Microsoft made a number of significant announcements about Xbox and Windows 10 exclusive games during their E3 media briefing, but the last game they showed was Halo Wars 2. They did so using an amazing cinematic trailer that helped to frame the conflict in the game and give us a taste for the main villain. Take a look at the video above to see what I mean.

Halo Wars 2 has quietly been one of the more interesting titles in the roster of upcoming Xbox One games. This is a sequel to a Halo Wars, a real time strategy game that sold *alright* and was generally well reviewed. It was by no means a pillar of the gaming universe.

The announcement was a surprise last year at Gamescom 2015, but this year we were fortunate enough to get even more great news about the game. 343 Studios has launched an open beta starting today and lasting until June 20th. That is a full week for Xbox One players to get their hands on the game and make a decision about whether or not it is for them.

You’ll have to make your decision quickly though, because the release date isn’t as far away as one would have thought. It is launching on February 21, 2017.


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