Editing Halo Wars

{{era|HW}}

{{Ratings}}  

{{New Content}}

<center>''Looking for [[Halopedia:Halo Wars RPG|PROJECT: Halo Wars]], the Halopedian project, [[Halo Wars: Genesis]], the [[Halo Wars: Limited Edition]] or the [[Halo Wars: Official Strategy Guide]]?''</center>

|name='''''Halo Wars'''''

|image=Halo Wars - Cover Art - Final.jpg

|Developer=[[Ensemble Studios]]

|Publisher= [[wikipedia:Microsoft Game Studios|Microsoft Game Studios]]

|Genre= [[Real-time Strategy]]                

|US Date Released= March 3rd, 2009 <ref>http://kotaku.com/5126557/ces-09-whoops-halo-wars-release-date-still-march-3</ref>

|UK Date Released= February 27th, 2009<ref>http://www.amazon.co.uk/Microsoft-Halo-Wars-Xbox-360/dp/B000NG5AEW/ref=sr_1_24?ie=UTF8&s=videogames&qid=1228803251&sr=8-24</ref>

|Game modes=[[Campaign Mode]], [[Multiplayer|Multi-player]], [[Co-op|Co-op Campaign Mode]].

|ESRB=Teen (T) for Blood/Gore, Language, and Violence

|Platform=[[Xbox 360]]

|Website=http://www.halowars.com/

'''''Halo Wars''''' is a Real-Time Strategy game in the Halo Universe. It begins in the year [[2531]], during the Covenant eradication of the Outer Colonies in the [[Human-Covenant War]]. The game is being developed by [[Ensemble Studios]], and is planned as an Xbox 360 exclusive, like [[Halo 3]]. It is rated "T" for Teen.  

[[Image:HWSPARTAN.PNG|thumb|right|A SPARTAN from [[SPARTAN Group Omega]] sporting an early concept design of the Mark IV armor in the Halo Wars announcement trailer.]]

[[Image:HwaIMG-9055-control.jpg|thumb|right|The control scheme in Halo Wars.]]

In '''Halo Wars''', players can command armies of both familiar, and new [[UNSC]] units during its first encounters against the [[Covenant]], a coalition of alien races that threatens to eradicate all of mankind. 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]], the player leads UNSC soldiers and vehicles against classic Covenant foes, such as [[Grunts]], [[Elites]], [[Ghosts]], and [[Banshees]]. 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 online on Xbox Live and through the single-player or co-op campaign. Additionally, up to 6 players can play 3 versus 3 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 for it. It has been confirmed that the [[Covenant]] will be a playable race only in skirmish mode.

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 ''Halo Wars'' Monthly Update 03/27/08</ref> At this point in time, they are working on in-game units and how they interact with each other.<ref>[http://forums.halo.fr/viewtopic.php?p=315181 Interview-Graeme Divine].</ref> Alpha testing has also begun, with testers having been reported as playing the game over Xbox Live. <ref>http://www.xbox360fanboy.com/2008/04/18/halo-wars-alpha-spotted-on-xbox-live/</ref>

The game was featured at the 2008 E3 event, held in July. It was shown on G4's E3 08 LIVE as a hands on demo.<ref name = "Next Gen">2008-05-07, [http://www.next-gen.biz/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=11227&Itemid=59&limit=1&limitstart=2 Next-Gen’s 30 Most Anticipated Games of E3]. ''Joe Keiser''. Accessed on 2008-13-07</ref> Some newer off-screen demos were released, showing how controls are made up and how battles proceed.<ref>http://xbox360.ign.com/dor/objects/857436/halo-wars/videos/3halowars_beatingmission_100908.html</ref>

Bungie has teamed with Ensemble Studios to confirm that the Halo Wars Limited Edition will include an extra disc with the [[Mythic Map Pack]] on it for Halo 3.

==Plot==

[[Image:HaloWarsGameplay2.jpg|thumb|left|UNSC and Covenant units clash in-game. Note in particular the Halo in the background of the image.]]

[[Image:Harvest Plasma Glassed.jpg|thumb|left|Harvest just after the UNSC ''Spirit of Fire'' arrived in the system.]]

