Halo Wars’s announced February release date will be met, according to a recent announcement. That is, unless you live in the Unites States. Hit the jump for the details.

Peep this press release:

Get suited up and ready for deployment! On March 3, “Halo Wars,” the action-based strategy game set in the iconic “Halo” universe and created exclusively for Xbox 360, will be available in stores nationwide. Internationally, “Halo Wars” will be available on the following dates:

* Japan and Asia Pacific: Feb. 26
* EMEA: Feb. 27
* Americas (US, Canada, Mexico and South America): March 3

Pre-orders for “Halo Wars” are taking place at participating retailers nationwide now. Fans who pre-order will receive an exclusive in-game Warthog with flame decals. The Limited Collector’s Edition is also available and includes a special in-game “Honor Guard” Wraith, a graphic novel, six Leader cards and a “Spirit of Fire” patch. As an additional exclusive, LCE owners will get early access to the in-game “Halo 3” Mythic Map Pack for exciting new multiplayer action.

The Limited Collector’s Edition retails for an estimated retail price of $79.99, while the standard edition is available at $59.99. A first for a “Halo” franchise game, “Halo Wars” is rated “T” for Teen.

More information on “Halo Wars” can be found online at www.Xbox.com/HaloWars or www.HaloWars.com.

While we already knew about the LE details , there is some new information to be gleaned. This press release confirms that the earliest Halo 3’s Mythic Map Pack will be accessible to the public is the above mentioned dates. The fact that Bungie and Ensamble have confirmed the third Halo 3 map pack will be available on a specific date suggests that the maps are close to finished, and that perhaps bungie is sitting on a completed product to maximize profits. Weak.

Are you buying Halo Wars? Are you on the fence, waiting for a review to help you decide? Or are you waiting for the fantastic stories from the COD/GOW franchises to inspire offshoot games? Hit me with your input below:

Source: Hawty McBloggy