Editing Halo Wars

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{{Game Infobox

|image= [[File:HaloWarsWithTeen.jpg|250px]]

|developer= [[Ensemble Studios]]/[[Robot Entertainment]]

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

'''UK''': 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>

|modes= [[Campaign|Campaign Mode]], [[Multiplayer|Multi-player]], [[Campaign#Cooperative|Co-op Campaign Mode]], Skirmish

|rating=16+ (In U.K. only) Teen (T) for Mild Blood, Mild Language, and Violence

'''''Halo Wars''''' is the first [[real-time strategy]] game in the [[halo universe|''Halo'' Universe]]. It begins in the year [[2531]], 21 years prior to ''[[Halo: Combat Evolved]]'', during the [[Covenant Empire|Covenant]] eradication of the [[Outer Colonies]] in the [[Human-Covenant War]]. The game was developed by [[Ensemble Studios]], and is an Xbox 360 exclusive, like every other Halo game. Unlike other ''Halo'' games, ''Halo Wars'' is rated "T" for Teen, downgraded from "M" for Mature given to previous installments. In the U.K, the game is a 16+ game, while its predecessor ''Halo 3'' is a 15+ game although this is due to the two games using different rating boards (PEGI is stricter than the BBFC). Downloadable content and support is currently being developed by [[Robot Entertainment]], a studio founded by ex-Ensemble Studios employees after its closing.<ref>[http://www.robotentertainment.com/PressRelease.htm]</ref>

As of February 28th, 2010 (or March 1st, 2010)<ref>[http://www.halowars.com Halo Waypoint and Halo Wars]</ref>, ''Halo Wars'' and [[Halowars.com]] support was transferred from Robot Entertainment to [[Halo Waypoint]]. It was stated that Waypoint would provide "exciting plans", but this has yet to come to fruition.<ref>[http://www.halowars.com Halo Wars en route to Waypoint]</ref>

On November 5th, 2010, The Halo Wars Leaderboards were reset by popular demand.<ref>[http://www.halowars.com/default.aspx Halo Wars Leaderboard Reset Incoming]</ref>

On November 16th, 2010,<ref>[http://www.halowars.com/forums/permalink/953396/953396/ShowThread.aspx#953396 Halo Waypoint Transitions (Please Read)]</ref> it was announced that Halowars.com and Halo Wars Online Stat Tracking would no longer be supported. Along with the act, [[343 Industries]] and Halo Waypoint planned to release one final Title Update to fix a cutscene bug in Theater from Title Update 4, and to disconnect the game from the site, moving the forums to Halo Waypoint's. This change was to occur on December 15th, 2010. However, on December 8th, 2010<ref>[http://www.halowars.com/forums/permalink/963172/963172/ShowThread.aspx#963172 Halo Wars Stat-Tracking To Continue]</ref>, 343 Industries and Halo Waypoint announced a reversal in their decision to cease Online Stat Tracking, citing they were "...always uncomfortable with the idea...", and "...decided that the current plan of action was not in line with how we have always intended to support Halo games and the Halo franchise in general." Although the ''Halo Wars'' forums will still be merged with Waypoint's forums, Title Update 5 will be released in the near future.{{Citation needed}}

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

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

In the RTS game '''''Halo Wars''''', players command armies of both old and new [[UNSC]] units during its first encounters against the [[Covenant]], a massive collection of alien races that threatens to destroy all of humanity. ''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 [[Artificial intelligence|AI]] [[Serina]], from the UNSC CFV-88 ''Spirit of Fire'', the player leads UNSC soldiers and vehicles against classic Covenant foes, such as [[Unggoy|Grunts]], [[Sangheili|Elites]], [[Type-32 Rapid Assault Vehicle|Ghosts]], and [[Type-26 Ground Support Aircraft|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 match 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 Studios|Ensemble]] and [[Microsoft]] have repeatedly said that no such plans have been made or even considered. The Covenant is playable only in [[multiplayer]] 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><ref>[http://forums.halo.fr/viewtopic.php?p=315181 Interview-Graeme Divine].</ref><ref name="xbox360fanboy.com">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, showing 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 the controls work and how battles proceed.<ref>http://xbox360.ign.com/dor/objects/857436/halo-wars/videos/3halowars_beatingmission_100908.html</ref>

==Campaign missions==

#"[[Alpha Base (level)|Alpha Base]]"

#"[[Relic Approach]]"

#"[[Relic Interior]]"

#"[[Arcadia City]]"

#"[[Arcadia Outskirts]]"

#"[[Dome of Light]]"

#"[[Scarab (level)|Scarab]]"

#"[[Anders' Signal]]"

#"[[The Flood (level)|The Flood]]"

#"[[Shield World (level)|Shield World]]"

#"[[Cleansing]]"

#"[[Repairs]]"

#"[[Beachhead (Halo Wars level)|Beachhead]]"

#"[[Reactor]]"

#"[[Escape]]"

===Plot===

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

{{Quote|At this point in time, the [[Covenant]] is at its most evil. They are hell-bent on the destruction of humanity, on scouring us from the universe.|Graeme Devine, Lead Writer, formerly Lead Developer.}}

The game's story is told through in-game cutscenes and vignettes, as with the other ''Halo'' games, though it also features pre-rendered cutscenes. The game is set in [[2531#February|February 2531]] and focuses around the [[UNSC Marine Corps|Marine]] forces of the {{UNSCShip|Spirit of Fire}} as they engage Covenant ground forces after the discovery of an ancient artifact during a journey to the partially [[glassing|glassed]] [[Harvest]]. The story begins with the [[UNSC]]'s final battles on Harvest, but also features another colony world, [[Arcadia]], which holds a [[Forerunner]] artifact of great interest to the Covenant. The planet is subsequently invaded by the Covenant and the UNSC evacuates the planet while engaging the invasion force. The ''Spirit of Fire'' then travels to a [[Forerunner]] [[Shield 0459|Shield World]], where the crew encounters the [[Flood]] and uncovers a dangerous Covenant plot.

