Genius Products Inc. and B1 Games have announced a board game based on Microsoft and Bungie's best selling video game.  Even Halo fans might find this idea a little bizarre -- a Halo board game?  More than one person must have thought of it and found the concept appealing enough to push forward.  Ladies and gentlemen, we give the Halo Interactive Strategy Game.

GameSpy's coverage of the press release explains that the board game "captures the edge-of-your-seat action and storyline of the video game as it gives players the chance to control UNSC Marine and Covenant forces in strategic battles for power."  The game is an attempt to make Halo more appealing to a broader audience "with its family-friendly features" and will be available in retailers this September. 

President and CEO of Genius Products Trevor Drinkwater appears to be a fan of the video game franchise:

"Halo is one of the most recognizable and successful video game franchise of all time and boasts a tremendous worldwide presence that continues to grow.  Fans of all ages are going to love this extension of the popular brand that offers endless game play. B1 Games has created an incredibly innovative game that mirrors the hit franchise and will truly resonate with fans."

The Halo Interactive Strategy Game boasts a "modular board that can be re-configured to create a virtually limitless game play experience" and features "fan-favorite elements" from all three games, including the game's soundtrack and exclusive DVD content.  Of course the game has Master Chief, Cortana, and the Covenant (perhaps the Arbiter as well).

The idea struck me as goofy at first, but if Blizzard can successfully market a WoW trading card and board game, then why not Halo?  I'm mostly interesting in what sorts of people buy this game.  Will it predominately be the hardcore fans, or will the board game actually appeal to a greater audience?