The demo of Microsoft's and Ensemble Studios' Halo Wars is not due to hit the Marketplace until next week, but thanks to the XCN we got access to it a week early. It includes two maps, tutorial and a skirmish mode. I captured the two maps and the (previously shown) intro, while I'll let you see the other two CG movies by yourself when you play the demo!
The pace in the demo is really high, you basically build up your base and then advance through waves of enemies. I don't know if this is the case later on in the game, but I was positively surprised to see how much action is involved here. The graphics serves its purpose with a clear image while the framerate goes down a bit at certain points, mainly around your own base.
Regarding the controls, you can choose between selecting all units on screen, all units on battlefield, units within a certain radius and single units. When attacking you can do basic attack with X or the special attack on Y: scout warthogs rams over enemies, while marines throws grenades (which can be upgraded). Some buttons have an announcement tied to them, meaning you will have to get used to hearing "All units" very often on the battlefield.
Now enjoy these three videos, showing the intro, the first short level and the longer second level. I took the liberty to capture a couple of images from the cut out CG sequences.
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All comments (29)
Commented on 2009-01-30 14:13:21P.S.
Did anyone else find FEAR 2 demo kinda shallow?
Commented on 2009-01-30 14:17:53 In reply to daikideP.S.
Did anyone else find FEAR 2 demo kinda shallow?
Commented on 2009-01-30 15:24:13 In reply to Manager
Commented on 2009-01-30 15:44:24Basically, in the demo, you build Supply buildings. These buildings sends people to find resources, which translates to money. You can also find resources on the map, which I did in the beginning of the second video.
Watch the upper right space. You have three icons:
1) "Body icon", this is how many units you have and how many units you have space for (example: 11/30)
2) "Flash icon", this is how many reactors you have built. There more reactors, the more advanced buildings you can build. For example, you have to have two reactors to build the Tank factory.
3) "Cube icon", this is how much resources you have. The more Supply buildings you have, the more "money" you get.
I bet this gets more advanced later on in the game, but this is how the demo works. When a unit dies, you just use your resources money to buy more units (like soldiers, tanks, warthogs). You can also use the money to upgrade the skills of your soldiers, like better aim and more advanced grenades.
Commented on 2009-01-30 17:21:07
Commented on 2009-01-30 17:38:54
Commented on 2009-01-30 18:13:50
Commented on 2009-01-30 18:26:51
Commented on 2009-01-30 19:45:35
Commented on 2009-01-30 20:16:04 In reply to Mac1988
Commented on 2009-01-30 21:10:52 In reply to Manager
Commented on 2009-01-31 00:03:23I was always sceptical about playing with a controller. Do you feel comfortable using it or would you prefer mouse and keyboard?
Also I'm loving how they managed to make the warthogs behave like their FPS counterparts. :D
Commented on 2009-01-31 00:04:26
Commented on 2009-01-31 01:12:50
Commented on 2009-01-31 01:13:35Story and presentation will make or break this game I assume
Commented on 2009-01-31 01:35:18 In reply to ArchaosI was always sceptical about playing with a controller. Do you feel comfortable using it or would you prefer mouse and keyboard?
Also I'm loving how they managed to make the warthogs behave like their FPS counterparts. :D
It's really easy to select all units, to chose between selected units (pressing triggers, it's good when you for example only want the warthogs and not foot soldiers).
Commented on 2009-01-31 02:58:35@Krilekk: That is true. I've heard them say more than once that they've made this more action orientated for the "console crowd". At which I made a snarling noise at my monitor.
But if the game is good, I'll forgive them for thinking that all console players have the attention span of a carrot and unless we kill something every 10 seconds we have a fit and throw our controllers at our TVs.
But I digress..
Commented on 2009-01-31 04:36:04
Commented on 2009-01-31 09:50:10 In reply to TinksStory and presentation will make or break this game I assume
Commented on 2009-01-31 12:27:07 In reply to daikide
Commented on 2009-01-31 22:55:38 In reply to Manager
Commented on 2009-02-01 02:14:26Surprised as i said.
Commented on 2009-02-01 15:15:37 In reply to Xerx3sGames like Company of Heroes define it now
Commented on 2009-02-02 12:34:14End War has sort of ruined most overhead RTS' for me anyway. I just don't find this standard formula as entertaining as a once did. And I really used to love the Empire campaigns. I thought Ensemble would try to bring at least a few fresh elements to Halo Wars.
I know it's the Halo universe and that is always exciting but honestly we've played this game before.
It really all depends on how the game's controls play out at this point. Alot has been made of Halo Wars' control scheme. I can at least hope that it's smooth and easy to get into.
Don't misunderstand me, I'm just as upset as everyone else that Ensemble is being shut down. But they didn't bother to change anything. They just stuck with the same ole formula.
Commented on 2009-02-02 15:58:00