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. DanielS.
    Mar 14, 2009
    10
    Let many gamers who primarily play FPS, I was apprehensive trying a new genre. However, I can honestly say I had a blast playing. The campaign is fun and challenging. The controls are easy. Most missions last, on average, around 25 minutes. I played through the entire campaign on normal and I can
  2. JohnO
    Sep 6, 2009
    10
    Halo Wars is a fun game though not the most in depth RTS I have ever played it certianly has the best controls of any on the 360. Lets face it if you want to play a deep RTS go play some@adf PC and a C&C or a Civ game if you are looking for a fun RTS on the 360 Halo Wars is pretty fun.
  3. MattB
    Mar 16, 2009
    10
    Extremely well made, I found it very easy to use and the controls work seamlessly. Give this game a chance and you'll like it. Yes, the cut scenes are brilliant and look beautiful. Dont judge it just because its an RTS its fluppin good.
  4. SMScorx89
    Sep 24, 2010
    10
    Halo Wars fulfills Halo: Combat Evolved's origins as an RTS. Ensemble did a great job of simplifying the gameplay so you don't have to worry on Micromanaging and concentrate on making strategic maneuvers. The multiplayer can have 3v3, which is pretty good and mostly the number of players goes above 10,000, probably more than Tom Clancy's EndWar. As for Campaign, the cutscenes are great,Halo Wars fulfills Halo: Combat Evolved's origins as an RTS. Ensemble did a great job of simplifying the gameplay so you don't have to worry on Micromanaging and concentrate on making strategic maneuvers. The multiplayer can have 3v3, which is pretty good and mostly the number of players goes above 10,000, probably more than Tom Clancy's EndWar. As for Campaign, the cutscenes are great, the music is great (thanks to Stephen Rippy), and has little easter eggs for Halo fans. But, it is short and the reason why it is short is because Microsoft cut the budget (Ensemble had plans for a Covenant campaign, probably featuring the Brute Chieftain since he isn't in the main campaign, but the budget was cut and it was scrapped). According to the Guiness Book of World Records 2010 Gamer's Edition, Halo Wars has sold over 1.21 million units making it the Best Selling Console Based RTS. Not bad, huh? And for all those people out there who don't like it because Bungie was not involved, here is an article on what Bungie has to say about it: http://www.bungie.net/News/content.aspx?type=topnews&link=bwusept29osix For what it's worth, Halo Wars is an excellent addition to the franchise, but it leaves a lot of unanswered questions. In any case, this a great game any Halo fan should have as well as to introduce people to the RTS genre.… Expand
  5. Snipestrifer
    Jan 6, 2011
    10
    Fantastic in every way, Ensemble have gone with a giant bang! Not only have they nailed down the conversion of halo FPS to RTS, with user-friendly controls, Unit abilities, and mass unit movement controls, the campaign story is great and challenging with incredible CGI cutscenes, arguably the best graphics I've ever seen from any game and incredibly fun multiplayer with enough variety andFantastic in every way, Ensemble have gone with a giant bang! Not only have they nailed down the conversion of halo FPS to RTS, with user-friendly controls, Unit abilities, and mass unit movement controls, the campaign story is great and challenging with incredible CGI cutscenes, arguably the best graphics I've ever seen from any game and incredibly fun multiplayer with enough variety and strategy in the maps and leaders to keep it fresh. In both the campaign and the multiplayer you have to think and be smart, what units should I use, what units might my enemy have, should I attack now, should I build an extra base? Not only this but ensemble have had the generosity to open a huge new section of the halo universe, not just with the story, but with the black boxes, giving you tonnes of halo lore to work your way through. If you don't like RTS's this might actually change your mind (due to the simplistic controls). All in all, this is Console RTS perfection.… Expand
  6. Aleluis
    Jan 28, 2013
    10
    Beautiful, interesting
    But only two races it would have been very interesting using also flood but any flood here :(
    UNSC and Covenant
    Very good game RTS I am still playing this awesome game in 2013
  7. AlphaBoss
    Apr 18, 2013
    10
    I can say without a doubt, the vast majority of people who did not enjoy this game are either:
    A- Impatient 12 year olds that play nothing but shooters
    B- People which had no taste in strategy games to begin with, preventing themselves from developing a taste for this game. Many friends I have who did not play RTS games before, actually enjoyed this game plenty. C- Snotty PC elitists    I can say without a doubt, the vast majority of people who did not enjoy this game are either:
    A- Impatient 12 year olds that play nothing but shooters
    B- People which had no taste in strategy games to begin with, preventing themselves from developing a taste for this game. Many friends I have who did not play RTS games before, actually enjoyed this game plenty.