The game's story is told through in-game cut scenes and in-game moments, as with the other ''Halo'' games. The game is set in [[2531]],<ref>http://www.computerandvideogames.com/article.php?id=168577</ref> it focuses around the [[UNSC Marine Corps|Marine]] forces of the [[UNSC Spirit of Fire|UNSC ''Spirit of Fire'']] as they engage Covenant ground forces after the discovery of an ancient artifact during a journey to the planet [[Harvest]], at which point has been partially glassed, the first planet to be attacked by the Covenant.

The story will thus begin with the UNSC's early battles on Harvest, but will also feature another colony world, [[Arcadia]], which holds "''something of great interest to the Covenant''". The planet is subsequently invaded by the Covenant, and the UNSC must evacuate the planet while engaging the invasion force. While no Halo Installations will be featured in the campaign, they are likely to be present in some multiplayer maps.<ref>'''Gamepro''', July Edition, pg. 52</ref> The majority of the campaign (15 missions in total)<ref>Xbox World 360 Issue 63 p9</ref> will take place in the polar/mountainous, parts of the jungle, and ruin regions of the world, allowing Ensemble Studios to "''do some great stuff with mountains, snow, ice, forests and some [[Forerunner]] structures''".<ref>http://www.halowars.com/news/articles/archive/2008/02/27/Lance-Hoke-Question-_2600_-Answer.aspx</ref> In addition to striking into new territory, past events not just from the games will be expanded upon.<ref name = "Imagine">[http://www.360magazine.co.uk/games/halo_wars/halo_wars.html Imagine Publishing]. ''Simon Miller''. Accessed on 2008-13-07</ref>

It has been confirmed that the Master Chief will not be making an appearance in the game. There will be a group of SPARTANs that are called [[SPARTAN Group Omega]]. In contrast, the ''Spirit of Fire'' is set to be "full of new characters," such as the AI [[Serina]], Sergeant [[John Forge]], and the ''[[Spirit of Fire]]'''s commander, [[Cutter]].<ref>[http://forums.halo.fr/viewtopic.php?p=315181 Interview-Graeme Devine]</ref> At least some of these characters will go planet side to aid the player. It has also been confirmed that the single player campaign is purely from the UNSC's perspective. Co-op for campaign over Xbox Live has been announced too.

{{clear}}

*Halo Wars will incorporate the concept of "Socket Bases", in which only specific areas can be used to build specific buildings.<ref>http://www.halowars.com/GameInfo/UNSC.aspx</ref>

*'Supply runs' are set to be featured, allowing a regular rejuvenation of supply for the production of units as opposed to a resource gathering system.<ref>Xbox World 360 Issue 63 P.7</ref>

*Forerunner structures have been added into the game.

*Ensemble has stated the camera angle and zoom can be adjusted so that the player can zoom in on one unit, while playing, and then see the whole battlefield.

*Downloadable content has been planned for the game, ranging from new units and maps to potentially new campaign levels<ref>[http://www.gameplayer.com.au/Home/FEATURES/FEATURE/tabid/1488/Default.aspx?CID=a05dd664-5e27-4607-ad73-e74bab6e4016&v7Pager=4 Gameplayer.com] Quote:{{Quote|"We have plans for extra units and extra maps, and then beyond that we’ll look at what else we can add further down the track, such as extra campaigns and so on. I think it’s definitely a good way of consistently breathing new life into the product via DLC."|Graeme Devine}}</ref>. This could perhaps expand to new game campaigns.  

*It may also feature a map editor, either shipping with the game, or as download-able content from Xbox Live Marketplace.<ref>[http://www.gameplayer.com.au/Home/FEATURES/FEATURE/tabid/1488/Default.aspx?CID=a05dd664-5e27-4607-ad73-e74bab6e4016&v7Pager=3 Gameplayer.com] Quote: {{Quote|"We actually talked quite a lot about that, we’ve got a very powerful map editor, so we’ve talked about whether we could release that with the game or via Xbox Live and allow people to make their own maps, and then work out a way for users to share the maps. I would love for that to be in the final product. Because I think user created content is just fantastic. I think it’s absolutely the future, because people love to tell their own stories, people love to make up their own little war campaigns, and there are a lot of people out there who are incredibly talented."|Graeme Devine}}</ref>

==Characters==

[[Image:The Arbiter - Halo Wars.png|right|thumb|100px|The Arbiter that appears in ''Halo Wars''.]]

