Halo Wars goes gold, demo detailed
by Andrew Yoon 
{ Jan 23rd 2009 at 1:07PM }
Click to embiggen.
In addition to announcing the game's gold status, Microsoft released further details on Halo Wars downloadables. A video documentary that goes behind the scenes of the game can be downloaded from Xbox Live today. (Also available after the break) The playable demo will be available on February 5th at 5AM EST (2AM PST).
The demo will include beginner and advanced tutorials and the first two campaign missions from the story mode. The demo will also include "Chasms," one of the 14 multiplayer maps included in the full game. Players will be able to battle against the computer AI in Skirmish mode, playing as either the UNSC or the Covenant. No online play was mentioned in the release.
Gallery: Halo Wars (XBL Demo)
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
flameofdoom666 @ Jan 23rd 2009 1:16PM
This game is something like... Starcraft meets Halo. I am very excited for this... I hope the demo rocks my world!
343 Guilty Fart @ Jan 23rd 2009 2:12PM
For Aui..errr.. the Covenant!
Alien Lord @ Jan 23rd 2009 1:20PM
I've already pre-ordered and paid it in full (limited edition, for the in game bonuses) and I'll be downloading the demo first thing Feb 5th.
Dirty @ Jan 23rd 2009 1:26PM
I figured you more as a mario party kind of guy.
Park Zero @ Jan 23rd 2009 1:29PM
Will you wake up to download it at 5:01am eastern time?
Alien Lord @ Jan 23rd 2009 1:31PM
To tell you the true Dirty I HATE MARIO PARTY GAMES, fuck I hate all party games.
Dr Jeckyl and Mr ESC. @ Jan 23rd 2009 1:32PM
Yeah because MS LE edition supplies go fast I mean there is only a couple of Millions of them now that if you excuse me my Master Chief Helmet has this little scratch. I better go and grab another legendary edition for 80$.
Hyams @ Jan 23rd 2009 1:34PM
Bet you'd buy a Halo Party game, though. ^_^
ittybittygirl @ Jan 23rd 2009 1:34PM
Even Fusion Frenzy 2? It's an Xbox 360 exclusive and a Microsoft owned property, what's not to love?
baby sea tuna @ Jan 23rd 2009 1:42PM
Look for Halo Babies Sport Party Kart Racing, coming Q4 2010!
Dirty @ Jan 23rd 2009 3:08PM
Baby sea tuna
Likely a title like that would get this kind of treatment.
" Haloz Babiez Sportz Party Kartz Racing...z"
Alien Lord @ Jan 23rd 2009 3:25PM
@ittybittygirl Fusion Frenzy (1 and 2) is one of the worst games ever created.
@Hyams All party games suck, Halo Wars will be good, you can tell by the game play videos and controls.
I enjoy RTSs, especially on my 360, so Halo Wars is a sell, it's Sci-fi, it has the Covenant, and just plain looks fun.
SoCoolCurt (PSN: KillaKornbread - XBL: SoCoolCurt) @ Jan 23rd 2009 4:15PM
"Halo Wars will be good, you can tell by the game play videos and controls.
I enjoy RTSs, especially on my 360, so Halo Wars is a sell, it's Sci-fi, it has the Covenant, and just plain looks fun."
dude im sorry, but i gotta say it. this is the same stuff everyone says about KZ2 and how they know it will be good but you always say there is no evidence. double standards in full force. alright that's it.
and back on topic, i've never really been a fan of RTS games but i'll definitely give the demo a try. my best friend has so much fun with these RTS games (Dawn of War is his favorite). so im marking Feb. 5 on my calender so i dont forget to download this bad boy. maybe i'll find something new i like.
The Fatass of Afro Luffyness @ Jan 23rd 2009 4:36PM
Alien Lord, you need to stop being such a tool. Just because a game doesn't appeal to you, doesn't mean it sucks.
Though Mario Party does suck. Just saying. That was more directed towards your constant MMO dissin'.
Heh @ Jan 23rd 2009 7:46PM
"I enjoy RTSs, especially on my 360"
What the FUCK.
Magetto @ Jan 23rd 2009 1:24PM
I don't know whether I should be happy or not. Halo Wars looks great, and I look forward to playing it, but Ensemble... :(
baby sea tuna @ Jan 23rd 2009 1:31PM
Yeah, I know. The whole thing is really bittersweet. Sort of like waiting for The Dark Knight to come out last year.
Dr Jeckyl and Mr ESC. @ Jan 23rd 2009 1:39PM
Ensemble is the only reason why I'm interested in this.AoE3 wasn't as great as II but hell those guys still know how to do some quality stuff also that if I'm not mistaken is the last Ensemble game.
Why it had to be a Halo game and for the x360 nonetheless? I know I sound like a broken record but this needs to being PC were communities last and matchmaking doesn’t exist.
I friggin hate Halo, I have played all the games and bought all the crap hell my most people think I love the series for all the Halo stuff I've bought but I just keep buying stuff because I already wasted a lot in the Legendary Ferret Helmet edition and still I don’t get a run for my money.
Anyhow for Ensemble Gentlemen.
Dr Jeckyl and Mr ESC. @ Jan 23rd 2009 1:41PM
There is a *My theere that is there because of a distortion in the time space flux,just ignore it.
Anyhow yeah I guess I'll buy it.I like Ensemble's games.
Dr Jeckyl and Mr ESC. @ Jan 23rd 2009 1:56PM
*This needs to be.
I swear I proof read that.Maybe was the angst-o-rade.
baby sea tuna @ Jan 23rd 2009 1:29PM
Yay!
JerJer @ Jan 23rd 2009 1:29PM
i love it when they put in a multiplayer map in demos and let you play the AI. demos with just the campaign are lamesauce.
