando, y no un teclado y mouse, pero a la vez familiar, pues hay vehiculos y unidades conocidas pero tambien hay nuevas, y de ambas facciones, el punto negativo que tiene es que al ser un juego de estrategia en tiempo real, no hay pantalla dividida, pues no hay forma para que eso se pueda, solo puedes jugar Multijugador contra otra persona que tenga su Xbox 360 y Xbox Live Gold.… Expand
  5. MayconAlex
    Jan 28, 2023
    9
    Jogo muito mais muito bom, recomendo pra quem gosta do gênero..............
  6. goodgriff33
    Dec 24, 2022
    7
    Answer: 75 characters is between 10 words and 19 words with spaces included in the character count. If spaces are not included in the character count, then 75 characters is between 12 words and 25 words.
  7. Dperks
    Jan 16, 2022
    7
    As someone whos not a big fan of RTS games I'm surprised I enjoyed Halo Wars as much as I did. Originally I played this game years ago not long after it released and at the time was put off by the fact it wasn't a first person shooter. But regardless I gave it a shot and while it hasn't made me a fan of the RTS genre I still appreciate ands enjoy what the game offers both as an RTS and asAs someone whos not a big fan of RTS games I'm surprised I enjoyed Halo Wars as much as I did. Originally I played this game years ago not long after it released and at the time was put off by the fact it wasn't a first person shooter. But regardless I gave it a shot and while it hasn't made me a fan of the RTS genre I still appreciate ands enjoy what the game offers both as an RTS and as a piece of the Halo Universe. I've played a bit of other console RTS games in the past and Halo Wars certainly improve on Console RTS games as much of the genre is mainly on PC. The Story is fine enough taking place much earlier in the human covenant war is an interesting decision and fits the RTS style with it being an all out war at this point. Of course with prequels their are restrictions with what you can do but the ending with the whole ship going MIA adrift in space allowed the narrative more freedom to do stuff like have the flood and introduce us to a forerunner planet. And the ending allowed some leeway to a potential sequel that we would ultimately get with out making the story feel complete if we had never gotten one. The characters aren't that interesting nor do they grow or change during the story but they work fine enough to fit in the Halo character roles that we were accustomed to at the time. Wise leader tough sergeant intelligent scientist and snarky AI you know what I mean. When it come down to the gameplay theirs not much I can say other then it controls well and play's fine. I think the gameplay is mostly dependent on the levels themselves though and some of the levels are pretty good. The first handful of levels are fine and I enjoyed them the one with the scarab head being one of my favorites as it doesn't feel like a lot of the other levels and that's part of the problem by the end of the game the levels start to feel the same. But what really brings them down are the flood levels the first 3 flood levels are my least favorite possibly in the entire series. Fighting the flood is tedious, boring and frustrating and they don't serve as a good break from the covenant especially when the first 3 flood levels look very similar to each other. Another issue I found with the game is difficulty and to be fair this probably stems from my lack of experience with the genre but most levels are way to easy while other are way to difficult if you ask me. The game kind lacks a balance either I'm crushing the enemy or my situation seems hopeless. But when the level is balanced just right it is really good. Overall I like Halo wars it provides a story different but familiar and provides a different experience in the Halo Universe. And provides a bunch of background lore and some pretty cool vehicle designs I wish weed see in a main Halo gamer someday.… Expand
  8. RoninNinjaXL
    Sep 25, 2020
    7
    GREAT GAME WITH A BADASS SLAP CERTIFIED

    Story: 8
    Gameplay: 7
    ost: 7
    Characters: 9
  9. Javierquintal
    Aug 1, 2020
    9
    Ta chido, pero algo desvalanceado en termino dw facciones y lideres pero me hubiera gustado que el 2 tubiera algunas cosas mas que este tuvo sin enbargo algo en comun es que ambos son buenos juegos pero me inclino un poquito mas por este, como digo el hw 2 esta mejorado en valance y eso es bueno.
  10. SupahGualtah
    Jun 4, 2020
    9
    i fking love this game since the demo wich was really long ! cant wait to play this on pc !
  11. Rubiales
    Apr 15, 2020
    8
    Refreshing Halo game that is not a FPS, is more like a real strategy game in which you can play hours and hours and you wouldn't get bored. Great work from Ensemble Studios.
  12. PalpetineSheev
    Mar 20, 2020
    6
    An odd yet fun outlier in the Halo series. There are certainly some issues in terms of story and gameplay mechanics, but not enough to tarnish the experience.
  13. Shimmeywill
    Feb 20, 2020
    8
    The great music and halo paint job makes this otherwise slightly above average rts a far more enjoyable experience. Overall a fun time with many hours of gameplay to be had.
  14. zNeverSleeping
    Jan 23, 2020
    7
    É um bom jogo, mas há muito o que melhorar.