[[Image:Prophet of Regret.jpg|right|thumb|100px|The Prophet of Regret as he appears in ''Halo Wars''.]]

Aside from CGI cutscenes and on-the-battlefield appearances, characters in Halo Wars often appear in "talking head" animations, where a small view screen appears in the upper left corner showing the face of the character speaking at the moment.

{{col-begin}}

{{col-2}}

*[[Serina]]

*[[Anders|Professor Anders]]

*[[Adam (Halo Wars)|Adam]]

{{col-2}}

**[[SPARTAN Group Omega]]: SPARTAN-IIs are individual units who are superior to Marines. They can receive the ability to dual-wield weapons and can hijack enemy vehicles, so the player can control them. They can also be outfitted with [[AIE-486H Heavy Machine Gun|chainguns]] and Spartan Lasers as well as AIs which can increase their speed, much like Cortana does for John-117 in ''[[The Fall of Reach|Halo: The Fall of Reach]]'', and help them hijack vehicles faster.  <ref name = "IGN E3 2008: ''Halo Wars'' Hands-on">[http://au.xbox360.ign.com/articles/890/890357p1.html E3 2008: Halo Wars Hands-on]. ''Alex Simmons''. Accessed on 2008-17-07</ref> When a SPARTAN hijacks an enemy vehicle, their rank is added to the vehicle's rank and the captured vehicle's stats are increased. Only three SPARTANs can be deployed at a time. It has been confirmed that their health will regenerate over time; Spartans do not have shields, as they are outfitted with the MJOLNIR Mk. IV, meaning they should not be capable of supporting AIs, a fact which has apparently been overlooked.

**[[Hellbringer|Flamethrower Marine]]:<ref name="Forum">http://www.halowars.com/forums/thread/242938.aspx</ref> Called the ''Hellbringers'', these Marines are specialists equipped with heavier armor and flamethrowers which can be used to torch entire infantry units. They can be upgraded with Flash Bang Grenades, which stun enemies when hit, napalm ammunition that will most likely increase the damage they caused, and oxide tanks, which also increase damage. <ref name = "IGN E3 2008: ''Halo Wars'' Hands-on"/>

**[[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 include a [[Rocket Launcher]], making them more effective against vehicles<ref name = "IGN E3 2008: ''Halo Wars'' Hands-on"/>. They usually operate in teams of five but may add another member to their squads via "new blood" upgrade.<ref name = "CES 09"/>

**Machine Gun teams: These are Marines who carry about an [[AIE-486H Heavy Machine Gun]] that can be deployed and fired.{{Verify_source}}

**[[M7/Caseless Submachine Gun]] (SMG)

*'''Vehicles'''

**[[Warthog|M12 Light Reconnaissance Vehicle]] (Warthog) : Can be upgraded to carry a [[M41 LAAG]] or a [[M66 Gauss Cannon]] at a reduction of speed. Can jump gaps, and has ramming ability. May be upgraded so its passenger has a [[grenade launcher]].<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>

***Variant 2: Same as above but the coaxial gun has been upgraded.{{Verify source}}

**[[Vampire]]: A Covenant flying vehicle; a potent craft fitted to fight against hostile air vehicles.

**[[Glassing]]: This appears to be used as a Covenant super weapon. The glassing ship can fire this from orbit to destroy ground positions and units. Can be upgraded for an even more devastating effect. This is named the "cleansing beam" in the most recent demo.

===Neutral===

====[[Forerunner]]====

*[[Sentinels]]<ref name=Forum/>

*[[Sentinel Shop]]: Produces [[Sentinels]] for the player who controls it.

*[[Forerunner Supply Elevator]]: Produces limitless supplies for the player who controls it.

