Halo Wars is a real-time strategy video game developed by Ensemble Studios exclusively for the Xbox 360. Set in the iconic Halo universe, it marks a genre shift from the series' typical first-person shooter format. Players command armies of futuristic units, including ground troops, vehicles, and aircraft, against the alien Covenant forces. The game offers both a campaign mode with a strong narrative and online multiplayer battles. Its intuitive control scheme is designed to cater to the console's interface, making strategy accessible to a broader audience.