Halo Wars demo impressions, discussion, etc

[Limited]

CES 2009. Halo Wars demo announced during a video of Halo Wars including developer commentary.

Halo Wars demo on Xbox Live Marketplace 5th February 2009. The demo showcases both sides of the battle, UNSC and the covenant.
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[paladin]

GG im gonna get it.

[Limited]

I'm not a huge fan of RTS games, I never now what all the different characters do, their strengths and weaknesses, but because this is Halo, I'll definitely get it.

[Heathen]

arguing with a friend.
His argument is No rts on his consoles but my argument is that all others were ports and this one was built from the ground up for console.

its okay because his argument is invalid.

he is one of those assholes that thinks wikipedia is a bad source so since he is retarded I dont have to listen.

[DrunkenSamus]

I'm not a huge fan of RTS games, I never now what all the different characters do, their strengths and weaknesses, but because this is Halo, I'll definitely get it.

That's why you start small then get bigger. And some of the greatest games ever are RTS games. Coughcnccough

[sdavis117]

I like RTS's. Actually that sentence was a lie.

I love RTS's. This one looks like it will be a good console RTS.

[TeeKup]

That's why you start small then get bigger. And some of the greatest games ever are RTS games. Coughcnccough

Red Alert 3 was amazing.

[Masterz1337]

Hmmm, looks like another SPv2 delay.

[DEElekgolo]

Demo better have multiplayer.

[Limited]

Demo better have multiplayer.
I think its just skirmish.

[Masterz1337]

Who cares, it's a demo. You're suppose to get a feel for the game.

[DEElekgolo]

Or get a head start on modding it.

[Limited]

Or get a head start on modding it.Xbox...

[LinkandKvel]

I'm not a huge fan of RTS games, I never now what all the different characters do, their strengths and weaknesses, but because this is Halo, I'll definitely get it.

I'm sorry but that's a horrible reason to shell over $60. I also dislike RTS games. I'll try it though.

[Inferno]

As soon as Microsoft announces Mouse and Keyboard support for the Xbox version of this or a PC version comes out I'll buy it.

Until then I'll probably borrow or rent it.

[DarkHalo003]

This is sweet. I can't wait to play this in a month.lol.

[Limited]

I'm sorry but that's a horrible reason to shell over $60. I also dislike RTS games. I'll try it though.
Its $80 and I will because I love Halo, I'm glad this demo is coming out, if I really dont like it, then I wont purchase.

[sdavis117]

As soon as Microsoft announces Mouse and Keyboard support for the Xbox version of this or a PC version comes out I'll buy it.

Until then I'll probably borrow or rent it.


Actually back when this was a sleeper hit (right after the first trailer), I asked an Ensemble rep about keyboard support, I was told they weren't planning on even thinking about it.

I then sulked until I saw how easy it was to control in that original demo video.

[Heathen]

you guys make it seem like its impossible to play without a mouse and keyboard.

FPS's on consoles work great and you dont have a mouse and keyboard or even a lightgun.

Saying an RTS cant work on a controller is like saying you cant play a racing game without a steering wheel and pedals.

[Amit]

Lots of lag in that video.

[Hotrod]

I'm quite excited to try out the Demo, and will most probably be getting the game (unless I really hate the demo, which I doubt).

[DarkHalo003]

I can't wait for the demo to arrive this week. I'm glad I found this topic, otherwise I would have made another unneeded one. I honestly want to play the multiplayer side and tinker with the controls and other elements of the game.

[Heathen]

Neither can I.

[Limited]

Argh, so close to being able to download, if it comes out for gold only (for the first week) I will be so pissed.

[Hotrod]

Yeah, I was litteraly 2 minutes too late to get an early download code for the Halo Wars Demo last weekend. :(

[JunkfoodMan]

I'm not a fan of Console RTS games.
I'll sit this one out, unless it gets spectacular reviews (which is not hard, considering it has halo in its name).

[Heathen]

I'm not a fan of Console RTS games.
I'll sit this one out, unless it gets spectacular reviews (which is not hard, considering it has halo in its name).
I hope to be proven delightfully right if the controls work out fine.


E: Though I really REALLY hope they went with making the unit color thing able to be togged.

[TeeKup]

I recently played Red Alert 3 for the 360. It did played extremely well and I was comfortable with with it.

Looking forward to Halo Wars.

[Geo]

I remember the days when I used the n64 for command and conquer... haha... fun times...

[fatso784]

This game is going to be amazing. I've been playing the demo for a couple days (I know it's not out yet - I won the MLG contest that gave 25 people the demo early) and its ridiculous how much you can do with just 2 different armies; I haven't even seen all the unit upgrades yet. Whats weird is on the leader selection screen it looks like there's a spot for an unlockable "neutral" leader; it is depicted with half a UNSC logo and half a Covenant logo, though this could just be to separate the leaders into two clear types. Strangely, however, there's a selection ring at the bottom the same as the other leaders, so options are still open. Also, on the demo map there's rebels (I don't know if this has been revealed) that protect the two smaller side-bases in Skirmish mode. Just some stuff I found strange.

Oh and in response to other ppl:
---Unit color is NOT toggable, however, the unit color isn't as annoying as it was when Ensemble first showed the game. Team Unit Color, however, is toggable; i.e., your teammates will have the same color as you as opposed to variations of color to designate player. The second color in campaign for the UNSC is orange.
---As far as controls go, its very straighforward. I got used to them in a day, the next I found myself subconsciously selecting units. You'll use the paintbrush a lot as well. There's a unit screen sleection and a global unit selection. Besides group selection, you can chain commands together by holding the X-button. The only problem I found was that if you want to move a single unit that's surrounded by other units of the same team, it won't move and gives up. It can get frustrating in battle, especially with the Prophet.
---This game is going to get good reviews, if not great, I stand by that; but not because its a Halo game - because it is a well-designed game.



Ensemble really made this a great game, its a shame they had to be shut down before the game could run its course.

[DarkHalo003]

This game is going to be amazing. I've been playing the demo for a couple days (I know it's not out yet - I won the MLG contest that gave 25 people the demo early) and its ridiculous how much you can do with just 2 different armies; I haven't even seen all the unit upgrades yet. Whats weird is on the leader selection screen it looks like there's a spot for an unlockable "neutral" leader; it is depicted with half a UNSC logo and half a Covenant logo, though this could just be to separate the leaders into two clear types. Strangely, however, there's a selection ring at the bottom the same as the other leaders, so options are still open. Also, on the demo map there's rebels (I don't know if this has been revealed) that protect the two smaller side-bases in Skirmish mode. Just some stuff I found strange.

Oh and in response to other ppl:
Unit color is NOT toggable, however, the unit color isn't as annoying as it was when Ensemble first showed the game. Team Unit Color, however, is toggable; i.e., your teammates will have the same color as you as opposed to variations of color to designate player. The second color in campaign for the UNSC is orange.

Ensemble really made this a great game, its a shame they had to be shut down before the game could run its course.
The entire Ensemble Studios as a whole shut down, but the division that made Halo Wars is branching off for it's own business. They will continue support for the game there on. But it's still sad to see Ensemble part after Halo Wars.

[Masterz1337]

No color toggle? I was really hoping for that. Oh well. How are the Spartans in the game?

[DarkHalo003]

No color toggle? I was really hoping for that. Oh well. How are the Spartans in the game?
I heard they pretty much kick everything's ass, but are still as vulnerable as everything else (they aren't in any means invincible) and it does not take much for a Sniper to kill them. But hey, if they kick serious ass, who cares?lol.

[Heathen]

UYv0qcnCndU

dude...
:20 is incredible.

[Limited]

<3 carpet bombs already.

[Masterz1337]

I heard they pretty much kick everything's ass, but are still as vulnerable as everything else (they aren't in any means invincible) and it does not take much for a Sniper to kill them. But hey, if they kick serious ass, who cares?lol.

Well no shit, anyone who's read anythign about the game knows that. I'm asking him because how he played it.

[English Mobster]

I'm just cruising the internet until midnight for the demo.
I honestly don't know if it'll even come out then. It's worth a shot.
E: Nope, I even waited for the west coast time. Nothing.
Oh well, I'll play it tomorrow, I guess. Or rather, today. Now, if you'll excuse me, I have to get up in 2 1/2 hours.

[Cortexian]

It's THREE HOURS into Feb 5th... Where's my demo?

E: Demo Download:
http://marketplace.xbox.com/en-CA/games/offers/0ddf000a-0000-4000-8000-00004d5388ba?cid=SLink

[Hotrod]

Downloading Demo now :)

Though I have to wait until tomorrow to play it...

[Atty]

I'm enjoying the demo so far but I think I'm enjoying the cutscenes more then the actual gameplay, lol.