    A historia é legal de se acompanhar, e as Cutscenes são bem feitas para a época. A mecânica do jogo funciona bem, mas eu não notem um sistema de counter muito inteligente. Eu geralmente fazia um conjunto de unidade padrão e ele dava conta do recado. Era como se o jogo não me exigisse determinado set para determinadas ocasiões. O sistema de    É um bom jogo, mas há muito o que melhorar.

    A historia é legal de se acompanhar, e as Cutscenes são bem feitas para a época. A mecânica do jogo funciona bem, mas eu não notem um sistema de counter muito inteligente. Eu geralmente fazia um conjunto de unidade padrão e ele dava conta do recado. Era como se o jogo não me exigisse determinado set para determinadas ocasiões. O sistema de evolução é legal. No que se diz respeito as tropas, raramente eu notava uma diferença significativa, talvez porque não fosse muito visual. O problema é que existem poucos upgrades, e ter de fazê-los todos novamente a cada missão enjoa uma hora. A Inteligencia artificial é muito burra, principalmente quanto a mobilidade. Você não pode selecionar previamente quem vai na frente e quem fica atras - não de uma maneira dinâmica, dependendo muito dela. Isso estressava demais, e nas maiores dificuldades desestimula o jogador.    … Expand
  15. LuckyDrum
    Jun 10, 2019
    9
    Gran juego de estrategia ambientado en el universo Halo que integra de buena manera la saga a un juego RTS
  16. OwtDaft
    Jun 2, 2019
    7
    + The story is ok.
    + Might be a good place to start if your looking to get into RTS games.
    + Very nice graphics.
    - The game is ultra simplistic.
    - The game has you waiting a lot.
    - There is no creativity with how you build your base.
  17. Broyax
    Apr 13, 2017
    6
    Cette conversion de Halo au STR est plutôt réussie malgré quelques soucis ici et là. L'interface est très bien pensée pour la manette et les graphismes fort jolis (effets, animations des unités, explosions...). Et les cinématiques sont superbes ! rien à redire non plus du côté des effets sonores ou de la VF, du beau boulot.

    Les soucis concernent les ralentissements nombreux et surtout    Cette conversion de Halo au STR est plutôt réussie malgré quelques soucis ici et là. L'interface est très bien pensée pour la manette et les graphismes fort jolis (effets, animations des unités, explosions...). Et les cinématiques sont superbes ! rien à redire non plus du côté des effets sonores ou de la VF, du beau boulot.

    Les soucis concernent les ralentissements nombreux et surtout le niveau de dézoom très insuffisant, difficile d'avoir une vision globale du théâtre des opérations dans ces conditions et la mini-carte imprécise ne suffit pas à combler ce handicap. Plutôt rédhibitoire dans un STR ! l'interface à la manette montre aussi ses limites pour (re)grouper les unités comme on le voudrait à moins de perdre un temps fou en micro-gestion. Dommage aussi qu'on soit limité à un certain nombre d'unités maximum par mission...

