Good controlls and multiplayer make up greatly for the shortcomings. I definitely reccomend as a console RTS
Gameplay 8.0: Definitely made for ease of use. However, ease of use, such as the simple tech trees, does not take away at all from the strategy (suprisingly). How fast you climb that tech tree is less important than managing battles, and knowing when to attack and defend. Since they make it relatively easy to make new bases, many times you'll be attacking and defending at the same time, so you'll have to split your time micromanaging each battle. Fortunately, unit selection is laid out, that in seconds, you can order your anti-infantry to attack infantry, your tanks to attack the other tanks, you anti air to shoot down those dam banshees, etc. It's a rock-paper-scissors formula, that units are specially made to defeat other units, but as simple as it seems, its loads of fun to manage these battles, and watch all the familiar faces from halo fight it out.
Gameplay in a nutshell :Simple but fun, and evenly paced.
Graphics: Cutscenes make the otherwise underwhelming campaign, more interesting, since it's been a while since we've seen spartans in actions; it's a great treat to see them winning wars again. Graphics during gameplay aren't particularly detailed, so some different units may look deceivingly similiar. You'll be using your toolbar-unit selection to root out the exact units you want. On the upside, lag is completely non-existant in most cases, up to the maximum amount of players with the maximum amount of units all attacking at once. During multiplayer battles, you'll appreciate the overall effects and feel of the graphics over the details. The scale is actually quite large when playing with multiple players, and you'll really get the feeling your a battlefield general.
Graphics in a nutshell :Solid
Sound: Definitely a very positive aspect of this game. They didn't stray too far from the sounds the Halo weapons make. From needlers to warthogs, assault rifles, plasma rifles and grenades. The sound mixes quite well, and large battles have the chaotic sound of explosions, shells bursting, and all the other elements that give it that "epic scale" feeling, even though attacks will usually be short bursts of power.
Sound in a nutshell :True to the franchise, and the epic scale we've come to expect from Halo games
Overall: There are large amounts of strategies despite the relatively common unit variety. It's obvious that map design is the largest component in making strategy a key element. Flanks, chokepoints, extra bases, are at your disposal to use to your advantage. To really get the epic feel, you'll want to do 2vs2 and 3vs3 instead of 1vs1. Most games will last till all players have built up their entire tech tree, so to win you'll have to outsmart them, and cannot rely on a rush-strategy alone. While seasoned RTS vets my find this game underwhelming for all these reasons, those looking for a smooth-polished experience with good controlls for the xbox, and that Halo feeling of epic scaled battles will overlook it's shortcomings almost completely without notice, and have a great time.
My Verdict: Great Game