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{{Era|RW}}
{{Title|''Halo: Spartan Assault''}}
{{Title|''Halo: Spartan Assault''}}
{{Game Infobox
{{Status|RealWorld}}
{{Disambig header|the first video game in the ''Halo: Spartan'' series|other uses|Spartan (disambiguation)}}
{{Game infobox
|name= ''Halo: Spartan Assault''
|name= ''Halo: Spartan Assault''
|image= [[File:HSA-Cover.jpg|300px|center]]
|image= [[File:HSA-Cover.jpg|300px|center]]
|developer= [[343 Industries]], [[Vanguard Games]]
|developer= [[343 Industries]], [[Vanguard Games]]
|publisher= [[Microsoft Studios]]
|publisher= [[Microsoft Studios]]
|platform= [[Wikipedia:Windows 8|Windows 8]] (PC and tablet)<br>[[Wikipedia:Windows Phone 8|Windows Phone 8]]<br>[[Xbox 360]]<ref name="HWP">[https://blogs.halowaypoint.com/Headlines/post/2013/10/29/Spartan-Assault-is-coming-to-Xbox-One-and-Xbox-360.aspx '''Halo Waypoint''' - ''Halo: Spartan Assault Is Coming to Xbox One and Xbox 360'']</ref><br>[[Xbox One]]<ref name="HWP"/><br>[[Wikipedia:Steam (software)|Steam]]<ref name="steam"/>
|engine=[[Unnamed game engine (Halo: Spartan games)|Unnamed game engine]]
|releasedate= July 18, [[2013]]<ref name="windows8only"/><ref name="waypoint">[http://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/games/halospartanassault '''Halo Waypoint''' - ''Halo: Spartan Assault'']</ref> {{C|Windows 8}}<br> December 23, 2013<ref name="Xbone">[http://www.oxm.co.uk/68528/halo-spartan-assault-is-out-now-for-xbox-one/ '''Xbox The Official Magazine''' - ''Halo: Spartan Assault is out now for Xbox One'']</ref> {{C|Xbox One}}<br> January 31, 2014<ref name="console dates"/><ref name="XM">[http://marketplace.xbox.com/en-US/Product/Halo-Spartan-Assault/66acd000-77fe-1000-9115-d80258411412 '''Xbox.com''' - ''Halo: Spartan Assault'']</ref><ref name="official360reldate">[https://blogs.halowaypoint.com/Headlines/post/2014/01/30/Halo-Spartan-Assault-for-Xbox-360-Release-Date-Revealed.aspx '''Halo Waypoint''' - ''Halo: Spartan Assault'' for Xbox 360 Releases Tomorrow!]</ref> {{C|Xbox 360}}<br>April 4, 2014 {{C|Steam}}<ref name="steam">[https://blogs.halowaypoint.com/en-us/blogs/headlines/posts/halo-spartan-assault-is-coming-to-steam '''Halo Waypoint''' - ''Halo: Spartan Assault Is Coming to Steam!'']</ref>  
|composer=[[Tom Salta]]
|platform= [[Wikipedia:Windows 8|Windows 8]] (PC and tablet)<br>[[Wikipedia:Windows Phone 8|Windows Phone 8]]<br>[[Xbox 360]]<ref name="HWP">[https://blogs.halowaypoint.com/Headlines/post/2013/10/29/Spartan-Assault-is-coming-to-Xbox-One-and-Xbox-360.aspx '''Halo Waypoint''' - ''Halo: Spartan Assault Is Coming to Xbox One and Xbox 360'']</ref><br>[[Xbox One]]{{Ref/Reuse|HWP}}<br>[[Steam]]{{Ref/Reuse|steam}}<br>[[Wikipedia:iOS|iOS]]<br>[[Xbox Cloud Gaming]]<br>
|releasedate= July 18, [[2013]]{{Ref/Reuse|windows8only}}<ref name="waypoint">[http://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/games/halospartanassault '''Halo Waypoint''' - ''Halo: Spartan Assault'']</ref> {{C|Windows 8}}<br> December 23, 2013<ref name="Xbone">[http://www.oxm.co.uk/68528/halo-spartan-assault-is-out-now-for-xbox-one/ '''Xbox The Official Magazine''' - ''Halo: Spartan Assault is out now for Xbox One'']</ref> {{C|Xbox One}}<br> January 31, 2014{{Ref/Reuse|console dates}}<ref name="XM">[http://marketplace.xbox.com/en-US/Product/Halo-Spartan-Assault/66acd000-77fe-1000-9115-d80258411412 '''Xbox.com''' - ''Halo: Spartan Assault'']</ref><ref name="official360reldate">[https://blogs.halowaypoint.com/Headlines/post/2014/01/30/Halo-Spartan-Assault-for-Xbox-360-Release-Date-Revealed.aspx '''Halo Waypoint''' - ''Halo: Spartan Assault'' for Xbox 360 Releases Tomorrow!]</ref> {{C|Xbox 360}}<br>April 4, 2014 {{C|Steam}}<ref name="steam">[https://blogs.halowaypoint.com/en-us/blogs/headlines/posts/halo-spartan-assault-is-coming-to-steam '''Halo Waypoint''' - ''Halo: Spartan Assault Is Coming to Steam!'']</ref>  
|genre=
|genre=
|modes= [[Campaign]]<br>[[Cooperative]]<ref name="HWP"/>
|modes= [[Campaign]]<br>[[Cooperative]]{{Ref/Reuse|HWP}}
|rating= [[Wikipedia:Entertainment Software Ratings Board|ESRB]]: Teen (T) for Blood and Violence
|rating= [[Wikipedia:Entertainment Software Ratings Board|ESRB]]: Teen (T) for Blood and Violence
[[Wikipedia:Pan European Game Information|PEGI]]: 16+
 
[[Wikipedia:Pan European Game Information|PEGI]]: 16+ (Europe only)
}}
}}
{{Quote|Halo like you have never played before.|Halo Waypoint<ref name="waypoint"/>}}
{{Quote|Halo like you have never played before.|Halo Waypoint{{Ref/Reuse|waypoint}}}}