This game differs from previous ''Halo'' titles in that [[John-117]] does not appear, although several key [[Spartans]], collectively known as [[Red Team]], do factor into the plot. In contrast, the ''Spirit of Fire'' features several new characters, such as the [[Artificial intelligence|AI]] [[Serina]], [[Ellen Anders|Professor Ellen Anders]], [[Sergeant]] [[John Forge]], and the ''Spirit of Fire'''s commanding officer, [[James Gregory Cutter|Captain James Cutter]]. Some of these characters go planet-side to aid the player. The campaign is purely from the UNSC's perspective. A short prequel story is told in the graphic novel ''[[Halo Wars: Genesis]]'', which is shipped with the game's limited edition.

While Sergeant Forge is patrolling the northern regions of Harvest, [[Alpha Base (Harvest)|Alpha Base]] is attacked and destroyed by the Covenant, with survivors fleeing to the countryside. After rounding up these survivors, Forge leads them in an assault that removes the Covenant presence and reestablishes Alpha Base, returning it to operational status.<ref>'''Halo Wars''', campaign level ''[[Alpha Base (level)|Alpha Base]]''</ref> Forge then leads an assault on a nearby [[Relic|relic site]] itself, removing the Covenant occupants and preventing the enemy from destroying it to deny human access and securing the site for Anders' examination. Shortly after, a Covenant counterattack cuts them off from Alpha Base.<ref>'''Halo Wars''', campaign level ''[[Relic Approach]]''</ref> [[Grizzly]] tanks launched from the ''Spirit of Fire'' manage to cut through the Covenant, linking up with Forge and his Marines, and escorting them back out through the relic while forces from Alpha Base holds off the Covenant. Information gathered from the Harvest relic shows that the Covenant have been pointed to a second UNSC colony, Arcadia.<ref>'''Halo Wars''', campaign level ''[[Relic Interior]]''</ref>

Upon following the Covenant to Arcadia, the ''Spirit of Fire'' finds that most of the orbital defense ships have been either destroyed or damaged in battle with the Covenant (one of the many ships is the [[UNSC Pillar of Autumn|''Pillar of Autumn'']] which would be involved in the "Halo incident" twenty years later). Sergeant Forge and his forces are deployed on the ground in order to assist the SPARTANs from [[Red Team]] in the effort to evacuate civilians from Arcadia City, via cargo transports.<ref>'''Halo Wars''', campaign level [[Arcadia City]]''</ref> Afterward, the UNSC forces withdraw to a defensible area on the city outskirts, holding off Covenant attacks long enough for [[Team Omega|SPARTAN Group Omega]] to arrive and assist in the destruction of local Covenant forces.<ref>'''Halo Wars''', campaign level ''[[Arcadia Outskirts]]'</ref> At the same time, the Covenant have erected a large energy shield generator around a site of importance, with [[Arcadia Forerunner ruins|undiscovered ruins]] surrounding the area, forcing the UNSC to deploy prototype [[M-145D Rhino|Rhino]] plasma artillery to penetrate it.<ref>'''Halo Wars''', campaign level '[[Dome of Light]]'</ref> Moving in to examine what was of such interest to the Covenant, they come under attack from a Super Scarab, only partially complete and annihilating any UNSC forces in its line of sight. Eventually managing to destroy it, Anders and Forge begin documenting the area, only for the [[Ripa 'Moramee|Arbiter]] to arrive, taking Anders prisoner and wounding Sergeant Forge, with Red Team arriving too late to assist.<ref>'''Halo Wars''', campaign level ''[[Scarab (level)|Scarab]]''</ref> Rapidly heading out of the system aboard a starship, the ''Spirit of Fire'' follows, eventually emerging in orbit over a [[Shield 0459|mysterious planet]] in an [[Korinth Prior system|unknown location]].<ref>'''[[Halo: The Essential Visual Guide]]''' page 180</ref>

Deploying ground forces to search for Anders, the UNSC and Covenant forces come under attack from a previously undiscovered alien organism - the Flood.<ref>'''Halo Wars''', campaign level ''[[Anders' Signal]]''</ref> Managing to regroup and hold a defensible location, the UNSC forces manage to locate the source of the signal - an apparent body of water.<ref>'''Halo Wars''', campaign ''[[The Flood (level)|The Flood]]''</ref> The UNSC forces withdraw back to the ''Spirit of Fire'' as a concentrated Flood force begins to gather momentum, narrowly escaping annihilation, regrouping at the ''Spirit of Fire'' over the lake - which splits to reveal an entrance, and with swarms of [[Sentinel]]s emerging to deal with the Flood.<ref>'''Halo Wars''', campaign level ''[[Shield World (level)|Shield World]]''</ref> The ''Spirit of Fire'' manages to enter, proceeding through a docking system, removing Flood growths and moving through a system of concentric rings that filters out Flood biomass.<ref>'''Halo Wars''', campaign level ''[[Cleansing]]''</ref> The ''Spirit of Fire'' then emerges inside a massive [[Shield World]], immediately engaging a [[Unidentified CPV-class heavy destroyer|''CPV''-class heavy destroyer]] and fending off attacks while conducting repairs.<ref>'''Halo Wars''', campaign level ''[[Repairs]]''</ref>

Meanwhile, the Arbiter uses Anders to activate an installation known as [[the Apex]], revealing a fleet of [[Unidentified Forerunner starship|Forerunner warships]] which the Covenant plans on reverse-engineering and incorporating into their existing naval forces to crush the humans quickly, without needing to dedicate all of their existing forces to the war. Anders manages to escape, using what had been her stasis prison as a [[Slipspace translocation|translocation device]], teleporting to the surface of the Shield World's interior, linking up with Forge and his Marines, who clear the area of Covenant forces and establish a base of operations on the Shield World.<ref>'''Halo Wars''', campaign level ''[[Beachhead (Halo Wars level)|Beachhead]]''</ref> Removing the ''Spirit of Fire'''s [[Shaw-Fujikawa Translight Engine|FTL drive]], the UNSC move it into the Apex, planning to detonate it - the chain-reaction will send the Shield World's sun into a [[supernova]], destroying the installation and the fleet, denying it to the Covenant and saving humanity from near total defeat and extinction. The Arbiter attempts to stop them, but his Sangheili are killed by Red Team, and Forge himself manages to kill the Arbiter with one of his own Energy Swords.<ref>'''Halo Wars''', campaign level ''[[Reactor]]''</ref> Forge stays behind to detonate the reactor, while the rest of the UNSC forces activate a portal out of the Shield World, evacuate to the ''Spirit of Fire'', and manage to slingshot around the sun to build up enough speed to escape the supernova's blast radius and the range of the Shield World's debris.<ref>'''Halo Wars''', campaign level ''[[Escape]]''</ref>

Now unable to return to UNSC space with the speed an FTL drive would have afforded them, the ''Spirit of Fire'''s crew enter [[Cryo-chamber|cryonic storage]]. The ship begins its long journey home, likely to take many years or decades. Here, Sgt. Forge's cryo-tube is closed by Captain Cutter, who briefly nods, upon which the camera pans down to find the words "Sgt. J. Forge", acknowledging the sacrifice of the valiant Marine Sergeant.