    C- Snotty PC elitists that are mad they can't play the game.
    Give this game a chance, and you will enjoy it.    … Expand
  8. GooeyGoodra
    Aug 5, 2014
    10
    Halo Wars, although may be a stranger to its fellow halo games, is an all around fun game to play. It's campaign is not it's strong point, the only reason I can see that you would need to press the campaign button would be if you're a rookie and you want to learn the controls a bit before you delve into the harsh atmosphere of multiplayer or you just want to collect skulls. Multiplayer isHalo Wars, although may be a stranger to its fellow halo games, is an all around fun game to play. It's campaign is not it's strong point, the only reason I can see that you would need to press the campaign button would be if you're a rookie and you want to learn the controls a bit before you delve into the harsh atmosphere of multiplayer or you just want to collect skulls. Multiplayer is it's obvious strong point and as long as you understand strategy and the basics of the game (*cough* noobs that use a mix army of marines and warthogs *cough*) you should be fine. So if you every go to you nearby walmart or gamestop you should just give this game a chance. p.s don't get the downloaded version, it is not as good in my opinion… Expand
  9. 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
  10. WackoDaSniper
    Mar 29, 2016
    10
    A true gem. Playing it 7 years later brings back nostalgia and it still holds up as quality...........................................................
  11. 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.
  12. 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
  13. 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.
  14. JimmieC.
    Mar 3, 2009
    9
    This game is awesome. the graghics are good and the sound is great. playing skirmish matches are fun. the game cool except you can't use the flood and that its to short. I recommend it if your a halo fan who who wants to play something knew or a fan of both.
  15. JoeGG
    Mar 30, 2009
    9
    This game was awful. The game gives you absolutely no freedom to do anything and you have to do the missions exactly the way the game wants you to or else you cannot move on. You also cannot move while using your knife which makes it very difficult to kill anyone when you are out of bullets. You also cannot shoot unless you aim which makes it difficult especially when all you have is This game was awful. The game gives you absolutely no freedom to do anything and you have to do the missions exactly the way the game wants you to or else you cannot move on. You also cannot move while using your knife which makes it very difficult to kill anyone when you are out of bullets. You also cannot shoot unless you aim which makes it difficult especially when all you have is sniper ammo and there are people right in front of you. Oh and there are also long cut scenes every 2mins which you cant skip through. The only good thing about this game are the amazing graphics.… Expand
  16. AndrewB.
    Mar 3, 2009
    9
    Halo Wars is an incredibly well done console RTS. It doesn't strive to be StarCraft or C&C, it is a HALO game that focuses on battle strategy rather than micro management. Not only does this approach work because it's a HALO game (a series that is centered around the action of the battle), but because it makes the game playable as an RTS on a console rather than a PC.
  17. FPSMaster
    Mar 4, 2009
    9
    It's an RTS but at the same time it feels exactly, sounds exactly and looks exactly like Halo. What more did people expect? It's not as deep and slow=paced as other RTSes, and that's a GOOD thing. It's supposed to feel like Halo, a fast-paced game. Just wait till you see the 4th or 5th cutscene and you get to see something that's only been talked about for years, It's an RTS but at the same time it feels exactly, sounds exactly and looks exactly like Halo. What more did people expect? It's not as deep and slow=paced as other RTSes, and that's a GOOD thing. It's supposed to feel like Halo, a fast-paced game. Just wait till you see the 4th or 5th cutscene and you get to see something that's only been talked about for years, but we've never actually seen it on-screen. Don't worry, when that cutscene comes around you'll know exactly what I'm talking about and if you're a big Halo fan you may even get a tear in your eye once you see it and hear the Halo monk chanting. All the cutscenes are good enough that the team responsible for them should be tasked with doing the Halo movie in CGI. If you don't like RTSes but like Halo, then this is the game that'll make you respect RTSes more. If you like RTSes and Halo, then this is for you. Just don't go in expecting to be cutting trees down and spending tons of time resourcing. It's all about the combat here. This is not C&C. It's Halo. Reviewers should have thought about that before comparing it to games like C&C and so should gamers.… Expand