    Halo Wars reste sympathique pour sa campagne bien menée et peut servir d'initiation ou de "STR pour les nuls" lorsqu'on est allergique à ce genre de jeux comme moi ! et c'est déjà pas mal finalement.    … Expand
  18. rsulliva
    Jul 7, 2016
    10
    This game is not for everyone, but for gamers who enjoy online strategy, this game is excellent. The campaign was simply just ok in my opinion: it lacked story line that makes one really care about their characters. However, the online multiplayer is simple, but addicting. Even now I find myself playing Halo Wars more often then new and highly praised games. This game is perfect for me andThis game is not for everyone, but for gamers who enjoy online strategy, this game is excellent. The campaign was simply just ok in my opinion: it lacked story line that makes one really care about their characters. However, the online multiplayer is simple, but addicting. Even now I find myself playing Halo Wars more often then new and highly praised games. This game is perfect for me and probably for anyone who loves strategy and the Halo Universe.… Expand
  19. Termin8ter
    Apr 21, 2016
    5
    Boring,boring,boring. Halo Wars is a very boring Halo game. The story is EXTREMELY hard to get invested in, the gameplay itself is so boring it can help you fall asleep. The only entertaining thing about Wars is the CGI cutscenes between levels. Skip this game, buy Halo 3 or Reach. Nuff said.
  20. WackoDaSniper
    Mar 29, 2016
    10
    A true gem. Playing it 7 years later brings back nostalgia and it still holds up as quality...........................................................
  21. gameguardian21
    Mar 20, 2016
    7
    While the idea of halo having a real time strategy sounds awesome, it doesn't go on its full potential with its o.k story. Besides that, its fun to be playing online with others battling either the covent or unsc.
  22. wildbear247
    Dec 1, 2015
    10
    I've played my share of RTS games (Age of Empires, C&C Generals, StarCraft II), and Halo Wars is my favorite so far (it's old so I play other games now). It is the only RTS I've played that allows for co-op during the campaign mode. And I found it was more fun to play PvP in Halo Wars than in StarCraft II.
  23. TJplacitelli
    Oct 20, 2015
    6
    Halo Wars is not a first person shooter, it is a big real-time strategy game from Ensemble Studios in this game you can play as the UNSC and the Covenant. Halo Wars is aimed at age 13+ Halo Wars has less gore and violence that is why it has a lower age rating than other games in the series but it still has colourful language.
    Halo Wars is a nice twist in the Halo series as it breaks with    Halo Wars is not a first person shooter, it is a big real-time strategy game from Ensemble Studios in this game you can play as the UNSC and the Covenant. Halo Wars is aimed at age 13+ Halo Wars has less gore and violence that is why it has a lower age rating than other games in the series but it still has colourful language.
    Halo Wars is a nice twist in the Halo series as it breaks with tradition.
    The game controls are easy and simple to use. The sound quality is good. The graphics in game are decent it could be a bit beater.
    I think that Halo Wars is 1 of the best classic strategy games that I have played because it is a fun but challenging game.    … Expand
  24. PatheticPancake
    Sep 8, 2015
    7
    Halo wars takes a new approach at halo, it has gone back to its roots to tackle the RTS franchise and I have to say halo is a brilliant game to have an RTS instalment. The campaign is thought out and unlike other RTS's it is relevant to the missions and doesn't feel forced. As their is no PC port there are certain limitations such as the level design felt tight on nearly all maps whichHalo wars takes a new approach at halo, it has gone back to its roots to tackle the RTS franchise and I have to say halo is a brilliant game to have an RTS instalment. The campaign is thought out and unlike other RTS's it is relevant to the missions and doesn't feel forced. As their is no PC port there are certain limitations such as the level design felt tight on nearly all maps which combined with large units and some sloppy AI at times makes moving through the map very annoying, forcing you to move a single unit just so another one can move as the AI doesn't seem to know how to move for another unit. Skirmish allows up to 3v3 game on a variety of maps but the AI is either extremely stupid or stupidly hard in fact the AI on the higher settings feels like its cheating getting end game units 10 minuets in, instead of having clever tactics. So at the end I feel that if you play halo for the first person shooter don't bother but from a dedicated halo fan this is worth the buy. If you buy this for the RTS value its a fun experience but certain limitations and controls make this very stiff and annoying to a veteran RTS player.… Expand
  25. RockKing
    Aug 9, 2015
    8
    I do like this game but I do not like the low unit cap and that it was not released for pc at all. My love for RTS is sorta fulfilled with this game. I do recommend this game to any RTS fans.
  26. Rem
    Jan 24, 2015
    7
    I'd hate to admit, but I have very little to no experience with RTS games. Most of my strategy if I do play one is cheese a single type of unit and order them all to attack anyone who looks at me funny. This is the case with Halo Wars, which sees a departure from the FPS style of the franchise in favor of a more top-down approach. The story this time around has very little to do withI'd hate to admit, but I have very little to no experience with RTS games. Most of my strategy if I do play one is cheese a single type of unit and order them all to attack anyone who looks at me funny. This is the case with Halo Wars, which sees a departure from the FPS style of the franchise in favor of a more top-down approach. The story this time around has very little to do with Master Chief and his exploits instead dealing with the Human-Covenant War in its twilight years. The story while serviceable, is hardly memorable but does tend to wow with its CGI cutscenes. However I do praise the soundtrack mainly for incorporating a Halo-esque piano soundtrack without actually reiterating the original Halo theme. Despite this the game as a console RTS game is decent for the most part, mainly because of my inexperience with RTSs in general. Although the clear color coding of each faction is welcoming, I am sort of bummed that there is a lack of a return to base button, something sorely needed when I'm getting my schlong ripped apart because my Warthogs got caught in the geometry on their way back.… Expand
  27. flametail23
    Dec 9, 2014
    5
    THIS IS NOT A BAD GAME. I just don't like it because it's not a Halo game and I'm not very big on the stategy genre as a whole.

    Verdict:
    Not a bad game.
    5/10
  28. Chadden75
    Nov 14, 2014
    8
    Halo Wars. By FAR one of the BEST games In the series (Next to Reach). Halo wars as you should know is a real time strategy game. You move you troops around. Destroy and build bases, etc... There was some mix in what was good and bad so I'll split it up into categories.