'''''Halo: Spartan Assault''''' is an isometric shooter video game developed by [[Vanguard Games]] in collaboration with [[343 Industries]]; it is the eighth game in the ''Halo'' series. Originally designed and released for [[Wikipedia:Windows 8|Microsoft Windows 8]] and [[Wikipedia:Windows Phone 8|Windows Phone 8]], enhanced ports of the game are upcoming for [[Xbox 360]] and [[Xbox One]].<ref name="HWP"/> Set between the events of ''[[Halo 3]]'' and ''[[Halo 4]]'', the game features 25 missions that tell the story of the [[SPARTAN-IV program]]'s earliest operations.<ref name="official">[http://www.halowaypoint.com/en-US/games/halospartanassault '''Halo Waypoint''' - ''Halo: Spartan Assault'']</ref><ref name="firsttrailer">[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BxsYQtltOco ''Halo: Spartan Assault'' '''Announce Trailer''']</ref><ref name="windows8only">[http://www.gameinformer.com/games/halo_spartan_assault/b/pc/archive/2013/06/04/343-industries-reveals-halo-spartan-assault.aspx '''GameInformer''': ''343 Industries Reveals Halo: Spartan Assault'']</ref> The game went by the codename "'''Bootcamp'''" prior to its official announcement.<ref name="Waypoint 652013">[http://blogs.halowaypoint.com/Headlines/post/2013/06/05/The-Halo-Bulletin-6513.aspx '''Halo Waypoint:''' ''The Halo Bulletin 6.5.2012'']</ref> ''Spartan Assault'' was released on [[2013|July 18, 2013]] for Windows 8. The complete version of the game (including all DLC) was released on December 23, 2013 for Xbox One and released on [[2014|January 31, 2014]] for Xbox 360.<ref name="Xbone"/><ref name="console dates">[https://blogs.halowaypoint.com/Headlines/post/2013/12/09/Halo-Spartan-Assault-Release-Date-Revealed.aspx '''Halo Waypoint''' - ''Halo: Spartan Assault Release Date Revealed'']</ref><ref name="XM"/><ref name="official360reldate"/><ref>[http://www.totalxbox.com/70364/halo-spartan-assault-xbox-360-now-available-on-xbox-live '''Xbox The Official Magazine''' - ''Halo: Spartan Assault Xbox 360 now available on Xbox Live'']</ref> The game was released on April 4, 2014 for [[Wikipedia:Steam (software)|Steam]].<ref name="steam"/>
'''''Halo: Spartan Assault''''' is an isometric shooter video game developed by [[Vanguard Games]] in collaboration with [[343 Industries]]; it is the eighth game in the ''Halo'' series. Originally designed and released for [[Wikipedia:Windows 8|Microsoft Windows 8]] and [[Wikipedia:Windows Phone 8|Windows Phone 8]], enhanced ports of the game were subsequently released for [[Xbox 360]] and [[Xbox One]].{{Ref/Reuse|HWP}} Set in [[2554]], between the events of ''[[Halo 3]]'' in [[2552]] and ''[[Halo 4]]'' in [[2557]], the game features 30 missions that tell the story of the [[SPARTAN-IV program]]'s earliest operations.<ref name="windows8only">[http://www.gameinformer.com/games/halo_spartan_assault/b/pc/archive/2013/06/04/343-industries-reveals-halo-spartan-assault.aspx '''GameInformer''': ''343 Industries Reveals Halo: Spartan Assault'']</ref><ref name="official">[http://www.halowaypoint.com/en-US/games/halospartanassault '''Halo Waypoint''' - ''Halo: Spartan Assault'']</ref><ref name="firsttrailer">[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BxsYQtltOco ''Halo: Spartan Assault'' '''Announce Trailer''']</ref> The game went by the codename "'''Bootcamp'''" prior to its official announcement.<ref name="Waypoint 652013">[http://blogs.halowaypoint.com/Headlines/post/2013/06/05/The-Halo-Bulletin-6513.aspx '''Halo Waypoint:''' ''The Halo Bulletin 6.5.2012'']</ref> ''Spartan Assault'' was released on [[2013|July 18, 2013]] for Windows 8. The complete version of the game (including all DLC) was released on December 23, 2013 for Xbox One and released on [[2014|January 31, 2014]] for Xbox 360.{{Ref/Reuse|Xbone}}<ref name="console dates">[https://blogs.halowaypoint.com/Headlines/post/2013/12/09/Halo-Spartan-Assault-Release-Date-Revealed.aspx '''Halo Waypoint''' - ''Halo: Spartan Assault Release Date Revealed'']</ref>{{Ref/Reuse|XM}}{{Ref/Reuse|official360reldate}}<ref>[http://www.totalxbox.com/70364/halo-spartan-assault-xbox-360-now-available-on-xbox-live '''Xbox The Official Magazine''' - ''Halo: Spartan Assault Xbox 360 now available on Xbox Live'']</ref> The game was released on April 4, 2014 for [[Wikipedia:Steam (software)|Steam]].{{Ref/Reuse|steam}} ''Halo: Spartan Assault'' was also released on the iOS App Store in 2015. The game is no longer available for purchase on the iOS App Store, but people who bought it in the past years are still able to re-download the game through the "Purchased" tab on the App Store as the game is tied to their Apple accounts.


Completing the first mission on an Xbox console grants the player various rewards for use in Halo 4, including Air Assault VISN, C.I.O. RUSH, 'Determined' player stance, DMR STP weapon skin, and 50,000 XP. These bonuses are unlocked after purchasing the Champions Bundle in Halo 4 and entering the 'Flying Colors' glyph on Halo Waypoint. If entered correctly, the next time Halo 4 is launched, a message will thank you for purchasing the bundle and you will unlock the rewards.
Completing the first mission on an Xbox console grants the player various rewards for use in Halo 4, including Air Assault VISN, C.I.O. RUSH, 'Determined' player stance, DMR STP weapon skin, and 50,000 XP. These bonuses are unlocked after purchasing the Champions Bundle in Halo 4 and entering the 'Flying Colors' glyph on Halo Waypoint. If entered correctly, the next time Halo 4 is launched, a message will thank you for purchasing the bundle and you will unlock the rewards.


