This RTS has it's flaws, but it's a RTS designed for the console and designed right!
Let's start with the story. Unlike the other Halo games you do not play as master chief. That is because the story line for this game takes place years before the events of the first Halo. While that may be disappointing to some, the storyline is actually quite addictive and I found myself getting immersed into it. The downside is the game is quite short. I ended up being the single player campaign on normal within a few sittings. However, the multiplayer is what has me coming back for more (more on the multiplayer later).
The visual elements of this game are amazing, especially the cut scenes. Almost every mission opens and ends with a beautiful cut scene. Every wrinkle and detail of each character can be seen with great detail. During the game play itself, the units are so so. They look good when you zoom in, however when you zoom out some of the smaller units lose their flair. However, on the plus side, when zoomed out in the middle of an intense battle you really get a scene of how massive the battles can be. You hear every gun shot, grunt scream, and scarab laser firing during the action.
The multiplayer is what has me coming back time and time again. You have your standard 1 v 1, 2 v 2, etc. What is nice to see from the multiplayer is that you can actually play as the covenant and take control of some of their leaders. The multiplayer also gives you a chance to work with teammates and focus on certain units while your team mates focus on others. This allows you to make an unstoppable force and contribute all ur resources into perfecting just air, foot, or vehicle units. The only downside to this campaign is that it would have been nice to see a Flood playable unit, and get a chance to play the covenant as a campaign (maybe in the future?).
Like I said though, this is a RTS designed from the base up for the console. The controls are simple and easy to use without having to focus on how much easier to use a keyboard and mouse. It is always easy to select what you want to build, or create and it gives you enough customization options that you feel like you can do everything, while not overwhelming you with all the choices then not being able to select that quickly.
So in conclusion, I would recommend this game to pick up for anybody who is a RTS fan and looking for a game that will give you lasting value.