Microsoft announced a new entry in the Halo franchise today. Halo: Spartan Assault will be exclusively available on Windows 8 and Windows Phone 8. The game is a top down arcade shooter, and it’s designed specifically for touch screen devices.
“Played from a top-down (as opposed to first-person) perspective, Halo: Spartan Assault mines some rich storytelling territory. Set in the years between Halo 3 and Halo 4, it offers new insights into the first missions of the Spartan Ops program, the history of the Human-Covenant wars, and the rise of Commander Sarah Palmer”
One very interesting feature is cross screen support. Like Galactic Reign or Skulls of the Shogun, Halo: Spartan Assault is designed to work hand-in-hand with Windows 8, allowing you to start a game on your PC or Tablet and pick it up on your phone where you left off.
This is a major salvo by Microsoft, using one of its biggest franchises to highlight its mobile platform. Windows phone is lacking in the games department, but a title with this level of polish and the Halo name is sure to draw some interest to Microsoft devices.
Read the list of features and check out the announce trailer below! Also, you can find the announcement here and the game’s site here.
- Original “Halo” gameplay. An action-packed, single-player campaign spanning 25 missions in battles never before experienced in the Halo Universe, all played from a top-down camera view
- New and immersive storyline. An original story set between the events of “Halo 3” and “Halo 4,” experience a new war with the Covenant, the first missions of the Spartan Ops program and the rise of Commander Sarah Palmer, all with best-in-class graphics and audio
- Built for simplicity. A unique fusion of touch and console like controls for easy pick-up-and-play gaming, with the added flexibility of keyboard and mouse controls on Windows 8 PCs and tablets
- Integration with “Halo 4.” Earn experience points (XP), all-new Achievements, and unlock emblems for your “Halo 4” Spartan career, with additional integration features available after launch
- Nonstop competitive fun. Compete against friends in Leaderboards or hone your skills against an onslaught of Weekly Challenges while collecting more than 40 in-game Achievements and Medals
- In-app purchases. Grind to earn upgrades or speed up your training by purchasing credits for boosts, unique weapons or armor abilities
- Only on Windows. Available only on Windows 8 PCs and tablets and Windows Phone 8 devices.
[Via: Windows Phone Blog, Halo Waypoint]