Halo Wars 2 Review: A Console RTS Masterpiece for Xbox One

Released on February 21 for Xbox One and Windows, Halo Wars 2 delivers a thrilling real-time strategy (RTS) experience that finally brings the genre to consoles with remarkable success. Developed by Creative Assembly (known for the Total War series) in collaboration with 343 Industries, this sequel builds on its predecessor’s legacy while introducing innovative controls and engaging gameplay tailored for console players.

Why Halo Wars 2 Stands Out

A Captivating Halo Storyline

The campaign immerses players in a gripping narrative set in the iconic Halo universe. Awakening decades after being declared lost, the crew of the UNSC Spirit of Fire finds themselves above the ancient Forerunner Ark, facing the Banished—a ruthless faction led by the formidable Brute warlord Atriox. The story unfolds through cinematic cutscenes, stellar voice acting, and dynamic battle chatter, creating an experience that rivals traditional Halo FPS titles.

Console-Friendly RTS Controls

Creative Assembly has refined the control scheme to work seamlessly with a gamepad:

• Right Bumper: Select local units or all visible forces
• D-Pad Shortcuts: Customizable unit group selections
• Leader Powers Wheel: Activated via the left trigger for tactical advantages

While PC RTS purists may still prefer mouse-and-keyboard precision, Halo Wars 2 makes strategic gameplay surprisingly intuitive on consoles.

Strategic Depth & Gameplay Innovations

Leader Powers

These game-changing abilities allow players to:

• Heal troops in a targeted area
• Launch missile strikes
• Disrupt enemy communications

Varied Multiplayer Modes

• Traditional Skirmishes: 2v2 or 3v3 matches with base-building and resource management
• Blitz Mode: Fast-paced 15-minute battles using unit cards for rapid deployment

Diverse Unit Roster

From Spartans and Warthogs to Scarabs and Banshees, the game features:

• Over 20 unique units
• Rock-paper-scissors counter system
• Heroic abilities (like Spartan hijacks)

Challenges & Drawbacks

Control Limitations

Despite improvements, some issues persist:

• Unit selection can be finicky in large battles
• Map navigation feels slower than PC RTS standards
• Advanced commands require memorizing complex inputs

Technical Hiccups

Players may encounter:

• Occasional crashes during long sessions
• Input delays during critical moments
• Reload times after crashes

Chaotic Battle Management

Extracting troops from losing engagements proves difficult, often forcing mission restarts.

Final Verdict

Halo Wars 2 succeeds where few console RTS games have, delivering:

• ✅ An authentic Halo narrative experience
• ✅ Innovative controller-friendly mechanics
• ✅ Deep strategic gameplay across multiple modes

While control limitations and technical issues occasionally frustrate, the game ultimately proves that RTS can thrive on consoles. With its challenging campaign and robust multiplayer, Halo Wars 2 sets a new standard for the genre on Xbox One.

Score: ⁸²⁄₁₀₀

Review copy provided by publisher. Released February 21, 2017 for Xbox One and Windows.

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