An RTS that manages to feel like Halo
Drawbacks
The campain can feel relatively short, although it is still fun and the CG cutscenes are far better than anything halo3 was able to conjur up. But still... short. There is a 2 player co-op campain which gives the campain some replay but most people will turn to the skirmishes after 1-2 playthroughs. Also the campain is UNSC only.
There are only 2 factions available, covenant and UNSC which can make the game seem restrictive but the 6 different leaders (3 for each side) add a very noticable twist to each of the factions. its also rumored that a DLC will be comming that will add the flood as a faction which im guessing will cost about 300-500 GP which wouldnt be too bad.
The Good
Like i said earlier the online is what will squeeze the most play time from people. The games range from small 1v1 games up to 3v3 which gives varied games that differ in their intensity. being limited to 40-50 units you have to be tactical over what units you choose to build as a few extra aircraft or tanks can sometimes be the deciding factor in a battle. This transfers well into the larger 2v2 and 3v3 matches as players have to communicate with thier allies to build different units to both attack the enemy effectivelly in force and defend themselves and thier allies. this can lead to very tense and long strung battles that have been known to last up to an hour when deadlocks happen.
The gamplay is different from other RTS games i have played and plays mutch like a BF conquest mode at times. because of the unlimited resources (assuming you have resource pads) you have to change tactics from destroying the enemy units and waiting for thier rescources to run thin untill they cannot builtd anymore. instead you have to, in many cases, systematically take over the map at special base building sites which will grant you more money and the enemy less aswell as moving up your units further into the map. this ofcourse demmands alot of teamwork and strategising
the maps are fun and large with plenty of choke points and ambush paths and look nicely detailed (bar a few duff maps) and there are plenty to choose from. the controls are very easy to use but allow flexibility to micro manage individual groups, types and single units to win you battles which adds emphasis to micro combat management rather than resource managment and building a great **** off army managment which could often ruin the game for new players in other rts'. not to say this wont please the hardcore gamers but it has an emphasis on balanced armies with battles being decided over who managed the battles best which i find a welcome change to the normal flow of an rts.
Overall i would reccomend this to anyone who liked the Halo 3 games as the combat and feel is very much akin to HW. but also to anyone who fancies a fun online game which is perfect to be played on your own and with your friends.