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[Halo games tumble in opening day of Xbox Live's Ultimate sale [update: and more]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/26/halo-games-tumble-in-opening-day-of-xbox-lives-ultimate-sale/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/26/halo-games-tumble-in-opening-day-of-xbox-lives-ultimate-sale/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/26/halo-games-tumble-in-opening-day-of-xbox-lives-ultimate-sale/#comments Microsoft's week-long Ultimate Game Sale for Games on Demand content makes its opening pitch today, and first up to the plate is Master Chief of the Halo Space Marines. We'll let you be the judge of whether or not the green giant knocks it out of the park with today's offers.

Three games slide down from $29.99 to $9.99 in the form of Halo 3, Halo: Reach, and real-time strategy black sheep Halo Wars. It's not quite as big a discount for the Chief's most recent adventure; Halo 4 shifts its price to $39.99 for a 33 percent discount.

Update: A number of other games are also on sale, including Grid, Call of Juarez, BioShock, and Tomb Raider: Legend. It's not wholly clear, but the wording suggests these particular games are staying discounted through to the end of the Ultimate Game Sale on March 5.
  • Dirt 2 - $4.99
  • Grid - $4.99
  • Dark Messiah of Might and Magic: Elements - $2.99
  • Rayman Raving Rabbids - $2.99
  • Tom Clancy's H.A.W.X - $4.99
  • Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six Vegas - $4.99
  • Kane and Lynch: Dead Men - $4.99
  • Call of Juarez - $4.99
  • Tomb Raider: Legend - $4.99
  • Tom Clancy's Ghost Recon Advanced Warfighter - $4.99
  • Tom Clancy's Ghost Recon Advanced Warfighter 2 - $4.99
  • Virtua Fighter 5 - $4.99
  • BioShock - $4.99
  • El Shaddai - $2.99
  • The Darkness - $4.99

JoystiqHalo games tumble in opening day of Xbox Live's Ultimate sale [update: and more] originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 26 Feb 2013 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>343-industriesbungiegames-on-demandhalo-3halo-4halo-reachhalo-warsmicrosoftxboxxbox-liveTue, 26 Feb 2013 08:00:00 EST<![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[PSA: Canadian 250GB Xbox 360 bundle with 5 games now available]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/25/psa-canadian-250gb-xbox-360-bundle-with-5-games-now-available/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/25/psa-canadian-250gb-xbox-360-bundle-with-5-games-now-available/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/25/psa-canadian-250gb-xbox-360-bundle-with-5-games-now-available/#comments Do you come from the school of thought that equates "free stuff" with "money saved"? Is a $20 gift card as good as $20 off? Did you buy that useless robotic vacuum dog because it was so steeply discounted you'd practically lose money not buying it? We understand your plight, friend. And if you're Canadian, we think we've got a deal for you.

News broke yesterday that our gentle neighbors to the north would be alone in getting the above limited edition Xbox 360 bundle which, while still $300, manages to throw enough free stuff in there that we're actively considering a pricey Canadian road trip --- we'd practically lose money if we didn't buy it! Your $300 nets you a 250GB Xbox 360 S console, and full game downloads of Halo 3, Gears of War 2, Fable 3, Halo Wars, and the excellent Alan Wake. And, beginning today, it's available at Canadian retailers like Future Shop and Best Buy.

It's not a price cut, but who needs cash off when you could get that much free stuff?

[Thanks, MakoXL.]

JoystiqPSA: Canadian 250GB Xbox 360 bundle with 5 games now available originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 25 Aug 2011 10:06:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Alan-WakeCanadaFable-3gears-of-war-2halo-3halo-warsmicrosoftnorthern-neighboroh-canadaxboxThu, 25 Aug 2011 10:06:00 EST<![CDATA[Xbox 250GB bundle throws in Alan Wake, Gears 2, and 3 more [update: Canada only]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/24/xbox-250gb-bundle-throws-in-alan-wake-gears-2-and-3-more/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/24/xbox-250gb-bundle-throws-in-alan-wake-gears-2-and-3-more/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/24/xbox-250gb-bundle-throws-in-alan-wake-gears-2-and-3-more/#comments Reader Darren Christie tweeted a rather official-looking image of a new Xbox 360 bundle. According to the picture, taken at the Future Shop store in which Christie works, the new package includes a 250GB Xbox 360 console and download codes for five of its biggest games: Alan Wake, Halo 3, Halo Wars, Fable 3, and Gears of War 2. In addition to being big in terms of profile, they're also big in terms of file size, with the box warning that these games will occupy 29.51 GB on the hard drive.