A spiritual successor, ''[[Halo: Spartan Strike]]'', is set to be released for Windows devices and Steam in early 2015.<ref name="delay">[https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/community/blog-posts/halo-spartan-strike-coming-in-early-2015 '''Halo Waypoint''' - ''Halo: Spartan Strike Coming in Early 2015'']</ref>
A spiritual successor, ''[[Halo: Spartan Strike]]'', released for Windows devices, Steam and Apple devices on April 16, 2015.<ref name="delay">[https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/community/blog-posts/halo-spartan-strike-coming-in-early-2015 '''Halo Waypoint''' - ''Halo: Spartan Strike Coming in Early 2015'']</ref>
 
The [[Steam reward]]s available for the game can be viewed [[Steam reward/Halo: Spartan Assault|here]].


==Synopsis==
==Synopsis==
===Characters and setting===  
===Characters and setting===
Set sometime in [[2554]], ''Halo: Spartan Assault''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s main narrative explores the SPARTAN-IVs' first Spartan Ops<!--This is the in-universe term, not the game mode.--> during the [[Battle of Draetheus V]].<ref name="gameplay 1">[http://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/games/halospartanassault/mediadetail?title=halo-spartan-assault-defend&id=984bc596-d52b-49e4-be4c-93457bd55bf3&category=Videos '''Halo Waypoint''' - ''Halo: Spartan Assault - Defend'']</ref><ref name="gameplay 2">[http://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/games/halospartanassault/mediadetail?title=halo-spartan-assault-clear&id=8704efa0-1cc1-4920-8209-5c9e13440c97&category=Videos '''Halo Waypoint''' - ''Halo: Spartan Assault -Clear'']</ref> This battle is part of the [[Post-Covenant War conflicts|second war]] between the [[United Nations Space Command|UNSC]] and the [[Merg Vol's Covenant faction|remnants]] of the [[Covenant]], which is still being waged during the events of ''Halo 4''.<ref name="official"/><ref name="Reed">[http://blogs.halowaypoint.com/Headlines/post/2013/06/03/Halo-Initiation-Writer-Interview.aspx '''Halo Waypoint''' - ''Halo Initiation Writer Interview'']</ref><ref>[http://blogs.windows.com/windows_phone/b/windowsphone/archive/2013/06/04/coming-this-summer-a-new-halo-for-windows-phone-8.aspx Coming this summer: '''Windows Phone Blog''' ''A new Halo for Windows Phone 8'']</ref> The story unfolds through the [[UNSC Tactical Simulator|UNSC TACSIM]], a historical computer simulation which the SPARTAN-IVs use for combat analysis and training, much like ''Halo 4''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s [[War Games]] mode,<ref name="firsttrailer"/><ref name="pareport''>[http://penny-arcade.com/report/article/the-next-halo-game-is-coming-to-hardware-you-dont-have-and-software-you-don  '''The PA Report''': ''The next Halo game is coming to hardware you don’t have, and software you don’t want'']</ref> though the framing story takes place at some point after ''Halo 4''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s campaign.<ref group="note">[[Roland]] was activated on December 5, 2557, roughly five months after the [[First Battle of Requiem]], to replace ''Infinity''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s previous AI, [[Aine]]. The game's framing story thus takes place after the events of ''Halo 4''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s campaign, though when it occurs in relation to [[Spartan Ops]] is unclear. However, ''[[Halo: Escalation]]'' indicates that ''Infinity'' returned directly to Earth after [[Requiem]]'s destruction, suggesting that the framing narrative takes place in the gap between Roland's creation and the [[Second Battle of Requiem]].</ref> This framing structure explains some of the game's arcade-like elements, such as weapons' ability to fire continuously;<ref name="gameplay 1"/><ref name="gameplay 2"/> indeed, [[Roland]] jests that the TACSIM doubles as "a fun game you can play in your spare time".<ref>''Halo: Spartan Assault'', opening cutscene</ref>
Set sometime in [[2554]], ''Halo: Spartan Assault''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s main narrative explores the SPARTAN-IVs' first Spartan Ops<!--This is the in-universe term, not the game mode.--> during the [[Battle of Draetheus V]].<ref name="gameplay 1">[http://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/games/halospartanassault/mediadetail?title=halo-spartan-assault-defend&id=984bc596-d52b-49e4-be4c-93457bd55bf3&category=Videos '''Halo Waypoint''' - ''Halo: Spartan Assault - Defend'']</ref><ref name="gameplay 2">[http://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/games/halospartanassault/mediadetail?title=halo-spartan-assault-clear&id=8704efa0-1cc1-4920-8209-5c9e13440c97&category=Videos '''Halo Waypoint''' - ''Halo: Spartan Assault -Clear'']</ref> This battle is one of the [[Post-Covenant War conflicts|numerous conflicts]] waged between the [[United Nations Space Command|UNSC]] and the [[Covenant remnants|remnants]] of the former [[Covenant]] in the years after the end of the [[Human-Covenant War]].{{Ref/Reuse|official}}<ref name="Reed">[http://blogs.halowaypoint.com/Headlines/post/2013/06/03/Halo-Initiation-Writer-Interview.aspx '''Halo Waypoint''' - ''Halo Initiation Writer Interview'']</ref><ref>[http://blogs.windows.com/windows_phone/b/windowsphone/archive/2013/06/04/coming-this-summer-a-new-halo-for-windows-phone-8.aspx Coming this summer: '''Windows Phone Blog''' ''A new Halo for Windows Phone 8'']</ref> The story unfolds through the [[UNSC Tactical Simulator|UNSC TACSIM]], a historical computer simulation which the SPARTAN-IVs use for combat analysis and training, much like ''Halo 4''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s [[War Games]] mode,{{Ref/Reuse|firsttrailer}}<ref name="pareport">[http://penny-arcade.com/report/article/the-next-halo-game-is-coming-to-hardware-you-dont-have-and-software-you-don  '''The PA Report''': ''The next Halo game is coming to hardware you don’t have, and software you don’t want'']</ref> though the framing story takes place at some point after ''Halo 4's'' campaign.{{Ref/Note|[[Roland]] was activated on December 5, 2557, roughly five months after the [[Battle of Requiem]], to replace ''Infinity's'' previous AI, [[Aine]]. The game's framing story thus takes place after the events of ''Halo 4's'' campaign, though when it occurs in relation to ''[[Spartan Ops]]'' is unclear. However, ''[[Halo: Escalation]]'' indicates that ''Infinity'' returned directly to Earth after [[Requiem]]'s destruction, suggesting that the framing narrative takes place in the gap between Roland's creation and the [[Requiem Campaign]].}} This framing structure explains some of the game's arcade-like elements, such as weapons' ability to fire continuously;{{Ref/Reuse|gameplay 1}}{{Ref/Reuse|gameplay 2}} indeed, [[Roland]] jests that the TACSIM doubles as "a fun game you can play in your spare time".<ref>''Halo: Spartan Assault'', opening cutscene</ref>


