Editing Halo Wars

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|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]], Skirmish.

|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]]''. Unlike the rest of the series, ''Halo Wars'' 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 20 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 in both single-player and online cooperative campaign modes. Additionally, up to six players can play three-versus-three matches head-to-head 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. The Covenant is playable only in multi-player and skirmish modes.

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 and Ensemble Studios have confirmed that the ''Halo Wars: Limited Edition'' will include an extra disc with the [[Mythic Map Pack]]for ''Halo 3''. {{Verify_source}}

==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 multi player 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, though it is possible to play as the Covenant in a skirmish game or online. Co-op campaign over Xbox Live has been announced.

{{clear}}

*''Halo Wars'' incorporates 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 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 are in the game.

*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 downloadable 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>

*the currency featured in the game will be Energy and Resources. Large vehicles such as the Covenant [[Scarab]] will be costly.

*It is unknown whether or not the [[Covenant]] [[Yanme'e|Drone]] race will be included for the Covenant. At this time in the ''Halo'' Universe, they still filled a minor technical role, rather than a more important combat role.

*In ''Halo Wars'', certain units and powers are only available for certain leaders. The player(s) must choose a leader in multiplayer and skirmish mode. [[Brutes]] and [[Brute Choppers]] are available for the [[Brute Army Commander]], while the [[Prophet of Regret]] can use [[Honor Guard Elites]], and the [[Unnamed Arbiter|Arbiter]] can make use of [[Unggoy#Suicide Grunts|Suicide Grunts]].

[[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 cut scenes 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.

===[[UNSC]]===

*[[James Cutter|Captain James Cutter]]

*[[Serina]]

*[[Anders|Professor Anders]]

*[[John Forge|Sergeant John Forge]]

*[[Alice|SPARTAN Alice]]

*[[Keiichi-047|SPARTAN Keiichi-047]]

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

{{col-2}}

===[[Covenant]]===

*An [[Unnamed Arbiter (Halo Wars)|Arbiter]]

*A [[Jiralhanae]] [[Brute Army Commander|Chieftain]]

**[[SPARTAN Group Omega]]: SPARTAN-IIs are individual units who are superior to Marines. They begin with dual-wielded [[M7/Caseless Submachine Gun|SMGs]] and can hijack enemy vehicles, so the player can control them. They can also be outfitted with [[AIE-486H Heavy Machine Gun|chain guns]] 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. Their health regenerates over time. They are outfitted with the MJOLNIR Mk. IV; however, they still have the Mk. V abilities to possess shields and use [[Spartan Neural Interface]]s, though these may be gameplay perks.

**[[Hellbringer|Flame-thrower Marine]]:<ref name="Forum">http://www.halowars.com/forums/thread/242938.aspx</ref> Called the ''Hellbringers'', these Marines are specialists equipped with heavier armour and flame-throwers which can be used to torch entire infantry units. They can be upgraded with Flash Bang Grenades, which stun enemies when hit, napalm ammunition which allows their attacks to burn slightly afterwards, 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 their replace grenades with [[Rocket Launcher]]s (called RPGs in-game), making them more effective against vehicles<ref name = "IGN E3 2008: ''Halo Wars'' Hands-on"/>. They usually operate in teams of four but may add another member to their squads via the "New Blood" upgrade.<ref name = "CES 09"/>, and a medic via the medic upgrade.

**[[Medic]]: This is a unit capable of healing injured infantry when they are not in combat. These are gained when the respective upgrade is purchased from the barracks. They are equipped with the MA5B Assault Rifle. <ref name = "IGN E3 2008: ''Halo Wars'' Hands-on"/> When the upgrade is purchased, each marine squadron receives one medic as opposed to them being a separate unit. <ref name = "Demo">Halo Wars Demo</ref>

**[[Orbital Drop Shock Troopers]]: An available upgrade for infantry. It can be upgraded at the [[Barracks]]. <ref name = "OXM">January 2009, ''Official Xbox Magazine'', pp 38-43</ref> The upgrades effects allow the player to substitute standard Marine squads with ODST teams (armed with M90 Shotguns), as well as the HEV drop. The HEV drops can also be used as a weapon against enemy forces when placed on top of one. Note that ODST squads can still use the Rocket Launcher ability. They are only available for Captain Cutter.

