Microsoft unveils Halo: Spartan Assault for Windows 8 platforms

A new Halo game will launch in July for Windows 8 and Windows Phone 8, Microsoft has announced.

Halo: Spartan Assault is a top-down action shooter developed by Halo 4 creators 343 Industries (with help from Vanguard Games).

The game will work on Windows 8 touch devices and is set between Halo 3 and Halo 4. Rather than playing as Master Chief, gamers control commander Sarah Palmer or Spartan Davis on the UNSC Infinity.

On top of this new game, a new series of comics based on Halo is coming. Halo: Initiation is a three-part comic series linked to Halo: Spartan Assault. It is being created by Dark Horse Comics.

Spartan Assault has 25 missions, with 40 achievements and medals to unlock. The game also linked to Halo 4, with gamers able to earn experience points, achievements and emblems for their Halo 4 character. More features will be announced after the game’s July launch.

It’s a big year for Halo, with Microsoft already announcing a Halo TV series, which is produced by Steven Spielberg.