Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com Joystiq http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/http://www.joystiq.com/media/feedlogo.gif Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com en-us Copyright 2013 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Ensemble founder: Bungie was 'never up' for Halo Wars]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/27/ensemble-founder-bungie-was-never-up-for-halo-wars/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/27/ensemble-founder-bungie-was-never-up-for-halo-wars/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/27/ensemble-founder-bungie-was-never-up-for-halo-wars/#comments Bungie wasn't keen on the idea of Halo Wars, Ensemble Studios founder Tony Goodman has told GamesIndustry.biz. Goodman noted that the game that became Halo Wars originally had nothing to do with Halo at all, but Microsoft felt that a strategy game would have a better chance of succeeding on its console with the Halo branding. The shift put the game "back about a year in development, and I think it never quite turned out the same," he said. Microsoft had assumed, according to Goodman, that the studio could simply "paint over" what it had already created with Halo characters, vehicles and environments.

Furthermore, Goodman added that the entire project never sat well with Bungie, the studio that created Halo in the first place. "Another problem was that Bungie was never up for it," he said, recalling that the studio considered Halo Wars a "whoring out" of its franchise.

Halo Wars became the last game that Ensemble Studios would ever produce, with the developer's former staff offering different accounts as to why it went under. The game went on to break a million in sales, and the staff went on to form several new studios, including Goodman's Robot Entertainment, which took stewardship of Halo Wars and went on to create both Hero Academy and Orcs Must Die. Goodman recently left Robot to form new mobile studio PeopleFun.

JoystiqEnsemble founder: Bungie was 'never up' for Halo Wars originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 27 Sep 2012 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bungieensemble-studiosHalo-Warsmicrosofttony-goodmanxboxThu, 27 Sep 2012 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Age of Empires creator starts another studio, this time for mobile]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/18/age-of-empires-creator-starts-another-studio-this-time-for-mobi/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/18/age-of-empires-creator-starts-another-studio-this-time-for-mobi/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/18/age-of-empires-creator-starts-another-studio-this-time-for-mobi/#comments Age of Empires creator starts another studio, this time for mobileTony Goodman, creator of Age of Empires and founder of Ensemble Studios, has started a new studio focused on mobile and "other emerging platforms," named PeopleFun. We assume that's opposed to those other types of fun, "BearFun" and "HamburgerFun." Goodman previously founded Orcs Must Die and Hero Academy developer Robot Entertainment.

PeopleFun is based in the Dallas area and includes the talents of Angelo Laudon, lead programmer on the Age of Empires engine, and John Boog-Scott, co-founder with Goodman of Ensemble Corporation and Studios. PeopleFun's first title is almost ready for beta and "is a departure from the games we made at Ensemble and Robot in terms of scope and genre," Goodman says.

Continue reading Age of Empires creator starts another studio, this time for mobile

JoystiqAge of Empires creator starts another studio, this time for mobile originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 18 Jul 2012 02:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Ensemble-Studiosmobilepeoplefunrobot-entertainmentstudiotony-goodmanWed, 18 Jul 2012 02:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Microsoft closing Halo Wars website, folding into Waypoint community]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/22/microsoft-closing-halo-wars-website-folding-into-waypoint-commu/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/22/microsoft-closing-halo-wars-website-folding-into-waypoint-commu/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/22/microsoft-closing-halo-wars-website-folding-into-waypoint-commu/#comments Avid Halo Wars players, whose attention hasn't been swayed by 2010's exhaustive list of strategy blockbusters, were greeted with some unwelcome news this past weekend: The game's stat tracking home, as well as its official forums, will be shut down on December 15. The loyal community is being persuaded to move its conversation over to the Halo Waypoint forums. On the same day as the closure, an update will launch for Halo Wars, forever severing it from the soon-to-be-discontinued website.

The update will also remedy a few Theater mode issues that were keeping players from viewing cutscenes, but, according to 343's content producer, "it won't include many of the fixes that we all wanted it to include." As you can imagine, the responses on said post are well-measured, even-headed and entirely polite. There's just this air of understanding permeating the entire discussion that's ... well, it's really inspiring.

JoystiqMicrosoft closing Halo Wars website, folding into Waypoint community originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 22 Nov 2010 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Ensemble-StudiosforumshaloHalo-Warshalo-waypointmicrosoftpcupdatexboxMon, 22 Nov 2010 22:00:00 EST<![CDATA[This is getting silly: Age of Empires III is ten cents on Games for Windows today]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/21/this-is-getting-silly-age-of-empires-iii-is-ten-cents-on-games/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/21/this-is-getting-silly-age-of-empires-iii-is-ten-cents-on-games/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/21/this-is-getting-silly-age-of-empires-iii-is-ten-cents-on-games/#comments It's rare that we see games' price tags fall much lower than yesterday's $2 BioShock deal on Games for Windows. And yet -- today's GfW weekend sale completely blows yesterday's out of the water: For $0.10 (yes, ten cents), you can grab Age of Empires III: Complete Edition.

Continue reading This is getting silly: Age of Empires III is ten cents on Games for Windows today

JoystiqThis is getting silly: Age of Empires III is ten cents on Games for Windows today originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 21 Nov 2010 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Age-of-Empires-3AoE3Ensemble-Studiosgames-for-windowspcstrategySun, 21 Nov 2010 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Halo MMO had $90 million budget, canceled as Microsoft eyed 'casual, broader audience']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/12/halo-mmo-had-90-million-budget-canceled-as-microsoft-eyed-cas/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/12/halo-mmo-had-90-million-budget-canceled-as-microsoft-eyed-cas/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/12/halo-mmo-had-90-million-budget-canceled-as-microsoft-eyed-cas/#comments Over the past couple of years, we've seen dribbles of information here and there about the canceled Halo MMO, but a recent conversation IncGamers had with ex-Ensemble Studios employee Dusty Monk (yep, that's his real name) revealed not only the exorbitant cost of the planned development (three years of which took place before the game was canceled), but much, much more. First and foremost, the game's development was said to cost $90 million, as you likely inferred from the headline above. Second, the game was intended to be a "WoW killer," according to Monk.

