Halo is the game that made the Xbox what it is today, so it comes as no surprise to see a Halo game coming to Windows Phone 8 and Windows 8 platforms. Since both platforms are not in a market position whih would be deemed satisfactory by Microsoft, it makes perfect sense to release a Halo game exclusive to both the platforms in hopes of getting more users.

It's a bold plan, but since the game is not a major Halo game, would it work? That's the important question that needs an answer.

The official name of the game is Halo: Spartan Assault. It is a twin-stick-style, top-down arcade shooter that is designed for touch screen devices that run on Windows 8 and Windows Phone 8. The game takes the player throughout 25 missions in the Halo universe where classic battles fought by the UNSC will be witnessed. We understand that the game takes place between the Halo 3 and Halo 4 story ark, so it should touch on the early days of the Spartan Ops program.

"With 'Halo: Spartan Assault,' we wanted to take 'Halo' out of the living room and create a brand new experience that was built specifically for a different screen," said Dan Ayoub, Executive Producer on "Halo: Spartan Assault" to Xbox Wire. "This is an opportunity for us to define what makes 'Halo' unique on mobile platforms and really raise the bar for what is possible."

Persons who are interested in playing Halo: Spartan Assault will be required to wait until July when the game is scheduled for release. Furthermore, it will cost players $6.99 per copy, but that's only if you want to play the game on both your Windows 8 tablet/desktop device, or on your Windows Phone 8 handset.

Gamers will be happy to know that the new game was developed by 343 Industries in conjunction with Vanguard Games. Furthermore, there is more than 40 earnable in-game Achievements and Medals, and the best part is, you will be able to progress your Spartan career in Halo 4 by playing Halo: Spartan Assault.

Features: Top features include the following:

• · 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.