====The [[Flood]]====

[[Image:Halo Wars Flood.jpg|thumb|left|Flood biomass and tentacles ensnare an [[Elephant]], with Flood [[Infection Forms]] and [[Combat Forms]] in the background.]]

[[Image:Flood Barracks.jpg|thumb|285px|A Flood Barracks under siege by a [[Covenant]] assault team.]]

{{Quote|There is quite a bit of concern regarding how we’re going to fit the [[Flood]] into our game and keep it in canon which surprised me, but I promised them all that the [[Halo: Combat Evolved|Halo 1]] canon is intact and that they would have to wait and see how we integrate the [[Flood]].|Graeme Devine<ref>http://halowars.com/news/articles/archive/2008/10/14/Hello-from-TGS.aspx</ref>}}

The [[Flood]] have been announced to be a faction within the game, though the player is unable to use them. The [[Flood]] gain bases and units by taking over [[Human]] and [[Covenant]] bases and troops, and most likely growing flood biomass around it to signify that it is under Flood control.

What has been shown in one of the more recent ''Halo Wars'' demos was that [[Flood]] [[Infection Form]]s, [[Combat Form]]s, [[Carrier Form]]s and what look remotely like [[Gravemind]] tentacles will be the Flood's main attack force. Its unknown if any [[Flood Juggernaut]] forms will be in the game, but in the February issue of GamePro it is confirmed that there will be new flood forms in Halo Wars.

*'''Ground Forms'''

[[Image:Pedia.jpg|thumb|A flood infection form is seen on the bottom left]]

**[[Infection Form]]s have the ability to crawl over walls, increasing its potent abilities, and is able to reach ground no other forces can reach. It is likely that when a group reaches an enemy unit, it will bite them, and then infect them (if a Human or an Elite) turning them into Combat Forms and using their weapons.

**[[Combat Form]]s: The standard fighting force of the [[Flood]]. So far only Human and Sangheili forms have been seen.

**[[Carrier Form]]s: Most likely a suicidal unit, explodes and delivers its payload of [[Infection Forms]] directly into enemy lines.

**[[Flood Growth Pods]] now function as a double-edged knife: shooting them will sometimes releases precious resources for weapon and vehicle upgrades. But other times, they will release a swarm of [[Infection Form]]s that can destroy your squads in seconds.

**Unknown Form: It is confirmed that there is a even bigger Flood form than the others and it is airborne, though this hasn't been confirmed yet. If the rumors are true this could possibly be a boss creature, or a unit with functions similar to a [[Scarab]]..

*'''Air Forms'''

**[[Flood Swarms]] are the first-ever-seen flying incarnation of the Flood, and were described by developers as "infected buzzards crossed with evil bats". These creatures travel in large airborne packs, and can emit barb-like projectiles to puncture enemies. [[Ensemble Studios]] have confirmed that Swarms are not the only airborne Flood units - a much larger and deadlier creature remains clouded in secrecy.

*'''Buildings Forms'''

**[[Flood Barracks]] are organic structures that ceaselessly churn out a variety of attackers. They can't be destroyed by "conventional" weaponry, but players can damage them enough to force them into a withered, dormant state. The effect is only temporary, and given enough time, the Barracks will recover and begin producing more Flood forms.

===Ambient Life===

[[Image:ThornBeastHW.png|thumb|right|180px|[[Thorn Beast]] seen in the middle of a battle.]]

Although only in the conceptual stages at this point, ambient life forms will be encountered in the gameplay. They may be found on the battlefield, and might react to the actions of the player's forces (such as firing a weapon, flying around or near them, etc.).<ref>[http://www.halowars.com/default.aspx ''Halo Wars'' Update; 2008-02-07, Ambient Life].</ref> Examples include the [[Space Owl]], the [[Harvest Whale]], the [[Arctic Beast]], [[Arctic Ice Hound|Ice Hound]] and some sort of [[eel-snake creature]] that has yet to be named.

The ambient life forms will be on the multiplayer maps and they will be interactive. However, in a recent interview, some [[Thorn Beast]] were observed. The [[Thorn Beasts]] seen in the game, merely run away from units, not battles; if there is a bombing next to it, it will not flinch. However, since the game is still in development, this lack of a reaction may be changed in the near future for a more realistic gaming experience.

