Halo Wars: Definitive Edition

 Xbox One
Metascore
81

Generally favorable reviews - based on 9 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 9 out of 9
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 9
  3. Negative: 0 out of 9
  1. ICXM
    Jan 13, 2017
    90
    The graphics look crisper even though they aren’t a substantial upgrade over the original. The controls have seen the biggest improvement and it plays even better on Xbox One. While I wish the gameplay was more complex, the title is still a solid entry in the real-time strategy genre.
  2. GameSpew
    Mar 10, 2017
    80
    [Halo Wars] may not be as strong as some other legitimate classics of the genre, or even the franchise it is associated with. However, what it is, undoubtedly, is an underrated game that deserves more attention.
  3. TheXboxHub
    Feb 14, 2017
    80
    With an improved matchmaking system on offer, Halo Wars: Definitive Edition provides a truly exceptional title that shows just how well an RTS title can work on console, bringing all the quality of the Halo franchise to the table in a strategic and interesting way, and adding a new level of immersion to the series for newcomers and veterans alike.
  5. Everyeye.it
    Jan 17, 2017
    80
    The game is still fun and intense, just like it was in the past, and It’s equipped with a good graphic restyling. A perfect way to wait for the release of Halo Wars 2.
  6. TrueAchievements
    Jan 10, 2017
    80
    To this day Halo Wars remains the most accessible RTS game to have ever been released on a console, and while it may lack the depth of some of its PC brethren, as an introduction to the genre it is still at the top of its class.
  7. SomosXbox
    Dec 31, 2016
    80
    A faint attempt to bring this strategy saga to Xbox One and PC users before the release of Halo Wars 2. It’s quite limited on strategic options (especially on PC), but it’s still quite amusing and makes the time fly. In addition, it’s a fantastic way to remember a mythic studio as Ensemble.
  8. Vandal
    Dec 28, 2016
    80
    It's definitely an improvement from the original version, and a great way to enjoy the franchise while we wait for the sequel.
  9. Atomix
    Dec 23, 2016
    80
    Halo Wars: Definitive Edition is a great way to revisit or to play for the first time one of the greatest RTS games designed specifically for a home console.
  10. Video Chums
    Mar 6, 2017
    75
    Halo Wars: Definitive Edition is a solid game for series fans although real-time strategy enthusiasts may be put off by its simplistic gameplay formula. In the end, I'm surprised how well it holds up as it's a wholly worthwhile game even eight years after its initial release.

Awards & Rankings

46
#46 Best Xbox One Game of 2017
51
#51 Most Discussed Xbox One Game of 2017
20
#20 Most Shared Xbox One Game of 2017

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
7.7

Generally favorable reviews- based on 136 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 104 out of 136
  2. Mixed: 13 out of 136
  3. Negative: 19 out of 136
  1. ITZZZPERRY
    Aug 11, 2017
    9
    Halo Wars: Definitive Edition was a walk down memory lane. The original Halo Wars was one of my most played games on the Xbox 360. To replayHalo Wars: Definitive Edition was a walk down memory lane. The original Halo Wars was one of my most played games on the Xbox 360. To replay it on the Xbox One was a treat, as everything was just as good.… Full Review »
  2. aidanpscott
    Feb 28, 2017
    8
    Holy s***, I have never played a game so smoothly on any console, even on the Playstation 4! For those of you who do not know, this is aHoly s***, I have never played a game so smoothly on any console, even on the Playstation 4! For those of you who do not know, this is a rerelease of Halo Wars that is available as part of the Halo Wars 2 Ultimate Edition (for $80). I actually really enjoyed the first Halo Wars. It had issues and lacked content, especially Multiplayer content, but as someone who had never played an RTS prior to Halo Wars, I thought it was a really good intro point.

    The definitive edition gives you everything in the previous game including all the DLC, just like a Game of the Year edition does, except this game offers incredibly smooth gameplay that, as far as I have played, offers true 60 FPS on a console game. This is largely due to the fact that Halo Wars was a 360 game transferred into the more powerful engine of the Xbox One, so that shouldn't be too surprising, but many other xbox 360 titles, especially backwards compatible games like Halo Reach did not function nearly as well as this game.

    This is smooth! It's just as good as you remembered it! If you haven't played the first Halo Wars, I would highly recommend getting the Halo Wars 2 Ultimate Edition since you are getting 2 games for $80. That said, I am disappointed that Microsoft did not give us the option to purchase this game separately. For me, the first Halo Wars game was a 7/10 (Good) and this one is an 8 considering how smooth the gameplay is and considering it's a part of an $80 package, which includes the Season Pass!

    NOTE: I do not, however, recommend getting the $80 edition of Halo Wars 2 unless you have not played the first game or unless you are a really big fan of the first halo wars and/or a big fan of the halo franchise in general.

    I wish I had waited until today to get this game to play it for the first time because it definitely performs better than before.    … Full Review »
  3. juanjp
    Apr 16, 2018
    10
    Halo Wars: Definitive Edition is a solid game for series fans although real-time strategy enthusiasts may be put off by its simplisticHalo Wars: Definitive Edition is a solid game for series fans although real-time strategy enthusiasts may be put off by its simplistic gameplay formula.… Full Review »
See all user reviews »