"It was absolutely going to compete against WoW. You have to remember that Ensemble came from a standpoint of being really good at competing against Blizzard Entertainment," Monk said, using the Age of Empires series as an example. Unfortunately for the folks at Ensemble working on "Titan" (the codename for the Halo MMO), the launch and subsequent blistering success of the Nintendo Wii allegedly altered the direction that Microsoft wanted to take. "Microsoft, from its gaming division, was really changing directions. They were looking really hard at the Nintendo Wii and they were really excited by the numbers that the Wii was turning. This was about the time that Microsoft decided that its Xbox platform and XBLA really needed to go more in the direction of appealing to a more casual, broader audience." Given that new direction and what Monk calls a "very expensive, very long, and very protracted" development, Microsoft eventually shut down the project.

But hey, at least we got Halo Wars, right? Right?!

JoystiqHalo MMO had $90 million budget, canceled as Microsoft eyed 'casual, broader audience' originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 12 Apr 2010 21:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>age-of-empiresblizzardblizzard-entertainmentdusty-monkensembleensemble-studioshalohalo-mmohalo-warsmicrosoftmicrosoft-game-studiosXbox-360Mon, 12 Apr 2010 21:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Ex-Ensemble Studios lead designer responds to Bettner rant (update)]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/18/ex-ensemble-studios-lead-designer-responds-to-bettner-rant/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/18/ex-ensemble-studios-lead-designer-responds-to-bettner-rant/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/18/ex-ensemble-studios-lead-designer-responds-to-bettner-rant/#comments Aside from a very small handful of points, it would seem there's a major disconnect between two ex-Ensemble Studio employees over why the studio was shuttered by Microsoft last year. Ian Fischer (an ex-lead designer at Ensemble, now at Robot Entertainment) details on his blog the many disagreements he has with (claimed) ex-creative lead Paul Bettner's recent rant at the Game Developer's Conference in a panel called "Fired and Fired-up: Jobless Developer's Rant." We say "claimed," because even Bettner's job title is called into question during the response. "Neither you, nor anyone else, was 'Creative Director' at our studio," Fischer alleges.

Further, Fischer rebutes Bettner's claim that Ensemble shut down due to a "reliance on crunch" to finish projects that got more and more expensive by the year, saying it had more to do with "chasing after the MMOs and FPSs and RPGs and RTS-differents we constantly had in prototype." He also says that the communication with Microsoft never broke down and that if the publisher had wanted to lower the developer's operating costs, "they could have done so with a phone call ... ES enjoyed a long relationship with Microsoft (as many ex-Studios people now at Robot or Bonfire still do), first as a partner and then as part of the corporation after 2001."

So, according to Fisher, what was the reason that Ensemble shut down? "If you want to find mistakes with what we did, I'd suggest that those trips into the weeds, looking for new territory, with a partner who wasn't fond of being there, was more our error," he suggests, referencing the aforementioned prototypes.

Update: You can find Paul Bettner's full response to Fischer's claims after the break.

Continue reading Ex-Ensemble Studios lead designer responds to Bettner rant (update)

JoystiqEx-Ensemble Studios lead designer responds to Bettner rant (update) originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 18 Mar 2010 00:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bonfire-studiosensemble-studiosfightian-fischernewtoypaul-bettnerrobot-entertainmentThu, 18 Mar 2010 00:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Halo Wars, Fable 2 join Europe's Xbox 360 Classics]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/05/halo-wars-fable-2-join-europes-xbox-360-classics/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/05/halo-wars-fable-2-join-europes-xbox-360-classics/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/05/halo-wars-fable-2-join-europes-xbox-360-classics/#comments Eurogamer reports that two new games have been added to the Xbox 360 Classics budget line in EU territories. The two games are Fable II and Halo Wars. If you need a refresher, Fable II is Lionhead's brilliant, charming adventure that we kind of liked back in 2008. Halo Wars on the other hand, serves as both the first Halo RTS spin-off and the swan song of Ensemble Studios. The games can now be had for the tempting price of £19.99 ($31) apiece. Both are worth picking up -- just be sure to watch out for those Warthog rushes.

JoystiqHalo Wars, Fable 2 join Europe's Xbox 360 Classics originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 05 Feb 2010 22:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>classicsensemble-studioseuropefablefable-2lionheadmicrosoft-game-studiosrobot-entertainmentukxbox-360-classicsFri, 05 Feb 2010 22:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Ensemble's Bruce Shelley working on The Settlers 7]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/31/ensembles-bruce-shelley-working-on-the-settlers-7/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/31/ensembles-bruce-shelley-working-on-the-settlers-7/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/31/ensembles-bruce-shelley-working-on-the-settlers-7/#commentsAs spotted by Joystiq's sister site Big Download in a recent gameplay trailer, ex-Ensemble Studios co-founder Bruce Shelley is working on Ubisoft's next installment in the Settlers series, The Settlers 7. Oh, what's that? You've never heard of the Settlers franchise? That's okay, we're right there with you.

Popular in Europe (like Jerry Lewis, but less obnoxious), the city-building sim developed by Blue Byte Software will apparently get Shelley's input as a "game design consultant" -- and considering the pedigree that comes with Shelley, we have to imagine that, If you're into that kind of thing, it's time to start getting totally psyched. The game is currently in beta and will be headed to PCs in "late March."

JoystiqEnsemble's Bruce Shelley working on The Settlers 7 originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 31 Jan 2010 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blue-byteblue-byte-softwarebruce-shelleyensemble-studiosthe-settlersthe-settlers-7the-settlers-7-paths-to-a-kingdomubisoftSun, 31 Jan 2010 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Dead Rising, Halo Wars join Games on Demand]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/26/dead-rising-halo-wars-join-games-on-demand/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/26/dead-rising-halo-wars-join-games-on-demand/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/26/dead-rising-halo-wars-join-games-on-demand/#comments Just as expected, today marks the release of two new Games on Demand titles: Dead Rising and Halo Wars. Major Nelson reports each is currently available for download on your Xbox 360, with Capcom's virtual mall full of zombies setting gamers back a paltry $20, while Ensemble Studios' final game is a bit more costly at $30. Each will take up six gigglebytes of room on your HDD upon download.

