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Halo Wars 2

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Halo Wars 2
File:Halo wars 2 cover art.jpg
Developer(s)
Publisher(s)Microsoft Studios
SEGA
Director(s)Alistair Hope
Artist(s)Jeremy Cook
Writer(s)Kevin Grace
SeriesHalo
Platform(s)Microsoft Windows, Xbox One
Genre(s)Real-time strategy
Mode(s)Single-player, multiplayer

Halo Wars 2 is an upcoming real-time strategy (RTS) video game developed by 343 Industries and Creative Assembly, and published by Microsoft Studios. It is scheduled to be released on February 21, 2017, for Microsoft Windows and the Xbox One video game console. The game is set in the science fiction universe of the Halo series and is a sequel to the 2009 video game Halo Wars.

Gameplay

Halo Wars 2 is a real-time strategy video game. The game has two factions: the United Nations Space Command (UNSC) and the Banished.[1] Like the original Halo Wars, each faction has different leader units.[2] The campaign mode is composed of thirteen missions,[3] and will support cooperative gameplay.[4]

The game features a number of multiplayer modes that can be played online with up to six players.[3][5] Skirmish supports cooperative or solo play against AI opponents.[5] Deathmatch involves fighting until only one player remains.[5] Stronghold and Domination are multiplayer modes centred around controlling bases or nodes on the map.[5] Blitz is an all-new multiplayer mode.[5]

Plot

Halo Wars 2 takes place in the science fictional universe of the Halo series, during the 26th century. The game is set 28 years after the events of Halo Wars and directly after the events of Halo 5: Guardians.[1][5] Captain James Cutter (Gideon Emery)[4] and the crew aboard the UNSC warship Spirit of Fire awaken from cryosleep on the Ark, a Forerunner installation. Unaware of how the Human-Covenant war concluded, the Spirit of Fire's forces encounter and battle with a faction known as the Banished on the installation.[1] The Banished are a group that broke away from the Covenant during the Human-Covenant war.[1] They are led by the Brute warlord Atriox and rose to power following the Covenant's demise.[1]

Development

In 2009, Microsoft Studios launched Halo Wars, a real-time strategy spin-off to the first-person shooter video game franchise Halo.[6] The game was developed by subsidiary Ensemble Studios.[6] While the game was a commercial success,[5] Ensemble Studios was shut down upon completion of the game's development.[6] At Gamescom in August 2015, Microsoft Studios announced Halo Wars 2 for Microsoft Windows and the Xbox One video game console.[6] Development of the game began in 2014.[7] UK-based studio Creative Assembly—creators of the Total War strategy game series—are working on Halo Wars 2,[6] alongside Halo series developer 343 Industries.[8] While Creative Assembly is primarily a PC-centric developer, the Halo Wars 2 development team is mainly composed of developers who worked on Alien: Isolation (2014), as they had experience with working on games for a console.[8]

With Halo Wars 2, the development team seeks to introduce new players to the strategy game genre while appeasing experienced players.[2] Creative Assembly's studio director, Tim Heaton, explained that Halo Wars 2 would not be Total War: Halo and that they would be adding to and building upon the foundation of the original Halo Wars game with this sequel.[8] Creative Assembly's Alistair Hope is the creative director on Halo Wars 2.[2] He praised the control scheme implemented in the original Halo Wars and aimed to enhance the system by ensuring that Halo Wars 2 is intuitive to play on a console.[2] 343 Industries' head of strategy games, Dan Ayoub, mentioned that the multiplayer online battle arena genre was particularly influential when the development were designing new game modes.[2]

343 Industries had initially considered supporting cross-platform play between Windows and Xbox One devices, but the feature was ultimately excluded.[7]

Franchise development director, Frank O'Connor explained that Halo Wars 2 would be more integrated with other fiction in the Halo universe than its predecessor.[1] Managing director at 343 Industries, Kevin Grace, noted that the development team took most of their inspiration for the game's tone from Halo: Combat Evolved.[1]

Art director, Jeremy Cook, stated that maintaining readability and clarity of the units and combat space was highest priority of the game's art direction.[9] He also wanted to make sure that the visual style remained consistent with the Halo universe, making sure that the recognisable traits of the units and structures were preserved.[9] The aesthetic of the Banished is reminiscent of the Covenant and is designed to contrast visually with the UNSC.[9] Animation company Blur Studio will be creating the cinematic scenes for the game.[5] The studio has collaborated with 343 Industries on past Halo titles.[10] 343 Industries noted that alterations to the design of returning characters was a result of upgraded technology, the use of performance capture, and casting new actors.[4]

Marketing

The announcement trailer showed at Gamescom 2015 was created by Blur Studio.[11] It showed an injured UNSC soldier being dragged away and a Covenant Brute taunting.[12] In February 2016, 343 Industries and toy maker Mattel announced a partnership to create a new line of Halo toys. Among the figurines is a model of the Brute Spiker weapon featured in Halo Wars 2.[13] In May 2016, 343 Industries' community manager confirmed that Halo Wars 2 would be presented and available to play at the 2016 Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3) in June 2016.[14] The trailer shown at E3 2016 was once again created by Blur Studio.[9] It depicts the leaders of both factions—Cutter and Atriox—facing off as their forces are engaged in conflict.[1][9] The Strongholds multiplayer mode was playable on the E3 show floor.[5]