[InnerGoat]

It's THREE HOURS into Feb 5th... Where's my demo?

E: Demo Download:
http://marketplace.xbox.com/en-CA/games/offers/0ddf000a-0000-4000-8000-00004d5388ba?cid=SLinkWerd, I blew the dust off the x360 and got this downloading. Thank you kind sir!

[FireDragon04]

I'm enjoying the demo so far but I think I'm enjoying the cutscenes more then the actual gameplay, lol.
^^ this

It's the best we've seen the halo universe so far and yet i feel like i'm battling through the gameplay to see them, however i am enjoying it, especially the skirmish matches, they rock!

[Anton]

I'm enjoying the demo too. The cut-scenes are great but we've seen these before. I can't wait to play the game.

[InnerGoat]

I'm enjoying the demo so far but I think I'm enjoying the cutscenes more then the actual gameplay, lol.
Yeah, this. The pathfinding for the AI is awful in big groups too (well, big for this game LOL)

[JunkfoodMan]

I'm enjoying the demo so far but I think I'm enjoying the cutscenes more then the actual gameplay, lol.
Oh god another MGS4 :gonk:

[PlasbianX]

Oh I just love that popup saying im not 18 and can't download the demo :awesome: fills my heart with joy.


FML.

[Cortexian]

I'm enjoying the demo so far but I think I'm enjoying the cutscenes more then the actual gameplay, lol.
I like how the first two or three cutscenes are basically the exactly what the Halo Wars ad/trailers are... The new cutscenes are awesome though, I have to agree.

I especially liked the one where the Marines get ambushed by the cloaked Elites!


Werd, I blew the dust off the x360 and got this downloading. Thank you kind sir!
You're welcome. Will take rep.


Oh I just love that popup saying im not 18 and can't download the demo :awesome: fills my heart with joy.


FML.
Ouch, I just played through the entire demo (both tutorials, all available Campaign, and a full Skirmish game) and I can feel the pain of not having done so.

It's a shame that there's no Multiplayer in this demo though.

[PlasbianX]

If i can find a 48 hours code i can put live on an account on my xbox thats over 18 and download it :<

[Ki11a_FTW]

awesome demo is awesome, short demo is short

[supersniper]

downloading it now, hope it's worth th wait.

[Heathen]

Dling now.. Will report.

[DarkHalo003]

I just want to play skirmish. That alone will be awesome for hours. I hope it reminds me of the good days when I played Age of Empires 2.lol.

[Limited]

Wow, I gotta wait till 12th to get demo as I'm a silver member, sucks =\

Oh well, least retail version comes out in UK before US :D

[Heathen]

27%

Diggly, this thing is slow.

[Botolf]

No color toggle? I was really hoping for that. Oh well. How are the Spartans in the game?
A single Spartan stole an entire Locust of mine.

AN ENTIRE LOCUST

*nightmares*

[DarkHalo003]

55%! I started at 6:36. :phonegonk: :f5:

[Timo]

The game is alright. I was hoping for a bit more options for controlling units though, giving them button combos or something to select specific groups like you could in AoE. Cinematics are cool though.

[DarkHalo003]

A single Spartan stole an entire Locust of mine.

AN ENTIRE LOCUST

*nightmares*
Can they steal scarabs? If they can: :holy: <----what does this smiley even represent? Holy Shit?

[Botolf]

Can they steal scarabs? If they can: :holy: <----what does this smiley even represent? Holy Shit?
No, thank goodness. I would have had a stroke if I saw one take over my Scarab.

[DarkHalo003]

No, thank goodness. I would have had a stroke if I saw one take over my Scarab.
I probably would be too busy laughing my ass off to even care. :lmao:

[Botolf]

I probably would be too busy laughing my ass off to even care. :lmao:
I would have wept bitterly as I watched the Scarab saunter up to my beloved buildings and mash the "rape" button.

[DarkHalo003]

I would have wept bitterly as I watched the Scarab saunter up to my beloved buildings and mash the "rape" button.
Lol. How can the UNSC even kill one of those things without the Spirit of Fire? Nukes?lol. :confused:

[SonicXtreme]

played the demo through completely multiple times , just dissapointed me because no MP with friends only against the comp , apart from that i love it , cannot wait to play MP on live :)

[Botolf]

Lol. How can the UNSC even kill one of those things without the Spirit of Fire? Nukes?lol. :confused:
Special abilities and some heavy armor, I guess. I haven't had to face one yet though.

[sdavis117]

I would have wept bitterly as I watched the Scarab saunter up to my beloved buildings and mash the "rape" button.


I would have blown it up with my second Scarab.

THATS RIGHT, I BUILT TWO SCARABS MOFOS.

Had to sacrifice several grunt units (by sending them one at a time at some pirates) to open up the slightly ridiculuos 20 pop req it took to build my second Scarab, but as soon as I had to, bye-bye UNSC bases.

I must say I enjoy the control scheme, and I was amazed when I saw (for the first time) a Covie Engineer. I've been waiting for awhile to see what one looks like.

[DarkHalo003]

If you got two scarabs, I'd use one to guard the base and one to assault depending on what difficulty you're on. That way, the Vultures can't fuck you over while your fighting.

[sdavis117]

If you got two scarabs, I'd use one to guard the base and one to assault depending on what difficulty you're on. That way, the Vultures can't fuck you over while your fighting.


I had a vampire and 4 anti-air turrets (because the AI never sent any ground attacks at me) defend each base, while my Scarabs laid waste to the AI's puny bases.

[Heathen]

So which side is funner to play?

It sounds like the Covies are winning favourites...

[sdavis117]

It's hard to decide. Spartans are fun, but so are Scarabs.

If I had to choose though I would say the Covies.

[Heathen]

65%

[sdavis117]

Enable backgrround downloading then turn off your 360, makes it ALOT faster.

[English Mobster]

OK, I beat the Campaign, then played Skirmish as UNSC, couldn't get resources fast enough, got raped by Truth and a shitload of Locusts/Wraiths. Now I'm trying again, I'm going to collect a shitload of resources and bump up my defense first, then I'm going to recycle some resource pads and build up an offense.

E: Holy fuck that strategy works better than I thought.

EE: 3 Spartans with Spartan Lasers just pwned Truth in less than 3 seconds.

[Invader Veex]

Wow, I've been playing the game since I got home around 7 hours ago...

As said, the cutscenes were the interesting part.

Skirmish, on the other hand, is what I enjoy most about the demo. Kicking the shit out of everything with scarabs is always fun :V On Normal, I own the shit out of the enemy, and in Heroic, I get tons of aniti-vehicle shoved up my ass :gonk:

[Atty]

I built a fairly small but decent attack force with minimal resource pads on my first base then moved over and quickly attacked the rebel base closest to me, using a orbital attack on it as well. From there made my first base nothing but heavy supply and those tech things, then my second one was nothing but two heavy suppliers, and everything else I could fit (air, vehicle, barracks, etc) then I bought everything I could, firstly increasing all my turrets the most I could so I could focus on building an army, then maxed out my 40 duders, and then attacked the other two bases and cleared them in a few seconds.

tl;dr: I took all the fun out of it.

[English Mobster]

I've noticed the AI deploys a different strategy every time.

Ex. One time they will build up a huge force and murder you before you can do shit, the next time they'll be on the defensive, and the time after that they'll just keep sending shitloads of armies after you, time after time.
Really increases the replay value, they ALWAYS have a different strategy.

E: Haha, now I have 2 Locusts and 1 Spartan. =P
I wish the Spartans could hijack Scarabs...

[beele]

I've just downloaded it, played through the demo campaign, and I was stunned :)
One question though, can't you heal your units? (c&c can do that).

[SnaFuBAR]

yeah, you can heal them.

[Limited]

Quick question, even though you've played a bit of campaign, would you say the game is worth buying without the Live stuff (online MP, online co-op (I think it has it))?

As I dont have an internet connection into my xbox, not worth getting live.

[English Mobster]

I think so, Skirmish is pretty fun by itself.

One of the maps I personally want to see is the one called "Blood Gulch". I want to see if they actually remade that :awesome: map.

[L0d3x]

Heroic is a tough bitch to crack. Sometimes I win, sometimes I don't. It's a good challenge.

I'm mostly looking forward to 3v3, asuming that each army gets the regular popcap, and not some cutdown cap.

Also, ghosts are almost worthless it seems. They even get owned by infantry.
ODSTs don't look like ODSTs to me, and they ALL carry shotguns. Gameplay wise its not a problem, but its little details like that that annoy me.

[TeeKup]

Thank god I got this pre-ordered.

[Heathen]

I gotta say, as a game that kept me up till 3 AM, its hella fun.

Also, did anyone notice the MP map name bloodgulch?

