Halo Wars 2
- September 26, 2017
- 343 Industries
With its intuitive controls and accessible nature, Halo Wars 2 could finally be the RTS to break the console market, and may even be able to take on the mighty Starcraft II.
Get on Xbox Games StoreHalo Wars 2 is a science fiction real-time strategy game where players can experience local and multiplayer modes with up to 2 players, including co-op and split screen options. The game takes place on the mysterious Ark, where players lead armies of Spartans and other Halo fighting forces against the brutal Brute faction, The Banished, in intense battles. The game delivers fast-paced combat and strategy with new units and the largest Halo battlefield yet.
PC
Xbox One
Xbox Series X|S
Cloud
Xbox
x_box_cloud_gaming
NVIDIA GeForce NOW
Reviews
- The game features a great story and fun gameplay, making it enjoyable for both casual and dedicated players.
- Halo Wars 2 is accessible for newcomers to the RTS genre, with intuitive controls and engaging multiplayer modes.
- The production values are high, with impressive cutscenes and a well-crafted Halo universe that fans will appreciate.
- The campaign is relatively short and lacks depth, leaving players wanting more in terms of story and mission variety.
- Controls can be clunky and may feel better suited for mouse and keyboard rather than a console controller.
- There are concerns about microtransactions in the Blitz mode, which some players feel detracts from the overall experience.
- story38 mentions
- 42 % positive mentions
- 50 % neutral mentions
- 8 % negative mentions
The story of the game is generally well-received, with many praising its connection to the Halo universe and engaging characters, though some find it lacking depth and originality compared to previous entries. While the campaign features enjoyable missions and impressive cutscenes, it is criticized for being short and somewhat repetitive, leaving some players wanting more in terms of narrative development. Overall, the story is seen as a solid continuation of the Halo saga, but it may not fully satisfy long-time fans seeking a more compelling experience.
“The Halo universe never disappoints with characters and storylines.”
“Firstly, the continuation of the story was brilliant, but the ending is obviously a setup for another sequel.”
“Its story is good, delivering a true Halo narrative on the platform for the first time since Halo 2, and while the issues with the RTS elements might annoy some, it doesn’t mean the game isn’t fun to play.”
“Very repetitive gameplay, has a different feel than the first one; the story is short and lacks depth, maps are very similar and none are particularly memorable.”
“The campaign ends up being a bit of a disappointment, but the mission variation in it is enough to make it worthwhile.”
“The story is average in most senses, and is more connected to the series overall than its predecessor, which is both an improvement and a detriment.”
- gameplay21 mentions
- 38 % positive mentions
- 48 % neutral mentions
- 14 % negative mentions
The gameplay of the game is characterized by a mix of accessible mechanics and strategic elements, appealing to both casual players and those familiar with real-time strategy (RTS) games. While it offers enjoyable and engaging experiences, particularly with its blitz mode and strong production values, many players find it lacks depth and can feel repetitive, especially in comparison to its predecessor. Additionally, the transition to console has led to some frustrations with controls and strategic complexity, making it less appealing for hardcore RTS fans.
“The game is very well done. I'm not very good at real-time strategy games, but the game is excellent, has a great story, and fun gameplay for what it is. I also want to point out this is the last Halo game on disc; no update or internet is required to play this. 100% recommend.”
“It's a completely different take on Halo's first-person shooter mechanic and is instead a command and conquer strategy game using infantry, vehicles, and air support to take on the enemy.”
“Blitz mode is fresh and fun, great recreation of the Halo universe, fantastic production values, enjoyable RTS gameplay.”
“Very repetitive gameplay, has a different feel than the first one. The story is short and lacks depth, and the maps are very similar with nothing noteworthy.”
“Gameplay is too complicated.”
“Blitz mode feels pay-to-win thanks to its microtransactions. The game’s port feels like a console game simply slapped on Windows 10, with no real thought given to the PC user in its design. Mouse and keyboard controls make no sense overall, making gameplay frustrating at times.”
- graphics7 mentions
- 57 % positive mentions
- 14 % neutral mentions
- 29 % negative mentions
Overall, the graphics are praised for their excellent visuals and outstanding design, contributing to a fantastic aesthetic experience. However, some users report technical issues, including occasional graphical glitches and stuttering, which detract from the overall experience. Despite these flaws, the game's visuals are generally well-received, with many players expressing satisfaction with the graphical quality relative to the price.
“Excellent game, well balanced, great visuals - just let down by a few technical issues which will hopefully be patched soon.”
“Good gameplay and graphics, glad I got it and good price.”
“Outstanding visuals with great level and unit design make the game look fantastic.”