Release

Halo Wars 2 was initially scheduled to be released for Windows 10 and Xbox One in 2016,[6] however in June 2016, Microsoft announced that the game would launch on February 21, 2017.[15] Microsoft also revealed an Ultimate Edition version; it will include a downloadable content season pass, access to the game four days early, and a copy of Halo Wars: Definition Edition—an enhanced version of the original game for Windows and Xbox One.[16]

A multiplayer beta ran on Xbox One from June 13–23, 2016.[17] The beta includes the Deathmatch and Domination game modes.[5] Players could earn REQ packs rewards for Halo 5: Guardians by participating in the beta.[5] A second beta will be held on Windows and Xbox One closer to the game's launch.[17]

References

  1. ^ a b c d e f g h Makuch, Eddie (June 13, 2016). "Halo Wars 2 New Story Details and Images Revealed". GameSpot. CBS Interactive. Archived from the original on June 14, 2016. Retrieved June 14, 2016. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  2. ^ a b c d e Francis, Bryant (June 24, 2016). "Halo Wars 2 and the challenge of bringing new players into the RTS genre". Gamasutra. UBM. Archived from the original on June 24, 2016. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  3. ^ a b Matulef, Jeffrey (June 13, 2016). "Halo Wars 2 release date set for February". Eurogamer. Gamer Network. Archived from the original on June 13, 2016. Retrieved June 13, 2016. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  4. ^ a b c Makuch, Eddie (June 18, 2016). "Halo Wars 2 Has New Actors for Lead Roles, Here's Why". GameSpot. CBS Interactive. Archived from the original on June 20, 2016. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  5. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k "KNOW YOUR ENEMY". Halo Waypoint. 343 Industries. June 13, 2016. Archived from the original on June 14, 2016. Retrieved June 14, 2016. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  6. ^ a b c d e f Sarkar, Samit (August 4, 2015). "Halo Wars 2 coming to Xbox One and Windows 10 in fall 2016 (update)". Polygon. Vox Media. Archived from the original on March 4, 2016. Retrieved June 12, 2016. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  7. ^ a b Makuch, Eddie (June 13, 2016). "Halo Wars 2 Won't Have Cross-Play at Launch, Not Ruled Out for the Future". GameSpot. CBS Interactive. Archived from the original on June 14, 2016. Retrieved June 14, 2016. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  8. ^ a b c Batchelor, James (August 7, 2015). "Halo Wars 2 'will not be Total War: Halo'". Market for Home Computing and Video Games. NewBay Media. Archived from the original on December 6, 2015. Retrieved June 12, 2016. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  9. ^ a b c d e Easterling, Jeff (June 18, 2016). "Surface Features". Halo Waypoint. 343 Industries. Archived from the original on June 18, 2016. Retrieved June 18, 2016. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  10. ^ Wolfe, Jennifer (August 5, 2015). "Blur Studio Creates 'Halo Wars 2' Teaser Trailer". Animation World Network. Animation World Network. Archived from the original on October 31, 2015. Retrieved June 14, 2016. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  11. ^ "Halo Wars 2: Announce Trailer". Blur Studio. Blur Studio. Archived from the original on August 17, 2015. Retrieved June 13, 2016. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  12. ^ Prell, Sam (August 4, 2015). "Creative Assembly bringing total Halo Wars 2 to Xbox One and Windows 10". GamesRadar. Future. Archived from the original on October 10, 2015. Retrieved June 12, 2016. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  13. ^ Martin, Liam (February 16, 2016). "You can now buy Master Chief's Halo blaster in foam-dart form". Digital Spy. Hearst. Archived from the original on June 12, 2016. Retrieved June 12, 2016. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  14. ^ Dunsmore, Kevin (May 30, 2016). "Halo Wars 2 will be Playable at E3 2016". Hardcore Gamer. Hardcore Gamer. Archived from the original on June 1, 2016. Retrieved June 12, 2016. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  15. ^ Sanchez, Miranda (June 13, 2016). "E3 2016: Halo Wars 2 Release Date Announced, Beta Begins Today". IGN. Ziff Davis. Archived from the original on June 13, 2016. Retrieved June 13, 2016. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  16. ^ Dornbush, Jonathon (June 13, 2016). "E3 2016: Halo Wars: Definitive Edition to Come With Halo Wars 2: Ultimate Edition". IGN. Ziff Davis. Archived from the original on June 13, 2016. Retrieved June 13, 2016. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  17. ^ a b Makuch, Eddie (June 24, 2016). "Another Halo Wars 2 Beta Is Coming With a New Mode". GameSpot. CBS Interactive. Archived from the original on June 24, 2016. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
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