Shortcut: Halo Wars on Games on Demand [Xbox.com]
Shortcut: Dead Rising on Games on Demand [Xbox.com]

JoystiqDead Rising, Halo Wars join Games on Demand originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 26 Jan 2010 14:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>capcomdead-risingensemble-studiosgames-on-demandhalo-warsTue, 26 Jan 2010 14:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Xbox 360 Platinum Hits lineup adds Halo Wars, Orange Box and others]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/14/xbox-360-platinum-hits-lineup-adds-halo-wars-orange-box-and-oth/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/14/xbox-360-platinum-hits-lineup-adds-halo-wars-orange-box-and-oth/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/14/xbox-360-platinum-hits-lineup-adds-halo-wars-orange-box-and-oth/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Xbox.com has listed several new games as Platinum Hits, including Fable II (aka Game of the Year Edition), Halo Wars, Left 4 Dead, The Orange Box, Banjo-Kazooie: Nuts & Bolts, Ninja Gaiden II, Kung-Fu Panda, Sonic's Ultimate Genesis Collection, Sonic The Hedgehog, and Sonic Unleashed.

A Microsoft PR agent couldn't confirm the full list of new Platinum Hits (are we missing any above?), but said that if a game is listed as such on Xbox.com, it's a Platinum Hits title. The changes seem to have taken effect on major retailer sites, as GameStop and Amazon now reflect the discounted Platinum prices (if not always the the Platinum Hits branding), which range from $20-30.

With Orange Box requiring only one Jackson ($20), it's now literally a crime to not own it. Conversely, if you're dead-set on committing a crime, buy someone Sonic The Hedgehog or Sonic Unleashed at $20 each.

[Thanks, Stephen]

JoystiqXbox 360 Platinum Hits lineup adds Halo Wars, Orange Box and others originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 14 Jan 2010 19:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ActionAdventurebanjo-kazooieBanjo-Kazooie-Nuts-and-Boltsensemble-studiosfable-2halohalo-warskung-fu-pandaleft-4-deadLionheadLionhead-StudiosMGSMicrosoftMicrosoft-Game-StudiosNinja-GaidenNinja-Gaiden-2platinum-hitsrareRPGsegasonicsonic-the-hedgehogsonic-unleashedsonics-ultimate-genesis-collectionTeam-NinjaXbox-360Thu, 14 Jan 2010 19:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Best of the Rest: Kevin's Picks of 2009]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/02/best-of-the-rest-kevins-picks-of-2009/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/02/best-of-the-rest-kevins-picks-of-2009/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/02/best-of-the-rest-kevins-picks-of-2009/#comments Halo Wars
Yeah, that's right, Halo Wars. I've already caught enough flak for putting this on my best-of list for 2009 (it's hard to even remember that it came out way back in February), but it deserves to be recognized ... so pay attention once your laughter has died down. Ensemble Studios (RIP) proved that you could bring a real-time strategy game to a console, and still make it enjoyable. Sure, you'll never have 1:1 parity mapping everything a full-sized keyboard offers onto a controller, but this game came close. It's a pity Ensemble closed, since we'll never see any expansion packs or a sequel. The good news is that, since it wasn't received with blaring trumpets and the sounds of cash registers ringing, you can pick this up for under 20 bucks for some good fun.

Continue reading Best of the Rest: Kevin's Picks of 2009

JoystiqBest of the Rest: Kevin's Picks of 2009 originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 02 Jan 2010 23:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Applebattlefieldbattlefield-1943best-of-the-rest-2009canabaltclansdefense-griddefense-grid-the-awakeningdominionensemble-studiosflowergalaxy-truckergigamichalo-warsillusioiPodkillzonekillzone-2last-night-on-earthMicrosoftpandemicpcpower-gridpsnpuerto-ricopylosstarcraftstarcraft-2torchlightxblaXbox-360Sat, 02 Jan 2010 23:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Halo Wars title update beefs up Scarab, fixes bugs]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/18/halo-wars-title-update-beefs-up-scarab-fixes-bugs/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/18/halo-wars-title-update-beefs-up-scarab-fixes-bugs/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/18/halo-wars-title-update-beefs-up-scarab-fixes-bugs/#comments We always figured that the Scarab was a pretty hefty Halo Wars unit -- it is the very end of the Covenant tech tree, after all -- but apparently it needed a little extra juice. A new title update now available for the game grants Scarabs with 25 percent more health and 25 percent more damage. If you weren't terrified of them before, you might want to reconsider.

Other changes include Gremlins requiring two reactors to build, Grunts doing more damage to air units and more. The update also fixes some bugs including the cryo/reactor glitch, which sounds like it was pretty awful. See the full list of changes and fixes -- politely cribbed from HaloWars.com -- after the break.

[Thanks, Ben]

Continue reading Halo Wars title update beefs up Scarab, fixes bugs

JoystiqHalo Wars title update beefs up Scarab, fixes bugs originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 18 Dec 2009 16:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ensemble-studioshalo-warsmicrosoft-game-studiosrobotrobot-entertainmentFri, 18 Dec 2009 16:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Bonfire Studios hires former Halo Wars lead David Pottinger]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/17/bonfire-studios-hires-former-halo-wars-lead-david-pottinger/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/17/bonfire-studios-hires-former-halo-wars-lead-david-pottinger/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/17/bonfire-studios-hires-former-halo-wars-lead-david-pottinger/#comments Bonfire Studios, the development house that emerged in the wake of the Ensemble Studios closure, has picked up another ex-colleague: Dave Pottinger, lead designer of Halo Wars. He rejoins his peers as the director of technology, assuming the same responsibilities he held before Ensemble was shut down. Bonfire Studios is currently working on several unannounced projects for 2010.

Pottinger has been with the company since its formative days back in 1996, and contributed to the development of Ensemble's key real-time strategy titles, from Age of Empires all the way up to the former studio's last game, Halo Wars.

"Bonfire is a team full of old friends that I am looking forward to working with again," Pottinger said. "I think we're going to blow people away once they see what we're doing."