I didn't know it was definitely gonna be in there.

[BobtheGreatII]

I gotta say, as a game that kept me up till 3 AM, its hella fun.

Also, did anyone notice the MP map name bloodgulch?

I didn't know it was definitely gonna be in there.


Yeah, it was confirmed in the Halo edition of Xbox magazine.
http://images2.wikia.nocookie.net/halo/images/1/17/HW2.jpg
That was the image in the magazine.

[Masterz1337]

I'm loving this game. I been playing skirmish as the covies, I've been refining my strategy, right now I'm able to decimate the UNSC (and the covenant) on Heroic. I don't use any jackals, nor do I build a vehicle factory. Cutting those out helps me save alot of resources, and focus on upgrading troops and defensive turrets. By the time I have the resources to build a scarab, I send my troops out to attack and die, but rather than die to make room population wise, they more often than not win. And by the time they take out the first base, I have resources for 2 scarabs.

I can't wait to play this against other people. I have a feeling though that a tactic in MP for 3V3 is going to be to use the MAC cannons from each team to take out the temples and reactors, totally gutting your enemy. For Covie teams, I can see one player focusing on getting scarabs ASAP and nothing else, while the other 2 teams play heavy D on their own bases and the Scarab rusher.

Also, if anyone is trying to get the gold medal on mission 2, I think it's only possible in retail version, with the skull multipliers. I'm about to try it again, the best I've done is the mission in about 13 minutes, but didn't free the hogs or destroy the refinery.

[Heathen]

I honelstly hate the covies. UNSC is so much better.

[Masterz1337]

Care to 1V1 when the game comes out?

[PenGuin1362]

fucking. epic. game. buying.

[Hotrod]

fucking. epic. game. buying.
Agreed, this is one game that I really love, I think they've done the console RTS amazingly well. The only single thing that I have to complain about is the lack of colour choosing in Skirmish, but, that isn't that huge of a deal, and maybe they've put it in the retail version. It is a Demo after all.

[Limited]

Pow: http://www.xbox.com/NR/rdonlyres/31804095-7B32-4CE2-A17E-3CB54A3692EF/0/HaloWars_MNL_EN.PDF

6 days till I can play =\

[Cortexian]

I'm loving this game. I been playing skirmish as the covies, I've been refining my strategy, right now I'm able to decimate the UNSC (and the covenant) on Heroic. I don't use any jackals, nor do I build a vehicle factory. Cutting those out helps me save alot of resources, and focus on upgrading troops and defensive turrets. By the time I have the resources to build a scarab, I send my troops out to attack and die, but rather than die to make room population wise, they more often than not win. And by the time they take out the first base, I have resources for 2 scarabs.
You seem to be doing the opposite of myself... I can't play Covenant worth shit. I have to say though... The Scarab Uber Unit really beats the hell out of the UNSC Uber Unit (the big plane thing that I forget it's name)...

[DarkHalo003]

I just wish they would have given us another map or two to fight on, such as Bloodgulch. Can you also access more Covenant tech in Heroic than Normal?

[Heathen]

You seem to be doing the opposite of myself... I can't play Covenant worth shit. I have to say though... The Scarab Uber Unit really beats the hell out of the UNSC Uber Unit (the big plane thing that I forget it's name)...
Vulture. Fucking sucks.

[DarkHalo003]

Vulture. Fucking sucks.
First time I fought those I gotmy ass kicked. Second time, I used Regret's beam to obliterate them.

[Masterz1337]

Regrets beam plays hell with any aircraft. I wonder how it fares against a scarab.

[L0d3x]

First time I fought those I gotmy ass kicked. Second time, I used Regret's beam to obliterate them.

A few Vampires with upgraded stasis life sucking thing also works really well.

Also, I fucking love the elephant. One time I had launched a strike force (2 scorps and an elephant) to take over the enemies forerunner supply factory. After that I locked down the elephant and spammed out alof of by then upgraded marines with rpgs. Took the enemy from behind...the best way of taking :D

[DarkHalo003]

I love playing as the UNSC too. The ODST Drops are awesome and getting resources is considerably easy than Covenant Warehouses. I also like how you always have that trump card of a MAC cannon at your disposal. That way, the Scarab won't be impossible.

[Masterz1337]

I was just playing as the UNSC and the covies sent a scarab to my base. Now that was a close one. I hit it with my MAC cannon once, then used my spartans and tanks against it, and then a vulture, but it ran away, so I had to chase it to it's base, and take it out and retreat. It was so close though, the battle could have gone any way.

[Heathen]

A few Vampires with upgraded stasis life sucking thing also works really well.

Also, I fucking love the elephant. One time I had launched a strike force (2 scorps and an elephant) to take over the enemies forerunner supply factory. After that I locked down the elephant and spammed out alof of by then upgraded marines with rpgs. Took the enemy from behind...the best way of taking :D
I never really saw the usefulness of the elephant but that is a very good point. :downs:

I like the covenant but I really get disorganized and confused.

I like the UNSC because its simple.


Also, at first I didn't know about leader abilities for my first few fights, then I did the tutorial, wow....I was making it hard before but if you x4 the mac cannon its hella fun.

[=sw=warlord]

i love getting the tech thing installed for the covenant and the just planting like 4 factories get all those resource points up and chain spawn the locust, upgrade em to better weapons shields and then decimate everything.
has 12 locust earlier obliterating everything with their supercharged laser.

[jngrow]

I gotta say I wish camera was a bit different, and that I could zoom in a bit more, but overall, pretty fucking sweet. Also, insane amount of content for a demo.

[sdavis117]

I've never had the enemy AI attack any Forunner bases that I controlled, so that would actually be a good place to make a mini-base (using the elephant).

Send some tanks down the middle, then corner them with Marines and Spartans from a different side, then MAC whatever is left.

[Delta4907]

Has anyone tried doing these "challenges" I made up? (well I didn't make them up first but I wanted to try them) Skirmish, all on Heroic, and each time do a different battle.
This is what I mean:

You vs. AI

UNSC vs. Covenant

UNSC vs. UNSC

Covenant vs. UNSC

Covenant vs. Covenant

The only one I haven't done is Covenant vs. Covenant, every time I get enough factories set up and start building a Hall and Factory, Regret comes over with 2 hunter pairs and 5 honor guards, when all I have is a ghost and Regret.

[Masterz1337]

I've done them all already. Cov Vs Cov was the easiest I thought. The biggest threat is Regret and his honor guards. That's where my aircraft come in.

[Delta4907]

Maybe I'm just more UNSC savvy. I seem to do best when I play as them.

[English Mobster]

Yeah, I just played as UNSC vs UNSC. Battle could've gone either way, the AI was spamming the shit out of me with Hornets and had 3-4 Elephants just outside my vision sending ODSTs at me, and every time I got close, my forces were decimated by 4 MAC Blasts. It was hella hard to get resources, so I kept the AI distracted with some Marines while I sent out 3 Warthogs and a Tank to take down the Rebels.
I quickly used that other base to get resources fast then I began to build several squads of Tanks and Gauss Hogs. I used these in conjunction with a MAC blast to take out the spamming Elephants. I waited for my MAC blast to recharge, then I sent out a single Warthog to their base, which got pwned immediately, but I had enough time to send out 4 MAC blasts, taking out a reactor and their air and vehicle factories.
There was a pause in the combat while they repaired their base, so I used the time to build up my forces. When I was ready, I sent out an advance team of Hornets, followed by Gauss Hogs and Spartans, and behind them I sent out several ODST squads with Scorpions and Elephants. I used a few MAC blasts in conjunction with ODST drops and the Hornets and Hogs to soften up their turrets and do minor damage to the base, and when my Scorpions and ODSTs arrived, I used their firepower to destroy that base. Then I gathered up all my forces on a Death March to the next base, where I completely wiped out the opposing forces before they could fight, striking at their turrets first before wiping out their 1 Wolverine and several ODST squads of resistance. Then I just opened fire on their base and took it out. There probably was a more strategic and less costly way to do things, because the MAC blasts fired at me when I was taking out their base really hurt my forces, but I managed to win the battle in the end.

[Delta4907]

Every time you play the game its like you can tell your own war story. :iia:

[Masterz1337]

I think Reactor/Temple sniping with the MAC is going to be real popular, especially when you're playing 3 V 3 an a team will have 3 MAC cannons right from the start. That's why I like covies and their shields.

