Early reviews have been mostly positive, praising the game's successful and innovative take on the RTS genre, which is traditionally more suited toward the PC for console systems while lamenting the lack of depth in the multiplayer modes.

1. RTS set in Halo universe
2. Takes place 20 years before the first Halo
3. Early reviews positive
4. Transitions RTS onto consoles well
5. Multiplayer is shallow, game was built for campaign

Game Informer had similar acclaims for Halo Wars' adaptation of the RTS genre onto the console, and had particularly good things to say about the game's intuitive control scheme, which they said marks the first time a RTS game has felt playable on a console.

Edge Magazine also liked the game, though their praise was tempered by several criticisms. Though they praised the campaign for making RTS action satisfying but accessible, they found the campaign to be too short and lacking in depth, while the multiplayer mode, which should have provided the game's longevity, gave them the impression that the game was built for single-player.Edge Online: Halo Wars: The Edge Verdict (February 16, 2009)