JoystiqBonfire Studios hires former Halo Wars lead David Pottinger originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 17 Dec 2009 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>age-of-empiresbonfire-studiosdave-pottingerdavid-pottingerensemble-studioshalo-warsThu, 17 Dec 2009 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Canceled Halo game concept art found on ex-Ensemble artist's site]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/20/canceled-halo-game-concept-art-found-on-ex-ensemble-artists-sit/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/20/canceled-halo-game-concept-art-found-on-ex-ensemble-artists-sit/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/20/canceled-halo-game-concept-art-found-on-ex-ensemble-artists-sit/#comments
Aside from releasing an RTS title in Halo Wars this year, concept art found on ex-Ensemble Studios artist Dylan Cole's website reveals yet another game that the studio was working on in the Halo universe. No name is given for the shots, though Cole calls the above image "Halo Universe City," which could mean a city from the world of Halo or a game named "Halo Universe."

He also mentions that the "concept paintings" were for "a project that was canceled," so you can bet we won't be seeing these beautiful vistas in game form anytime soon. We do know that the studio was at one time working on a Halo MMO that never saw the light of day -- maybe these shots have something to do with that? We've asked Dylan Cole for more information, but for now, check out the full gallery of concept art right here.

[Via HBO]

JoystiqCanceled Halo game concept art found on ex-Ensemble artist's site originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 20 Sep 2009 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>concept-artdylan-coleensemble-studioshalohalo-universehalo-warshboMicrosoftXbox-360Sun, 20 Sep 2009 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Age of Empires 3 collection advancing Sept. 15]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/08/age-of-empires-iii-collection-advancing-sept-15/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/08/age-of-empires-iii-collection-advancing-sept-15/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/08/age-of-empires-iii-collection-advancing-sept-15/#comments
Microsoft has announced that it's bringing Age of Empires III: Complete Collection to Games For Windows on September 15. By "complete," it means the original game plus its two expansions: The Asian Dynasties and War Chiefs for a grand total of $49.99.

It's a reasonable price to pay for the handiwork of Halo Wars creator Ensemble Studios, although no matter how many copies you buy, the disbanded developer won't be coming back. (But hopefully one of the two studios that rose from its ashes will create something on par with the historic RTS series, someday.)

JoystiqAge of Empires 3 collection advancing Sept. 15 originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 08 Sep 2009 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>age-of-empiresAge-of-Empires-3Age-of-Empires-3-The-Asian-DynastiesAge-of-Empires-3-The-WarChiefsBig-Huge-Gamesensemble-studiosmicrosoftMicrosoft-Game-StudiosTue, 08 Sep 2009 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Halo Wars Historic Battle DLC available now]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/21/halo-wars-historic-battle-dlc-available-now/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/21/halo-wars-historic-battle-dlc-available-now/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/21/halo-wars-historic-battle-dlc-available-now/#comments
click to Brute-size

Always there with a friendly reminder, Major Nelson sends word that the Historic Battle Map Pack for Halo Wars is now available on Xbox Live Marketplace. The new content includes four new multiplayer maps: Barrens (1v1), Blood River (1v1), Memorial Basin (2v2) and Glacial Ravine (3v3). The DLC also adds four new Achievements worth a total of 100 points. If you need some new space to rock out with your tiny Spartan death squad, the Historic Battle Map Pack will run you 800 ($10). Check out some fresh images of each map in the gallery below.

Download the Historic Battle Map Pack to your Xbox 360

JoystiqHalo Wars Historic Battle DLC available now originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 21 Jul 2009 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dlcensemble-studioshalohalo-warshistoric-battlemap-packrobotrobot-entertainmentxblmxbox-liveTue, 21 Jul 2009 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Halo Wars getting four new maps, four new achievements]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/14/halo-wars-getting-four-new-maps-four-new-achievements/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/14/halo-wars-getting-four-new-maps-four-new-achievements/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/14/halo-wars-getting-four-new-maps-four-new-achievements/#comments
Are your miniscule, impressionable Spartans developing powerful cases of wanderlust? Are they growing antsy and restless -- sure signs of boredom with their tired stomping (and shooting) grounds? You'll be able to whisk them off to new, yet-to-be-bloodstained areas soon enough -- on July 21, Microsoft is dropping four new maps and four new achievements for Halo Wars.

The "Historic Battles" map pack (which will cost 800) includes two 1v1 maps, a 2v2 map, a 3v3 map and four new achievements which tack 100 extra gamerpoints to the strategy title. We've got descriptions of each map and 'cheevo listed after the break for all you cautious consumers.

Continue reading Halo Wars getting four new maps, four new achievements

JoystiqHalo Wars getting four new maps, four new achievements originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 14 Jul 2009 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dlcensemble-studioshalohalo-warsmap-packmicrosoftstrategyXbox-360Tue, 14 Jul 2009 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Halo Wars title update 3 details revealed]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/10/halo-wars-title-update-3-details-revealed/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/10/halo-wars-title-update-3-details-revealed/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/10/halo-wars-title-update-3-details-revealed/#comments
Robot has revealed specific details regarding the third title update for Halo Wars. Most of the changes being implemented are for the sake of balancing the game, and there are also a handful of bug and exploit fixes. It looks like the effectiveness of the Gauss Warthog will see a reduction, with the unit doing less damage to tanks and receiving more damage from grenades. The Warthog will also take three seconds longer to build (25 seconds). Anders has also seen her research speed bonus reduced from 50 percent to 25 percent.

There are a smattering of other changes, the most significant perhaps being that stockpiled units in a locked-down base will now release much faster when the base is unlocked. Very good news for anyone that has seen their stockpiled units killed one by one as they emerge from an unlocked base.

Check out all the changes after the break.

Continue reading Halo Wars title update 3 details revealed

JoystiqHalo Wars title update 3 details revealed originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 10 Jul 2009 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ensemble-studioshalohalo-warsrobotFri, 10 Jul 2009 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[New Halo Wars Achievements reveal new maps (again)]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/06/new-halo-wars-achievements-reveal-new-maps-again/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/06/new-halo-wars-achievements-reveal-new-maps-again/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/06/new-halo-wars-achievements-reveal-new-maps-again/#comments
For all you negative Nancys out there who just couldn't believe it when we told you that Halo Wars itself had revealed some upcoming maps, here's some more proof for you. New achievements have popped up on the Xbox.com Halo Wars page in the UK, and they reveal -- wait for it -- new maps. The names of the maps just so happen to be the very same names we discovered back in May: Barrens, Blood River and Memorial Basin.

