Microsoft Game Studios announced today that Ensemble Studios' action-based strategy game set in the Halo universe, Halo Wars, will be available in U.S. stores on March 3. Pre-orders for “Halo Wars” are taking place at participating retailers nationwide now. Fans who pre-order will receive an exclusive in-game Warthog with flame decals.
The game will also ship on March 3, 2009 in Canada, Mexico and South America. A few days earlier, on February 27, 2009, the game will be released in Europe and the Middle East, while Japan and other countries in Europe will get the game on February 26, 2009.
Microsoft also confirmed that there will be a Limited Collector’s Edition of Halo Wars (click here for images) that includes a special in-game “Honor Guard” Wraith, a graphic novel, six Leader cards and a “Spirit of Fire” patch. As an additional exclusive, LCE owners will get early access to the in-game “Halo 3” Mythic Map Pack.
The Limited Collector’s Edition retails for an estimated retail price of $79.99, while the standard edition is available at $59.99. A first for a “Halo” franchise game, “Halo Wars” is rated “T” for Teen.
