Halo Wars 2

I couldn't tell you why, from a business perspective, Halo Wars 2 exists. It doesn’t seem like the kind of project that will yield blockbuster returns for anyone involved. It doesn’t move the RTS genre forward. But it does make for an accessible RTS that doesn’t feel stupid in the process, and it serves as a reminder of how well Halo’s world and fiction lends itself to spaces outside of the first person shooter, even if it can’t quite shake its franchise avoidance of meaningful denouement.

Toss those considerations in with the awkwardness of the controls and the featherweight strategy, and it's clear this isn't the kind of game that'll ever morph into a serious strategy esport, but neither is it meant to be. It's aimed less at the hardcore crowd that eagerly checks for announcements of a new Ashes of the Singularity expansion and more at the Halo shooter fans who'd like to see that universe from a perspective besides the sights of a rifle.

Blitz mode aside, Halo Wars 2 sticks with a tried, tested and slightly tired RTS formula that's competent, but lacking in depth and originality.