I don’t usually like real-time strategy games. Whether that’s because they don’t work well with joypads and I’m a dedicated console gamer or I just don’t enjoy the kind of stresses that resource management brings upon me is a debate for another time. I don’t usually like them. But this one was different. Was it because it’s Halo? Probably.
I enjoyed the variety. There were loads of different types of missions, and each unit got a turn in the spotlight. I enjoyed the feeling of empowerment. Fully upgrading everything before even thinking about having a go at the objectives was definitely my strategy on the levels that allowed that tactic. Sending in three Spartans to cripple a rebel base. Sending twenty Gauss Warthogs on a quick scout around the map and accidentally completing the mission. Powering a fleet of Wraiths towards the enemy stronghold, wiping it out in seconds. Gathering enough resources to build two Scarabs was total and utter overkill, but so much fun.
I also enjoyed the awesome cut-scenes. I never thought the Halo games would have pre-rendered, over the top, dynamically choreographed cut-scenes, but I’m glad this one did. Seeing Spartans actually kicking ass rather than just shooting the bad guys was a delight.
I came for the Halo, stayed for the good game.