Christie told us that the bundle will be released tomorrow for $299.99. He is located in Canada, so it's possible this hardware package is a Canadian-only promotion. We've checked in with Microsoft to get the details. Just to be safe, maybe you should wait a day or so before buying an Xbox.

Update: Shacknews received confirmation from Microsoft that this bundle is exclusive to Canada, out tomorrow, and available for a limited time.

JoystiqXbox 250GB bundle throws in Alan Wake, Gears 2, and 3 more [update: Canada only] originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 24 Aug 2011 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>250gbAlan-Wakebundlecanadafable-3gears-of-war-2halo-3halo-warsmicrosoftxboxWed, 24 Aug 2011 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Halo: Assault on Squad 45 makes motion-stop mayhem with Mega Bloks]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/20/halo-assault-on-squad-45-makes-motion-stop-mayhem-with-mega-blo/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/20/halo-assault-on-squad-45-makes-motion-stop-mayhem-with-mega-blo/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/20/halo-assault-on-squad-45-makes-motion-stop-mayhem-with-mega-blo/#comments Halo: Assault on Squad 45 is hard to explain. On the one hand, it's corporate synergy, a joint promotional effort between 343 Industries and Mega Bloks, which makes a Halo Wars line. On the other hand, it's completely badass.

Continue reading Halo: Assault on Squad 45 makes motion-stop mayhem with Mega Bloks

JoystiqHalo: Assault on Squad 45 makes motion-stop mayhem with Mega Bloks originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 20 Dec 2010 22:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>343-industriesbungieHalo-Warsmega-bloksmicrosoftMicrosoft-Game-StudiosxboxMon, 20 Dec 2010 22:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Halo Wars stat tracking gets a reprieve from 343 Industries]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/08/halo-wars-stat-tracking-gets-a-reprieve-from-343-industries/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/08/halo-wars-stat-tracking-gets-a-reprieve-from-343-industries/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/08/halo-wars-stat-tracking-gets-a-reprieve-from-343-industries/#comments Good news for Halo Wars fans -- the planned shutdown of stat tracking for the game has been canceled by 343 Industries, who have decided not to kill the game's community just yet. Originally, Microsoft planned to shut down the feature on the Halo Waypoint website on December 15, but the outcry from the community (which we found completely reasonable) means they've "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."

So rest assured, Halo Wars players, your stats are safe. The community itself will still be switching from game-specific forums to the Waypoint forums, but stats will still be available on HaloWars.com for the foreseeable future. And though Title Update 5 of the game will still be installed (to fix some unrelated Theater issues) your stats won't change, so go right ahead getting your Halo RTS on.

JoystiqHalo Wars stat tracking gets a reprieve from 343 Industries originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 08 Dec 2010 22:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>343-industriesHalo-Warshalo-waypointmicrosoftrtsstatstitle-update-5xboxWed, 08 Dec 2010 22:45:00 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[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[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[Best of the Rest: Richard's Picks of 2009]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/02/best-of-the-rest-richards-picks-of-2009/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/02/best-of-the-rest-richards-picks-of-2009/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/02/best-of-the-rest-richards-picks-of-2009/#comments
Halo Wars
Say what you will about the game's simplicity, or the brevity of the single-player campaign, but Ensemble Studios absolutely nailed console real-time strategy with Halo Wars. The controls work beautifully, allowing for the kind of granular management required in RTS games, and yet they remain simple enough for almost anyone to get the hang of the game. Add great online multiplayer and it's one tasty proposition.

Frankly, I was so addicted to the Skirmish mode when reviewing the game that it ate into my work hours. Remembering that makes it harder to face the fact that Ensemble was shuttered once work on the game was complete. I can only hope that Robot is given the chance to further the series, or at least work the controls into an entirely new game.

