Halo Wars is a 2009 science fiction real-time strategy video game developed by Ensemble Studios, published by Microsoft Game Studios.  Released for the Xbox 360, Xbox One, and Microsoft Windows the plot is set 21 years before the events of Halo: Combat Evolved, human soldiers aboard the warship Spirit of Fire wage war against a collection of genocidal aliens, the Covenant, in an effort to stop an ancient fleet of ships from falling into their hands.

Positives:

• Challenging gameplay
• Good score
• Good story
• Extensive campaign
• Good visuals
• Fun game modes

Negatives:

• Needs more options

Campaign: The main campaign is actually quite extensive and challenging and many aspects especially when doing some the Standalone isolated missions. The story of Halo Wars is a very compelling one though it doesn’t stand out as much as his predecessors. There are a lot of very thrilling and action-packed moments when it comes to the battle against the Covenant. (3 out of 5)

Gameplay:  Unlike previous installments Halo Wars is actually a real time strategy game rather than the first person shooter. There is a lot of competitive play when it comes to the multiplayer aspect as well as very challenging and actually very overpowering. (3 out of 5)

Graphics:  Visually the game’s graphics are pretty decent. Thumbs up to the cinematic have a lot of detail with a very vibrant look to them. The level designs are pretty heavily detailed and do feel somewhat active as well as very diverse. (3 out of 5)

Score:  This score is fairly decent although not really memorable. The soundtrack is pretty cool but due to the real-time strategy and way to cinematic are shot it is it pronounced. The voice performances are actually pretty good. Also the sound effects when it comes to the vehicles, weapons, and environments do feel on point. (3 out of 5)

Replay Value: The game does have a decent amount of replayability which focuses more on the multiplayer. Skirmish mode is definitely the highlight especially when you can play as multiple factions as well as online and cooperative gameplay. (3 out of 5)

The Verdict:  In the end, Halo Wars is not only a really good game but a great step in a new direction for the franchise.  Despite some of the repetitive gameplay and a lack of available options during combat, the game is great in nearly every other way.  The graphics are pretty sweet, gameplay challenging, score good, story interesting, and the Skirmish mode is on point.  Halo Wars gets 3 out of 5.