The ''Spirit of Fire'', lacking an FTL drive, is left adrift in space. On [[2534|February 10, 2534]], the UNSC declares the vessel "lost with all hands". However, as the game's logo appears on the screen during the final moments of the credits, Serina speaks the final words of the game: ''"Captain. Wake up. Something has happened."''

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.

{{col-2}}

====UNSC====

*[[James Gregory Cutter|Captain James Gregory Cutter]] {{1st}}

*[[Ellen Anders|Professor Ellen Anders]] {{1st}}

{{col-2}}

*[[Arbiter]] [[Ripa 'Moramee]] {{1st}}

{{col-begin}}

{{col-2}}

*[[Team Omega]]

*[[Papadakis|Private Papadakis]]

{{col-2}}

*[[Jiralhanae Army Commander|Brute Army Commander]] {{1st}}

{{col-end}}

==Features==

===United Nations Space Command===

====Infantry====

[[File:Marines.PNG|right|thumb|140px|[[UNSC Marine Corps|UNSC Marines]].]]

*[[SPARTAN-II Program|SPARTAN-II]]: SPARTAN-IIs are individually trained units who are arguably superior to all UNSC and Covenant infantry types. SPARTANs are equipped with a regenerating shield in addition to a health bar. They begin with dual-wielded [[M7/Caseless Submachine Gun|SMGs]] and can hijack all enemy vehicles except the [[Type-47 Ultra Heavy Assault Platform|Scarab]] and [[AC-220 Vulture|Vulture]] gunship for balance purposes, bringing them under player control; they can also commandeer allied vehicles. They can be upgraded to wield [[AIE-486H Heavy Machine Gun|chain guns]] and [[M6 Grindell/Galilean Nonlinear Rifle|Spartan Lasers]], as well as neural implants, which help them hijack vehicles much more quickly.<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 takes control of an allied or enemy vehicle, the Spartan's rank is added to the vehicle's rank and the vehicle's stats are greatly increased. Spartans can also engage in hand-to-hand combat against certain enemies ([[Sangheili Honor Guardsman|Elite Honor Guards]], [[Flood infection form|Infection Forms]], etc). Only three SPARTANs can be deployed at a time and do not contribute to the player's population limit. They are outfitted with the [[MJOLNIR Powered Assault Armor/Mark IV|MJOLNIR Mk. IV]]; the in-game units possess traits that are trademarks of the Mk. V armor, however, this is for gameplay considerations and is not accepted as canon.  

*[[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 replace their [[grenade]]s with [[rocket launcher]]s (called RPGs in-game), making them more effective against vehicles and giving them superior attack power against air units.<ref name = "IGN E3 2008: ''Halo Wars'' Hands-on"/> They usually operate in squads of four but may add another member to their squads via the "[[UNSC Marine Corps/Gameplay#Halo_Wars|New Blood]]" upgrade<ref name = "CES 09"/>, and a [[hospital Corpsman|medic]] via the medic upgrade, adding up to a total of six squad members. However, the medic can only heal existing squad members, and cannot resurrect fallen squad mates.

*[[Orbital Drop Shock Trooper]]s: Also known as "Helljumpers", in reference to the heat of the HEV pods they use to descend from orbit, this is an available upgrade for marine squads. It can be upgraded at the [[UNSC Barracks|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 similar to the MAC Blast and also like the MAC blast&nbsp; the ability to drop has to be used in a visible area. To do so, the player must select the HEV drop ability and put them over the area that they wish to drop them in. ODST squads still possess the rocket launcher ability that is previously upgraded for the marine squads. They are only available as the special upgrade for Captain Cutter. Effects include increased line of sight and more hitpoints.

====Vehicles====

*[[M12 Force Application Vehicle]] (Warthog): Can jump gaps, and has a ramming ability as its special attack. May be upgraded so its passenger has a grenade launcher. Ramming ability is strong enough to destroy a Ghost.<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> Warthogs can collect resources from crates found on the battlefield.

*[[M808B Main Battle Tank|M808 Scorpion MBT]]: The M808 Scorpion is the basic UNSC tank. It can be upgraded to the "[[Grizzly]]" variant.

**[[Grizzly|Grizzly variant]]: An upgrade of the Scorpion, it possesses two cannons and a machine gun. This upgrade is only available when the player chooses [[John Forge|Sergeant Forge]] as his or her [[Hero Units|hero unit]] in [[Skirmish|Skirmish mode]] or [[multiplayer]].

*[[M312 Heavy Recovery Vehicle|''Behemoth''-class Troop Transport]] (Elephant): The Elephant, as it is more commonly known, can carry squads into combat and can fulfill the role of a barracks in the field, along with having the ability to be upgraded with a cannon (though only if deployed), twin engines to upgrade speed, and ceramic armor to allow the Elephant to take more damage. During the campaign, it is used to tow the ''Spirit of Fire'''s [[Shaw-Fujikawa Translight Engine]] up a mountain to the Apex. During multiplayer and skirmish, it is [[James Gregory Cutter|Captain Cutter]]'s unique unit. Note that the dialogue of the Elephant is drastically reduced after the "Defense Turret" upgrade is unlocked.

*[[XRP12 Combat Support Vehicle]](Gremlin): A combat support vehicle, the Gremlin is [[Ellen Anders|Professor Anders]]'s unique unit. It attacks with an EMP cannon that disables vehicles or non-infantry units temporarily. It can be upgraded to fire farther and hit harder and to make the EMP blast chain through multiple vehicles. The Gremlin has absolutely no combat efficiency against air units. Gremlins cannot do very much damage to infantry.

