Microsoft revealed that a beta test has been launched for the real-time strategy gameHalo Wars 2in an effort to provide agog fans a taste of what this new video game has to offer.
The company announced the good news during the E3 press conference on June 13, saying that it is slated to officially hit store shelves on Feb. 21 next year.
Deemed a direct sequel to 2007'sHalo Wars, this new title is being developed by 343 Industries, theHalohead studio, in collaboration with the British studio behind the well-renownedTotal WarPC games, the Creative Assembly.
This news comes fairly hot on the heels of a previous rumor saying that gamers will be able to get first dibs onHalo Wars 2soon via an open beta, thanks to the screen shot that previously popped up on the web. The image that surfaced on the internet, showing off Alice-130 (Halo Wars' Spartan-II Commando) was shared via NeoGaf and is said to be a still that was lifted from the game's trailer.
An Xbox One product page for the new game also appeared. It seems that the page has gone live early ahead of the game's official launching. The leaked page says that the said beta testing would run until June 20.
Now, Microsoft has confirmed during the press conference that the week-longbetakick-starts on June 13 and ends on June 20.
"One of the top asks from fans was to continue the adventures of the Spirit of Fire," head of 343 Industries Dan Ayoubsaidduring the event. "In partnership with Creative Assembly, we're proud to bringHalo Wars 2to Xbox One and PC on Feb. 21, 2017."
For the uninitiated, the firstHalo Warsgame was released in 2009 via Xbox 360. The game was developed by the now-defunct Ensemble Studios.
It is interesting to note that the beta version of the game allows players to try out the title's multiplayer mode with up to six players.
Gameplay
The game gives gamers an aerial view to control the battles. The official trailer for the game shows human forces battling against a new race of aliens named "the Banished." The aliens are headed by a general who looks akin to an angry monkey.
It is expected that, upon the release of theHalo Wars 2next year, a premium edition will arrive along with remastered version ofHalo Wars.
In related news, Tech Times previously reported that Microsoft denied earlier speculation that emerged on the internet suggesting that the company is planning to portHalo 5: Guardiansto the PC.
"Our approach is to deliver epicHaloexperiences designed for PC gamers and Windows 10, such asHalo Wars 2and the recently announcedHalo 5: Forge," said Microsoft's spokesperson. "There are no plans to portHalo 5: Guardiansto PC."
If you are interested in getting a glimpse ofHalo Wars 2's official trailer, click the play button below.