===Technology Advancement===

The tech tree will be a different experience for both factions. When playing as the [[UNSC]], the player advances by building reactors, upgrading buildings, and purchasing upgrades in a fairly standard, though streamlined, manner. For instance, infantry units can graduate to shotguns and later ODSTs, and Warthog units upgrade to a Gauss cannon. The [[Covenant]] moves through the tech-tree in [[History of the Covenant|Ages]] rather than small steps.{{Verify_source}}.

===Leader Abilities===

Certain characters belonging to both the [[Covenant]] and the [[UNSC]] have been confirmed to in-game be "leader units", all of which have unique in-game abilities. Currently known leaders are [[James Cutter|Captain James Cutter]], [[John Forge|Sergeant John Forge]], [[Anders|Professor Anders]], an [[Unnamed Arbiter (Halo Wars)|unknown Arbiter]], an unknown [[Brute Chieftain]] and the [[Prophet of Regret]]. Each leader has a number of unique features, as well as a hero unit and possibly faction owned units like the brutes owning choppers and squads of brutes. Sergeant Forge is his own faction's hero unit, and a Spartan called [[Alice]] is the hero unit of either Anders or Cutter. Captain Cutter's unique ability is to call down an [[Elephant]] from the [[Spirit of Fire]], which is a mobile barracks in the game. 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. The Arbiter can go into a rage mode and wield two energy swords, but at the cost of draining resources for every second it's active<ref>OXM January 2009 article</ref>. Also, the Arbiter will also have the ability to summon Kamikaze/Suicide Grunts. It is reasonable to conclude that all unique abilities drain resources while active.

==[[Achievement]]s==

{{Halo Wars Achievements}}

==Halo Wars Multiplayer==

[[Image:1209090473 Screenshots 1280 003.jpg|thumb|200px|right|A possible multiplayer map showing [[Covenant]] as playable characters.]]

Just like ''[[Halo 2]]'' & ''[[Halo 3]]'', ''Halo Wars'' will have the strong characteristic of online gaming. ''Halo Wars''' live gaming characteristics include Direct voice communication & Online leader boards. Unlike any of the other ''Halo'' games, now your vehicles' and troops' armor will change to the teams color so you can get red Hunters, purple Grunts, ect. There's no specific information regarding to the player ranking. As of now, multiplayer is said to be up to 6 players at a time in a match. Two player online Co-op for the campaign story will also be in the game.<ref>http://www.xbox360fanboy.com/2008/04/18/halo-wars-alpha-spotted-on-xbox-live/</ref><ref>http://carnage.bungie.org/haloforum/halo.forum.pl?read=874562</ref>

Each multiplayer map apparently takes place on a different "world", each with its own musical theme and playlist.<ref>http://www.halowars.com/news/articles/archive/2008/04/28/Halo-Wars-Monthly-Update-4.28.08.aspx</ref> The Halo Rings won't be in the story, but may be included in future maps for multiplayer.<ref name = "Imagine"/>

*[[Sway (Level)|Sway]] <ref> http://www.xbox360fanboy.com/2008/04/18/halo-wars-alpha-spotted-on-xbox-live/ </ref>

*[[Beasley Plateau (Map)|Beasley Plateau]] - A multiplayer map set on a dense jungle plateau.<ref>http://www.gametrailers.com/player/40807.html</ref>

*[[Chasm (Map)|Chasm]] - A multiplayer map recently unveiled, set on a frozen region of Harvest.<ref>http://www.gametrailers.com/player/40805.html</ref>

*[[Blood Gulch (Halo Wars Level)|Blood Gulch]] - A multiplayer map  based off designs from Blood Gulch, the Halo:Combat Evolved map.<ref>Official Xbox Magazine, January 2009 Article</ref>

*[[Release]] - A multiplayer map set on a Flood-dominated environment.

*[[Fort Deen]] - A multiplayer map set on a [[UNSC]] military base.

*[[Tundra]]

*[[Pirth Outskirts]]

*[[Crevice]]

*[[The Docks]]  

*[[Labyrinth]] - A multiplayer map set on a open-bridge-like map in a Forest environment.