[Llama Juice]

*downloads*

[sdavis117]

So I decide to expirement a little, and play a Skirmish on easy. I hop in, build 2 Heavy Supply pads, a heavy reactor, 2 light turrets, a barracks, field armory, factory, and air pad. I capture the forruner base to my West using 10 Hornets, only to have my main base attacked by THREE Vultures. Turns out it was actually on Heroic. By the time I fight them off (at the cost of a Heavy supply pad, my factory, my air pad, 4 hornets, and one of my turrets), I had to use my Heal Ability to repair my almost destroyed base. I decide to send my remaining Hornets to capture the Rebel base to my East to make up for that surprise attack that left me crippled. I build a base there with a mix of supply pads and reactors, I upgrade to large turrets with missile lauchers, and I rebuild my factory and air pad. Then the AI sends multiple Elephants (escorted by Scorpions) to my main base (for the rest of the game my second base is never attacked for some reason). I fight them off with the rest of my hornets (which were killed) and a MAC blast. I then decide to take the offensive by attacking his base with 6 vultures. I finnally win (at the cost of 4 Vultures), and the day is mine.

[Rentafence]

I can't stand the low pop cap and being restricted to where i can build, but hell this is fun. Where are these forerunner bases you guys keep talking about? I would assume you mean the small shrine looking things with the floating rotating triangle on it, but I don't see any way to "capture" them.

[Hotrod]

Just send a squad of marines onto it, and you'll get a nice amount of resource income.

[TeeKup]

I can't stand the low pop cap and being restricted to where i can build, but hell this is fun. Where are these forerunner bases you guys keep talking about? I would assume you mean the small shrine looking things with the floating rotating triangle on it, but I don't see any way to "capture" them.

Whats the pop cap? Red Alert 3 was 50, I can deal with that.

[Atty]

I'm addicted to this game.


ALSO: I changed the title of the thread, I hope you do....OSHI SCARAB BRB


E: Teekie, cap is 30 but can be upgraded to 40. My "army" looks so small at 40, is dumb. Needs to be more like 200.

[TeeKup]

40!? Thats a way too small. D:

[Choking Victim]

Anyone get their hands on the map files yet?

If they even are .map files.

EDIT: Got 'em.

[Atty]

40!? Thats a way too small. D:That's what she you said.

D:

[Mr Buckshot]

I need to get a Wifi adapter for my 360 first as my entertainment system is too far away from places to plug in Ethernet cables (my other console has built-in wifi to solve the problem). I assume this demo is available to XBL Silver right? Can't wait, I've expected highly of this game being that it's made by Ensemble Studios and I loved the AoE series.

[Limited]

I need to get a Wifi adapter for my 360 first as my entertainment system is too far away from places to plug in Ethernet cables (my other console has built-in wifi to solve the problem). I assume this demo is available to XBL Silver right? Can't wait, I've expected highly of this game being that it's made by Ensemble Studios and I loved the AoE series.
Turns out I'm not the only one.

I'm in the same situation Buckshot, I very rarely plug xbox into internet as I'd have to have it down stairs on main big tv and housemate isnt too pleased about it. Therefore I got Silver, we gotta wait to 12th :(

[klange]

It's a demo. Lots of tech and such is capped lower than it should be. Hopefully that includes the population.
I prolonged a major battle in Skirmish until I was able to take control of everything and unlock all upgrades. Then I raped the last remaining enemy base.

[Atty]

That's what I did the last time I played, I had everything and anything, went to the last base and set up four consecutive MAC blasts and ordered all secondary attacks on the base....5 seconds later, I was the winnar. >_>

[Mr Buckshot]

ohshit pop cap of 40? And I used to gripe about AoE2's pop cap of 75 (including ships and siege weapons X_X) from time to time. But I guess I can deal with it.

Does pop cap apply to just living units, or does it apply to vehicles as well? If the 40 limit also includes the vehicles and stuff, this game could be difficult.

[Rentafence]

Yes, vehicles are taken into account. Tanks and what are something like 2 or 4, while the scarab is 20. In AoE2 you could raise the pop cap by the way. You could have as much as 200 per side.

[sdavis117]

Covies have a pop cap of 50, UNSC has a cap of 40.

It might sound bad, but I never reach that limit unless I build Vultures or Scarabs.

Edit: I'm also assuming that larger maps will probably have larger pop caps.

[Hotrod]

Yeah, the only time I've ever reached the pop cap was when I had two Scarabs just now, and all the infantry, excluding Spartans and honor guards, are in squads.

[Rentafence]

I don't know how you guys are limiting yourselves so much. I'm always hitting the limit and it's starting to piss me off.

[Delta4907]

Haha, I'm destroying the UNSC base using only the ghost you get at the beginning and Regret. I did this right at the beginning, on Normal. Regret's Cleansing beam kills the infantry, while i have the ghost firing on the barracks, and Regret is shooting at the main base, and while this is happening I am getting resources to upgrade Regret's defense and his Cleanser.
Edit: Defeated them easily. Goes to show how making an early attack really changes the game.

[DarkHalo003]

The Demo had me playing for hours. The only thing that bothered me was the limit of which you could have troops. That was really the only flaw. That and how fast you could bring back Regret after he gets canned. The UNSC side is good as far as units are concerned, but not good as far as population is concerned. The Covenant side needs balancing with hero types.

[Heathen]

Anyone get their hands on the map files yet?

If they even are .map files.

EDIT: Got 'em.
:3

[Ifafudafi]

Played it. Loved it.

Halo was proof that FPSes could not only exist on a console (as Goldeneye showed), but that they could control nearly as tight and intuitively as their PC counterparts.

Halo Wars appears to be proof of the same for RTSes. The control scheme, while not allowing for as much meticulous micromanagemant as games like Starcraft, strikes the perfect balance between precision and speed without being clumsy.

Story looks promising, and I'm really digging the pre-rendered cinematics. Gameplay wise, no complaints (running a squad of Grunts over with a Warthog is just as fun here as it is in the old Halos), but the population cap is too small and Regret needs some serious balancing. That's already been stated, however.

I'll rent it to make sure I like it, but I'm fairly certian it will be worth a purchase.

[Atty]

Covies have a pop cap of 50, UNSC has a cap of 40.

It might sound bad, but I never reach that limit unless I build Vultures or Scarabs.

Edit: I'm also assuming that larger maps will probably have larger pop caps.
I hit it all the time on Heroic but on Normal I never even got close.

[Phopojijo]

Yeah FPS controls still aren't nearly as easy as on the PC... it's just substantially harder to aim with an acceleration-based reference frame than an absolute-based reference frame. That's the reason why there's autoaim (or on ShadowRun and Halo 2 Vista -- mouse acceleration).

On the PC if you want to stop moving to the left -- you stop moving the mouse... on a console -- you need to center the stick. Simple concept, but harder for the subconscious to deal with.

Regardless, Halo's main push... like most Console-based shooters... slow and forgiving. There's nothing to say that's worse than fast-paced and brutal... nothing to say it's better either... it's a matter of taste.

[Invader Veex]

Anyone seen the new cinematic?

WbK9txFSQLk&fmt=18 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WbK9txFSQLk&fmt=18)

not really relating to the demo, but, it's still Halo Wars, right?

[Hotrod]

I wonder why they use the Transformers music for that video? Why not use Halo?

[PlasbianX]

That was :awesome:

Those spartans... omg.

[thehoodedsmack]

Ooooh, lawdy!

Bad-ass!

[jngrow]

Anyone seen the new cinematic?

WbK9txFSQLk&fmt=18 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WbK9txFSQLk&fmt=18)

not really relating to the demo, but, it's still Halo Wars, right?
Xbox Life?

And ugh, I can't find this on marketplace... I wanna see version with no Transformers music.

[sdavis117]

Flood, massive Forunner structures, a planet blowing up.....

That's it, I am now 100% sure that I am getting Halo Wars when it is released.

[Limited]

I dont know if it has flood though so dont get your hopes up too much.

[Jean-Luc]

I dont know if it has flood though so dont get your hopes up too much.

That's already been confirmed. The flood are an enemy, if not also a playable race.

[DEElekgolo]

It has flood.
http://medialib.computerandvideogames.com/videos/splash_2083.jpg

[Delta4907]

The flood are in the game as neutral enemies. They will attack any force, but you cannot play as them.
http://halo.wikia.com/wiki/Halo_Wars#The_Flood
Edit: Dee beat me to it.

[DEElekgolo]

I expect that the flood will be playable after the game is beaten. Quote me.
Also.
http://www.halowars.com/images/screenshots/brute_1024.jpg
I loled a bit.

[Jean-Luc]

Somehow reminds me of Rafiki.


Awesome render though.

[Limited]

Yeah sorry I meant as a playable force. Hopefully when you bet it (like Dee said) then you can.

Also are there difficulty levels like in reg Halo? Herioc, Legendary etc.

[Delta4907]

I expect that the flood will be playable after the game is beaten.
Or as DLC in the future.

