Halo Wars 2
- February 21, 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.
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Reviews
- The game features a great story and fun gameplay, making it enjoyable for both casual and dedicated players.
- It is well-received as a solid addition to the Halo series, with many players appreciating the improvements and new content.
- The game is accessible for all ages and offers enjoyable multiplayer modes, along with impressive cutscenes.
- Many players found the controls to be confusing and difficult to master, especially on console compared to mouse and keyboard.
- The game has been criticized for its repetitive gameplay, lack of map diversity, and a campaign that feels short and unengaging.
- There are complaints about the game's balance and business practices, particularly regarding the reliance on DLC and microtransactions.
- story11 mentions
- 55 % positive mentions
- 18 % neutral mentions
- 27 % negative mentions
The game's story is generally well-received, with many praising its continuation of the Halo universe and compelling characters, though some find it less engaging than previous entries. While the campaign and cutscenes are highlighted as strong points, opinions vary on the overall quality, with some describing it as short and repetitive. Overall, it offers an enjoyable narrative experience, particularly for fans of the series, but may not meet the high expectations set by earlier titles.
“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.”
“The campaign is very good and the cut scenes are what make it; so far it's a great story and I'm enthralled!”
“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 was okay; the story was a lot better than Halo 5, but that isn't saying much.”
“The story is good, but not great.”
- gameplay7 mentions
- 43 % positive mentions
- 14 % neutral mentions
- 43 % negative mentions
The gameplay of the game is a mixed bag, with some players praising its fun mechanics and strategic depth, while others find it repetitive and overly complicated, especially for those not accustomed to real-time strategy games. The shift from traditional first-person shooter elements to a command-and-conquer style has received varied reactions, with some appreciating the diversity in units and strategies, while others feel it detracts from the overall experience. Overall, the game is well-crafted but may not appeal to everyone due to its complexity and pacing.
“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.”
“The diversity in gameplay is definitely felt with many more units and strategies to deploy, but in a way that does detract from it as well because it's hard to get good at a strategy in multiplayer unless you are in a party.”
“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.”
“Very repetitive gameplay; it has a different feel than the first one. The story is short and lacks depth, and the maps are very similar, with none being particularly memorable.”
“The diversity in gameplay is definitely felt with many more units and strategies to deploy, but it detracts from the experience as it's hard to master a strategy in multiplayer unless you are in a party.”
“Gameplay is too complicated.”
- graphics3 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The graphics are generally praised for their quality and visual appeal, contributing to an excellent gaming experience. However, some users have noted minor technical issues that may need addressing in future patches. Overall, the visuals are considered a strong point of the game, enhancing its value.
“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.”
“The graphics are really nice.”
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%