*[[M145D Mobile Artillery Assault Platform]](Rhino): The Rhino is a heavy tracked unit that has a greater defense but lower attack than the Scorpion. The Rhino is armed with a heavy prototype plasma cannon stolen from the Covenant that fires giant plasma bolts. The Rhino is only in the campaign and not available in Skirmish. It is incapable of attacking air units. During the campaign, it is used during [[Dome of Light]] to break through a Covenant energy shield on [[Arcadia]].

*[[M9 Main Anti-Aircraft Tank]](Wolverine): The Wolverine is a specialized anti-aircraft vehicle that uses guided missiles to shoot down enemy aircraft, such as [[Type-26 Ground Support Aircraft|Banshees]] or [[Vampire]]s. While powerful in this aspect, it is especially weak against infantry and anti-armor vehicles, and must be heavily protected. It can be upgraded with a volley ability to unleash a fusillade against buildings. It can also be upgraded to use Dual Launchers, increasing the number of missiles it fires, increasing its damage.

*[[SP42 Main Battle Tank]](Cobra): The Cobra is a heavy anti-armor vehicle armed with a pair of rail cannons which can easily tear apart enemy armor. It can be outfitted with stronger armor when locked down and its rail cannons can be upgraded to penetrate multiple enemies. Its special ability allows it to lock down for greater range, at the expense of mobility. Cobras cannot attack aerial units.<ref>[http://www.halowars.com/GameInfo/vehicledepot.aspx#Cobra]</ref>

*[[Cyclops|Cyclops Exoskeleton]]: The Cyclops is a re-appropriated support exoskeleton that can crush ground enemies in close combat, often finishing off infantry with impressive fatality moves. It can also repair damaged vehicles and buildings if the player upgrades it once. A second upgrade of the unit improves speed. It can also throw debris at enemy units as its special attack. (Unique to [[John Forge|Sergeant Forge]])

====Aerial====

*[[AV-14 Hornet]]: The Hornet is a light gunship that can carry two passengers to provide support and fire on enemy ground and air targets. If upgraded once ("Wingmen" upgrade) two Marines equipped with rocket launchers ride on the Hornet for increased damage. A second passive upgrade ("Chaff Pods") allows for better avoidance of missile attacks.

*[[Pod]]: This dropship, larger than both the Pelican and Vulture, delivers extremely large objects, such as portions of [[Firebase]]s, to pre-determined ground positions.

====Buildings====

**[[UNSC reactor|UNSC Reactor]]: The reactor provides power for a UNSC base to run on. Can be upgraded once into an advanced reactor to double energy output.

**[[UNSC Airpad|UNSC Air Pad]]: This provides UNSC air units along with upgrades for them.  

**[[UNSC Barracks]]: The barracks can provide a number of infantry types for combat and to upgrade.

**[[UNSC Supply Pad]]: Supply Pads are used to get supplies from the ''Spirit of Fire'' via Darter dropships. Can also be upgraded to Heavy Supply Pads to double the rate of resupply.

**[[Base turret|Base Turret]]: Initially armed with an [[M202 XP Machine Gun]]. The turret may be outfitted with a rail cannon for use against vehicles, a flame mortar for use against infantry, or a missile launcher for use against aircraft. Only available on "Station/Fortress" Command bases.<ref>[http://www.halowars.com/GameInfo/firebase.aspx#Turret]</ref> They can be upgraded to Medium Turrets and Large Turrets at the [[UNSC Field Armory|Field Armory]].

===Covenant===

====Infantry====

[[File:OMG Duel Energy Swords!.jpg|200px|thumb|right|Concept art for the [[Elite]] grasping two [[type-1 Energy Weapon/Sword|energy swords]].]]

*[[Unggoy]] (Grunts): Fight in lances consisting of a [[Sangheili Minor|Minor Elite]] (or, depending on the player's selected leader, a [[Jiralhanae Minor|Minor Brute]]) and several Grunts. They have the secondary ability to throw plasma grenades and can be upgraded with needlers, additional members, and a [[Deacon]] to boost combat capabilities through spirituality.<ref>[http://halowars.com/images/cov/covenant_grunt_squad.jpg Image of Covenant Grunt Squad]</ref>

*[[Sangheili]] (Elites): In addition to leading Unggoy lances, Elites serve many other roles, such as drivers of vehicles and pilots of aircraft.

*[[Mgalekgolo]] (Hunters): Hunters are heavily armored and armed with fuel rod-launching assault cannons, like they are in ''Halo: Combat Evolved''. They are the Covenant's primary anti-vehicle infantry. When upgraded, they can receive their traditional shield, a "Spirit Bond" to increase damage given that both of the initial Hunters are alive (this means resurrected Hunters do not receive the Spirit Bond upgrade), and later they can fire a more powerful beam from their cannons.

*[[Kig-yar|Kig-Yar]] (Jackals): Jackals fight in pairs in ''Halo Wars'' and provide good defense against Marines armed with conventional weapons but little defense against grenades, explosives or vehicles. They are originally armed with carbines without shields but can be upgraded to incorporate point defense gauntlets, beam rifles, and eventually stronger gauntlets in the later stages of the Covenant tech tree.

*[[Jiralhanae]] (Brutes): In battle the Brutes wield Brute shots, which are devastating against infantry and effective against light vehicles. Due to their limited battlefield use prior to the events of ''[[Halo 2]]'', they are apparently leader-specific units belonging to the unknown [[Jiralhanae Army Commander|Chieftain]]. They can be upgraded to have [[Jump Pack Jiralhanae|Jump packs]] and install EMP grenades in their brute shots.<ref name="xbox.com">http://www.xbox.com/NR/rdonlyres/31804095-7B32-4CE2-A17E-3CB54A3692EF/0/HaloWars_MNL_EN.PDF</ref>

**[[Jiralhanae Chieftain]]. The only usable Brute Chieftain is the same Chieftain that can be selected as a leader, making him a "hero" unit for the faction like the Arbiter.<ref name="xbox.com"/>

*[[San 'Shyuum]] (Prophets): Prophets fight from their [[Gravity throne|Gravity Thrones]] and can attack enemy infantry with their destructive plasma weapons. The only usable in-game Prophet is the [[Prophet of Regret]], who can only be used if he is chosen as a "leader" before the start of the game.<ref name="xbox.com"/> The Prophet's plasma cannons can be upgraded to fuel rod cannons for increased damage. His second upgrade adds a pair of Offensive Protectors to protect him and his final upgrade gives him full flight capabilities. His leader power is called "Cleansing", where an energy projector's beam is called down from an orbiting warship to quickly incinerate anything beneath it. The glassing beam can be upgraded to deal more damage.