If you still aren't convinced that new map DLC is on the way, you'll just have to wait for the official announcement. The rest of us will just sit here and act smug for a while.

[Thanks, Richard]

JoystiqNew Halo Wars Achievements reveal new maps (again) originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 06 Jul 2009 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dlcensemble-studioshalohalo-warsrobotxbox.comMon, 06 Jul 2009 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Former Halo Wars dev bites into Apple]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/09/former-halo-wars-dev-bites-into-apple/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/09/former-halo-wars-dev-bites-into-apple/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/09/former-halo-wars-dev-bites-into-apple/#comments When Ensemble Studios closed its doors earlier this year many of its staff landed behind a desk at either Robot Entertainment or Bonfire Studios, a pair of outfits that rose up from the Age of Empires and Halo Wars dev's splintered remains. Not Graeme Devine, however -- he's far too trendy for that business.

Instead, the Halo Wars lead designer revealed to Kotaku's @crecenteb via Twitter that he opted for a job at Apple, working for the company's iPhone group. It's unclear exactly what he's working on at the popular fruit company, though given his experience perhaps Apple is looking to bring game development in-house. We've reached out to Devine for more, though whatever he's up to we're sure there's an app for that.

[Via Develop]

JoystiqFormer Halo Wars dev bites into Apple originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 09 Jun 2009 08:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>applebonfire-studiosensemble-studioshalo-warsiphonerobot-entertainmentTue, 09 Jun 2009 08:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Amazon tactically cuts one third off Halo Wars price for today only]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/22/amazon-tactically-cuts-one-third-off-halo-wars-price-for-today-o/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/22/amazon-tactically-cuts-one-third-off-halo-wars-price-for-today-o/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/22/amazon-tactically-cuts-one-third-off-halo-wars-price-for-today-o/#comments
Amazon's daily deal features Ensemble Studios' Halo Wars, offering the game at the discounted price of $39.99 for the standard edition. It's a game that many on the Joystiq staff find to be "the tops," though others on the staff have found it to be "mildly satisfactory." It's caused a rift, one you need not bother involving yourself in because, hey, cheap game! And, should you decide to pick this up, you could always apply those saved duckets toward some of the new DLC. Just saying ...

JoystiqAmazon tactically cuts one third off Halo Wars price for today only originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 22 May 2009 14:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amazondeal-of-the-daydlcensemble-studioshalo-warsrtsFri, 22 May 2009 14:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Halo Wars 'Strategic Options' DLC available now]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/19/halo-wars-strategic-options-dlc-available-now/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/19/halo-wars-strategic-options-dlc-available-now/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/19/halo-wars-strategic-options-dlc-available-now/#comments
The advanced AI known as Major Nelson informs us that Halo Wars' "Strategic Options" DLC is available now for 800 ($10). The pack includes three new game types and 100 points of Achievements (no maps?).

If the price seems a bit steep for a few game types, we've got that covered too. We've got a post up now to win one of five free codes. Good luck!

[Add Halo Wars Strategic Options DLC to your queue]

Gallery: Halo Wars 'Strategic Options' DLC

JoystiqHalo Wars 'Strategic Options' DLC available now originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 19 May 2009 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ensemble-studioshalo-warsmicrosoftrobotrobot-entertainmentTue, 19 May 2009 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[New Halo Wars maps revealed by Halo Wars]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/12/new-halo-wars-maps-revealed-by-halo-wars/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/12/new-halo-wars-maps-revealed-by-halo-wars/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/12/new-halo-wars-maps-revealed-by-halo-wars/#comments
click to Halo-size
Of all the places we expected to hear about new Halo Wars maps, we didn't think it would be within the game itself. If you're very, very patient -- seriously, it takes around half an hour -- the information crawl that scrolls across the bottom of the main menu will show the names of three upcoming maps. The crawl also mentions the recently revealed gameplay modes from the upcoming "Strategic" Options DLC. The three maps mentioned are Barrens (1v1), Blood River (1v1) and Memorial Basin (2v2).

We've contacted Microsoft to see if the maps will be part of the upcoming DLC or if they are intended for a separate release. If you're still not convinced, you can check out some shots we snapped of the map names in the gallery below.

[Thanks, FJ!]

Gallery: New Halo Wars maps

JoystiqNew Halo Wars maps revealed by Halo Wars originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 12 May 2009 18:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dlcensemble-studioshalohalo-warshalo-wars-dlcmicrosoftXbox-360Tue, 12 May 2009 18:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Ex-Ensemble Studios devs form new studio, working on the iPhone]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/09/ex-ensemble-studios-devs-form-new-studio-working-on-the-iphone/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/09/ex-ensemble-studios-devs-form-new-studio-working-on-the-iphone/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/09/ex-ensemble-studios-devs-form-new-studio-working-on-the-iphone/#comments
It appears as though Bruce Shelley's words will not go unfounded, as the fourth Ensemble Studios-spawned development house has outed itself in Newtoy.The studio is already developing its first game, World War Robot, in collaboration with comic book and game industry veteran Ashley Wood.

In fact, the studio says it's trying to foster this kind of behavior, "a new kind of game development," by creatively collaborating with "world class game makers from around the globe," such as Wood. The few pieces of art available so far appear rather conceptual in nature and do little to help explain the gameplay. We do know, however, that it's based on the Ashley Wood paperback of the same name and the concept shots share a distinct look with the art of the book. No matter what, it's always a pleasure to see new studios popping up in the current economy.

JoystiqEx-Ensemble Studios devs form new studio, working on the iPhone originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 09 May 2009 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Appleashley-woodbruce-shelleydevelopmenteconomyensemble-studiosiPodnewtoyworld-war-robotSat, 09 May 2009 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Halo Wars 'Strategic Options' DLC adds new multiplayer, achievements]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/04/21/halo-wars-strategic-options-dlc-adds-new-multiplayer-achievem/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/04/21/halo-wars-strategic-options-dlc-adds-new-multiplayer-achievem/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/04/21/halo-wars-strategic-options-dlc-adds-new-multiplayer-achievem/#comments
If your real-time strategy needs have been fulfilled ever since you took care of business in Halo Wars, then know that Microsoft is preparing some DLC for deployment. The DLC pack will be titled "Strategic Options" and will contain 4 new achievements for 100 points and 3 new multiplayer modes.

