Halo Wars 2 Reviews
Halo Wars didn't rewrite the RTS playbook, and Halo Wars 2 is unlikely to bring on many converts who weren't convinced by the first attempt. In many ways this is an iterative sequel, with new units and balance, and a handful of additions. The campaign is well-made and the multiplayer shines thanks largely to Blitz Mode. It's a streamlined take on a genre that has faded even more in recent years, but in its own way, Halo Wars 2 is still carrying the flame.
Halo Wars 2 is a precious sequence of underestimated titles. A title that proves that RTS style can also be played on the console with clever and understandable controls and a stronger fictional section than the rest of the old RTS titles.
Review in Persian | Read full review
It’s not the greatest RTS and it’s by far from the greatest Halo game, but in a world where Microsoft IPs are dropping harder and faster than bloated flies it’s just what I needed. A little MAG blast of hope to combat the monotony. For Halo fans it’s just another fix to an ongoing story; for RTS fans it’s probably on the lower scale of their expectations; and for me it’s an odd beast the bridges the gap.
I love Halo Wars 2. It’s not perfect. I’ve had a few bugs creep in, like going to a load screen and the little white wheel just spins and spins forever like an ADHD child in a room full of kittens, but I will forgive it because this game is the exact game I never knew I wanted.
Ben received a physical copy of Halo Wars 2 from Xbox NZ for review.
Halo Wars 2 both illustrates the problems traditional RTS titles have on console, and demonstrates how to overcome them with its excellent Blitz mode.
Whilst boasting a compelling story in the Halo universe, this game's shortcomings bog down an otherwise solid RTS.
Halo Wars 2 is an RTS for the layman. Easy-to-learn mechanics and basic micromanagement keep the game interesting and engaging, but it lacks the strategic depth to keep hardcore RTS fans invested for long.
Halo Wars 2 is fine, but definitely not the real-time strategy genre's long-sought salvation. Same-old missions, same-old structure, and with a layer of console-style oversimplification on top.
Halo Wars 2 will scratch a real-time strategy itch and give you a dose of Halo-Universe flavor with a decent story, but it won't go much deeper than that. A run-of-the-mill campaign, controls that hamper micromanagement, conspicuous bugs, and multiplayer that relies on luck limit its long-term appeal, but its fast and flashy action makes it fun for a while.
Halo Wars 2 proves once again that an RTS can work on a controller, but that aside there's little to get excited about here.
Halo Wars 2 is a very accessible RTS that's easy to pick up and play, but becomes increasingly complex as you get to grips with its more advanced commands. Assuming you're willing to invest the time and effort to truly master its intricate controls, the game offers plenty to get your teeth into. The campaign is a little short, but the multiplayer components are varied and robust - even if the really entertaining Blitz mode is soured somewhat by its microtransactional focus.
Halo Wars 2 is a great sequel, and being a fan of both the genre and the original game, I am extremely happy with how it turned out.
Halo Wars 2 makes RTS games both accessible and fun in one neat little package.
Halo Wars 2 is a bright, juicy and beautiful game with a bunch of small details, which make this sci-fi adventure a little more believable. Even after the astonishing original Halo Wars the sequel is still a unique (in some ways) and addictive real-time strategy and also a worthy continuation of story of a lonely ship lost in the vastness of space.
Review in Russian | Read full review
Halo Wars 2's RTS mechanics are not even close to being as good and deep as PC titles, but on console level those mechanics are so accessible and easy to learn that raises the bar for console RTS titles and shows that Halo universe has a great potential in other genres too.
Review in Persian | Read full review
Halo Wars 2 is somewhere between a Halo game for RTS fans and a RTS game for Halo fans, never going too in depth into either category so as to put people off.
Halo Wars 2's story is engrossing and the battles are fun, but the mission design follows a predictable pattern
The most accessible yet demanding real time strategy game for consoles, Halo Wars 2 lives up to expectations while celebrating 20 years of RTS tradition at the same time. Fans of the franchise will love it but veterans and newcomers to the RTS genre will be satisfied as well.
Review in Spanish | Read full review
Creative Assembly and 343 Industries should be proud of their work here. Halo Wars 2 isn’t perfect, and it’s not likely to win over tons of new RTS fans. But for fans of the game-starved genre (which is admittedly seeing a resurgence of sorts), Halo Wars 2 is a bright spot. It’s a little shallow, a little greedy with Blitz cards, and a little short in the campaign. But it’s a good game overall, and one I’d gladly play more of in the future. Keep it up, CA and 343i.