Ensemble Studios' sci-fi real-time strategy game Halo Wars shifted 639,000 units in the US during its March debut, according to the NPD Group, a healthy number considering its mixed reception and platform exclusivity. And even though the studio that made Halo Wars isn't around anymore, Microsoft has made it clear that it has every intention of supporting the game postlaunch.

　　The publisher announced today the first batch of downloadable content for Halo Wars. Titled the Strategic Options add-on pack, the DLC includes three new game modes for the sci-fi RTS's online multiplayer component. Though it's not yet priced, Microsoft expects to release the Strategic Options pack "in the coming weeks."

　　The first new mode, Keepaway, is an interpretation of the classic Capture the Flag objective, where teams of players battle for control of a free-roaming Forerunner Sentinel. In Tug of War mode, gamers battle to build the strongest army, as measured by unit numbers, buildings, and resources. Lastly, Reinforcement mode matches players against one another, where extra troops are added to each side in successive waves. The DLC will also offer 100 points' worth of additional achievements to earn.