First up is Keepaway, a CTF variant featuring 3 different flags for capture. Next up is Reinforcement, a mode that provides support in waves, disabling your ability to build armies. Finally, there's Tug of War, which Microsoft has not divulged any info on, though our own pre-school experience with the gametype causes us to assume it will involve a rope, and take place near the jungle gym. We're kidding: the winner is decided based on total volume of assets, including units, buildings, and resources.

The new achievements are:
  • "One and Done" (30 points): Score the winning point in a game of Keepaway against Legendary A.I.'s
  • "Pull Hard, Pull Deep" (20 points): Win and never trail in a Tug of War game
  • "Freak on a Streak" (20 points): Gain at least 15 population from a single wave in a Reinforcement game
  • "Living Loving Bug" (30 points): Obtain a Scarab during a Reinforcement game
Microsoft has not commented on a price for this DLC, but we've put in word to Microsoft for confirmation.

Gallery: Halo Wars 'Strategic Options' DLC


[Thanks Patrik K.]

JoystiqHalo Wars 'Strategic Options' DLC adds new multiplayer, achievements originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 21 Apr 2009 11:09:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dlcensemble-studioshalohalo-warsMicrosoftrtsXbox-360Tue, 21 Apr 2009 11:09:00 EST<![CDATA[New Halo Wars dev blog talks unit balance]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/04/16/new-halo-wars-dev-blog-talks-unit-balance/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/04/16/new-halo-wars-dev-blog-talks-unit-balance/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/04/16/new-halo-wars-dev-blog-talks-unit-balance/#comments
click to Spartan-size

In the latest Halo Wars developer blog, lead technical designer Tim Deen discusses the game's unit balance. Most Halo Wars fans are probably familiar with the game's "Rock, Paper, Scissors" (or RPS) balance, but Deen goes into extreme detail, even providing the complex chart seen above. If you'd like to move beyond RPS basics and start learning the difference between a 'soft' kill and a 'hard' kill -- and which units do which -- it's definitely a good read.

Sadly, Covenant fans out there are left in the cold, as the chart itself only addresses UNSC units. Hopefully, someone at Robot will be kind enough to put together a new chart for our Covie friends. Then again, we only build Brutes anyway.

JoystiqNew Halo Wars dev blog talks unit balance originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 16 Apr 2009 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ensemble-studioshalohalo-warsrobot-entertainmentrtsThu, 16 Apr 2009 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Halo Wars title update incoming, new details]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/04/14/halo-wars-title-update-incoming-new-details/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/04/14/halo-wars-title-update-incoming-new-details/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/04/14/halo-wars-title-update-incoming-new-details/#comments
A post on the Halo Wars website has announced that a title update for the Halo RTS is on the way. The update looks to address some matchmaking bugs, fine tune game balance and implement a new feature. While the bulk of the update remains a mystery, community manager Aloysius does mention two changes.

One, the Prophet of Regret will have his land speed reduced to match the speed of the other Covenant leaders, thus balancing the Prophet rush tactic (which is a lot of fun, by the way). Another fix will allow users to enable the Honor Guard Wraith and Fireball Warthog units (available to collector's edition owners and those who pre-ordered the game, respectively) inside of multiplayer matches with other players. We're not sure why that wasn't included in the game in the first place, but it's a welcome addition.

No details are given regarding when the patch will release, but Aloysius promises more info will appear on the official Halo Wars site.

JoystiqHalo Wars title update incoming, new details originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 14 Apr 2009 14:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ensembleensemble-studioshalohalo-warsrobot-entertainmentTue, 14 Apr 2009 14:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Charts galore: Halo 3, Halo Wars player comparisons; other RTS titles get in mix]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/04/10/charts-galore-halo-3-halo-wars-player-comparisons-other-rts-t/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/04/10/charts-galore-halo-3-halo-wars-player-comparisons-other-rts-t/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/04/10/charts-galore-halo-3-halo-wars-player-comparisons-other-rts-t/#comments
Considering Halo Wars was built from the ground up to establish an RTS audience for consoles, and obviously used the Halo name to get gamers excited, we were curious to know if it accomplished its mission. With a sample size of over 150,000 mostly core gamers, we asked social networking website GamerDNA if it had any data we could work with. Not only did it give us what we asked for, but did a full comparison of Halo Wars to other console RTS titles as well. The data not only gave us a better understanding of Halo Wars' success from being associated with the Master Chief franchise, but also how it compares to other RTS games on the console.

Continue reading Charts galore: Halo 3, Halo Wars player comparisons; other RTS titles get in mix

JoystiqCharts galore: Halo 3, Halo Wars player comparisons; other RTS titles get in mix originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 10 Apr 2009 15:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bungieensemble-studiosgamer-dnahalo-3halo-warsmicrosoftrtsFri, 10 Apr 2009 15:05:00 EST<![CDATA[Halo Wars sells a million, Ensemble still disbanded]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/19/halo-wars-sells-a-million-ensemble-still-disbanded/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/19/halo-wars-sells-a-million-ensemble-still-disbanded/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/19/halo-wars-sells-a-million-ensemble-still-disbanded/#comments
Microsoft announced today that Ensemble's Halo Wars has sold one million units worldwide. According to the publisher, that makes the wars of the Halos the best selling real-time strategy game on any current-gen console -- 'cause, you know, it's such a "Flood"-ed field.

As for the stats: there have been 2.6 million multiplayer matches, over 118 years of time have been spent by players in matches on Xbox Live, more than 200,000 players battle each day and 80% of them achieve wins through Warthog rushes (okay, we made that last one up). If you're looking for more stats, click here. Microsoft says more content is on the way for the game from Robot Entertainment, "so stay tuned."

