Ensemble is trying to target both Halo fans and serious RTS gamers, and that is an odd mix of tastes. As the success of the Halo novels has demonstrated, there is a great interest in the Halo universe beyond the games themselves, and this is the first effort to push that universe in a game where you control an army and not just a single soldier. In the hands-on session, the controls were immediately clear and obvious, and the game itself lasted less than 20 minutes – a good sign for RTS fans.

Will strategy gamers make the jump? Halo Wars will certainly be worth a second look.

Questions or comments? We'd love to hear from you .