343 announces Halo: Spartan Assault

[Chris3123]

Available only for Windows 8 and Windows Phone 8, "Halo: Spartan Assault" is a new top-down action shooter that brings a "Halo" video game to touch-based devices for the first time in franchise history. 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" 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.

[yt]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BxsYQtltOco[/yt]



It's good to see them expanding Halo gaming beyond the usual FPS format again.

 

[Roshi]

Halo Wars?

 

[Chris3123]

Halo Wars?

Not really. Halo Wars was an RTS, and Spartan Assault is a shooter.

 

[Roshi]

Ah ok, the mini vid gave me strong RTS vibes.

 

[Jax]

A game spinoff too many. Focus on Halo 5 and a Halo 2 Remake.

 

[PsychoPere]

I've no doubt that 343 is focused primarily on Halo 5, while Vanguard Entertainment likely does all of the real development work on Spartan Assault. 343's role on this game is probably more conceptual - approving or denying ideas, and offering support when needed.

 

[Chris3123]

Spartan Assault is out now, at a price of $6.99 (same for both Windows 8 and Windows Phone 8 versions). However, in the US, the Windows Phone 8 version is only currently available for Verizon devices. It will be available for all Windows 8 phones next month.

Link

Is anybody here getting it?

 

[Roshi]

I will. I don't have a Windows phone myself but I installed W8 on my dad's laptop so I'll dl it once it's available over here.

Did you purchase it? How's the gameplay?

 

[Chris3123]

I will. I don't have a Windows phone myself but I installed W8 on my dad's laptop so I'll dl it once it's available over here.

Did you purchase it? How's the gameplay?

Nope. I don't have Windows 8, nor a Windows phone or tablet. I would like to try it, though.

Average user rating at Metacritic is 8.4, based on 9 ratings. Go to the site here to read a couple reviews.