‘Historic Battles’ DLC hits Halo Wars on July 21

You didn’t think you were done with Halo Wars yet, did you? Microsoft has announced that the “Historic Battles” map pack will be available on July 21 for 800 points.

What do you get? Four new maps of varying sizes, all of which represent key turning points in the UNSC/Covenant war — “Barrens,” “Blood River,” “Glacial Ravine,” and “Memorial Basin.” Oh, and how about some Achievements? Four new Achievements will be included with the “Historic Battles” DLC, totally 150 points.

The full details of the four maps and Achievements, straight from Microsoft, can be found after the jump. Ten bucks for four Halo Wars maps — you in?

[Update: Contrary to the original story, the “Historic Battles” map will hit Xbox LIVE Marketplace on July 21, not July 31. Sorry for the inconvenience. Please update your The Women of Battlestar Galactica 2009 calendars accordingly.]

• 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.

Achievements

• 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)