MEATLOAF2 @ Jan 23rd 2009 1:30PM
well, halo 1/2/3 are all great games, but idk if halo would make a great RTS game... well heres to hoping that it is great =)
baby sea tuna @ Jan 23rd 2009 1:38PM
And I thought that Warcraft wouldn't make a good action-RPG, let's hope we're both wrong.
MEATLOAF2 @ Jan 23rd 2009 1:47PM
well something about a halo rts sounds fun, like having hordes of allies/enemies charging at eachother in the halo universe sounds realy fun
Obie @ Jan 23rd 2009 1:29PM
Lots of great demos and DLC coming, noice!
Hyams @ Jan 23rd 2009 1:35PM
I've seen a few videos of this. Looks pretty good. Controls look like they work well too.
MEATLOAF2 @ Jan 23rd 2009 1:39PM
yeah but in my experience rts games just dont feel right on consoles =(
Hyams @ Jan 23rd 2009 1:46PM
Usually not, but check out some of the videos on the interweb. The game was designed around the 360 controller, and it looks like it works pretty well.
Jeramy @ Jan 23rd 2009 1:41PM
man, it's been known for quite a while now, but it still just floors me that ensemble is closing. baffling.
RIP R.L. Causton - YOU WILL ALWAYS BE MISSED (PSN johnnynumber5) @ Jan 23rd 2009 1:55PM
A Halo Tower Defense XBLA game would be sweet. I wish I could try this game out ... Maybe I will rent it and go to my brothers house.
RIP R.L. Causton - YOU WILL ALWAYS BE MISSED (PSN johnnynumber5) @ Jan 23rd 2009 1:58PM
On second thought Killzone 2 drops around the same time. Arggh. Just have to see how good the Killzone 2 & Halo Wars demos are I guess. I love me some strategy games much more than fps.
capt_carl @ Jan 23rd 2009 2:03PM
Ensemble closing its doors is breaking my heart. Forget the game, the studio means more to me than anything.
Alien Lord @ Jan 23rd 2009 4:07PM
capt_carl this will never come to PC, MS is veering away from PC for gaming and this is going to further solidify their position as the best gaming platform. The last genre to cross over fully and MS has it, now do you really think they'll port it.
TheE3Guy @ Jan 23rd 2009 2:04PM
So if Ensemble is out of business, who's releasing the title updates (and dlc) for this game, or is it going to be PERFECT?
flameofdoom666 @ Jan 23rd 2009 2:35PM
I was wondering this as well.....
capt_carl @ Jan 23rd 2009 2:38PM
Or a *cough* PC version.
djbuhhda @ Jan 23rd 2009 2:47PM
i heard some of the crew from ensemble are going over to M$ to work on DLC, Patches and what not.
Matt Ferens @ Jan 23rd 2009 2:05PM
Congrats guys, you finished the game! Great work! Now clean out your desks and get out.
MEATLOAF2 @ Jan 23rd 2009 2:12PM
thats what happens when you work for a company (microsoft) with more money than soul
ScottG13 @ Jan 23rd 2009 2:15PM
I'm looking forward to trying this out...
The Fatass of Afro Luffyness @ Jan 23rd 2009 2:54PM
This'll probably be the first game I get when I get my 360. I love Halo 3 but I've also already beaten the game - this game looks pretty fresh, and Halo's art direction fits perfectly in an RTS game.
RIP R.L. Causton - YOU WILL ALWAYS BE MISSED (PSN johnnynumber5) @ Jan 23rd 2009 3:45PM
Listen up Doodicle!
I had a 360 since the thing launched but I recently sold it. You want to know why? Because, 90% of the exclusives can be purchased on the PC.
-word to the wise -
I saulte you for being neutral in the fanboy wars. All I'm saying is that the 360 left a bad taste in my mouth. I had extremely bad luck (6 Hardware failures) and eventually grew to loathe it.
I hear that so long as you get one of the new Jaspers (?) you should be fine.
It might be worth your while to just buy a new one from Gamestop/Best Buy and purchase the ...
... ***in store extended warranty*** ....
... Trust me you will have at least one RROD - everybody does. It's much better to pay for the warranty, go into the store and exchange on the sport for a new one rather than wait for a refurbished.
The refurbished unit could be completely different model/older chipset.
The Fatass of Afro Luffyness @ Jan 23rd 2009 4:40PM
RRODs aren't a big thing for me, because I replace _all_ of my systems due to wear and tear eventually anyway.
Four DSes. Had to pay for two of 'em.
Four Wiis. All Nintendo's fault.
Three PSPs. Still have to replace the one that just broke.
Three Gamecubes. What!? Shits a tank, I don't know how the fuck those broke but they did.
Several PS2s. Don't even get me started.
Only recent systems I've only owned one of, are the original Xbox and the PS3.
As far as games go, I love the 360. I play 'em all the time at my friends houses, and when we have our monthly game night (shits so cash, we get about eight TVs in my living room, invite a bunch of people over, and go bat shit crazy), it's usually Halo 3 that gets the most play if we aren't Co-opping it up in Resistance 2.
Saria the Cat @ Jan 23rd 2009 3:05PM
Yay, Starcraft 2 is finally out! Wait...
J @ Jan 23rd 2009 3:39PM
Given that Bungie originally designed Halo as an RTS, I wonder what their game would have played like if they had gone ahead with it.....
RIP R.L. Causton - YOU WILL ALWAYS BE MISSED (PSN johnnynumber5) @ Jan 23rd 2009 3:46PM
It was also originally planned to be a Mac exclusive.
rruss79 @ Jan 25th 2009 12:34AM
From my understand, the guys from Ensemble are creating their own Dev company and MS has already contracted them to support the game. Also AOE probably will be contracted to them to do. MS itself is closing all of their PC gaming divisions.