Halo Wars 2: What do the critics think of the RTS sequel?

Halo Wars 2 will launch tomorrow on the Xbox One and PC, eight years after the original released on the Xbox 360 console.

Unlike other entries in the Halo franchise, the Wars series features real-time strategy (RTS) gameplay where the player controls a group of machines and battalions instead of the more traditional first person shooter gameplay of the core titles.

Gamers can either follow the campaign and command the UNSC faction through a series of battles, or play online with six-player traditional skirmish battles and base-controlling game modes.

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Halo Wars 2 brings with it a selection of new game modes and next generation graphics – but what do the critics think of the highly anticipated sequel?

Gamespot says that Halo Wars 2 appears to be an "RTS game for Halo fans and a Halo game for RTS fans", but ultimately the "very light" experience "runs out of steam quickly".

The cinematic cutscenes fail to develop the characters "in a meaningful way" and feel more like "eye-candy" than a means of pulling the player into the universe, adds the site.

Nevertheless, the cutscenes are often "gorgeous" and feature characters that deliver their lines in a manner that luckily overlooks the "cheesy action movie lines".

The Guardian says players won't mind the omission of the series hero, Master Chief, as the "grungier" and "more battle-worn" characters in Halo Wars 2 have "plenty of personality and intrigue".

The new Blitz multiplayer game mode is an "intriguing" addition that sees players combine deathmatch mechanics with card-based gameplay, adds the paper.

Building the perfect deck "will take practice", although the mode appears to favour "taking an aggressive approach" and using the most powerful units first.

"Halo Wars 2 will scratch a real-time strategy itch and give you a dose of Halo-Universe flavour with a decent story", says IGN, but it "won't go much deeper than that".

Multiplayer modes are the game's key to a lasting appeal, adds the site, as they are "significantly more diverse" and more interesting than some aspects in other real-time strategy (RTS) titles.

IGN adds that the series should be admired for experimenting with new genres instead of being given an "endless procession of first-person shooters". Its "run-of-the-mill campaign", however, can limit the player's enjoyment over longer periods of time.

Meanwhile, Eurogamer says console players can look forward to an RTS that "plays very nicely" with a controller. Indeed, adds the site, it plays so well that PC gamers may want to consider switching instead of using a keyboard and mouse.

The campaign can also be played cooperatively and there's "certainly a lot of content" to enjoy, Eurogamer continues, although it is "difficult to get really excited about any of it".

Halo Wars 2 launches on the Xbox One and PC on 21 February. Pre-orders are open on Amazon, which is offering the Xbox edition for £39.99 and a PC download key for £49.99.