*[[Respository]]

*[[Terminal Moraine]]'''  

*[[Frozen Valley]]  

*[[Exile]]'''<ref>[http://www.halowars.com/forums/permalink/451842/454925/ShowThread.aspx#454925 1]</ref>

Halo Wars features a "Skirmish Mode", where the player can battle on multiplayer maps against an AI on the maps. There will be 14 skirmish and multiplayer maps at launch.<ref>[http://www.halowars.com/]</ref>

Editors of OXM's January 2009 Halo Wars article played on a multiplayer map called "'''Blood Gulch'''". It was stated that it's not the same map as that in Halo:Combat Evolved, but some elements have clearly been used in the design for the map.<ref>OXM January 2009 article</ref>

The soundtrack for Halo: Wars is scheduled to be released Feb. 17, 2009.

It will come on two discs, be over 50 minutes long and features performances by FILMharmonic Orchestra and Choir Prague.

The official track list is as follows:

# Spirit of Fire

# Put The Lady Down

# Part Of The Problem

[[Image:1211353155 Halowarsalpha.jpg|thumb|left|A screenshot taken of an Alpha playtester in [[Sway (Level|Sway]].]]

An Alpha test was done for ''Halo Wars''<ref>http://www.xbox360fanboy.com/2008/04/18/halo-wars-alpha-spotted-on-xbox-live/</ref>, 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. The Alpha testing is now complete, as stated in the May Monthly update. <ref>http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cwywugjy3BY&feature=related</ref>

During the Alpha test, anti-air units were glitching 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.<ref>http://www.halowars.com/news/articles/archive/2008/04/28/Halo-Wars-Monthly-Update-4.28.08.aspx</ref> This actually isn't an element of the game, but in fact a "balance issue".  

====E3 2008 Trailer====

''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. The trailer can be downloaded from the ''Halo Wars'' official website or [http://download.microsoft.com/download/2/9/5/29513e72-9c85-43e2-968b-bd94a7b694e3/Halo_Wars_ratedNYR_360p30_ST_1500kbps.wmv here.]{{clear}}

''Field Trip To Harvest'' is a cinematic preview that was released to the public on October 3rd, 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 could be an introduction to the [[Flood]] in ''Halo Wars'', or just a name for the Humans on Harvest.{{clear}}

====Turning Point====

''Turning Point'' has scenes from both ''Five Long Years'' and the E3 Trailer. It also contains speech from both cinematic as well.{{clear}}

===Vidocs===

====Halo Wars Vidoc #1 - Halo Times Ten====

[[Video:Halo_Wars_Vidoc_1_-_Halo_times_ten|right|300px]]

On January 23rd, 2009 the first vidoc of Halo Wars has been released on Xbox LIVE marketplace, it tells how a different perspective can change the gameplay and the announcement of the demo planned on February the 5th. Note that the [[Spirit of Fire]] is at the Planet [[Arcadia]] in the Procyon system, making [[Harvest]] not the only location where you will be playing in the game.{{clear}}

====Halo Wars Vidoc #2 - Expanding The Arsenal====

[[Video:Halo_Wars_Vidoc_2_-_Expanding_The_Arsenal|right|300px]]

On February the 3rd, 2009 the second vidoc was released, it tells about [[Spartan]]s, hero unit abilities and some new cinematic scenes can be seen. Again, this vidoc announces the demo on February the 5th. You can also see that the [[Elite]]s actually use the staff like weapons in combat, they may be early versions of the [[Honor Guard Pike]].{{clear}}

===Demo===

On the 5th of February, a demo for Halo Wars was released on Xbox Live for the first time. It has been confirmed that the player can play the first 2 levels of campaign, as well as play skirmish mode on the map [[Chasm]] where the player can play against an A.I opponent. You can play as the [[Covenant]] or the [[UNSC]] in the demos skirmish mode. The Covenant Leader Character in the demo is the [[Prophet of Regret]], and the [[UNSC]] Leader Character is [[Captain Cutter]]. The demos' campaign mode will let the player try and retake Alpha Base with Sergeant Forge as their first unit, picking up stranded Marines and Warthogs along the way, which will eventually help the player retake Alpha Base from the Covenant. The demo will also have an optional beginner and advanced tutorial.