Also are there difficulty levels like in reg Halo? Herioc, Legendary etc.
Easy to Heroic are in the demo, but in the full game Legendary is added.

[Rentafence]

Wait what what why flood?!?! The flood were introduced in Halo 1! This completely ruins it!

[thehoodedsmack]

Unless everybody dies at the end of the game...

[STLRamsFan]

I have a Silver account and managed to get the demo. Gotta love my little brother's one month trial. :)
Anyway, so far I'm rather impressed. It's a pretty enjoyable game so far (despite only playing a level so far) and right now I'm leaning towards purchasing it. The only thing I have against it is the controls. For me it's kind of awkward because I'm more used to using a keyboard and mouse for these types of games. Although I'm slowly making an adjustment so it's just a minor thing.

[Limited]

Sneeky bugger you rams :O. I dont really want to order it until I've played it, just incase. I just hope they dont sell out. It comes out 27th but I play demo 12th so might be ok.

[jngrow]

Unless everybody dies at the end of the game...
This is exactly what I thought. In fact, it will probably be more than just everyone dies, because if you look at how advanced the human's recording tech/databases are, there's like no way they wouldn't take that shit down, so something reeaaall bad has gotta happen for nobody to know about what happened 20 years later.

[Delta4907]

If you've seen that cinematic montage, it looks like the SoF really takes a beating when it collides with what looks like a Covenant ship.

[Bodzilla]

40!? Thats a way too small. D:
this is what happens when you design an RTS for a console.

Look where gunna get there anyway, so we may as well compare the game to the best RTS thats been made.

how does it stack up against Starcraft? does it fall short?

[Ifafudafi]

In Starcraft, every single unit is built individually, and anything larger than the basic infantry costs about 3 population points; in Halo Wars, smaller units are in squads of 3 or 4, and larger ones only cost 1 or 2 points.

So yeah army size isn't as bad a factor as it seems, but it's still low.

Here's how I judge it: As an RTS, it falls short. As a console RTS, it's by far the best out there. Plus, it's more Halo, which is always fine.

...Right? :tinfoil:

[Bodzilla]

n.

[Delta4907]

Is it just me, or does the demo not save your progress? Every time I quit, then come back to it later, the second level is still locked.

[Limited]

:D I downloaded demo. Signed up for a new live account (to get free month) just for the demo lol, even though I get it in 3 days.

Just started to play, will post later with thoughts :O

[TeeKup]

Anyone seen the new cinematic?

WbK9txFSQLk&fmt=18 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WbK9txFSQLk&fmt=18)

not really relating to the demo, but, it's still Halo Wars, right?

I spy flood at :55

This game is going to be epic, story wise.

[Limited]

Holy hell hunters destroy things quick, they annihilated my tanks and marines =\

Can you repair units/buildings as UNSC?

[DEElekgolo]

The zerg, flood, and headcrabs shall combine to form the ultimate race.


Holy hell hunters destroy things quick, they annihilated my tanks and marines =\

You cant increase cap of 30 can you?
You can. You need to use the building that gives you technology upgrades. Forgot what its called.

[TeeKup]

The zerg, flood, and headcrabs shall combine to form the ultimate race.

This has already occurred.

http://store.miniwargaming.com/images/P/newimage.asp-315.gif

[Atty]

Field armory.

[Limited]

Jeez two scarabs just came in (on skirmish) and flattened one of my bases.

I think I need to take the tactics more seriously.

What upgrades do you guys do first? I make sure I have like 2 reactors upgraded and as many supply pads upgraded as possible. Then add in a barracks and vehicle plant.

[TeeKup]

It's an RTS. You're supposed to use tactics.

[Atty]

Jeez two scarabs just came in (on skirmish) and flattened one of my bases.

I think I need to take the tactics more seriously.

What upgrades do you guys do first? I make sure I have like 2 reactors upgraded and as many supply pads upgraded as possible. Then add in a barracks and vehicle plant.UH.

Baracks and supply pads first, add two reactors, as many supply pads, and one barracks. Get as much supply as you can, outfit all the turrets you can (all four, upgrade 2 anti vehicle and 2 flame mortar at first, later when Air comes in load up on vehicle/air), then work on a small invasion force of sorts of marines and spartans, send them over to the rebel base and take it, use a Mac blast to make the job really easy. Once you've got them taken care of quickly get that base started, load it with supply pads and a baracks, work on getting a field armory, vehicle plant, and air plant, then use the rest for supply pads. Outfit turrets as well. Use this base to produce mainly every vehicle you can, don't worry about marine squads, and then defend your base until you've got everything you need to move your invasion force across the map and do whatever.

[Delta4907]

Usually, for UNSC, I create 1 reactor, then make 4 supply pads. While doing this, have the warthog get supplies from the nearby crates. Then create a barracks and a field armory. Once I have enough supplies I upgrade each supply pad. Then I upgrade the warthog to gunner, upgrade the marines to new blood, then upgrade the spartans, and then train 3 marine squads, another warthog, and a spartan. If there are any supplies left, I use them for turrets. Then I take 2 marine squads, the spartan, and a warthog, and go to the rebels base. When it comes it sight I immediately fire a mac blast at it, then have the warthog, marines, and spartan wipe out the rest of the rebels. When done, I have the warthog and spartan go back to the main base, while the new base gets built. When its done, I let the marine squad go back. I then create 2, supply pads, then a reactor, then 2 more supply pads, in that order. Just so I get the reactor faster. Then I upgrade the base to a fortress, and add the vehicle depot and air pad. I would go on about what to upgrade from there, but I really don't feel like typing anymore.
My UNSC army usually consists of, and this is all upgraded to full: 3 scorpions, 2 cobras, 2 warthogs, 3 hornets, 2 vultures, 3 spartans, 1 or 2 odst squads, and if I was lucky earlier, the spartans might have grabbed 2 locusts, (which happened before). This is where I do a sneaky move. I have the 2 odst groups run to the Covenant base, and as soon as it comes in view, fire 4 mac rounds at it to lower their shields, then have the rest of my army come in and obliterate it.

[Advancebo]

What I do, is just sit back and upgrade everything fully. Attacking the enemy as they come to my base.

Then when I get a full army, I go and attack.

Also, when I played as the covenant. I created 1 scarab, and a spartan came and hijacked my scarab. I lost the battle after that :V

[Phopojijo]

Ahhh the turtle.

I do that too...

It never works. (At least not in StarCraft :p) Trying to shake that habit.

[sevlag]

Heroic skirmish is 0.o

not even 3 minutes into the skirmish and the covenant have 17+ honour guards AND Regret.

on normal its alot more fun and provides still a challenge

I build a barracks first to get some defense going, then a supply pad, then once I get a few units together and then try to take the forerunner supply depot, from there take over the human rebel's base to the left of the UNSC base, wasted a MAC blast to clear the rebel base, pick off the rebel stragglers and proceed to build a base there. once I get that second base running I focus on build a few more supply pads and researching upgrades. I then build an elephant and send it close to the forerunner supply depot thing and have it lock down there, beat back the occasional covenant assualt.

after researching everything I can and effectively screw around with the covenant forces, I build up a final assualt force comprised of ODSTs, super MAC blast, a few tanks, and once the final assualt goes, as units die I drop in more ODSTs.

and thats how I role.

also:

blood gulch? hmm, one can only guess

[Limited]

How the hell do I get ODST's? I usually kill all the enemy or die before I can upgrade to them.

[English Mobster]

Research all the marine upgrades.

[DarkHalo003]

If anyone says you can win by spamming ODSTs, they're probably playing on Normal. On Heroic, it does you NO good at all. Make sure you have vultures and make sure you have the maximum MAC upgrade. You'll also want to establish a perimeter with a maxed upgraded Cobra guard (put them by the border areas of your base). You'll want as many as possible, but not too many to where you're running your units to nothing. Eventually, get enough assault units (vultures and etc.) and after the last Scarab (and when you've established turret defenses on your base) go across the bridge and assault their base. It shouldn't be too hard, especially considering their resources will be slow after the last scarab. You'll also have MAC round at your side to decimate it after the shields are gone.

*When you find the Scarab and Regret, destroy Regret with MAC rounds (usually takes 3) and hit the Scarab with the remaining rounds. Regret is the biggest threat because sometimes the Scarab gets caught on scenery. It's also good if you get all of the Forerunner supply areas. They are great distractions.