====Vehicles====

*[[Type-47 Ultra Heavy Assault Platform]](Scarab): The Scarab is a super-unit that can destroy infantry, ground vehicles and aircraft with ease. The Scarab is extremely resilient to most weapons fire. Earlier versions of the Scarab have been encountered in ''[[Halo 2]]'' and ''[[Halo 3]]''. [[Spartans]] are unable to hijack Scarabs, with the exception of one campaign level in which the Covenant abandons a Scarab, allowing the player to take control of it. The Scarab is unique in its ability to traverse what is considered 'rough terrain'. In other words, Scarabs can climb over cliffs, mountains and some structures. This makes it the only playable ground unit in the game able to do so.<ref name="gametrailers.com">http://www.gametrailers.com/player/41104.html</ref>

*[[Type-47 Ultra Heavy Assault Platform#Super_Scarab|Super Scarab]]: Seen in the 7th campaign level is a larger and more powerful version of the Scarab. It does not move around the map as its legs are not built yet. However, it relies on power generators scattered throughout the map for energy to turn its head. Despite the vulnerability of its power sources, the Super Scarab is still a very dangerous threat capable of incinerating anything in moments.

*[[Type-32 Rapid Assault Vehicle]](Ghost): The Ghost is a light attack vehicle that excels against infantry but not other vehicles. It can be upgraded with a ramming boost ability, similar to the [[Warthog]]'s Ram Ability, the ability to strafe, so as to avoid incoming grenades and rockets and to have a light energy shield.

*[[Type-25 Rapid Assault Vehicle]](Chopper): The Chopper is a scout-class vehicle available only to the [[Brute Chieftain]] leader. It starts without any guns and is only able to ram hostile ground targets. The Chopper can then be upgraded to include dual cannons on its sides to give the Chopper higher combat capabilities and an additional ramming targe to increase ramming damage and decrease feedback damage (the damage the Chopper takes after ramming an enemy). The autocannons can also be upgraded with stabilizers, improving autocannon accuracy and damage.<ref>http://au.xbox360.ign.com/dor/objects/857436/halo-wars/images/halo-wars-20081113023451375.html</ref>

*[[Type-26 Assault Gun Carriage]](Wraith): The Wraith is the main battle tank of the Covenant and is armed with a plasma mortar and a plasma turret capable of decimating enemy infantry and vehicles. It can also be upgraded to allow for the "Scorch" special ability, as well as to have an energy shield. The mortar can also be upgraded to increase overall damage.

**[[Type-26 Assault Gun Carriage#Honor_Guard_Wraith|Honor Guard Wraith]]: This downloadable variant of the Wraith is exclusive only to the special edition of the game.

*[[Type-30 Light Excavation/Anti-Fortification Platform]](Locust): A smaller counterpart to the Covenant [[Type-47 Ultra Heavy Assault Platform|Scarab]] which is described as a 'building killer'. When upgraded with the Overdrive Ability, the Locust is able to drain its shields to inflict extra damage. Another upgrade for the Locust allows its shield to regenerate faster, which can be bolstered by the 'Shield of the Forerunners' upgrade to compound the recharge speed.

====Aerial====

*[[Type-26 Ground Support Aircraft]], otherwise known as the [[Type-26 Ground Support Aircraft|Banshee]]: The [[Type-26 Ground Support Aircraft|Banshee]] can attack infantry, tanks and other air vehicles due to its twin Plasma Cannons and single Fuel Rod Cannon. With upgrades, Banshees' rate of fire on their Plasma Cannons is increased and Banshees can attempt to crash into enemy units or buildings when they are shot down, causing extra damage. Banshees also have the ability to boost after the 1st upgrade.

*[[Type-28 Troop Carrier|Type-25 Troop Carrier Spirit]]: The Spirit is the rival to the UNSC Pelican, capable of carrying vehicles and infantry in addition to giving them fire support. The screen for the Spirit of Fire is not available for the Covenant Leaders and therefore these cannot be called upon to transport troops or vehicles in skirmish or multiplayer modes.

*[[Type-29 Close-Support Fighter]](Vampire): A Covenant flying vehicle; a potent craft fitted to fight against hostile air vehicles. It can be upgraded to have a stasis beam that drains enemy aircraft health and replenishes its own, and later they can create an explosion after stasis if fully upgraded. It should be accompanied by Banshees to defend from ground units.

*[[Huragok]] (Engineers): Sent into combat zones to repair damaged vehicles and structures, as well as squads of infantry. The upgrade, State of Grace, will increase its repair rate while the upgrade, Harmonious Digestion, will increase its speed. An Engineer may repair other Engineers, but not itself.<ref>http://www.halowars.com/GameInfo/Covenant.aspx</ref>

====Buildings====

**[[Covenant shield generator|Shield Generator]]: Provides shield protection for the whole Citadel. It is possible to have multiple shield generators, thus improving the Citadel's shielding.

**[[Covenant automated plasma turret|Plasma Turret]]: The main defenses of a Covenant base, the Turret first starts with Plasma Turrets, but can be upgraded with a Plasma Mortar, [[Class-2 Projectile cannon|Fuel Rod Cannon]], or a [[Heavy Needler]].

**[[Summit]]: The roost of the Covenant air force, the Summit builds Banshees, Vampires and Engineers.

*[[Anti-vehicle barrier|Anti-Vehicle Barrier]]: Same device used to block tunnels on the level [[Tsavo Highway]] in ''Halo 3'', most likely used for defense. To be used, infantry needs to go on it like a [[Deployable lookout tower|Lookout Tower]]. It is both available in campaign and certain maps in multiplayer<ref>http://xbox360.gamespy.com/dor/objects/857436/halo-wars/images/halo-wars-20081009024128843.html</ref>

*[[Type-26 Anti-Infantry Stationary Gun|Type-26 ASG]] (Shade): The ''[[Halo: Combat Evolved]]'' variant of the Shade is featured as a defensive Structure. This is only available in Campaign.<ref>http://www.mondoxbox.com/immagini.php?game=1128&view=1&start=9#topnav</ref>

*[[Deployable lookout tower|Deployable Lookout Tower]]: Can be used to garrison infantry units from both players (in co-op), increasing their combat capabilities.