**[[M6D Personal Defense Weapon System]] (Magnum)

**[[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===

* [[UNSC Rebels (Halo Wars)|Rebels]]: Can be found occupying secondary base sites, and the area around Forerunner supply elevators, etc.

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

*[[Sentinel]]s<ref name=Forum/>

**An upgrade to the [[Prophet of Regret]] gives him two [[Protectors]], guards that look like Sentinels.

*[[Enforcer]]: Can disable enemy vehicles.

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

*[[Forerunner Supply Elevator]]: Produces supplies when infantry are garrisoned inside it. Equivalent to an additional Supply Pad or Warehouse.

*[[Forerunner Spire of Healing]]: Heals any friendly units nearby for the player who controls it.

*[[Forerunner Teleporter]]: Instantly sends units to another teleporter location.

*[[Forerunner Bonus Reactor]]: Increases tech level of any player that controls it.

*[[Forerunner Lifesupport Pod]]: Increases the max population for any player who controls it.

*[[Mega Turret]]: Exactly what its name implies. Capable of dishing out considerable damage against enemy units, it is currently unknown if the Mega Turret is a Forerunner Structure, or if it is a designation for particularly powerful UNSC or Covenant Turrets.

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

[[Image:Halo Wars Flood.jpg|thumb|left|Flood biomass and tentacles ensnare an [[Elephant]], with Flood [[Infection Form]]s and [[Combat Form]]s 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 them to signify that they are 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''.

The reason why that they can not be controlled by the player is that they would have to be balanced out with the other 2 factions, roughly being the Zerg from ''StarCraft''.  In the multiplayer map [[Release]], they will be a hostile force to both sides of the battle.

*'''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, though Brute forms may yet appear.

**[[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 sword: shooting them will sometimes releases precious resources for weapon and vehicle upgrades. At other times, however, they will release a swarm of [[Infection Form]]s that can destroy infantry squads in seconds.

*'''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.

**Unknown Form: It is confirmed that there is a new airborne Flood form even bigger than the others. If the rumors are true this could possibly be a boss creature, or a unit with functions similar to a [[Scarab]].{{Verify_source}} This could be the same unit as the other "unconfirmed" flying unit.

*'''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.]]

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 Beasts]] 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. This has probably been changed 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 receive additional members, and Warthogs can be upgraded with gauss cannons. The [[Covenant]] moves through the tech-tree in [[History of the Covenant|Ages]] rather than small steps.{{Verify_source}}

The Flood will most likely not have any tech tree because they are an unplayable faction. They might be encountered using captured UNSC and Covenant vehicles.

Certain characters belonging to both the [[Covenant]] and the [[UNSC]] have been confirmed to be "leader factions", which are sub-factions with unique units and bonuses. All of the Covenant leaders appear on the battlefield and have unique in-game abilities. The UNSC leaders on the other hand do not appear on the battlefield but instead have economic bonuses and "super units" (upgrades of normal units). Currently known leaders are [[James Cutter|Captain James Cutter]], [[John Forge|Sergeant John Forge]], [[Anders|Professor Anders]], an [[Arbiter (Halo Wars)|unknown Arbiter]], an unknown [[Brute Chieftain]] and the [[Prophet of Regret]]. Each leader has a number of unique features, for the UNSC it's "super units", economic bonuses, unique units (Cutter's Elephant, Forge's Cyclops and Anders' Gremlin.) and leader powers (MAC, Carpet bomb and Cryo bomb) that can be called from the Spirit of Fire. The Covenant on the other hand have a unique unit (two for the brute leader) and a "hero unit" (their leader) with their leader power attached to the "hero unit". 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, however it also drains resources while active. His unique units are Sangheili [[Honor Guards]]. The Arbiter can go into a rage mode and wield two energy swords and can upgrade to infinitely cloak himself, but at the cost of draining resources for every second these modes are active<ref>OXM January 2009 article</ref>. The Arbiter will also have the ability to train [[Kamikaze Grunt|Suicidal Grunts]]. It is reasonable to conclude that all Covenant leader powers drain resources while active. The Brute Chieftain can use his [[Gravity Hammer]] to create a vortex which sucks in infantry, then the player can press the A button to create a massive explosion.{{Verify_source}}

