Gameplay 7/10
The strategy is scaled down a bit to make it playable on a console but there is still considerable strategy to be had and its well balanced. Gameplay can get a bit repetitive at times but I still enjoyed the game thoroughly, its REALLY satisfying to run around with nothing but 2 scarabs and incinerate everything that gets within your path until you've won the game. The commands are great, using the analog sticks you are really able to move around the map and select units easier than I've seen in earlier console RTS games, its a huge improvement. There is a small learning curve on the controls but once you get them down you can maneuver pretty well, though not as well as a computer RTS. Make sure you've at least tried a few skirmishes before moving online though, the people I played against tended to rush and had entire armies ready when I was still worrying about sitting up my base and upping my tech level.

Story 8/10
The game sticks to the story of the halo universe but I can't really explain how without spoiling too much. Just know that their are flood, it is the planet Harvest, and yes their mjolner armer has shields and their are flood. Anyone who's read the books and kept up with the timeline knows what I'm talking about.

Overal 8/10
I give it an 8/10 overall, its the best console RTS game I've seen to date. I recommend it to any fans of the Halo universe that have any interest in RTS games. This game is great for beginners to the RTS genre bc of its simplicity, but any hardcore RTS fans will most likely not enjoy this game unless they are just really into the story.