Gallery: Halo Wars

JoystiqHalo Wars sells a million, Ensemble still disbanded originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 19 Mar 2009 13:21:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ensembleensemble-studioshalohalo-warsmicrosoftrtsXbox-360Thu, 19 Mar 2009 13:21:00 EST<![CDATA[Rippy: Ensemble Studios was a 'victim of its own success']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/10/rippy-ensemble-studios-was-a-victim-of-its-own-success/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/10/rippy-ensemble-studios-was-a-victim-of-its-own-success/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/10/rippy-ensemble-studios-was-a-victim-of-its-own-success/#comments
David Rippy, founder of Bonfire Studios and a lead producer on Halo Wars, believes Ensemble's death occurred because the studio was only known for -- and allowed to create -- RTS titles. In an interview with GI.biz, Rippy expresses that Ensemble couldn't get non-RTS project prototypes approved, stating that the group represented "the RTS guys." He notes that lack of diversity is something he'd like to avoid in the future with his new studio.

Rippy states that Bonfire's first project will not be an RTS game, but that the company may consider doing one again in the future. He states that the game will be different than what the team has done in the past, while still offering "a strong strategy element." As Bonfire works on the new project -- which will apparently not be published by Microsoft -- the other studio born out of Ensemble's remains, Robot Entertainment, will continue employing "the RTS guys."

JoystiqRippy: Ensemble Studios was a 'victim of its own success' originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 10 Mar 2009 13:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bonfirebonfire-studiosensembleensemble-studioshalo-warsMicrosoftrtsXbox-360Tue, 10 Mar 2009 13:31:00 EST<![CDATA[Download a digital copy of the Halo Wars tech tree]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/05/download-a-digital-copy-of-the-halo-wars-tech-tree/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/05/download-a-digital-copy-of-the-halo-wars-tech-tree/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/05/download-a-digital-copy-of-the-halo-wars-tech-tree/#commentsTo give us a better understanding of Halo Wars' units and all the upgrades available, Xbox.com posted a downloadable Halo Wars tech tree chart (PDF).

The Halo Wars tech tree (not to be confused with the plantable type) is an easy-to-use reference guide that visually explains the technology progression of both Covenant and UNSC units, as well as each of their Leaders' unique powers. The chart comes in especially handy when creating the nearly invincible Grizzly and ODST combo. It's a strategy we nicknamed the "Drop Shock and Awe."

[Via HaloWars.com]

JoystiqDownload a digital copy of the Halo Wars tech tree originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 05 Mar 2009 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ensembleensemble-studioshalo-warsmgsmicrosoft-game-studiosrtsThu, 05 Mar 2009 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Halo Wars program hits Korean TV]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/05/halo-wars-program-hits-korean-tv/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/05/halo-wars-program-hits-korean-tv/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/05/halo-wars-program-hits-korean-tv/#comments
Siliconera reports that MBC Game, a Korean television station, is adding a show dedicated to Halo Wars to its lineup. That might sound strange, but the network already airs several programs dedicated to video games. The decision to add Halo Wars to the lineup was probably fairly simple, as the network's StarCraft program is its most popular, according to Siliconera. Details about the show are sparse -- the MBC Game website shows up as malicious on Google, no thanks -- but we assume from the images posted on Siliconera that people will actually play the game on the program.

Televised Brute rushes? Count us in.

JoystiqHalo Wars program hits Korean TV originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 05 Mar 2009 17:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ensembleensemble-studioshalo-warskoreamicrosoft-game-studiosThu, 05 Mar 2009 17:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Joyswag: Halo Wars (Day Three)]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/04/joyswaq-halo-wars-day-three/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/04/joyswaq-halo-wars-day-three/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/04/joyswaq-halo-wars-day-three/#comments
This is it, folks the third and final day of Joystiq's Halo Wars giveaway. Congratulations to Steve H, who won our Day One giveaway. With so many people checking their email to see if they've won Day Two, now is your chance to enter Day Three. Hurry up, before someone gets wise.

To enter:
  • Leave a comment on this post naming your favorite RTS unit of all time (real or imagined).
  • You must be 18 years or older and a resident of the US or Canada (excluding Quebec)
  • Limit 1 entry per person
  • This entry period ends at 2:59 pm ET on Thursday, March 5. We'll randomly select 1 winner at that time to receive one copy of Halo Wars (ARV: $59.99).
  • For a list of complete rules, click here

JoystiqJoyswag: Halo Wars (Day Three) originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 04 Mar 2009 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ensembleensemble-studioshalohalo-warsjoyswagWed, 04 Mar 2009 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Video: Halo Wars universe expands yet again]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/04/video-halo-wars-universe-expands-yet-again/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/04/video-halo-wars-universe-expands-yet-again/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/04/video-halo-wars-universe-expands-yet-again/#commentsThe third in the Halo Wars "Universe Expanded" videos is now available on Xbox Live Marketplace (for Gold members). Again we see several voices in the gaming industry waxing poetic about Halo. The latest video focuses on exactly how Halo Wars adds to the lore established in other Halo titles. On particularly interesting tidbit, Microsoft's own Frank O'Connor notes that the new elements present in Halo Wars will show up in future titles in the franchise. Who knows, maybe we'll be hijacking Locust tanks or piloting a Vulture in Halo 3: ODST.

JoystiqVideo: Halo Wars universe expands yet again originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 04 Mar 2009 13:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bungieensembleensemble-studioshalohalo-warsxblmxbox-live-marketplaceWed, 04 Mar 2009 13:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Play Halo Wars online and (possibly) win prizes]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/04/play-halo-wars-online-and-possibly-win-prizes/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/04/play-halo-wars-online-and-possibly-win-prizes/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/04/play-halo-wars-online-and-possibly-win-prizes/#commentsMicrosoft is hosting another Play & Win giveaway. This time, Halo Wars is required to participate in the "odds are slim that anyone reading this is actually going to win anything" prize-winning fun.

To enter, download this gamer picture, play Halo Wars multiplayer between March 6-8, then patiently wait for the winners to be announced. Microsoft is giving away an assortment of prizes, including a 52" television, a Halo Wars themed Xbox 360 (nice!), an assortment of MS points and even an overpriced Ultra Series 1000 Monster Cable.