*[[Mega Turret]]: A massive turret featured in campaign where the Mega Turret looks like a upgraded version for the Heavy Turret. It's power is very high and it is advisable to take it out with the MAC Blast. It is also featured as a neutral garrison able structure on [[Tundra]]. Here it fires in barrages and takes time to recharge. It is indestructible (but as always, the garrisoned troops can be killed).

*[[Gravity lift|Gravity Lift]]: Each Covenant base has a [[Gravity lift|Gravity Lift]] right outside. Gravity Lifts let the Covenant's players to do "Hot Dropping" which allows to send any units (except the Scarab) directly to their Leader's location.<ref>[http://www.1up.com/do/previewPage?pager.offset=1&cId=3172311&p= 1]</ref>

====Ship support====

*MAC Rounds: These explosive rounds are fired from an orbiting ship onto the target in the designated area you choose. The orbiting ship (''Spirit Of Fire'') can fire MAC rounds to decimate Ground positions and units alike. This can be upgraded to have even more devastating power. In the game this is known as a "MAC Blast" and is Captain Cutter's leader power.

===Neutral units===

====Rebels====

 

====Forerunner====

*[[Sentinel Shop]]: Produces Sentinels for the player who stands near it. Only found on the multiplayer levels [[Repository]] and [[Glacial Ravine]].

*[[Forerunner Supply Elevator]]: Produces supplies when infantry are garrisoned inside it. Equivalent to an additional Supply Pad or Warehouse. Means you can build one less Supply Pad/Warehouse.

*[[Forerunner Spire of Healing]]: Heals any friendly units nearby for the player who controls it. Only found on multiplayer levels [[Frozen Valley]] and [[Barrens]].

*[[Forerunner Bonus Reactor]]: Increases tech level of any player that controls it. This will mean you can have an extra slot on open in a base for other usage.

*[[Energy Wall]]: Generates an impassable energy wall when garrisoned with troops. Found on the multiplayer maps [[Glacial Ravine]], [[Fort Deen]] and [[Tundra]] and on the campaign level [[Escape]].

 

====The Flood====

[[File:Halo Wars Flood.jpg|thumb|left|Flood biomass and tentacles ensnare an [[M312 Heavy Recovery Vehicle|Elephant]], with Flood [[Flood infection form|Infection Forms]] and [[Flood combat form|Combat Forms]] in the background.]]

 

[[The Flood|Flood]] [[Flood infection form|Infection Forms]], [[Flood combat form|Combat Forms]], and [[Flood carrier form|Carrier Forms]] are the Flood's main attack force. In the February issue of ''GamePro'', it is confirmed that there will be new Flood forms in ''Halo Wars''. New ones tend to include a new form which appears to be named the 'Bomber Form'. It appears to drop acid on units and buildings and when killed, drops [[flood infection form|infection forms]]. The reason the Flood cannot be controlled by the player is due to balance issues, as they would have to be balanced out against the two playable factions. In the multiplayer map [[Release (level)|Release]], they are a hostile force to both sides of the battle and can be exploited by the players as a blessing or a curse.  

In respect to keeping the appearance of the Flood in canon with the rest of the series, the game has the ''[[UNSC Spirit of Fire|Spirit of Fire]]'' traveling back to Earth at speeds slower than light after its mission had ended, making it impossible for them to report the existence of the Flood. However, this raises further controversy over the presence of the Spartans on board the ''Spirit of Fire''.  

=====Ground forms=====

*[[Flood infection form|Infection Forms]] have the ability to crawl over walls, increasing its potent abilities, and is able to reach ground no other forces can reach. When any infantry units encounters Infection forms, they are usually attacked and infected. This applies to all combat infantry units(except hero units such as [[John Forge]]) in the game, including both Grunts and Jackals, turning them into Combat Forms and making use of their weapons.

*[[Flood carrier form|Carrier Forms]]: A suicidal unit that explodes and delivers its payload of [[Flood infection form|Infection Forms]] directly into enemy lines.

*[[Flood growth pod|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 either a swarm of [[Flood infection form|Infection Forms]] or a cloud of [[Flood spores]], both of which can destroy infantry squads in seconds. They appear as either large flood "eggs" the size of small vehicles, or as multiple of the ''Halo 3'' variety growing on tall stalks.

*[[Flood spores|Flood spore]] clouds: A green mist that if units are in for too long, they are killed and infected. It should be noted that these can not be killed except on occasion by [[hellbringers|flamethrower marines]] and will decimate infantry ground forces in seconds due to their superior speed in comparison to UNSC ground units. It is also advisable to keep vehicles separate from ground infantry as the infected troop will often destroy the vehicles as they transform.

=====Air forms=====

*[[Flood bomber form|Flood Bomber Forms]]: Large, bloated, airborne Flood forms. They attack by dropping [[Flood growth pod|Flood Growth Pods]] full of [[Flood infection form|Infection Forms]] onto enemies.

=====Building forms=====

*[[Flood colony|Flood Colony]]: A large structure found in heavily infested areas. Used as a "base" by the Flood.<ref name="gamespot.com"/> Regenerates only in the Campaign mode, otherwise opens up new base slots when killed.

*[[Proto-Gravemind]]: This appears to be the main [[The Flood|Flood]]'s base's building. It seems to be connected to the [[Flood colony|Colony Forms]], as whenever they take damage, the Proto-Gravemind takes damage too.<ref name="gamespot.com"/>

*[[Flood Nest]]: A small organic building, shaped like a jellyfish which creates [[Flood infection form|Infection Forms]] and [[Flood carrier form|Carrier Forms]].<ref name="gamespot.com"/>

===Arcadian civilian===

=====Known civilians=====

*'''[[Adam (civilian)|Adam]]''' - Adam is a male civilian, possibly a child due to the fact of a mother heard asking where her son Adam is. He is near a terminal. He is only seen when you activate a control panel that opens up a door to a tower. He runs out and goes toward Cargo Ship Two. If you can manage to escort him to the ship without him dying, you will unlock the "[[The Real Winner]]" Achievement. This is difficult as if he gets shot once, he dies.

