The sequel to the top-down, twin stick shooter Halo: Spartan Assault has been launched and is available on Steam, Windows 8, Windows Phone 8, iPhone and iPad for $5.99. Halo: Spartan Strike draws from Halo 2 and delivers 30 missions.
Spartan Strike looks to be more of the same, which isn't necessarily a bad thing.
Spartan Strike's predecessor received warm reviews for the most part. There were many reviewers unimpressed by the arcade style game, but it earned a rating of "very positive" on Steam and Metacritic score of 70.
The action takes place on Mombasa 2552 and players take on the role of a Spartan soldier in a top secret ONI simulation. The game will see players lead a troop through challenges across various landscapes, from jungles to cities.
"No matter where you are, Halo: Spartan Strike provides fans a piece of the Halo universe with improved touch controls and updated graphics for an enhanced pick-up-and-play experience," states Microsoft.
The game moves to the sounds of a score composed by Tom Salta. The composer also created scores for Halo 2: Anniversary, Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary and Halo: Spartan Assault.
On Windows 8, Spartan Strike players can engage in weekly challenges and track their progress via leaderboards. Windows 8 and Windows Phone 8 players will also have access to achievements that can reward them with exclusive nameplates and emblems for Xbox One's Halo: The Master Chief Collection.
Halo: Spartan Strike also supports cross play for Windows devices, so players can purchase the game one and access it on both Windows 8 and Windows Phone 8.
On mobile devices, Spartan Strike equips players with virtual joysticks that make use of touch-based screens. On PC, players can use the tried and tested keyboard and mouse combination to control their characters or play with a USB Xbox One controller.
Halo: Spartan Strike is available for purchase on Stream, the Windows Store and that Apple App Store.
Spartan Assault yet and Spartan Strike are being offered together in a bundle. The $9.99 bundle is available on Steam and Apple's App Store.
"With 60 challenging missions across both titles, thrilling battles, a devastating arsenal of weapons, and more the Halo: Spartan Bundle provides the complete pick-up-and-play Halo experience," states Microsoft.
The bite-size bits of Spartan Strike's action may satiate the urge to play Halo, but fans waiting for a new installation into the core series of Halo don't have to wait much longer. Halo: Guardians arrives this holiday season and the game appears to be preparing to take players through a plot with two major arcs.