The campaign has two protagonists, Spartans [[Sarah Palmer]] and [[Edward Davis]], whose first meeting is depicted in the ''[[Halo: Initiation]]'' limited comic series.<ref name="Reed"/> Rather than the in-engine cutscenes used in most ''Halo'' games, ''Spartan Assault'' instead makes use of motion comic-style animations between missions, much like the [[Terminal/Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary|Terminal]]s in ''[[Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary]]'' and ''Halo 4''.<ref name="windows8only"/> [[Halo: Spartan Assault/Quotes|Various quotes]] are displayed in the game's mission loading screens, some acting as gameplay tips while others provide backstory for the events of the game.
The campaign has two protagonists, Spartans [[Sarah Palmer]] and [[Edward Davis]], whose first meeting is depicted in the ''[[Halo: Initiation]]'' limited comic series.{{Ref/Reuse|Reed}} Rather than the in-engine cutscenes used in most ''Halo'' games, ''Spartan Assault'' instead makes use of motion comic-style animations between missions, much like the [[Terminal (Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary)|Terminal]]s in ''[[Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary]]'' and ''Halo 4''.{{Ref/Reuse|windows8only}} [[Halo: Spartan Assault/Quotes|Various quotes]] are displayed in the game's mission loading screens, some acting as gameplay tips while others provide backstory for the events of the game.


''Halo'' franchise writers [[Brian Reed]] and [[Jeremy Patenaude]] were responsible for the writing of ''Spartan Assault''.<ref>'''Halo: Spartan Assault credits'''</ref>
''Halo'' franchise writers [[Brian Reed]] and [[Jeremy Patenaude]] were responsible for the writing of ''Spartan Assault''.<ref>'''Halo: Spartan Assault credits'''</ref>


===Plot===
===Plot===
{{Spoiler}}
{{Spoiler/begin}}
''Spartan Assault'' begins with the {{UNSCShip|Infinity}}'s [[AI]] [[Roland]] giving several [[Spartan-IV]]'s a lesson on historical battles. Using [[UNSC Tactical Simulator]]s, Roland reveals that the Spartan users can assume the roles of Spartans [[Edward Davis]] and [[Sarah Palmer]] during the [[Battle of Draetheus V]], to enhance strategic skills. Roland explains that the engagement started when a [[Merg Vol's Covenant faction|splinter sect of Covenant]] ignored the Ceasefire of [[2552]] and attacked [[UNSC]] forces on the former [[Forerunner]] world of [[Draetheus V]].<ref name="umbra">'''Halo: Spartan Assault''', ''[[Operation A: Umbra]]''</ref>
''Spartan Assault'' begins with the {{UNSCShip|Infinity}}'s [[AI]] [[Roland]] giving several [[Spartan-IV]]'s a lesson on historical battles. Using [[UNSC Tactical Simulator]]s, Roland reveals that the Spartan users can assume the roles of Spartans [[Edward Davis]] and [[Sarah Palmer]] during the [[Battle of Draetheus V]], to enhance strategic skills. Roland explains that the engagement started when a [[Merg Vol's Covenant|splinter sect of Covenant]] ignored the Ceasefire of [[2552]] and attacked [[UNSC]] forces on the former [[Forerunner]] world of [[Draetheus V]].<ref name="umbra">'''Halo: Spartan Assault''', ''[[Operation A: Umbra]]''</ref>
[[File:Operation A.png|thumb|250px|The Covenant fleet arriving at [[Draetheus V]].]]  
[[File:Operation A.png|thumb|250px|Merg Vol's Covenant fleet arriving at [[Draetheus V]].]]  
The Covenant forces are led by [[Sangheili]] [[Zealot]] [[Merg Vol]]. Vol leads a fleet of ships to the planet and the Covenant deploys troops on both Draetheus V and its [[moon]] [[X50]]. Palmer and Davis lead the UNSC in defending the planet from the Covenant. After thwarting the initial assault, Davis moved to secure the UNSC's [[Research Facility Alpha]] and the Forerunner artifact located therein, which appeared to be the Covenant's main target.<ref>'''Halo: Spartan Assault''', ''[[Mission 1: Assault on CF-32|Assault on CF-32]]''</ref> However, the Covenant resumed their assault and the UNSC feared the research facility would soon be crushed. Palmer, with a Marine detachment, infiltrated artillery positions the Covenant had set up and destroyed them.<ref>'''Halo: Spartan Assault''', ''[[Mission 2: The Mirror Mantle Counter-Assault|The Mirror Mantle Counter-Assault]]''</ref> Spartan Davis later noticed the Covenant's heavy reliance on dropship insertion. Davis realized they would be vulnerable to focused anti-aircraft fire, so, using [[M9 Wolverine]]s, he began establishing air defenses west of the facility at a location designated [[Glacial Perch]].<ref>'''Halo: Spartan Assault''', ''[[Mission 3: Reinforcement of the Perch|Reinforcement of the Perch]]''</ref>
The splinter Covenant forces are led by [[Sangheili]] [[Zealot]] [[Merg Vol]]. Vol leads a fleet of ships to the planet and his Covenant deploys troops on both Draetheus V and its [[moon]] [[X50]]. Palmer and Davis lead the UNSC in defending the planet from Merg Vol's Covenant. After thwarting the initial assault, Davis moved to secure the UNSC's [[Research Facility Alpha]] and the Forerunner artifact located therein, which appeared to be Vol's Covenant's main target.<ref>'''Halo: Spartan Assault''', ''[[Mission 1: Assault on CF-32|Assault on CF-32]]''</ref> However, Vol's Covenant resumed their assault and the UNSC feared the research facility would soon be crushed. Palmer, with a Marine detachment, infiltrated artillery positions Vol's Covenant had set up and destroyed them.<ref>'''Halo: Spartan Assault''', ''[[Mission 2: The Mirror Mantle Counter-Assault|The Mirror Mantle Counter-Assault]]''</ref> Spartan Davis later noticed Vol's Covenant's heavy reliance on dropship insertion. Davis realized they would be vulnerable to focused anti-aircraft fire, so, using [[M9 Wolverine]]s, he began establishing air defenses west of the facility at a location designated [[Glacial Perch]].<ref>'''Halo: Spartan Assault''', ''[[Mission 3: Reinforcement of the Perch|Reinforcement of the Perch]]''</ref>