*'''Adam's mother''' - She is not seen, but when you move your troops close to the terminal, or activate it, she will ask if you have seen her son.

=====Ambient life=====

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

==Game concepts==

===Technology advancement===

 

The tech tree is different for the two playable factions. When playing as the UNSC, the player advances by building and upgrading [[reactor]]s. The Covenant moves through the tech-tree in [[History of the Covenant|Ages]] by purchasing upgrades at the leader temple; players can advance to the [[Ages of Doubt|Age of Doubt]] and the [[Ages of Reclamation|Age of Reclamation]] respectively. Players can also advance by capturing [[Forerunner Bonus Reactor]]s .

 

 

Veterancy points increases a unit's statistics, such as attack, attack speed, defense, etc. This number can be calculated by counting how many stars a unit has above their health bar. This is the number of veterancy points said unit has. The stars, or ''Veterancy Points''. are acquired only after a unit or a group of units have defeated enemy structures, units, vehicles, or other combat related situations. They are also gained by upgrading the unit. A unit has a maximum of 3 stars, except a Spartan-Commandeered vehicle, which has a maximum of 14 "Veterancy Points" for Tanks/Grizzlies and Hornets/Hawks. All other Spartan-Commandeered vehicles have a maximum of 13 "Veterancy Points". Some special player units in campaign mode (example: [[Orbital Drop Shock Trooper|ODSTs]] in the level [[Anders' Signal]]) that have a maximum of 5 ''Veterancy Points''. A mist effect appears briefly over a unit when it gains a veterancy point, though this is hard to see unless closely watching the unit.

 

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, unless on certain campaign missions. They instead have economic bonuses and "super units" (upgrades of normal units). Currently known leaders are [[James Gregory Cutter|Captain James Cutter]], [[John Forge|Sergeant John Forge]], [[Ellen Anders|Professor Ellen Anders]], [[Ripa 'Moramee]], an unknown [[Jiralhanae Army Commander|Brute Army Commander]] 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 ([[Orbital Drop Shock Trooper|ODST]] Drop/MAC Blast, Carpet bomb and Cryo bomb, respectively to leaders stated previously) 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 Guard]]s. Ripa Moramee 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> Ripa Moramee will also have the ability to train [[Unggoy|Suicidal Grunts]]. The Brute Chieftain can use his [[Type-2 Energy Weapon/Hammer|Gravity Hammer]] to create a vortex which sucks in infantry, then the player can press the A button to create a massive explosion. The Brute Chieftain's unique units are a pair of [[Type-25 Grenade Launcher|Brute Shot]] wielding Brutes (which can be upgraded to have jump packs) and the [[Type-25 Rapid Assault Vehicle|Chopper]].

 

Although Covenant leaders are limited to one unit at a time, they are some of the strongest units in the entire game and are immune to stun effects. 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>

 

====UNSC leader powers====

 

*'''[[XGBU-302 bomb|Disruption Bomb]]''': A bomb that deactivates any leader powers and prevents others being activated in a short radius during the effect.<ref name="gametrailers.com"/>

 

*'''[[Heal and Repair]]''': Heals all units and repairs all structures in a selected area.<ref name = "Gamereactor">2008-04-11, [http://www.gamereactor.no/grtv/?id=3396&sid=5bb9748a525446234980eb00694fb89a TGS08: Halo Wars Gameplay Presentation]. ''Gamereactor TV''. Accessed on 2008-17-12</ref>

 

*'''[[Magnetic Accelerator Cannon|MAC]] [[Magnetic Accelerator Cannon#Halo_Wars|Blast]]''': Calls down a MAC blast from ''Spirit of Fire''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s onboard MAC. Upgrades allow for more shots before the power has to recharge. This power can only be used by Captain Cutter.

 

*'''[[Orbital Drop Shock Trooper|ODST]] Drop''': ODST pods, individually aimed by the user, are called down at 100 resources each. The pods will spawn a whole ODST squad. Note that it is much faster to drop them from their pods than producing them in a Barracks or via the Elephant, but beware; if your reactors are destroyed or a bonus reactor garrison squad is killed you won't be able to to drop more.<ref>http://e3.g4tv.com/e32008/videos/26921/Hands_On_Halo_Wars.html</ref> (Unique to [[James Gregory Cutter|Captain Cutter]])

*'''[[Cryo bomb|Cryo Bomb]]''': The Cryo Bomb freezes any units and buildings within the blast radius. Units are unable to move when frozen, and buildings halt all activity. When frozen, air units have a chance of falling to the ground, shattering instantly. The more the Cryo Bomb is upgraded, the freeze time and the chance to make air units fall increases. Note that this also has an effect on your team. (Unique to Professor Anders). Any units that are equipped with shields fare better against the cryo bomb and also have extra time escaping then other ground units.

*'''[[Carpet bombing|Carpet Bomb]]''': Calls in a bomber to wipe out a large area. Effective against mass infantry or ground vehicles. The more times it is upgraded, the stronger and larger the carpet bomb is. (Unique to Sergeant Forge)

Black Boxes are a new feature in the game. Black Boxes are collectibles in the ''Halo Wars'' campaign that when collected, they add new events in the [[Halo Wars Timeline Events|Halo Wars Timeline]]. They look like black boxes with yellow stripes on them and can be picked up by any unit. When you collect one you can just resign straight away and you will still have it. The timeline covers many of the important events from the games and the novels. There is only one black box on each level in the game.