    The Good: Come on! It's a Halo Game! It's also an RTS! Because It's Halo, you really don't need to spend that much    Halo Wars. By FAR one of the BEST games In the series (Next to Reach). Halo wars as you should know is a real time strategy game. You move you troops around. Destroy and build bases, etc... There was some mix in what was good and bad so I'll split it up into categories.

    The Good:
    Come on! It's a Halo Game!
    It's also an RTS!
    Because It's Halo, you really don't need to spend that much time learning all the Characters.
    Skirmish mode makes for quick battles with the AI
    Campaign has a really great story

    The Bad:
    No saving skirmishes!!! This would be useful as some skirmishes tend to be hours long.
    Game has a lot of glitches that were never patched in skirmishes, as well as online. My warthogs fall off the map frequently (You will learn how to avoid it. It's caused from moving a large amount of troops through a narrow pass)

    Over all this game gets an 8.6 out of 10    … Expand
  29. MSTR
    Sep 19, 2014
    7
    why everyone hate this game because this game is a slow-building game? hello? this game is a "strategy" game. If you're halo fan you should heard about halo wars is going to be "slow-building game" And because of this game is "slow-building game" you guys giving 0,1,2 ARE YOU OUT OF YOUR MIND this is a good solid "strategy" game. This game is rough around the edges but still 0/10? 1,2/10?why everyone hate this game because this game is a slow-building game? hello? this game is a "strategy" game. If you're halo fan you should heard about halo wars is going to be "slow-building game" And because of this game is "slow-building game" you guys giving 0,1,2 ARE YOU OUT OF YOUR MIND this is a good solid "strategy" game. This game is rough around the edges but still 0/10? 1,2/10? If you like strategy games you'll like this one, if you're a person who refers strategy game to "slow-building game" you'll hate this one.i mean seriously Star (user name) did you even see the back of the **** cover?… Expand
  30. CookieStudios
    Aug 31, 2014
    10
    This game is amazing i have spent so much time playing it. It was a great way for Ensemble studios to say goodbye. Its beautiful and raises the bar for console RTS games. It has all of the units you love and units you didn't know but you sure as hell would love. The Story isn't really what you would expect from a halo game but hey, this isn't bungie, and isn't master chief. In the campaignThis game is amazing i have spent so much time playing it. It was a great way for Ensemble studios to say goodbye. Its beautiful and raises the bar for console RTS games. It has all of the units you love and units you didn't know but you sure as hell would love. The Story isn't really what you would expect from a halo game but hey, this isn't bungie, and isn't master chief. In the campaign you play as the people from the Spirit of fire, whose captain is captain Cutter. War guy, sergeant Forge and doc Andres along with the AI Serina. I love a good prequel which you learn from. In the skirmish you can play as one of the Covenant leaders (Brute chieftain, Arbiter, prophet of regret) and you can spawn the one you play as in and upgrade and create your awesome one man army. Or you could, at the start send him in early and just destroy the enamy early on. The enemy AI is challenging to and if you play as a human you get a bunch of bonuses that make it fair. READ THIS IF YOu CANT BE BOTHERED to some it up, Good campaign, good story (but still not as good as a bungie halo story) , Amazing skirmish, amazing DLC, Amazing multiplayer, amazing graphics, super simple and a great way for ensemble studios to say good bye.… Expand
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Awards & Rankings

43
#43 Best Xbox 360 Game of 2009
10
#10 Most Discussed Xbox 360 Game of 2009
5
#5 Most Shared Xbox 360 Game of 2009

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
82

Generally favorable reviews - based on 92 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 81 out of 92
  2. Mixed: 11 out of 92
  3. Negative: 0 out of 92
  1. Official Xbox Magazine
    90
    Though it's not a first-person shooter, Halo Wars packs all the Halo fixings you've come to expect: an engaging campaign, co-op play, engrossing multiplayer, efficient party-friendly matchmaking, hidden skulls, Legendary difficulty, and impeccable controls. We can confidently say that it's the foremost example of a real-time strategy game done right on a console. [Mar 2009, p.72]
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  2. Edge Magazine
    70
    It’s a feeling that never quite dissipates over the game’s core 15 missions, a sense of lean and focused game design which prizes the exhilarating tussle of conflict over long, drawn-out army building. [Mar 2009, p.86]
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  3. Game Informer
    90
    Halo Wars isn't perfect, but it's a huge step in the right direction for console RTS. For the first time in the sub-genre, I felt like I was playing a game instead of wrestling with a kludged-together control scheme. [Mar 2009, p.88]
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