Halo: Spartan Assault takes franchise to mobile

Microsoft has taken its flagship gaming franchise Halo to mobile with the reveal of Halo: Spartan Assault for Windows Phone 8.

Also releasing on PC for Windows 8, the latest title in the hit series takes the game out of its FPS roots and puts it into new territory as a top-down action shooter.

Spartan Assault will feature touch-controls for mobile and tablets, as well as keyboard and mouse compatibility for PC. In-app purchases will also be available.

The game is set between the events of Halo 3 and Halo 4, with a single-player campaign that spans across 25 missions.

Players will be able to take control of a female character, commander Sarah Palmer, or male protagonist Spartan Davis.

Developed by 343 Industries and Amsterdam-based studio Vanguard Games, Halo: Spartan Assault is expected to be released next month.