Halo: Spartan Assault has been impressing critics (including PCMag) and gamers since its global debut last month. But U.S. Windows Phone 8 players have been watching from the sidelines, until now.
Over the weekend, Microsoft revealed that Halo: Spartan Assault — the first mobile title in the franchise's 12-year-history — is now available for all Windows Phone 8 devices.
The $6.99 game requires 1GB of RAM, and boasts 25 never-before-played missions set in the years between Halo 3 and Halo 4, providing fans with 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, according to social media manager Michael Stroh.
"If none of that means anything to you, don't worry," Stroh wrote in a blog post. "The game was designed to appeal to both hardcore residents of Halo nation and newbies alike.
"Played from a top-down — as opposed to first-person — perspective, it features rich storytelling, stunning graphics, and tons of action," he added.
Windows Phone 8 owners on Verizon Wireless actually gained "exclusive" access to the game 30 days ago, leaving all other U.S. customers in the lurch. And not everyone is happy with the way Redmond handled the roll out.
"I think you screwed this one up," user dalydose wrote in response to Stroh's blog post. "I'm a fan, but this was a mess. Halo is one of the most favorable brands that you have and you did this tiered release. … The conversation wasn't about the game anymore, it was about whatever deal you made with Verizon. Now the momentum and buzz is lost."
The mobile game was unveiled in early June, when Microsoft and 343 Industries promised 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."
For more, see PCMag's review of Halo Spartan Assault for Windows 8 and the slideshow above.