JoystiqPlay Halo Wars online and (possibly) win prizes originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 04 Mar 2009 12:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ensembleensemble-studioshalo-warsmgsmicrosoft-game-studiosplay-and-winxbox-liveWed, 04 Mar 2009 12:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Video: The Halo Wars universe expands even further]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/03/video-the-halo-wars-universe-expands-even-further/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/03/video-the-halo-wars-universe-expands-even-further/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/03/video-the-halo-wars-universe-expands-even-further/#commentsAs if we haven't already been smothered with gobs of Halo Wars footage lately, a second Halo Wars: Universe Expanded documentary has made its way onto the Xbox Live Marketplace. Us being the ninjas that we are, we captured the video and uploaded it to the internet for everyone's viewing pleasure.

Just like the first Universe Expanded vid, this second ViDoc talks about the scope of the Halo Wars story, explains the key players involved and Adam Sessler is seen expressing himself using grand hand gestures. It's a great watch and a superb example of how to artistically decorate a film set using honeycomb shapes.

JoystiqVideo: The Halo Wars universe expands even further originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 03 Mar 2009 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ensembleensemble-studioshalo-warsmgsmicrosoft-game-studiosTue, 03 Mar 2009 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[X3F TV -- Behold: The Halo Wars Limited Edition unboxing]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/03/x3f-tv-behold-the-halo-wars-limited-edition-unboxing/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/03/x3f-tv-behold-the-halo-wars-limited-edition-unboxing/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/03/x3f-tv-behold-the-halo-wars-limited-edition-unboxing/#commentsFiled under:

Joystiq Xbox presents to you the fantabulous Halo Wars Limited Edition unboxing video. Gasp as you see the iron-on patch unveiled. Scream as you eye the coveted Mythic Map Pack DLC redemption card. Shriek as you peer at naked Elite flesh in the graphic novel (no, seriously).

If none of that works for you, you could always just watch the video in thoughtful silence. You should definitely watch it, though.

[iTunes] Subscribe to X3F TV directly in iTunes.
[Zune] Subscribe to the X3F TV directly (Zune Marketplace link coming soon).
[RSS] Add the X3F TV feed to your RSS aggregator and have the show delivered automatically.
[M4V] Download the M4V directly.

JoystiqX3F TV -- Behold: The Halo Wars Limited Edition unboxing originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 03 Mar 2009 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ensembleensemble-studioshalohalo-warsmgsmicrosoft-game-studiosuboxingx3f-tvTue, 03 Mar 2009 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Halo Wars includes final farewell from Ensemble Studios]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/03/halo-wars-includes-final-farewell-from-ensemble-studios/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/03/halo-wars-includes-final-farewell-from-ensemble-studios/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/03/halo-wars-includes-final-farewell-from-ensemble-studios/#commentsWith today's (North American) release of Halo Wars, we thought we'd share Ensemble Studios' heartfelt goodbye message included in the game's end credits. The video, which shares the same sentimental weight as Bruce Shelley's final remarks, starts with a message to all of Ensemble's fans and is followed by individual notes from everyone on the development team.

We wish the best of luck to everyone who was a part of the team at Ensemble Studios and hope success follows with their new ventures.

JoystiqHalo Wars includes final farewell from Ensemble Studios originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 03 Mar 2009 13:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ensembleensemble-studioshalohalo-warsMicrosoftrtsXbox-360Tue, 03 Mar 2009 13:29:00 EST<![CDATA[Killzone 2 is UK's 4th fastest-selling Sony title, Halo Wars is best-selling console RTS]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/03/killzone-2-is-uks-4th-fastest-selling-sony-title-halo-wars-is/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/03/killzone-2-is-uks-4th-fastest-selling-sony-title-halo-wars-is/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/03/killzone-2-is-uks-4th-fastest-selling-sony-title-halo-wars-is/#comments
This past week saw a massive resupply of ammunition for both the Sony and Microsoft fanboys on the treacherous European front of the current console war -- first of all, the highly anticipated Killzone 2 nabbed the top spot in the ELSPA GfK ChartTrack Top 40, and became the fourth fastest-selling Sony-published title ever released in the UK. Its first place finish in the Top 40 charts gave it an edge over number two finisher Halo Wars. You read that right, people. Killzone 2 has become, as many of its zealous acolytes claimed it would, a "Halo killer."

However, the situation isn't exactly grim for said murdered Halo title -- within its launch week, it became the UK's best-selling console RTS to date, beating out former leader Command and Conquer 3: Tiberium Wars by a three-to-one margin. So ... we guess Halo is a "Command and Conquer killer," now? We're not sure. All this inter-franchise homicide is hard to keep track of.

JoystiqKillzone 2 is UK's 4th fastest-selling Sony title, Halo Wars is best-selling console RTS originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 03 Mar 2009 10:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ensemble-studiosguerilla-gameshalo-warskillzone-2microsoftsalessceesonySony-Computer-Entertainment-EuropeukXbox-360Tue, 03 Mar 2009 10:29:00 EST<![CDATA[GameStop plans nationwide Halo Wars midnight launch events]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/27/gamestop-plans-nationwide-halo-wars-midnight-launch-events/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/27/gamestop-plans-nationwide-halo-wars-midnight-launch-events/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/27/gamestop-plans-nationwide-halo-wars-midnight-launch-events/#commentsThis coming Monday, March 2 at around 10 pm, over 2,000 GameStop stores Stateside will be hosting Halo Wars midnight launch events.

No, there won't be a DJ or any beverages being served at these gatherings. Instead, GameStop plans on wooing midnight launch goers with trivia challenges, a dress up contest, some sort of Warthog races and (because it's Halo'verse related) a Halo 3 tournament. Some attendees can even win (get this) a Halo themed Xbox 360 skin. We only hope their employees are prepared for the influx of fanboys that will descend on their teeny-tiny establishments.

A list of stores participating in the midnight launch can be viewed here (PDF alert), but we recommend giving your local GameStop a ringle-jingle. Also, if one night of Halo Wars excitement just isn't enough to satisfy, be sure to check out their pre-launch Halo Wars tournament that takes place this weekend.

JoystiqGameStop plans nationwide Halo Wars midnight launch events originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 27 Feb 2009 01:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ensembleensemble-studiosgamestophalo-warsmgsmicrosoft-game-studiosrtsFri, 27 Feb 2009 01:45:00 EST