While Spartan Davis was successful in slowing the enemy advance, the Covenant forces were too overwhelming. Sarah Palmer began fighting her way upstream through the invasion in an attempt to reach one of the northern outposts. Her plan was to destroy Covenant air support and give the [[AV-14 Hornet]]s a chance to land near the outposts. The ultimate goal was to get off X50 and warn Draetheus V of the Covenant invasion. Within an hour of their arrival at X50, the Covenant owned the moon. Despite the ferocity of the assault on X50, the UNSC forces on Draetheus V had no idea anything was going on because the planet's unique magnetic resonance frequently made off-world communication nearly impossible.<ref>'''Halo: Spartan Assault''', ''[[Mission 4: Live to Fight|Live to Fight]]''</ref>
While Spartan Davis was successful in slowing the enemy advance, Merg Vol's Covenant forces were too overwhelming. Sarah Palmer began fighting her way upstream through the invasion in an attempt to reach one of the northern outposts. Her plan was to destroy Covenant air support and give the [[AV-14 Hornet]]s a chance to land near the outposts. The ultimate goal was to get off X50 and warn Draetheus V of Vol's Covenant invasion. Within an hour of their arrival at X50, Vol's Covenant owned the moon. Despite the ferocity of the assault on X50, the UNSC forces on Draetheus V had no idea anything was going on because the planet's unique magnetic resonance frequently made off-world communication nearly impossible.<ref>'''Halo: Spartan Assault''', ''[[Mission 4: Live to Fight|Live to Fight]]''</ref>
[[File:Operation C.png|thumb|250px|left|[[Merg Vol]] activates [[X50]].]]  
[[File:Operation C.png|thumb|250px|left|[[Merg Vol]] activates [[X50]].]]  
While Davis defends the moon, Palmer and a small amount of UNSC forces remains on Draetheus V, outgunned and out-manned. The Covenant attack Draetheus V's main military outpost, [[Faraday Base]], and breach the first defense lines before the base's sentry turrets were fully operational.<ref>'''Halo: Spartan Assault''', ''[[Mission 6: Siege of Faraday|Siege of Faraday]]''</ref> After securing Faraday, Palmer began trying to establish the location of the Covenant officers leading the invasion. After taking significant losses, Marines of the [[21st Scout platoon]] had managed to uncover a set of promising coordinates. After tracking the officers down, she quickly eliminated them.<ref>'''Halo: Spartan Assault''', ''[[Mission 8: Hunt for the Sangheili Command|Hunt for the Sangheili Command]]''</ref>
While Davis defends the moon, Palmer and a small amount of UNSC forces remains on Draetheus V, outgunned and out-manned. Merg Vol's Covenant attack Draetheus V's main military outpost, [[Faraday Base]], and breach the first defense lines before the base's sentry turrets were fully operational.<ref>'''Halo: Spartan Assault''', ''[[Mission 6: Siege of Faraday|Siege of Faraday]]''</ref> After securing Faraday, Palmer began trying to establish the location of Vol's Covenant officers leading the invasion. After taking significant losses, Marines of the [[21st Scout platoon]] had managed to uncover a set of promising coordinates. After tracking the officers down, she quickly eliminated them.<ref>'''Halo: Spartan Assault''', ''[[Mission 8: Hunt for the Sangheili Command|Hunt for the Sangheili Command]]''</ref>


As Spartan Palmer led the charge on Draetheus V, Spartan Davis continued to face considerable enemy threat on the moon. Furthermore, it was revealed that X50 was not a natural moon after all, but a [[Forerunner]] megastructure capable of constructing and destroying planets. Upon finding his way into the control center, Merg Vol tuned X50's main weapon on Draetheus V and began to dismantle the planet. The Covenant forces activated the primary weapon of the X50 construct. Directed toward the planet, the beam began to disintegrate Draetheus V, destabilizing it.<ref>'''Halo: Spartan Assault''' - ''[[Operation C: Monolith]]''</ref> Enormous slabs of rock were slowly floating away from the planet's surface and both UNSC and Covenant troops were scrambling to get to safety as the UNSC continued to evacuate the planet.<ref>'''Halo: Spartan Assault''', ''[[Mission 16: Escape from the Southern Fields|Escape from the Southern Fields]]''</ref> The Covenant continued to attack the planet and the UNSC quickly realized that Draetheus V was ill-prepared for a full evacuation. There was not enough transportation to allow everyone to leave Draetheus V. However, the UNSC raided a Covenant airfield and stole numerous Covenant aircraft. With Palmer's help, 23 Covenant aircraft carrying civilians made it off the planet.<ref>'''Halo: Spartan Assault''', ''[[Mission 20: Defense of the Enemies' Airbase|Defense of the Enemies' Airbase]]''</ref>
As Spartan Palmer led the charge on Draetheus V, Spartan Davis continued to face considerable enemy threat on the moon. Furthermore, it was revealed that X50 was not a natural moon after all, but a [[Forerunner]] megastructure capable of constructing and destroying planets. Upon finding his way into the control center, Merg Vol tuned X50's main weapon on Draetheus V and began to dismantle the planet. Merg Vol's Covenant forces activated the primary weapon of the X50 construct. Directed toward the planet, the beam began to disintegrate Draetheus V, destabilizing it.<ref>'''Halo: Spartan Assault''' - ''[[Operation C: Monolith]]''</ref> Enormous slabs of rock were slowly floating away from the planet's surface and both UNSC and Covenant troops were scrambling to get to safety as the UNSC continued to evacuate the planet.<ref>'''Halo: Spartan Assault''', ''[[Mission 16: Escape from the Southern Fields|Escape from the Southern Fields]]''</ref> Vol's Covenant continued to attack the planet and the UNSC quickly realized that Draetheus V was ill-prepared for a full evacuation. There was not enough transportation to allow everyone to leave Draetheus V. However, the UNSC raided a Covenant airfield and stole numerous Covenant aircraft. With Palmer's help, 23 Covenant aircraft carrying civilians made it off the planet.<ref>'''Halo: Spartan Assault''', ''[[Mission 20: Defense of the Enemies' Airbase|Defense of the Enemies' Airbase]]''</ref>