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

JoystiqBest of the Rest: Richard's Picks of 2009 originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 02 Jan 2010 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>best-of-the-restbest-of-the-rest-2009climaxhalo-warsMicrosoftNintendopcplants-vs-zombiespopcaprunic-gamessilent-hill-shattered-memoriestorchlightvalveWiiXbox-360Sat, 02 Jan 2010 13:00:00 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[Halo Waypoint detailed, captured on video]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/19/halo-waypoint-detailed-captured-on-video/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/19/halo-waypoint-detailed-captured-on-video/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/19/halo-waypoint-detailed-captured-on-video/#comments
This way to the Waypoint gallery
With the Xbox 360 Fall Dashboard update preview kicking off today, Microsoft dropped some more details on Halo Waypoint, the Dashboard playpen for the Master Chief enthusiasts among you. The preview video - found after the break - walks you through some of the destination's functionality, notably the "career system" which will track "in-game accomplishments across multiple Halo games." Unsurprisingly, that career will be limited to the Xbox 360-released Halo games: Halo 3, Halo Wars, Halo 3: ODST, and "all Game Add-on content for those titles." Oh, you beat Halo 2 in under 30 minutes? We'll just have to take your word for it.

Halo Waypoint is being developed collaboratively by Microsoft's internal Halo studio, 343 Industries, and Certain Affinity, the Austin-based developer (with some former Bungie staffers) behind Age of Booty. Waypoint will be available November 5 for both Xbox Live Gold and Silver members; however, come November 26 those Silver members will have to pony up for Live if they want to keep their Waypoint access. That's a solid three weeks to determine if the exclusive Waypoint offerings - like the Nov. 7. preview of the "Halo Legends" anime anthology - are worth it. We imagine it will be for the hardcore Halo fan ... but we'd assume they've already got a Gold account.

Gallery: Halo Waypoint

Continue reading Halo Waypoint detailed, captured on video

JoystiqHalo Waypoint detailed, captured on video originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 19 Oct 2009 13:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>343-IndustriesCertain-Affinitydashboard-updatedashboard-update-fall-2009fpsHaloHalo-3Halo-3-ODSTHalo-WarsHalo-WaypointMicrosoftXbox-360Mon, 19 Oct 2009 13:55:00 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[Joyswag: Halo Wars Mega Bloks [update]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/19/joyswag-halo-wars-mega-bloks/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/19/joyswag-halo-wars-mega-bloks/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/19/joyswag-halo-wars-mega-bloks/#commentsUpdate: This giveaway is now closed. Winners are being notified, so be sure to check your email including your junk mail.

The generous builders over at Mega Bloks were kind enough to send over a few cases of the company's recently launched Halo Wars brick collection. Seeing as we aren't the greedy types, we decided to share our Blok bounty by holding one of our famous Joyswag giveaways.

Up for grabs are five complete sets of the entire Halo Wars Mega Bloks collection. Those lucky enough to win will receive enough bricks to build a spectacular Halo display that could rival the legendary Halo 3 Believe diorama. If that level of awesome is achieved: pics or it didn't happen.
  • Leave a comment telling us what your favorite vehicle is from the Halo universe.
  • 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 1:00PM ET on Thursday, August 20
  • At that time, we'll randomly select five winners to receive a Halo Wars Mega Bloks bundle that includes: Aerial Ambush, UNSC Scorpion, UNSC Warthog, UNSC Hornet, UNSC Turret and Covenant Ghost ($129.94 ARV)
  • For a list of complete rules, click here

JoystiqJoyswag: Halo Wars Mega Bloks [update] originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 19 Aug 2009 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>halo-warsjoyswagmega-bloksMicrosoftXbox-360Wed, 19 Aug 2009 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Risk: Halo Wars gets a bombastic, gameplay-free trailer]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/06/risk-halo-wars-gets-a-bombastic-gameplay-free-trailer/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/06/risk-halo-wars-gets-a-bombastic-gameplay-free-trailer/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/06/risk-halo-wars-gets-a-bombastic-gameplay-free-trailer/#commentsThere's enough fanfare in this trailer to make Michael Bay proud. Actually, make that a pre-CGI Michael Bay. Probably a film school-era Michael Bay. It has all the bombast and fanfare of a Michael Bay movie, just without all of the extremely fast intercutting and multiple explosions. We talked about Risk: Halo Wars back in January, and it's slowly but surely becoming a reality.

According to the game's website, it's due out in August 2009 -- which is right now, last time we checked the calendar. One word to the creators: give us a trailer showing some actual gameplay, and not just rotating views of the gamepieces and some concept art. Maybe you can even hire an aging celebrity to be in a commercial for the game, just like Milton Bradley did with Dark Tower back in the day.

Just a thought.

