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❤ Gameplay Overview

The real-time strategy (RTS) gameplay of Halo Wars: Definitive Edition centers around commanding armies of iconic Halo units on the battlefield. Developers Ensemble Studios originally designed the game for console play, prioritizing a control scheme tailored for gamepad use over the complexity found in many PC-focused RTS titles.

❤ Unit Variety and Balancing

Players can choose to command either the United Nations Space Command (UNSC) or the alien Covenant alliance, each faction offering a diverse roster of infantry, vehicles, air units, and special "hero" characters. Reviewers praise the careful balancing of these units, noting that no single strategy or unit type dominates the meta. Effectively countering an opponent's composition through smart unit selection is a core part of the game's tactical depth.

❤ Simplified Base Building

Rather than freely placing buildings, the game restricts base construction to pre-determined sites. While this design choice likely stems from the game's console-focused development, some reviewers argue it reduces the strategic decision-making around base layout and optimization typically found in RTS titles.

❤ Accessible Controls

The control scheme, optimized for gamepad use, receives consistent praise for its accessibility. Features like the circle-based unit selection and ability activation menus work seamlessly with a controller. That said, a few reviewers note that the control scheme can feel slightly imprecise when using a mouse and keyboard.

❤ Cooperative and Competitive Multiplayer

Halo Wars: Definitive Edition provides both cooperative and competitive multiplayer options. The cooperative campaign allows two players to tackle the story missions together, while the multiplayer component offers various skirmish and objective-based game types. Reviewers highlight the satisfying experience of coordinating with a partner in co-op, as well as the balanced factions and diverse map selection in the competitive modes.