[English Mobster]

I decided to try to play Covies on Heroic.
Not too hard at all. I built the Temple first and foremost, then I filled in the rest of my slots with Supply Pads and one Hall. When the announcer told me the UNSC was trying to hit me before I was ready, I took the Ghost I started off with and Truth (It's Truth, I know, I want to say Regret too) and went after them. I caught them as they were building an Air Pad, they already had a tech level of 2 and were going for 4. I wiped out the still-under-construction Air Pad with Truth's laser, then took out both reactors with the same laser. This depleted my resources, so I didn't attack any of the remaining buildings (they were all supply pads). Instead, I sat there and took out any of their buildings (Mostly reactors and Air Pads, but they tried to build a few supply pads) which they tried to build, shooting at their base with the Ghost and Truth while I sat there.
Their Hog rolled by every once and a while, it didn't bother with me. It seemed to be trying (and failing) to go after the Rebels, as it had taken some damage and I noticed the AI didn't upgrade it to a chaingun yet. I just sat there and annoyed the hell out of the AI until I won. I didn't even get any tech upgrades besides Fuel rods for Truth.

[Bodzilla]

Ahhh the turtle.

I do that too...

It never works. (At least not in StarCraft :p) Trying to shake that habit.
and thats why it ownd so much.

[p0lar_bear]

I finally played it, had some fun in the campaign, though I refuse to do anything else. I've always been horrible at RTS games; I can never build resources and armies fast enough. I like to dick around too much.

e.g. Warcraft 3, by the time I made a single hero and a few squads of infantry, I get baseraped by all three heroes of my opponent and their massive army. vOv

[sevlag]

Research all the marine upgrades.yep, also the spartan's jack ability is fun, havine a locust under my control is fun, shame you can't order the spartan to bail if its near death.

yesterday: decided to fuck around with the covenant and do some hit and run shit. after awhile of no covenant activity and no announcer tellin me anything I kinda decided to try to put one of the two bases they had (the base to their left was theres at that time), had two tanks and a cobra, had the cobra set up just outside the base, with no light highlighting the covie base, I had the tanks role up and I literally reeled in terror as a SCARAB, no lie, a scarab was at their second base, wiped out my tanks and made short work of my fully upgraded cobra. panicked, called back my elephant and gathered what forces I had, lost about 10 squads of marines, then ODSTs was done researching and deployed them as fast as I could, kept checking to see if the MAC blast (then at medium) was ready, basically lost most of my forces before the blast was ready, but 2 MAC rounds finished it off.

rebuilt my forces, mostly tanks and a few ODST squads, with the drops at stand-by. once I destroyed their second base, I set down two cobras to defend the area (didn't want to waste resources as I want to save them for a large scale mounted assualt). Of course the covenant were hiding at their primary base with wraiths and regret AND ANOTHER scarab. even though it was normal I once again lost most of the inital ODST squads and dropped more in for replacements.

basically 10 inutes of screwin with the covenant and another 20 fighting them.

skirmish is very fun...any one stil wantin to know if that Blood gulch map will be our halo 1's blood gulch?


If anyone says you can win by spamming ODSTs, they're probably playing on Normal. On Heroic, it does you NO good at all. Make sure you have vultures and make sure you have the maximum MAC upgrade. You'll also want to establish a perimeter with a maxed upgraded Cobra guard (put them by the border areas of your base). You'll want as many as possible, but not too many to where you're running your units to nothing. Eventually, get enough assault units (vultures and etc.) and after the last Scarab (and when you've established turret defenses on your base) go across the bridge and assault their base. It shouldn't be too hard, especially considering their resources will be slow after the last scarab. You'll also have MAC round at your side to decimate it after the shields are gone.

*When you find the Scarab and Regret, destroy Regret with MAC rounds (usually takes 3) and hit the Scarab with the remaining rounds. Regret is the biggest threat because sometimes the Scarab gets caught on scenery. It's also good if you get all of the Forerunner supply areas. They are great distractions.meh, I don't spam per say, but I mostly send in a few squads complimented with 2 hogs and if possible two tanks. on heroic I always get off'd before I can get anything done really

[Mr Buckshot]

I can never build resources and armies fast enough. I like to dick around too much.

haha building up too long is never a good strategy, even if you don't get swarmed by the enemy, it means the fight starts to drag on and on into a boring war of attrition. I'm not much of an RTS fan but from my experience in Age of Empires 2, building up too much makes a match drag on for well overan hour...doing it quickly and then an effective skirmish can make it last 30 min or less. As for Starcraft, I never actually owned the game, borrowed it a couple times and I basically used the same general strategy.

I finally found my 5-year-old wifi adapter that plugs into the Ethernet port, downloading the demo on Feb 12 :D Gold members have it good, I've never paid for XBL so I don't have a gamertag. It'll be my first time playing an RTS with a gamepad, wonder how it'll feel.

[sdavis117]

I like fights that drag on. Makes it seem more awesome when someone actually wins.

[Atty]

I really wish the Covenant AI wasn't retarded. I want them to attack both my bases at once, send units to attack a squad I send around the map to grab supplies, all of which will happen when we play real players VS AI but we can't do that in the demo, which sucks.

[fatso784]

Yeah I agree with Atty, the AI isn't very good. Hopefully there's an unlockable Legendary mode or something in the full game, otherwise, it looks like multiplayer saves the day.

[sdavis117]

Went through unofficial trailer again:


Forge kills the Arbiter with his own sword. I had thought originally that he was just stabbing an ordinary Elite, but I saw he was stabbing the Arbiter.


Who wrote the story?

[PlasbianX]

Went through trailer again:


Forge kills the Arbiter with his own sword. I had thought originally that he was just stabbing an ordinary Elite, but I saw he was stabbing the Arbiter.


Who wrote the story?

Are you implying that its the same Arbiter as from halo 2 and 3? Cause even if hes killed in halo wars, its a different one in 2 and 3. Remember how hes in 1 and then in the beginning of 2 he becomes the Arbiter? Yeah.

[sdavis117]

Are you implying that its the same Arbiter as from halo 2 and 3? Cause even if hes killed in halo wars, its a different one in 2 and 3. Remember how hes in 1 and then in the beginning of 2 he becomes the Arbiter? Yeah.


No, that was not what I was implying. I mean this Arbiter in Halo Wars is the only Arbiter that exists at that moment of time, so to call him THE Arbiter would not be incorrect.

[dazman23]

Wow that trailer looked good, I just hope the cinematic in halo wars are much longer then the ones in halo 3 and hope we see a full blow space fight between the UNSC and Covenant.

[DarkHalo003]

Are the only two hero types you can have Cutter and Regret?

[sdavis117]

Are the only two hero types you can have Cutter and Regret?

In the Demo Skirmish yes, even though you play as Sgt Forge in the Demo Campain.

[English Mobster]

Apparently that cinematic was leaked footage, not supposed to be shown.
But I got crafty and found a download link for those who anted to see it.
http://www.4shared.com/file/85145844/b4376395/Halo_Wars_Cinematic_Trailer.html
You'll have to download it, but Microsoft took down all the other ways to see it.

[itszutak]

Apparently that cinematic was leaked footage, not supposed to be shown.
But I got crafty and found a download link for those who anted to see it.
http://www.4shared.com/file/85145844/b4376395/Halo_Wars_Cinematic_Trailer.html
You'll have to download it, but Microsoft took down all the other ways to see it.
hoyl shit.

[Atty]

Somehow I just lost against the AI on heroic.

Somehow those bastardly number crunching villans of the....whatever, managed to send over 3 locusts and 2 wraiths while I was still trying to get enough supplies to outfit my base with turrets. ;_;

[SMASH]

I have to say, I'm not one for RTS games... particularly cause I suck at them (probably cause of the lack of time I want to put in finding out what everything does...). But yea, this was simply amazing. The first time I played the skirmish mode I was completely stupid and did basically nothing. The next time I played I realized what I needed to do, and pretty easily beat the AI. It's nice to have a game with a low learning curve.

[sevlag]

played on heroic...won by a decent margin:

Built barracks first then a supply pad, while that was happening had hog get supply crates. built turrets afterwards. got a few marine squads on the ground and had the hog scrounge for extra supplies as without a turret its useless. Built another supply pad and fended off a covenant assault. Built more marines and then went to take over forerunner supply pad. Once that was done successfully left two squads behind, one in each snipper tower, not counting the third squad holding the supply thing.

Now this is where heroic decided to play hard ball:

Tried taking rebel base to left of my UNSC base. Destroyed it with MAC round, wile constructing it however the covenant showed up and almost wiped me all out, fell back and rebuilt, got three tanks going and rebuilt my forces, went over there to find the covenant had set up shop there, had to deplete supplies to get more marines in there, after a good 5 minutes I finally got rid of regret and the base, once I could, I set up a base there and constructed mostly supply pads, field armory, air pad, and a second reactor.