  18. LeeM.
    Jul 17, 2009
    9
    First Halo was one of the first FPS games to revolutionize how FPS are played on consoles. Halo Wars' is now the first RTS to revolutionize how console RTS are constructed. People who thought this would be just milking of the frachise are wrong unless the definition of "milking" is changed to expanding the boundaries on how genre's of consoles should be made.
  19. KevinT
    Mar 11, 2009
    9
    This is an unexpectedly great game. I enjoy RTS's and I enjoy the Halo games. This fuses them together really well and is also very accessible for those less familiar with the genre. Top game.
  20. GeoffreyC
    Mar 4, 2009
    9
    Don't be fooled by the low user score. This game is a very well made Halo port. It excels in making the RTS accessible for a console, where previously many were overly complicated. The only major flaw in the game is the plot, which for me is why I rated it a 9 and not a 10. However, the cutscenes are nothing short of amazing, far superior to the cutscenes you saw in Halo 3. They are Don't be fooled by the low user score. This game is a very well made Halo port. It excels in making the RTS accessible for a console, where previously many were overly complicated. The only major flaw in the game is the plot, which for me is why I rated it a 9 and not a 10. However, the cutscenes are nothing short of amazing, far superior to the cutscenes you saw in Halo 3. They are arguably movie quality. It also has little in the way of micro, which for hardcore RTS fans might be off putting. All in all, if you like Halo and are eager to try it out in a new setting, this game does not disappoint.… Expand
  21. AnonymousMC
    Mar 5, 2009
    9
    nice one!
    i even like the base building. if you have limited places for buildings it adds some more strategic value to the game.

    and it's good that ensemble didn't want micro management to play too big of a role, this is what i dislike about the next generation RTS the most. It should be strategy and not CPM (clicks per minute) which decides the battle.
  22. HaloGamer
    Mar 19, 2009
    9
    That reviewer from "Gamers' Temple" (54%) is nothing but a Sony fanboy / Halo hater / PC Lover. 1. Comparing RTS games with FPS games (KZ2 no less) & ect...? 2. Comparing graphics from FPS games (KZ2 no less) instead of other console RTS games. 3. It's clear the reviewer only wants RTS games on PC's instead of a console. 4. Because of the reviewers clouded judgements, he That reviewer from "Gamers' Temple" (54%) is nothing but a Sony fanboy / Halo hater / PC Lover. 1. Comparing RTS games with FPS games (KZ2 no less) & ect...? 2. Comparing graphics from FPS games (KZ2 no less) instead of other console RTS games. 3. It's clear the reviewer only wants RTS games on PC's instead of a console. 4. Because of the reviewers clouded judgements, he can't get the facts straight nor do proper research on the game. 5. It's clear the reviewer does not like Halo as a "whole". In summary: The reviewer hated the fact this is a Halo game & the success it's getting. (Sony fanboy / Halo hater) It's only on the XB360 instead of the all mighty PC. (PC RTS Lover) Because of his clouded judgements, can't do proper research on games he's reviewing.… Expand
  23. PhilG
    Mar 26, 2009
    9
    Don't go into the game looking for the complexity of Empire: Total War and you'll be fine. Very easy to pick up and play, streamlined, and plenty of fun. It's like a mix of both Dawn of War games, LOTR: Battle for Middle Earth, and Starcraft. Well worth the price of admission.
  24. JudgeMental
    Aug 27, 2010
    9
    If I were told that my studio was about to be dissolved, I would go out in a blase of glory by doing something that conventional wisdom claimed could not be done. I would make history, even if all that it would achieve would be that college students would mention in passing what a bad decision the dissolution was.