Although Covenant leaders are limited to one at a time, they are the strongest units in the entire game (maybe apart from Scarabs). They can also empower surrounding units.<ref name = "Hands On">2008-17-11, [http://www.videogamer.com/xbox360/halo_wars/preview-1380.html Halo Wars Hands-on Preview]. ''Videogamer''. Accessed on 2008-19-11</ref>

==[[Achievement]]s==

There have been confirmed to be 50 achievements available in ''Halo Wars'', adding up to a total of 1000 Gamerscore.

{{Halo Wars Achievements}}

[[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 a 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 player ranking but players will be able to achieve the ranks of Recruit, Lieutenant, and General. 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"/>

*[[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 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 opponent in 1V1, 2V2 and 3V3 modes. 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 is 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:

# [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z89adFGjR3g Spirit of Fire]

==Marketing Promotions and Release==

===Alpha Test===

[[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}}

====Unknown Trailer Video====

On Febuary 8th, 2009, the Taiwanese Xbox Live website released a four minute-long trailer which contained spoilers detailing the later story of Halo Wars. It was soon taken down, and other sites which put it up, including halo.bungie.org, removed it at the request of [[Microsoft]] Game Studios. However, several sites still have the video. The music from the trailer has been confirmed to be "Optimus vs. Megatron," a song from the Transformers movie.

===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, proving that [[Harvest]] is not the only world visited 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 and hero unit abilities. Some new cinematic scenes appear in the ViDoc. Again, this vidoc announces the demo on February the 5th.{{clear}}

====Halo Wars ViDoc #3 - Strategy on Xbox====

[[Video:Halo_Wars_Vidoc_3_-_Strategy_on_Xbox|right|300px]]

On February 12th, 2009 the third ViDoc was released, it tells about the controls featured and what expectation there are of the game. As well as the previous ViDoc, this one features cinematic scenes. Note that at a certain point in the video, there are exactly three Brute Chieftains, one Arbiter and six Elite Honor Guards fighting against a UNSC army. This would mean that all three [[Covenant]] leaders would have had to of been selected to get all these things at once. And it is strange that there are so many Brute Chieftains when it has been thought that you could only select one in a battle, this could mean that there is the main Chieftain, and the more lesser unnamed Brute commanders.

====Halo Wars ViDoc #4 - Jaws of Victory====

On February 19th, 2009 the fourth ViDoc was released, it tells people about tactics, multiplayer and developers tactics. Unlike the others, this ViDoc shows already known cinematic scenes.

===Demo===

{{Main|Halo Wars Demo}}

On February 5th, a demo for ''Halo Wars'' was released on Xbox Live for the first time for Gold Xbox Live Subscribers. The demo was made available to non-Gold subscribers on February 12th.

It has been confirmed that the player can play the first two levels of the campaign, as well as play skirmish mode on the map [[Chasm]] where the player can play against an AI opponent. The demo's skirmish mode can be played as the [[Covenant]] or the [[UNSC]]. The Covenant leader character in the demo is the [[Prophet of Regret]], and the [[UNSC]] leader character is [[Captain Cutter]]. The demo's campaign mode lets the player try to 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 second mission deals with the UNSC trying to gain access to the relic before the Covenant destroy it in an attempt to keep it out of their hands. The demo will also have an optional beginner and advanced tutorial.

===Downloadable Content===

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>

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>

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*Occasionally, when a Spartan is in combat, he/she can be heard to shout, "For Samuel!" This is a reference to [[Samuel-034]], the first Spartan to die in combat against the Covenant.

*Marines can shoot a [[Grunt]]'s [[Methane tank]], causing the Grunt to 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]]''.

*It has been confirmed that the Flood will be an unplayable faction in the game. This is controversial since the first non-Forerunner reports of the Flood came when the Covenant released it in the events of ''Halo: CE''.