In a stroke of luck, the {{UNSCShip|Eminent Domain}} was able to outmaneuver Covenant forces in orbit over the moon and offer some support by deploying [[ODST]]s to the southern [[Mirror Flats]]. The [[3rd Helljumper Platoon]] was the first to land on Draetheus V's moon. Their drop zone was less than a mile from Alpha facility but the landing scattered them across the razor sharp rock face of the Glacial Perch. They were quickly surrounded by Covenant infantry and taking heavy losses, but Davis came to their assistance.<ref>'''Halo: Spartan Assault''', ''[[Mission 11: Descend from the Perch|Descend from the Perch]]''</ref> Davis connected with UNSC combat technicians who believed they could render the Forerunner structure inert; they just needed the chance to get inside the structure.<ref>'''Halo: Spartan Assault''', ''[[Mission 13: Assault on the Supply Lines|Assault on the Supply Lines]]''</ref> Davis and the remaining Marines assisted the combat technicians securing the Forerunner structure while the Covenant reinforcements did everything in their power to stop the technicians. With supporting sniper fire from higher grounds, Davis and his men were able to buy the technicians just enough time to do their work. However, even with their job complete, it was too late for Draetheus V. The planet was already breaking apart.<ref>'''Halo: Spartan Assault''', ''[[Mission 15: Superstructure Stand-off|Superstructure Stand-off]]''</ref>
In a stroke of luck, the {{UNSCShip|Eminent Domain}} was able to outmaneuver Covenant forces in orbit over the moon and offer some support by deploying [[ODST]]s to the southern [[Mirror Flats]]. The [[3rd Helljumper Platoon]] was the first to land on Draetheus V's moon. Their drop zone was less than a mile from Alpha facility but the landing scattered them across the razor sharp rock face of the Glacial Perch. They were quickly surrounded by Covenant infantry and taking heavy losses, but Davis came to their assistance.<ref>'''Halo: Spartan Assault''', ''[[Mission 11: Descend from the Perch|Descend from the Perch]]''</ref> Davis connected with UNSC combat technicians who believed they could render the Forerunner structure inert; they just needed the chance to get inside the structure.<ref>'''Halo: Spartan Assault''', ''[[Mission 13: Assault on the Supply Lines|Assault on the Supply Lines]]''</ref> Davis and the remaining Marines assisted the combat technicians securing the Forerunner structure while Merg Vol's Covenant reinforcements did everything in their power to stop the technicians. With supporting sniper fire from higher grounds, Davis and his men were able to buy the technicians just enough time to do their work. However, even with their job complete, it was too late for Draetheus V. The planet was already breaking apart.<ref>'''Halo: Spartan Assault''', ''[[Mission 15: Superstructure Stand-off|Superstructure Stand-off]]''</ref>
[[File:Davis last stand.jpg|thumb|250px|Davis' last stand.]]  
[[File:Davis last stand.jpg|thumb|250px|Davis' last stand.]]  
While defending the moon, Spartan Davis was killed by an overwhelming amount of [[Sangheili]] forces. With transportation secured, one last hurdle remained in getting the colonists safely off of Draetheus V. The leader of the Covenant forces, [[Merg Vol]], was still present on moon X50, providing the remaining Covenant forces with a rallying point and cry. If the colonists were to leave Draetheus V's orbit alive, Merg Vol would need to be terminated. Palmer suspected the Covenant's officer on Draetheus V, [[Parg Vol]] had a [[Phantom gunboat|personal transport]] hidden away. After completing the evacuation operation, locating Parg Vol's ship became Palmer's highest priority. After fighting through heavy Covenant forces she was able to locate Vol's Phantom and used it to get to X50.<ref>'''Halo: Spartan Assault''', ''[[Mission 21: Hunt for the Phantom|Hunt for the Phantom]]''</ref> Having successfully piloted the Phantom through the Covenant fleet orbiting Draetheus V's moon, Palmer was able to land south of Merg Vol's camp, out of range of his [[Type-38 Tyrant|turrets]].<ref>'''Halo: Spartan Assault''', ''[[Mission 23: Infiltration of the Cult Leader's Base|Infiltration of the Cult Leader's Base]]''</ref>
While defending the moon, Spartan Davis was killed by an overwhelming amount of [[Sangheili]] forces. With transportation secured, one last hurdle remained in getting the colonists safely off of Draetheus V. The leader of the splinter Covenant forces, [[Merg Vol]], was still present on moon X50, providing the remaining Covenant forces with a rallying point and cry. If the colonists were to leave Draetheus V's orbit alive, Merg Vol would need to be terminated. Palmer suspected Vol's officer on Draetheus V, [[Parg Vol]] had a [[R'shwupa-pattern Phantom|personal transport]] hidden away. After completing the evacuation operation, locating Parg Vol's ship became Palmer's highest priority. After fighting through heavy Covenant forces she was able to locate Vol's Phantom and used it to get to X50.<ref>'''Halo: Spartan Assault''', ''[[Mission 21: Hunt for the Phantom|Hunt for the Phantom]]''</ref> Having successfully piloted the Phantom through Vol's Covenant fleet orbiting Draetheus V's moon, Palmer was able to land south of Merg Vol's camp, out of range of his [[Cheru-pattern Tyrant|turrets]].<ref>'''Halo: Spartan Assault''', ''[[Mission 23: Infiltration of the Cult Leader's Base|Infiltration of the Cult Leader's Base]]''</ref>
[[File:Battle for the Moon.png|thumb|250px|left|Palmer approaching Vol.]]  
[[File:Battle for the Moon.png|thumb|250px|left|Palmer approaching Vol.]]  
Merg Vol was convinced he had been chosen by his gods to wield the power contained within the Forerunner structure. Having spent considerable resources to unlock its secrets, Vol managed to activate the structure's emergency defenses. With the deadly defenses at his command, Vol had become extremely dangerous. Unable to contact Spartan Davis since landing on Draetheus V's moon, Palmer prepared to battle Vol on her own. Vol's exact location had not been difficult to find: the direct area at the foot of the Forerunner structure was littered with a trail of dead UNSC soldiers. After facing Merg Vol's final forces and Forerunner [[beam turret]]s, she engaged Merg Vol himself. Despite a difficult fight, Palmer was able to overtake Vol and executed him with her [[M6H Personal Defense Weapon System|M6H magnum]].
Merg Vol was convinced he had been chosen by his gods to wield the power contained within the Forerunner structure. Having spent considerable resources to unlock its secrets, Vol managed to activate the structure's emergency defenses. With the deadly defenses at his command, Vol had become extremely dangerous. Unable to contact Spartan Davis since landing on Draetheus V's moon, Palmer prepared to battle Vol on her own. Vol's exact location had not been difficult to find: the direct area at the foot of the Forerunner structure was littered with a trail of dead UNSC soldiers. After facing Merg Vol's final forces and Forerunner [[beam turret]]s, she engaged Merg Vol himself. Despite a difficult fight, Palmer was able to overtake Vol and executed him with her [[M6H magnum]].