“Aside from a few graphical improvements and mechanical tweaks, not much has changed.”
“Occasional graphical glitches and stuttering during testing.”
- monetization6 mentions
- 33 % positive mentions
- 17 % neutral mentions
- 50 % negative mentions
The monetization aspect of the game has received significant criticism, particularly for its pay-to-win microtransactions that detract from the otherwise engaging Blitz mode. Reviewers express frustration over the inclusion of these microtransactions in a premium title, which undermines gameplay and overall experience, while also noting that the campaign feels short and lacks depth. Additionally, the game's design choices and performance issues further exacerbate the negative perception of its monetization strategy.
“While the game offers an engaging experience, the inclusion of pay-to-win microtransactions detracts from the overall enjoyment.”
“The microtransactions in the game can undermine its best ideas, impacting the overall gameplay experience.”
“From downright bad writing to the inclusion of pay-to-win microtransactions in a premium game, there are some absolutely perplexing decisions.”
“Blitz mode feels pay-to-win thanks to its microtransactions, and the game’s port feels like a console game simply slapped on Windows 10. No real thought seems to have been given to the PC user in its design, and mouse and keyboard controls make no sense overall, making gameplay frustrating at times.”
“Blitz is an exciting and rewarding game mode that trades in base management for deck-building and hopefully minor microtransactions.”
- optimization4 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 25 % neutral mentions
- 75 % negative mentions
The game's optimization has been criticized for finicky and unresponsive unit AI, occasional graphical glitches, and stuttering during gameplay. Additionally, players have noted scattered control issues and performance problems, which detract from the overall experience. While character performances and cinematics are praised, the optimization challenges remain a significant concern.
“Unit AI can be finicky and unresponsive at times, leading to frustrating gameplay experiences.”
“Scattered control and performance issues detract from the overall enjoyment of the game.”
“Microtransactions undercut its best ideas, making the optimization feel incomplete.”
- stability3 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
The game's stability is marred by finicky and unresponsive unit AI, long loading times, and occasional graphical glitches and stuttering. Players have also noted unwelcome technical issues that detract from the overall experience, making it feel similar to its predecessor.
“Unit AI can be finicky and unresponsive at times, leading to frustrating gameplay experiences.”
“Some unwelcome technical glitches and long loading times detract from the overall experience.”
“Occasional graphical glitches and stuttering during testing significantly impact stability.”
- music2 mentions
- 150 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 150 % negative mentions
The music in the game features a powerful and diverse soundtrack that enhances the beautiful cinematics and maps. However, some users feel that the soundtrack occasionally misses the mark and that certain story elements, particularly related to characters like Atriox and the Banished, lack sufficient development.
“The excellent cinematics and powerful soundtrack truly elevate the experience.”
“The diverse and beautiful maps and terrain are complemented by an amazing musical score.”
“The soundtrack enhances the gameplay, making every moment feel epic and immersive.”
“The soundtrack doesn't always hit the mark.”
“The story might be too short for lore enthusiasts.”
“Atriox and the Banished don't get a lot of fleshing out.”
- replayability2 mentions
- 150 % positive mentions
- -150 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
While some players criticize the game for its uninteresting story, watered-down strategy, and clunky controls, others highlight its replayability due to a variety of matches, unlockable skills, and engaging multiplayer modes. Overall, the game offers a mixed experience in terms of replay value.
“Additionally, the replay value is there thanks to the myriad of matches, the unlockable skills the game has for you, as well as multiplayer modes to take advantage of.”
“The game offers endless replayability with its diverse character builds and multiple story paths to explore.”
“Each playthrough feels fresh due to the random events and challenges that keep you coming back for more.”
“The story is uninteresting, the strategy is heavily watered down, and the control scheme is clunky, leading to a lack of content and replayability.”
“The replay value is limited due to the lack of engaging content and variety in gameplay.”
Critic Reviews
"A tried, tested and slightly tired RTS formula that's competent but lacking in depth and originality"
Blitz mode aside, Halo Wars 2 sticks with a tried, tested and slightly tired RTS formula that's competent, but lacking in depth and originality.
60%Halo Wars 2 Review
With its intuitive controls and accessible nature, Halo Wars 2 could finally be the RTS to break the console market, and may even be able to take on the mighty Starcraft II.
90%Strategy-lite, filthy casual’s delight: Halo Wars 2 review
Boasting high production value and the minor intrigue of what a new villain might mean for the greater series, Halo Wars 2 is fantastic for casual RTS gamers, but probably not for anyone else. Its relatively flat story, short campaign, and strategically shallow mechanics hold it back from greatness, instead relegating it to being yet another example of why RTS games don’t mix well with consoles.
60%
