Halo Wars 2

Adolfo Arranz

2 min read

·

02-12-2024

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Halo Wars 2, released in 2017, marked a significant entry in the Halo franchise, venturing into the realm of real-time strategy (RTS) gaming. While not as widely celebrated as some of its first-person shooter counterparts, it offered a compelling and surprisingly deep strategic experience within the familiar Halo universe. This retrospective examines its strengths, weaknesses, and lasting impact on the RTS genre and the Halo franchise itself.

A Familiar Universe, A New Approach

The game successfully blended the iconic Halo lore and aesthetic with the demanding mechanics of RTS gameplay. Players commanded armies of UNSC and Banished forces, engaging in tactical battles across diverse and visually stunning maps. The integration of familiar units and characters, alongside new additions, felt both natural and exciting for long-time Halo fans. The inclusion of the Banished, a formidable new faction introduced in Halo Wars 2, added a much-needed layer of strategic depth and narrative intrigue.

Strong Points:

• Engaging Campaign: The story mode offered a gripping narrative centered around the Banished's expansion and the UNSC's struggle for survival. The campaign's cutscenes were well-produced and helped to maintain player immersion within the Halo universe.
• Strategic Depth: Halo Wars 2 moved beyond the typical RTS formula, incorporating unique unit abilities and strategic map considerations that encouraged varied playstyles. The leader powers, especially, added an extra layer of tactical decision-making during battles.
• Multiplayer Modes: The multiplayer component was a significant draw for competitive players, offering a range of game modes and a robust matchmaking system. The balance between units and factions felt generally fair, fostering a competitive and enjoyable experience.

Areas for Improvement:

• Accessibility: While the game attempted to streamline RTS mechanics, some aspects might have proven too complex for newcomers to the genre. The learning curve could have been gentler.
• Post-Launch Support: While initial post-launch support was positive, long-term content updates eventually slowed down, limiting the game's lifespan.

Lasting Legacy: A Unique Contribution to the Halo Franchise

Halo Wars 2 carved a unique niche within the Halo franchise, proving that the series could successfully transition to a different genre while retaining its core identity. Its blend of real-time strategy and compelling narrative resonated with many players, further solidifying the richness of the Halo universe. Although its post-launch support eventually waned, the game remains a notable example of a successful attempt to expand the boundaries of a long-standing franchise. Its contributions to the RTS genre may be less monumental than other titles, but it held its own as a solid and enjoyable strategic experience, particularly within the Halo universe.