The newest kid on the block in the Halo franchise, “Halo Wars,” which is available for Microsoft Corporation’s Xbox 360 gaming console, is said to be the first installment to leave behind the first person shooter, choosing the real time strategy (RTS) approach.

„Halo Wars” was developed by the Ensemble studios, which were the ones behind the „Age of Emipres” series, and has much simplified the use of controls, thus rendering it accessible for all gamers.

The tutorial gives people information concerning the controls, which are basically point and click, with the units having two attacks that are controlled by X and Y, while units can be selected with A and group units with the right and left bumpers.

In order to jump between bases, squads and conflict points, gamers need to use the D-pad.

Furthermore, the UNSC Marines and the Covenant can choose from three types of infantry, vehicles and aircrafts, while special features have been added to some characters, one example being that Spartan soldiers can take over Covenant units and consequently turn them from purple to yellow.

„Halo Wars” features 15 solo missions, each taking approximately 20 minutes so as to be played through, whereas the quests include kill quests, a par time to try and hit and optional demolition missions.

Moreover, the game has both an off line and online battle mode and it is fitted with the same troops, vehicles and weapons like the other three Halo games in the franchise.