Microsoft just announced that they will be bringing the Award-Winning “Halo” Franchise to Windows 8 Devices this July, titled  Halo: Spartan Assault. In a nutshell “Halo: Spartan Assault” is a new top-down action shooter for touched based device, and the first time in Halo’s franchise history on touch devices. The game is developed by 343 Industries and Vanguard Games, and is set between the events of “Halo 3” and “Halo 4, to be accompanied by a three-part comic series called “Halo: Initiation.”

“Halo: Spartan Assault” is a new chapter of the award-winning “Halo” universe that explores the first missions of the Spartan Ops program and dives deeper into the backstory of Human-Covenant wars. Play through the eyes of either Commander Sarah Palmer or Spartan Davis stationed aboard the UNSC Infinity as they fight never-before-seen battles against Covenant forces.

Windows 8 users can play the version of Spartan Assault with a mouse and keyboard, Microsoft also confirmed that “Halo: Spartan Assault will add support for the Wired Xbox 360 controller for Windows on Windows 8 PCs, tablets and Surface devices shortly after launch, via a title update.” The game will be available only on Windows 8 and Windows, for $6.99 and expected release date is July 13. So brace your to fight against covenant forces, with over 25 unique missions to hone your skills. Be sure to check out the press release for more info.

Features

• 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 consolelike controls for easy pick-up-and-play gaming, with the added flexibility of keyboard and mouse controls on Windows 8 PCs and tablets2
• 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.

With millions of franchise fans worldwide, Microsoft and 343 Industries today revealed an all-new way for gamers to experience “Halo;” this time, you can do it on Windows 8 devices.
Available this July for $6.99 ERP1 only on Windows 8 and Windows Phone 8, “Halo: Spartan Assault” is the first top-down action shooter that brings a “Halo” video game to touch-based devices. Developed by 343 Industries in conjunction with Vanguard Games, “Halo: Spartan Assault” provides an accessible, pick-up-and-play experience for fans and newcomers alike.

Set between the events of “Halo 3” and “Halo 4,” “Halo: Spartan Assault” explores the first missions of the Spartan Ops program and dives deeper into the backstory of Human-Covenant wars. Play through the eyes of either Commander Sarah Palmer or Spartan Davis stationed aboard the UNSC Infinity as they fight in never-before-seen battles against Covenant forces.

With 25 unique missions featuring unrivaled action and intensity, the single-player experience allows you to compete against friends in Leaderboards or hone your skills with Weekly Challenges. Replay the missions to collect more than 40 in-game Achievements and Medals.

For fans who already have a prospering Spartan career aboard the UNSC Infinity, “Halo: Spartan Assault” lets you earn experience points (XP), all-new Achievements, and emblems for your “Halo 4” Spartan, with additional integration features available after launch.
In addition, 343 Industries has teamed up with Dark Horse Comics to create “Halo: Initiation,” 2 a 3-part comic series which reveals the story of how Commander Sarah Palmer became a Spartan-IV and leads directly into the exciting missions of “Halo: Spartan Assault.”

To watch the trailer and learn more about “Halo: Spartan Assault,” please visit Halo Waypoint: http://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/games/halospartanassault[/wpspoiler]

Via: Engadget

Source: Halo