14 DAY TRIAL // The Halo franchise is currently one of the most popular series of video games released in the last decade. It established Microsoft as a respected console manufacturer and gave a tremendous boost in sales for both the original Xbox and the current Xbox 360.
After the trilogy of first-person shooters created by Bungie, the Xbox console has recently seen the Halo Wars title, created by the now-closed-down Ensemble Studios, which marked the entry of the franchise into the realm of the real-time strategy genre.
We've already seen that it managed to sell quite a lot of units, and that it will receive its first piece of downloadable content in the form of the Strategic Options pack, which will appear soon enough. Now, in preparation for this add-on, Microsoft has released a patch for the game, which will address a lot of problems that players have encountered.
Here are the full update notes:
General
-Flaming Warthog and Honor Guard Wraith skins now available in multiplayer to players who have those skulls. -The option to show Unit Hit Point bars above units is now available.
Balance
-The number of points to reach all ranks has been reduced. General now requires 2.4 million, down from 3.2 million, and other ranks have been reduced accordingly. -The max number of points you can get in a single match has been capped. -The Prophet of Regret’s land speed is now reduced to match other leaders. -Vampire Tech Upgrades now increase damage done by 15% in addition to their other effects. -Anders Cryo Bomb Upgrades now cost 50% more supplies. -Anders Hawk Upgrade now costs 50% more supplies.
Bug Fixes
-Multiplayer Matchmaking and Connection improvements have been put in. Players should find that their 2v2 and 3v3 teams no longer split up. -'Ready for the Sequel' Achievement should now be rewarded properly. -Units on Exile and Crevice should find it easier to traverse the map.
Overall, it seems that all of the Halo Wars players will be in for a much more balanced experience the next time they start the game and download the patch. Look forward to it in the following days and for the Strategic Options DLC soon after that.