New playgrounds for “Halo Wars” fans with the “Historic Battle” Add-on Pack

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA – JULY 14, 2009 – “Historic Battle”, the latest update for “Halo Wars”, introduces four new multiplayer Skirmish maps that highlight key turning points in the UNSC/Covenant war. This add-on pack will be available for 800 Microsoft Points on Xbox LIVE from July 21st.

“Historic Battle” expands the universe for “Halo Wars” fans with four new multiplayer maps featuring varied terrains for players to compete on. The four new maps include:

• Barrens(1 vs. 1 map): Difficult terrain channels units into killing zones. The side that controls the Forerunner artifacts will have the advantage.
• Blood River (1 vs. 1 map): Secure base locations on nearby cliffs overlook this naturally red-tinged river. The soldiers that fought over its two narrow crossings gave the river its name, which has since taken on a greater meaning.
• Glacial Ravine (3 vs. 3 map): A snow-topped mountain range forms a natural barrier that cuts this region in half.  Control of the two energy walls at the narrow central pass often determines the outcome of the battle, though clever use of the Sentinel Factories may play a role as well.
• Memorial Basin(2 vs. 2 map): The high ground in the middle offers good cover for infantry, while the generally open terrain transforms organized battle plans into bloodbaths. “Historic Battle” also adds four new Achievements worth a total of 100 points:
• Tour Coming Through: Hot drop 50 squads to your Covenant Leader in a single game on Memorial Basin (30 points)
• Never Leave a Man Behind: Finish a game with 5000 net resources contributed to your teammates on Barrens (15 points)
• Drain Cleaner:Kill 20 enemy squads with a continuous Covenant Leader Power on Memorial Basin (30 points)
• Killjoy:Disrupt 5 active Leader Powers in a single game on Blood River (25 points)

“Halo Wars” is rated PG.  For more information on the “Historic Battle” add-on, visit www.xbox.com/en-AU/games/h/halowars/ or www.HaloWars.com .