With Merg Vol killed and the Covenant forces were defeated and the surviving colonists of Draetheus V were able to safely evacuate the system. After killing Vol, Palmer sabotaged the Forerunner device on X50.<ref>'''Halo: Spartan Assault''', ''[[Mission 25: Battle for the Moon|Battle for the Moon]]''</ref>
With Merg Vol killed and his Covenant forces defeated, the surviving colonists of Draetheus V were able to safely evacuate the system. After killing Vol, Palmer sabotaged the Forerunner device on X50.<ref>'''Halo: Spartan Assault''', ''[[Mission 25: Battle for the Moon|Battle for the Moon]]''</ref>


Shortly after the battle, the UNSC discovered a looping transmission of low-frequency static from X50. Palmer and UNSC forces returned to the moon to investigate. However, the UNSC quickly realized that Covenant forces remained on the moon. After fighting through numerous Covenant soldiers, Palmer discovered that the message had originated from Spartan Davis, moments before his death, and that Davis' final impressions had been absorbed into a [[Durance|Forerunner device]]. She shut the device down in order to allow her friend to pass away peacefully.<ref>'''Halo: Spartan Assault''' - ''[[Operation F: Hydra]]''</ref>
Shortly after the battle, the UNSC discovered a looping transmission of low-frequency static from X50. Palmer and UNSC forces returned to the moon to investigate. However, the UNSC quickly realized that Covenant forces remained on the moon. After fighting through numerous Covenant soldiers, Palmer discovered that the message had originated from Spartan Davis, moments before his death, and that Davis' final impressions had been absorbed into a [[Durance|Forerunner device]]. She shut the device down in order to allow her friend to pass away peacefully.<ref>'''Halo: Spartan Assault''' - ''[[Operation F: Hydra]]''</ref>
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{{Col-end}}
{{Col-end}}


;[[Flood Missions]]
;[[Halo: Spartan Assault co-op missions|Flood missions]]
*[[Mission 1: Checkpoint|Checkpoint]]
*[[Mission 1: Checkpoint|Checkpoint]]
*[[Mission 2: Holding the Fort|Holding the Fort]]
*[[Mission 2: Holding the Fort|Holding the Fort]]
Line 108: Line 114:
==Gameplay==
==Gameplay==
===Control input===
===Control input===
[[File:HSA touch input.jpg|thumb|right|250px|Touch input for ''Halo: Spartan Assault'']]
[[File:HSA touch input.jpg|thumb|250px|Touch input for ''Halo: Spartan Assault'']]
As a "twin-stick" top-down shooter title, ''Halo: Spartan Assault'' is developed primarily for touchscreen platforms. The default controls for the game use some of the common control mechanics of touchscreen games: the movement control is located on the left screen whereas the aiming and firing control is located on the right. ''Halo''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s staple abilities, (such as grenade with a single button and using vehicles seamlessly), are readily accessible to the player and are placed next to the aiming and firing controls for ease of use.<ref name="debut">[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rKjakadAOic '''YouTube''': ''Halo: Spartan Assault - Debut Gameplay Reveal'']</ref>
As a "twin-stick" top-down shooter title, ''Halo: Spartan Assault'' is developed primarily for touchscreen platforms. The default controls for the game use some of the common control mechanics of touchscreen games: the movement control is located on the left screen whereas the aiming and firing control is located on the right. ''Halo''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s staple abilities, (such as grenade with a single button and using vehicles seamlessly), are readily accessible to the player and are placed next to the aiming and firing controls for ease of use.<ref name="debut">[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rKjakadAOic '''YouTube''': ''Halo: Spartan Assault - Debut Gameplay Reveal'']</ref>