    This is what Ensemble did with Halo Wars. As they have done in the past,    If I were told that my studio was about to be dissolved, I would go out in a blase of glory by doing something that conventional wisdom claimed could not be done. I would make history, even if all that it would achieve would be that college students would mention in passing what a bad decision the dissolution was.

    This is what Ensemble did with Halo Wars. As they have done in the past, they took a popular IP and made an RTS out of it, but this time they made a perfectly functional RTS on a console. This, up until now, was unheard of. Halo Wars might not have been the first RTS, or the best RTS, but it was the first RTS with a good control scheme for a console as a platform. The game itself wasn't bad either, but I give legendary status to the Ensemble team that, in their dying breath as a company, made this game.    … Expand
  25. TheQuietGamer
    Mar 6, 2011
    9
    This is the first RTS I have ever played, and really shows that a RTS can succeed on a console and not only on PC, the controls are outstanding, as are the graphics, sound, and story, a must play for RTS and Halo fans, and for those who want to try an RTS this is a perfect starter, it's easy to approach and is simple to figure out but difficult to master, add some great multiplayer andThis is the first RTS I have ever played, and really shows that a RTS can succeed on a console and not only on PC, the controls are outstanding, as are the graphics, sound, and story, a must play for RTS and Halo fans, and for those who want to try an RTS this is a perfect starter, it's easy to approach and is simple to figure out but difficult to master, add some great multiplayer and you've got a fantastic game.… Expand
  26. ArtVandelay
    Jun 21, 2011
    9
    As a huge fan of rts games especially ag of empires, halo wars is by far the best rts on the console today! The user friendly controls make halo wars fun for everyone! I'd recommend this game to all halo fans!
  27. Larux18
    Dec 22, 2011
    9
    My personal opinion over this game influences much of this review since I purely loved this game, an RTS game on consoles is not the best idea but this game changes that. The campaign is not the best thing of this game, it's short and the difficulty unbalanced although the skulls and secrets found there are great and they unlock a Halo timeline that tells you a little about the story. TheMy personal opinion over this game influences much of this review since I purely loved this game, an RTS game on consoles is not the best idea but this game changes that. The campaign is not the best thing of this game, it's short and the difficulty unbalanced although the skulls and secrets found there are great and they unlock a Halo timeline that tells you a little about the story. The campaign is good, but not great and I just wish there was a covenant campaign. This game really shines on multiplayer though since the maps are great, the units more varied and you can play as UNSC or as the covenant and both have different game mechanics. Fighting strategically in 3 vs 3 online matches is just epic and I just can't get tired of playing this game. Overall this game is totally amazing just because of the extremely fun multiplayer, now that the price for this game isn't high at all you should buy it.… Expand
  28. RagingCanadian
    Mar 8, 2013
    9
    Great game I highly recommend it to people. There is only one flaw with this game and that is in multiplayer. When you start off a game you think you can win and then boom you get rushed it is the most annoying thing especially if you are trying to rank up. But still a great game.
  29. The_Antagonist
    Jun 16, 2013
    9
    Please make a sequel or similar console rts! Although it's been a little while since I've played halo wars, me and some friends used to have a hell of a time in online 3v3 matches. I still pick it up every now and again with my mates and mess around for a couple hours online. The simplified controls for a console controller could not be more perfect. Everything is easy to maneuver andPlease make a sequel or similar console rts! Although it's been a little while since I've played halo wars, me and some friends used to have a hell of a time in online 3v3 matches. I still pick it up every now and again with my mates and mess around for a couple hours online. The simplified controls for a console controller could not be more perfect. Everything is easy to maneuver and switching between bases and units could not be easier. The campaign was a little lackluster but co-op campaign was what I played and I can say it is much more enjoyable then running around solo. If you are into rts games and looking for a new console experience then why haven't you picked this gem up yet? Halo Wars has gave me countless hours of fun and it's always nice to get a break from the standard fps multiplayer and mix it up a bit.… Expand
  30. 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
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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

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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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