Top-down action shooter launching on Windows 8 and Windows Phone 8 in July for $7; Halo Initiation comic revealed.

Microsoft today announced Halo: Spartan Assault, an all-new single-player Windows 8 and Windows Phone 8 top-down action shooter.

Developed by 343 Industries in conjunction with Vanguard Games (Gatling Gears, Greed Corp), Halo: Spartan Assault is described as "accessible" and made for fans and newcomers alike.

The game is set between the events of Halo 3 and Halo 4. It explores the first missions of the Spartan Ops program and provides greater clarity into the story of the Human-Covenant wars.

Gamers play as either Commander Sarah Palmer or Spartan Davis aboard the UNSC Infinity as they take on "never before seen" skirmishes against Covenant attackers.

Halo: Spartan Assault features 25 missions, weekly challenges, and leaderboards. The game also boasts 40 achievements and medals.

The game also ties in with Halo 4, allowing console players to score new achievements and emblems for their Halo 4 Spartan. "Additional integration features" will be made available after launch, Microsoft said.

Halo: Spartan Assault for Windows 8, tablets, and Surface devices will add support for the Wired Xbox 360 controller "shortly" after launch through a title update.

Lastly, Microsoft announced today a new partnership with Dark Horse Comics for a new three-part series called Halo: Initiation. It tells the story of how Commander Shepard Palmer became a Spartan-IV and ties in with Halo: Spartan Assault.

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