I am really enjoying the Halo Wars demo. The only console RTS I can compare it to is LOTR:BFME, which I also really liked. I think Halo Wars does everything that LOTR:BFME does, and does many things better.

1. Set in the Halo universe. Cut scenes are informative and canonical.
2. Base entities must be built on pre-determined “pads.” Keeping track of buildings spread all over the map is difficult. This simplifies things.
3. Collecting resources is as simple as building a supply pad. Great way to introduce resource management without making us chop down trees.
4. Select multiple units by holding down A and using an expandable “bubble.” This is much better than the LOTR:BFME paint brush.
5. Thorough use of circular menus with thumbstick selection. Quick and efficient.
6. D-pad hotkeys to return to your base or your troops.
7. Menus and look follow Halo 3 themes. Very nice to have multiple games within the Halo universe so consistent. I wonder if ODST will be the same?

Overall I’m very pleased with the controls and content. I’m sure we’ll have the usual complaint about being limited by lack of a kb+m, which is probably true. In my case, I don’t give a shit, so it’s a moot point. I will be purchasing Halo Wars on release day.