Although not much is known about the content, it has been confirmed that Ensemble Studios had already finished DLC for Halo Wars long before the actual game was finished.<ref>Official Xbox Magazine January 2009 Edition</ref>

===Early Plot===

Originally 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, 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>

*''Halo Wars'' is the first game to officially feature the [[Huragok]] without the use of mods.

*According to the E3 demo video, soldiers can shoot the [[Grunt]]'s [[Methane tank]]s and the Grunt will explode. In addition, each individual soldier will have his own separate reaction to background stimulation in an attempt by Ensemble to add a "Human Element" to the game.<ref>''Xbox World 360'' Issue 63 p7</ref>Orders can be given for troops to take cover and/or take shelter in buildings.<ref>''Xbox World 360'' Issue 63 p7</ref>

*The 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>

*''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 p28/29</ref>

*There are skulls in the campaign like in ''[[Halo 2]]'' and ''[[Halo 3]]'', which add a little replay value.<ref>''Official Xbox Magazine'' January 2009 Edition</ref>

*During the introductory level in the E3 demonstration video, [[UNSC]] [[Marines]] can be seen doing push-ups behind the barracks, being drilled by a Drill Instructor. This looks set to be dropped from the final version.<ref>''Xbox World 360'' Issue 63 p8</ref>

*The [[D77-TC Pelican]] is the model used in ''Halo Wars'', not the [[D77H-TCI Pelican|D77H-TCI]] which is only introduced during ''[[Halo 3]]''.

*At this point in time, there are over 5,402 sound files for sound and voice in the game.<ref>[http://www.bungie.net/fanclub/107773/group/news.aspx?type=news&cid=351133 Interview with Sonic Duo Part 1]. ''Halo Wars RTS''. Accessed on 2008-05-09</ref><ref>http://www.1up.com/do/previewPage?pager.offset=1&cId=3172311&p=</ref>

*Many new UNSC units were seen on G4's hands-on coverage of ''Halo Wars'' on July 14th.<ref>http://e3.g4tv.com/e32008/videos/26921/Hands_On_Halo_Wars.html</ref>

*E3 '08 ''Halo Wars'' game play has proven the existence of [[Honor Guard Elite]]s in ''Halo Wars''.<ref>http://e3.g4tv.com/e32008/videos/26921/Hands_On_Halo_Wars.html</ref>

*An image of E3 game play has proven that Brutes will be playable units in ''Halo Wars''.<ref>[http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v164/bastable/brutes.jpg Brutes In Halo Wars Screenshot]</ref>

*An article released by ShackNews states that ''Halo Wars'' is Ensemble's last game, and that they are laying off any personnel not essential to the game's completion.<ref>http://www.shacknews.com/onearticle.x/54648</ref> In fact, the supposed layoffs were confirmed merely as a rumor, and that while Ensemble was indeed shutting down after the shipment of ''Halo Wars'', layoffs had not begun.

*As of mid-2008 it appears that Ensemble has chosen to represent each faction by a single matte color (green for the UNSC, purple for the Covenant) instead of allowing each unit to be rendered in a unique manner; something that was shown in the original E3 2007 Demo. The reason for this downgrade in quality remains unknown, but many theorize it is due to the departure of veteran designers Graeme Divine and Ryan Sohmer from the development staff. <ref>http://www.halowars.com/forums/permalink/379085/379087/ShowThread.aspx#379087</ref>

*''Halo Wars'' currently has 50 Xbox 360 achievements, worth a total of 1000 Gamer-points. It will also be released on February 26th in the entire Asian continent, February 27th in the EU and March 3rd for the US.

*The ''[[Halo Wars: Official Strategy Guide]]'' will be released on the 3rd of March.{{fact}}

*It has been confirmed in the February Monthly Update that there will be no space battles in the game.<ref>http://www.halowars.com/news/articles/archive/2008/02/14/Halo-Wars-Monthly-Update-02.14.08.aspx ''Halo Wars'' Monthly Update 02/14/08</ref>