===Cut content===

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

==Soundtrack==

The music for Halo Wars was composed by [[Ensemble Studios]] in-house composer [[Stephen Rippy]], with additional music by his long time collaborator and game Audio Lead Kevin McMullan. It was recorded in [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prague Prague, Czech Republic] by 45 members of the FILMHarmonic Orchestra and a 21 voice choir at CNSO Studio No. 1.<ref>[http://www.halowars.com/news/articles/archive/2008/12/12/_2200_Over-and-Out_2200_.aspx]</ref><ref>[http://www.music4games.net/Features_Display.aspx?id=259]</ref> The score was released as a single CD package with a bonus DVD containing additional tracks, 5.1 surround sound mixes of some cues and a behind the scenes video showing the recording sessions of the Halo Wars [[spirit of Fire (music)|main theme]] and various trailers for the game.<ref>[http://www.amazon.com/Halo-Wars-O-S-T-Stephen-Rippy/dp/B001OB3R1I/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=music&qid=1238425481&sr=1-1]</ref> It was also put up for retail as a digital download over iTunes and Sumthing Digital.<ref>[http://itunes.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewAlbum?id=303159741&s=143441]</ref><ref>[https://www.sumthingdigital.com/AlbumDetails.aspx?albumid=4074]</ref> The response to the score was almost universally enthusiastic, with most critics praising [[Stephen Rippy]]'s taking the series into new stylistic territory while still paying homage to and reworking classic themes and ideas.<ref>[http://www.music4games.net/Review_Display.aspx?id=191]</ref><ref>[http://www.originalsoundversion.com/?p=2028#more-2028]</ref><ref>[http://fangoria.com/musick/56-musick-reviews/1570-halo-wars-soundtrack-musick-review.html]</ref>

[[File:1211353155 Halowarsalpha.jpg|thumb|right|A screenshot taken of an Alpha playtester.]]

An Alpha test was done for ''Halo Wars''<ref name="xbox360fanboy.com"/>, concluding during May, 2008. The test was open only to several thousand Microsoft employees, including [[Bungie|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.<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 [[M808B Main Battle Tank|Scorpion tanks]] and aircraft were extremely powerful. Aircraft strength was lessened to prevent players from sending in air-strikes against the enemy [[Firebase|Command Center]] and crippling them too easily, ruining many a protocol player's chances of victory.<ref name="halowars.com"/> This actually isn't an element of the game, but in fact a "balance issue".  

====E3 2008 Trailer====

''Field Trip To Harvest'' is a cinematic preview that was released to the public on October 3, 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 was speculated to be an introduction to the [[The Flood|Flood]] in ''Halo Wars'' before the release of the game, but because no Flood were encountered on Harvest, it is almost certainly just a name for the Humans on Harvest.

The Call to Battle is a collection of already known cinematics, but it also shows some campaign maps. You can also see that you can make a lot more units than in the demo.

====Unknown Trailer Video====

On February 8, 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. It can be watched [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2VyXONo-50E here].

On January 23, 2009, the first ViDoc of Halo Wars was released on Xbox LIVE marketplace. It tells how a different perspective can change the gameplay and an announcement of the demo planned for February the 5th.

On February 12, 2009 the third Halo Wars ViDoc was released. It describes the controls featured and what expectation there are of the game. Like the previous ViDocs, this one features cinematic scenes.

{{Halo Wars Versions}}

''Halo Wars'' was released in two separate versions. The Standard Edition contains the game disc and manual. The Limited Edition, contained in a metal case, contains the game disc, manual, the ''Halo Wars: Genesis'' graphic novel, a one-time only code to download the ''Halo 3: Mythic Map Pack'' for free, six Leader cards, which show information on all six UNSC and Covenant leaders, a UNSC ''Spirit of Fire'' embroidered ship emblem patch and the Honor Guard Wraith. The Gamestop Limited Edition came with an excerpt of the [[Halo Wars: Official Strategy Guide]], detailing strategies for [[Relic Approach]].

A special in-game "Fireball [[M12 Warthog LRV|Warthog]]" is only available to customers who pre-ordered ''Halo Wars''.

*All the cutscenes were pre-rendered CGI sequences created by [[Blur Studio]]s.<ref>http://vz2.blur.com/work/page/2</ref> This does not include the "vignettes" (Intro and Conclusion sequences) which were rendered in-game using the game engine. 

*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> Unfortunately, it is not known who won the contest or which character they play.

*''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 replay value. They may increase or decrease the score, and there is an achievement for getting Gold on a mission with all "Rebel" skulls which make gameplay harder when turned on.<ref>''Official Xbox Magazine'' January 2009 Edition</ref> Unlike ''Halo 2'' skulls, which are merely hidden, you need to achieve a certain goal in each level to make the skulls appear.

*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. However, some of Ensemble's employees had started the company [[Robot Entertainment]], and offered the executives at Ensemble a job there.

*The demo had been downloaded over two million times in the week following its debut, setting a "day one record" in its initial release.<ref>2009-02-13, [http://www.shacknews.com/onearticle.x/57233 Halo Wars Demo Downloaded Over 2 Million]</ref>

*On the cover of ''Halo Wars'', the helmet visor of the front most Spartan reflects the Arbiter and part of the honor stave on cover from the Limited Collector's Edition, implying that the two sides are meant to be "facing" each other.

*Canada-based [[MEGA Brands|Mega Brands]] has released several ''Halo Wars'' [[mEGA Brands Halo Toys|construction sets]].

*In-game, it is possible to train one more Marine or Grunt squad than the population allows. This cannot be done with any other units.

*''Halo: Combat Evolved'' was originally supposed to be a real-time strategy game before being turned into a third-person shooter, and then a first-person-shooter.

*Halo Wars' Online Stat tracking on HaloWars.com along with the site was planned to be shut down on December 15th, 2010. This was reversed on December 8th, 2010, due to fan outcry and an image to maintain.

*There are currently a total of 4 Title Updates and 2 DLC Packages for Halo Wars.

File:Screenshot 6 preview.jpg|Concept art of an intense battle to claim a Forerunner structure.

File:Cov jackalfinal.jpg|Concept art of the Kig-yar.

File:HaloWarsConceptart8.jpg|Concept art with a SPARTAN-II and a marine overlooking a UNSC base with a [[Library]]-like structure in the background.

File:HarvestT-1-.jpg|An early cutscene from ''Halo Wars''.

File:1206800790 Halowars.jpg|A Sangheili inspecting a dead Marine.

File:Scarab and wraiths.jpg|A Scarab wiping out UNSC infantry along with two Wraiths.

{{reflist|3}}

 

*[[List of Halo Wars cinematic cutscenes|List of Halo Wars Cinematic Cutscenes]]

==External==

{{Halo Games}}

[[Category:Games]]

[[Category:Halo Wars]]