Now for my strike back:

built up forces and went to the second covenant base they built, scarab was there, wiped out my forces and was heading to my main base, meanwhile I had a vulture being built (they’re useful if used right) had a few MAC blasts mow down infantry and a few wraiths. Disabled regret’s beam for a bit with that neutralize thing. Vulture came in and mopped them up as I rebuilt my marine forces and built a 2nd vulture. Another scarab showed up, started destroying my second base, had both vultures pick it off with mega barrages and a scorpion with canister shots. My last assault ended up with a few ODST squads, 4 vultures, 3 scorpions, and a super MAC blast, which after the shields went down, made short work of the last covenant base…

total time: 16 minutes

[Limited]

About the demo, to me the music in the game sounds like a cheap fan made version of Halo's 1/2/3. I really wish they used authentic.

I'm still pondering whether to buy it or not. I think I will.

[p0lar_bear]

About the demo, to me the music in the game sounds like a cheap fan made version of Halo's 1/2/3. I really wish they used authentic.

I'm still pondering whether to buy it or not. I think I will.

Well, Marty ain't part of Ensemble or MGS, so...

[Pooky]

About the demo, to me the music in the game sounds like a cheap fan made version of Halo's 1/2/3. I really wish they used authentic.

I'm still pondering whether to buy it or not. I think I will.

Really? I liked the remixed music. H3's soundtrack was basically the same thing anyway... just a bunch of takes on older Halo tracks rather than a slew of new ones like H2 had.

[kid908]

there was music?!? i couldn't even hear it. need to turn it up.

is it me or is the scarab a bit over powered? and the controls are amazingly simple and easy =D i like.

[DEElekgolo]

When I was using mac round to kill a scarab. I think I killed a bird...

[kid908]

When I was using mac round to kill a scarab. I think I killed a bird...

LMAO that's like a great screen shot right there. i also forgot to add that the cut scenes are amazingly beautiful(i think it's not done in real time but a movie file, correct me if im wrong)

[Atty]

They are movie files, or I'd assume they are, since you can pause them.

[ShadowSpartan]

They are movie files, or I'd assume they are, since you can pause them.
You can pause Halo 3 films, so that doesn't automatically make them video files. The demo files contain .bik files. I haven't played any of them, but I assume they are for the cutscenes.

[Ifafudafi]

It's been stated several times that they're pre-rendered cutscenes by some external animation company; the engine wouldn't be able to handle stuff that fancy anyway.

Also, I've been doing some more Skirmishing, and I've gotten to the point where I can utterly dominate as UNSC on Heroic. Hope Legendary keeps up with the tradition of being ridiculously hard.

[Delta4907]

Now this is odd:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vVtuaqUQLes
Edit: Can someone tell me why when I try to embed an HQ youtube video it says "NEED A DISPENSER HERE"?

[p0lar_bear]

Now this is odd:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vVtuaqUQLes
Edit: Can someone tell me why when I try to embed an HQ youtube video it says "NEED A DISPENSER HERE"?

vVtuaqUQLes

Works just fine.

[kid908]

=P here's some high quality screenshots of the cutscenes. also i don't try to keep up with a game production until the near end of its production. on another noticed, i'm glad they changed the elite model. naow it doesn't look like it's on super steroids.


http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n211/kid908/arbiter.png
http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n211/kid908/arbiter2.png
http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n211/kid908/forge.png
http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n211/kid908/serina1.png
http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n211/kid908/serina2.png
http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n211/kid908/sof1.png
http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n211/kid908/sof2.png
http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n211/kid908/harvest1.png
http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n211/kid908/harvest2.png
http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n211/kid908/harvest3.png

Low quality(well to me it is)
http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n211/kid908/harvest4.png
http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n211/kid908/harvest5.png

[Delta4907]

Works just fine.
I even print screened it before I posted, it did it if I previewed my post too.
http://i308.photobucket.com/albums/kk356/DELTA-49/what-1.png
Although, now that I have quoted your post, I see you removed the "www.youtube.com/watch?v=" part of the url. I'll do that from now on then.

[LinkandKvel]

sorry but I hated this game. Also I just hate RTSs in general sooooo

[thehoodedsmack]

Downloaded and played the game today. Found Normal difficulty skirmishes to be far too easy. Haven't tried Heroic yet, so I'll have to do that tomorrow.

[Limited]

Just to let you know, skirmish has a final cap of 99 (Upgraded bases etc)

[Atty]

Just to let you know, skirmish has a final cap of 99 (Upgraded bases etc)How do you know this?

[Limited]

How do you know this?
Well the game got leaked and a few people got it early, although I havent personally played it, info is online.

I preordered in the other day, so in 7 days I'll be playing it.

If you want more info check out this channel
http://www.youtube.com/user/XG247

[Pooky]

Just to let you know, skirmish has a final cap of 99 (Upgraded bases etc)

Just for one person or including multiple people on a team?

[Limited]

Just for one person or including multiple people on a team?
Per player I think,

[Cortexian]

Darn, the "release" is PAL atm... Guess I'll have to wait a little longer for the full version...

[Masterz1337]

You're such a fucking idiot, and it's people like you who flaunt their ability to pirate who end up making things harder for the developers and communities. You have the money to upgrade your PC god knows how often, but you can't shell out 60$ for a good game? You wonder why developers no longer give a shit about PC games? Take a look in the mirror.

:gtfo:

[Saggy]

Just finished Act I and started Act II and so far it's been a real let down. For never having played an RTS before this game is really easy, even on Heroic, and the missions are very repetitive and tedious. For example, mission 04 "Arcadia City" you are required to evac and protect civilians for 20 minutes. It's the same thing over and over. Make sure that civilians make it to the cargo ship, protect them along the way and protect the cargo ships. Doing all that for 20 minutes is VERY boring and VERY tedious. Hopefully the game will start to pick up, otherwise this may not be getting my $60 input.

[Delta4907]

You're such a fucking idiot, and it's people like you who flaunt their ability to pirate who end up making things harder for the developers and communities. You have the money to upgrade your PC god knows how often, but you can't shell out 60$ for a good game? You wonder why developers no longer give a shit about PC games? Take a look in the mirror.

:gtfo:
.

[Cortexian]

You're such a fucking idiot, and it's people like you who flaunt their ability to pirate who end up making things harder for the developers and communities. You have the money to upgrade your PC god knows how often, but you can't shell out 60$ for a good game? You wonder why developers no longer give a shit about PC games? Take a look in the mirror.

:gtfo:
I buy almost all of my games... However, I can't buy them until they're released now can I?

[p0lar_bear]

Need I remind you that even discussion of piracy is against the AUP?

The only exception we will ever make is that thread about the TPB case.

[Delta4907]

I buy almost all of my games... However, I can't buy them until they're released now can I?
So you wait until it is released.

[Cortexian]

Need I remind you that even discussion of piracy is against the AUP?

The only exception we will ever make is that thread about the TPB case.
I never actually tell anyone how to set sail or anything like that... I see no problem talking about something that was ALREADY mentioned in the thread. I did no worse than the person who said it's been leaked by pirates. Although that in itself was "discussion" of piracy, though I always interpreted the "no piracy discussion" as talking about distribution and methods of said activity. Who cares about the comments like I made? Honestly, it's not illegal to talk about something that almost everyone does (I'm 100% sure that 90% of people out there have either burned or downloaded a song).

So yea, piracy discussion discussion needs to be lightened up tbh.


So you wait until it is released.
No, that's when I pay for it. Limited game demos are boring and lame, if I can play the full version before it's released I will. Don't tell me you wouldn't. It's just like playing the full game at E3 or something where they have a non-public demo/beta version of the game available to play.

[Limited]

Its also just like breaking the law. It doesnt matter if your going to buy it later, your still breaking the law and your feeding the piracy fire.

Wish I never said it was leaked and just said a few journalists had it (which they do)

Anyway can we not continue the chat about piracy I dont want this thread locked as its the only one about Halo Wars (as we have no HW section, hint hint)

I preordered the game the other day, should be here 27th.

Review Scores
Official Xbox Mag: 9
Game Informer: 9
Edge Mag UK: 7
gamesTM: 7

[NullZero]

I'm definately buying this shizzles. I played the demo yesterday, and was blown away by the realism of the graphics. I was a little perturbed that one of the scenes was pixelated, but that may be due to them having to cut down the size, so the demo would not be too big. The tutorial was a little irritating, because I couldn't move the camera around whilst the guy telling you how to do things was talking, but that's only a little thing I guess. I also found it weird how none of the vehicles can get close to the convenant shield blocks (they would come near, and then just turn around :|). I don't know how to increase the population amount either.

Those are my views after having played the Tutorial and Campaign, will play Campaign today.

[=sw=warlord]

i quite like playing the skirmish mode on the demo, my main ways to win are get as many build points as possible then nuke the hell out of the otherside with vultures or locusts.
6 vultures looming over the enemy base is pretty good fun, especialy when the prothet of regret comes out and gets raped.
Anyone know if the bloodgulch refferenced in the demo is The Bloodgulch?

