Halo Wars has been out for a couple of months now and has had a round of DLC that was received with some fanfare on XBLIVE and a lot of animosity by fans. One simple reason the gamers were annoyed - no new maps. The DLC merely contained some new game modes that were welcome, but many felt (me included) that charging for game modes was a bit ridiculous.

Here we are in July and we finally get word that the next DLC - Historic Battles - will actually contain some maps and achievements. In fact, we'll ge getting four new maps and four achievements worth 100 points.

The release date was announced too and it's not that far away - July 21st for 800 points ($10). It's about time.

• Barrens (1v1 Map): Difficult terrain channels units into killing zones. The side that controls the Forerunner artifacts will have the advantage.
• Blood River (1v1 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 (3v3 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 (2v2 Map): The high ground in the middle offers good cover for infantry, while the generally open terrain transforms organized battle plans into bloodbaths.

The four new Achievements worth a total of 100 points are:

• 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)

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