Continue reading Risk: Halo Wars gets a bombastic, gameplay-free trailer

JoystiqRisk: Halo Wars gets a bombastic, gameplay-free trailer originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 06 Aug 2009 01:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>board-gameshalo-warsMicrosoftRisktrailervideoXbox-360Thu, 06 Aug 2009 01:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Halo Wars stats wiped, may not come back]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/29/halo-wars-stats-wiped-may-not-come-back/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/29/halo-wars-stats-wiped-may-not-come-back/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/29/halo-wars-stats-wiped-may-not-come-back/#comments
Hey guys, we've got some great news: Convincing girls in bars with bizarre priorities that you're the world's top Halo Wars player just got a heck of a lot easier. Shacknews reports that all of the game's leaderboards were wiped out by a glitch in Xbox Live and developer Robot Entertainment says that they may not ever be recovered.

To that one poor soul who actually was at the top, we can offer only this pat on the back, along with the assurance that even though it seems like this tragedy has made his hours of Halo Wars sacrifice meaningless, it's simply not so. ... No, they were meaningless way before that.

JoystiqHalo Wars stats wiped, may not come back originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 29 Jul 2009 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>glitchhalo-warsleaderboardsmicrosoftrobot-entertainmentXbox-360xbox-liveWed, 29 Jul 2009 19:30:00 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[Halo Wars patch live, review the notes]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/12/halo-wars-patch-live-review-the-notes/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/12/halo-wars-patch-live-review-the-notes/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/12/halo-wars-patch-live-review-the-notes/#comments
Robot Entertainment has released the Halo Wars patch, which the company teased last month. The update allows for the Flaming Warthog and Honor Guard Wraith skins, improves game balance and fixes some bugs -- like a patch should.

The company also expects to add more information about the upcoming DLC for the console RTS "shortly." So, we expect to bring you news regarding it "in the near future."

JoystiqHalo Wars patch live, review the notes originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 12 May 2009 10:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>halo-warshalo-wars-patchmicrosoftpatch-notesrobot-entertainmentTue, 12 May 2009 10:50:00 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[The Guide: Don't Rush Good Strategy]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/13/the-guide-dont-rush-good-strategy/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/13/the-guide-dont-rush-good-strategy/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/13/the-guide-dont-rush-good-strategy/#comments
Welcome to The Guide, an editorial feature in which former Xbox 360 Fanboy lead Richard Mitchell looks at issues important to Xbox fans. The opinions expressed here belong to the author and don't necessarily reflect those of Joystiq, Weblogs Inc. or its affiliates.

Sorry, but I'm going to talk about Halo Wars again. I realize I've already devoted one column to the game, but it's really where I'm sinking almost all of my gaming time these days. I'm also really looking forward to Resident Evil 5, so maybe I'll squeeze that in there too. Probably not though.

Continue reading The Guide: Don't Rush Good Strategy

JoystiqThe Guide: Don't Rush Good Strategy originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 13 Mar 2009 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>halo-warsthe-guideFri, 13 Mar 2009 12:30:00 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[Halo 3 back on top of Live charts, Halo Wars debuts at #6]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/10/halo-3-back-on-top-of-live-charts-halo-wars-debuts-at-6/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/10/halo-3-back-on-top-of-live-charts-halo-wars-debuts-at-6/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/10/halo-3-back-on-top-of-live-charts-halo-wars-debuts-at-6/#comments
Our very personal bestest friend, Major Nelson, has posted Xbox Live activity for the week of March 2nd. Halo continues its never-ending battle with Call of Duty with Halo 3 nudging World at War from the top spot. Call of Duty 4, Gears of War 2 (somehow) and GTAIV round out the top five.

The Halo series receives some backup this week, with newcomer Halo Wars debuting at number six. On top of that, the Halo Wars demo inched up the top ten, moving from the ninth most played to the eighth. FIFA 09 moves up a notch to number 9, shoving Street Fighter IV to the tenth spot.

Considering the limited edition of Halo Wars including the Mythic Map Pack, it might have had something to do with Halo 3 reclaiming the top spot. The big question now is whether or not Halo Wars can maintain its momentum. As one of the few RTS games to make a big splash on consoles, you can bet Microsoft is watching it closely.

JoystiqHalo 3 back on top of Live charts, Halo Wars debuts at #6 originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 10 Mar 2009 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>call-of-dutycall-of-duty-4call-of-duty-world-at-warfifa-09gtaivhalohalo-3halo-warslive-top-tensfivTue, 10 Mar 2009 13:30:00 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