[Sever]

Yes, it is, and I believe it will be pretty true to the original, even to the extent of having only infantry able to use the teleporters.

[armoman92]

most of my friends have it (the full game that is), i still haven't had a chance to play yet though.

[Cortexian]

Its also just like breaking the law. It doesnt matter if your going to buy it later, your still breaking the law and your feeding the piracy fire.

I paid in full for my Pre-Order of this... So technically I already payed for it. I honestly don't care if downloading games/movies/music is illegal where you live.

I'm making backups of these things my friend.

Also, yes I pirate, yes you pirate, yes, 90% of computer users pirate.

Deal with it.

[Con]

Now this is odd:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vVtuaqUQLes
Edit: Can someone tell me why when I try to embed an HQ youtube video it says "NEED A DISPENSER HERE"?
reminds me of
fu2p9TOGi5w

[Delta4907]

reminds me of
*video*
Ha, I remember that, infact I did that glitch the last time I played H2.

[Pooky]

reminds me of

If you're still inside the peli when it starts doing that, you get splattered and go flying pretty spectacularly :lol:

[t3h m00kz]

Just played through the demo campaign. It's pretty legit, and that's coming from someone who barely touches RTS games

[Limited]

Dear JOHN,

Your order’s in the post, and should be with you soon. In case you need them, here are the details:

Qty Format Artist Title Price Estimated Times 1 HC XBOX 360 GAME HALO WARS £31.49 2-5 days :D Its on its way and I've got the rest of the week off (even though I got a HUGE project in for next week =\)

[Ki11a_FTW]

I just pre-ordered the limited collectors edition :) cant wait.

[Phopojijo]

I paid in full for my Pre-Order of this... So technically I already payed for it. I honestly don't care if downloading games/movies/music is illegal where you live.

I'm making backups of these things my friend.

Also, yes I pirate, yes you pirate, yes, 90% of computer users pirate.

Deal with it.Uh no.

Firstly -- some housecleaning.

Masters -- he's talking about a 360 game... so that actually reflects BETTER on PC Games because it shows that Consoles really aren't too much harder to pirate from... just that the percentage of capable people is way lower (if you compare it to hardcore PC Gaming which will be quite unfair of a comparison when Stream Processing becomes mainstream and the average computer will be game-capable).

Now back to Freelancer.

It's not about doing it... it's about talking about it. I really don't care about what anyone else does... they don't admit that they break the DMCA.

You can talk about news and such... but if you outright admit to breaking the DMCA on a public forum that's when it becomes problematic.

... Mostly because we could get sued for what you say (unless we moderate you and basically show that you broke our rules). Thank you DMCA.

[Ki11a_FTW]

I paid in full for my Pre-Order of this... So technically I already payed for it. I honestly don't care if downloading games/movies/music is illegal where you live.

I'm making backups of these things my friend.

yes I pirate.
Not a good idea to announce that, for legal action could happen.

[p0lar_bear]

Even though I stepped down, I'll throw in my two cents, since this happened while I was staff.

Basically, staff doesn't care what you all do off of the forums. If you pirate stuff daily, deal/do drugs, fap to guro, etc etc, whatever. All we ask is that you just keep in mind that this is not the time or place to discuss those kinds of things. If you break the AUP, expect to suffer the consequences, regardless of how many people do it or what convoluted logic you might have to otherwise justify your actions. We are not a warez board, we are not a porn board, we are not a druggie board, so we ask that you keep that kind of content off the board.

Now back to being a normal member.

[Cortexian]

Not a good idea to announce that, for legal action could happen.
There are bigger fish to fry than message boards were members mention piracy. And there are many bigger fish to fry than myself when it comes to pirating stuff.

Don't worry about it.

But yea, Halo Wars... Had a MS rep come to our store yesterday and talk to us about the launch stuff, unfortunately it's not going to be as big as the actual Halo 2/3 launches but I'm okay with that. Had a chat with the MS rep about the previously mentioned "release" version of the game and he and I had a laugh about pirates.

[BobtheGreatII]

There are bigger fish to fry than message boards were members mention piracy. And there are many bigger fish to fry than myself when it comes to pirating stuff.

Don't worry about it.

Wow, really?

[Darqeness]

In an attempt to re-rail the topic I picked up my pre-ordered LCE today.

It's pretty damn good. Tried out a couple of 3v3 skirmishes using the "Automatic" difficulty and it works out really well. First game I absolutely thrashed all 3 AI enemies. However second game the difficulty adjusted itself and I got my arse handed to me within 10 minutes. It was good to see your AI allies come to your aid when your bases are under attack. Didn't help much against a combination of all 3 teams using Brutes, wraiths and locusts. I didn't last long at all :(

Sadly though I capped my download limit so no Mythic maps (unless I want to spend all day downloading it tomorrow).

[Limited]

:D
Game came today in post, a day early going to go play it now. Gotta love pre-ordering things online :D

Spoiler about Level 4 (Arcardia)
Okay this is bs, I sent all my guys to evac zone 3, destroyed all the enemies there but the cutscene where there was tons of enemies there still occured and the plane got shot down, thats some BS right there.

[FireDragon04]

Finished the full game, a tad too short, and i wish the cut scene were longer, other then that pretty epic, a good 8-10 hour experience campaign if you ask me.

[Saggy]

:D
Spoiler about Level 4 (Arcardia)
Okay this is bs, I sent all my guys to evac zone 3, destroyed all the enemies there but the cutscene where there was tons of enemies there still occured and the plane got shot down, thats some BS right there.

I'm pretty sure that part is scripted and happens no matter what. Also, I'm on the last mission and I can't do it for shit. I have no sense of strategy. Don't think I'll ever get around to finishing this game.

E: Did any of you guys find any skulls? So far I've only found 2, "Pain Train" and I can't recall the other one.

[Cortexian]

Unfortunately I can't open my Pre-Ordered copy yet... I ordered a regular edition but I'm entered in a contest to win 1 of 10 LE copies, and the draw for that is March 3rd... If I win one of those I'm going to return my pre-ordered regular edition.

[SonicXtreme]

Getting it today , gonna have one huge run on it hopefully :) (i say that cause i has Uni work also :( )

[DarkHalo003]

Finished the full game, a tad too short, and i wish the cut scene were longer, other then that pretty epic, a good 8-10 hour experience campaign if you ask me.
It's a tad bit short because it's so awesome you don't realize it's short. Dude, I played the game's demo for the past two weeks and the campaign still hasn't let me down. Great replay value in the second level alone on Heroic. Also, I'm wondering how protecting the civilians is. Is it difficult or pretty damn hard?

[SonicXtreme]

played it all through friday , almost completed it , only got like 4 more levels to go , very fun on SP and very fun vs comp on mp with 2 other friends :)

[Limited]

Im getting confused with difficulty settings and the objectives. Do I need to get the skulls and black boxes on every difficulty setting to get 100%?

[FRain]

I always loved RTS games on the PC (my favorites include StarCraft, Homeworld, and Age of Empires). I've always HATED RTS games on controller-based platforms. Halo Wars is the only RTS game I've played on the xbox that hasn't completley fucked up the controls, and therefore I like it. I also liked if you sent a Spartan to jack a vehicle, that you can watch him pull the guy out the cockpit, punch him in the face and throw him out to the side. That was badass.

PS: Does anyone know when the hell StarCraft II is coming out? It's been delayed a bagjillion times.

[BobtheGreatII]

Going to Preorder my copy today. I'm excited for it.

[SonicXtreme]

1 level to go damn it , gotta complete it in 30 mins before everything gets messed up

[TeeKup]

Ok so I just finished the game.
A lot of things just don't add up. We already know the Forerunners have made perhaps countless worlds and Shield Worlds. But why on earth would the flood be on a Shield World. Another thing is the make up of the SW, just a really big interior? Other than the rather odd Forerunner ships, there was no "Forerunner City" other than than traditional structures spotting the landscape. The lack of the dyson sphere is what really got me though. How can it be a Shield World with no effective way to negate the effect the of Halo Network? It just doesn't make sense.

Also, whats with the Spartans? I'm sorry did I misread somewhere about there being a different series of armor with THE MOST RETARDED MOUTH PIECE. Why would they be stationed on a "Vacation" Planet too? Serina said the world was still very largely unexplored so I guess you could hide a base there, but why would you risk civilians discovering a project so secret like the Spartan program?

[klange]

It's not a bungie game, therefore, it won't be quite up to specs. It's a given.

[PlasbianX]

Multiplayer is pissing me off. 3 Games in a row and I get my ass kicked by the same damn strategy.


Zerg the fuck outta my base with air vehicles D:<