On Windows 8 PCs and tablets, the game can also be played with a mouse and keyboard. Keyboard controls use a standard shooter format: the "WASD" key group controls movement and the mouse is for aiming and firing. On August 29, an update was applied to the game which enables the use of an [[Xbox 360]] controller as well.<ref name="debut"/> The console versions of the game feature an altered control scheme in which the player must press the Right Trigger in order to fire weapons; in contrast, the other versions do not distinguish between the "look" and "fire" controls.<ref name="Ellis"/>
On Windows 8 PCs and tablets, the game can also be played with a mouse and keyboard. Keyboard controls use a standard shooter format: the "WASD" key group controls movement and the mouse is for aiming and firing. On August 29, an update was applied to the game which enables the use of an [[Xbox 360]] controller as well.{{Ref/Reuse|debut}} The console versions of the game feature an altered control scheme in which the player must press the Right Trigger in order to fire weapons; in contrast, the other versions do not distinguish between the "look" and "fire" controls.{{Ref/Reuse|Ellis}}
{{clear}}
{{clear}}
===Gameplay mechanics===
Splattering damage in ''Spartan Assault'' is similar to ''[[Halo: Combat Evolved]]'' where a simple prod from a vehicle can instantly kill the player. ''Spartan Assault'' gameplay features weapon racks that will refill ammunition for the weapons they house, granting the player technically unlimited ammo in a given area. Most battlefield debris in the game can be destroyed using brute force such as explosions or ramming it with vehicles larger than the debris. Exceptions include the Spirit and Pelican dropships as well as drop pods, which cannot be destroyed. Hijackings only affect Covenant vehicle, such as Wraiths and Ghosts. While hijacking, the player will gain invulnerability until taking full control of the vehicle or turret. However, when any mounted vehicles and turrets used by the player are destroyed, the player will die. The game features overheat on the machine gun and Plasma Turret; when they overheat, the player cannot use it until the overheat bar drains. Some weapons are given more ammo than standard FPS Games, such as the plasma pistol, sniper rifle, Spartan laser and rocket launcher. Splattering Marines does not kill them; however, if the player is splattered by a friendly vehicle, the player will die.


===Player loadout===
===Player loadout===
[[File:HSA loadout.jpg|thumb|right|250px|Player loadout]]
[[File:HSA loadout.jpg|thumb|250px|Player loadout]]
Players are able to customize their Spartan character's primary and secondary weapon [[loadout]], [[armor ability]], and [[Boosters|booster]] (akin to ''Halo 4''<nowiki />'s [[tactical packages]] and [[support upgrades]]) at the start of each mission.
Players are able to customize their Spartan character's primary and secondary weapon [[loadout]], [[armor ability]], and [[Boosters|booster]] (akin to ''Halo 4''<nowiki />'s [[tactical packages]] and [[support upgrades]]) at the start of each mission. For additional challenge, the player can select up to two of six skulls to gain more bonuses achievements.
{{clear}}
{{clear}}


===Cooperative play===
===Cooperative play===
The Xbox 360 and Xbox One versions of the game include a two-player online cooperative mode. In this mode two Spartans battle against hordes of [[Flood]] forms across five missions.<ref name="HWP"/> The also mode features never-before-seen weapons and equipment, including [[Unidentified machine pistol|a machine pistol]] (which is [[Dual-wielding|dual-wielded]] like the [[M7/Caseless Submachine Gun|M7]]), a [[Slipspace translocation|teleportation]] armor ability, and a what appears to be a "cryo bomb" which emits a cloud that the Flood cannot penetrate.<ref name="Ellis"/><ref name="WP co-op">[https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/games/halospartanassault/mediadetail?title=spartan-assault-xbox-one-co-op&id=c6a8539d-34ee-4bda-8b0a-a5f1c2615f14&category=Videos '''Halo Waypoint:''' ''SPARTAN ASSAULT XBOX ONE - CO-OP'']</ref>
The Xbox 360 and Xbox One versions of the game include a two-player online cooperative mode. In this mode two Spartans battle against hordes of [[Flood]] forms across five missions.{{Ref/Reuse|HWP}} The also mode features never-before-seen weapons and equipment, including [[Machine Pistol|a machine pistol]] (which is [[Dual-wielding|dual-wielded]] like the [[M7/Caseless Submachine Gun|M7]]), a [[Slipspace translocation|teleportation]] armor ability, and a what appears to be a "cryo bomb" which emits a cloud that the Flood cannot penetrate.{{Ref/Reuse|Ellis}}<ref name="WP co-op">[https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/games/halospartanassault/mediadetail?title=spartan-assault-xbox-one-co-op&id=c6a8539d-34ee-4bda-8b0a-a5f1c2615f14&category=Videos '''Halo Waypoint:''' ''SPARTAN ASSAULT XBOX ONE - CO-OP'']</ref>
 
===Weekly Challenge===
The Weekly Challenge is where the player will be tasked with a challenge that occurs randomly every week, such as kill a specified target on a specified mission, kill with specified weapons, or even kill with specified methods. The reward is based on the difficulty you will face and the harder the weekly challenge, the more reward will be given. Weekly challenge change randomly every week and the player can take up to three challenges every week.


==Appearances==
==Appearances==
{{Featurelist|secondcolumn=title-5|title-1=Characters|
{{Featurelist|secondcolumn=title-5|title-1=Characters|
;UNSC
;UNSC
*Spartan [[Edward Davis]] {{1st}}<ref name="windows8only"/>
*Spartan [[Edward Davis]] {{1st}}{{Ref/Reuse|windows8only}}
*Spartan [[Sarah Palmer]]<ref name="official"/>
*Spartan [[Sarah Palmer]]{{Ref/Reuse|official}}
*[[Roland]]<ref>[https://vine.co/v/hmgIb1VATxb '''Vine.co''' - ''Xbox: Meet Roland, your A.I. guide in Halo: Spartan Assault'']</ref>
*[[Roland]]<ref>[https://vine.co/v/hmgIb1VATxb '''Vine.co''' - ''Xbox: Meet Roland, your A.I. guide in Halo: Spartan Assault'']</ref>


Line 191: Line 203:
|title-2=Species and entities|
|title-2=Species and entities|
*[[Flood]] {{C|Simulation only}}
*[[Flood]] {{C|Simulation only}}
**[[Flood infection form]] {{C|Simulation only}}
**[[Pod infector]] {{C|Simulation only}}
**[[Flood combat form]] {{C|Simulation only}}
**[[Flood combat form]] {{C|Simulation only}}
*[[Forerunner]] {{Mo}}
*[[Forerunner]] {{Mo}}
Line 215: Line 227:
|title-3=Organizations|
|title-3=Organizations|
*[[Covenant remnants]]
*[[Covenant remnants]]
**[[Merg Vol's Covenant faction]] {{1st}}
**[[Merg Vol's Covenant]] {{1st}}
*[[Unified Earth Government]]
*[[Unified Earth Government]]
**[[United Nations Space Command]]
**[[United Nations Space Command]]
***[[UNSC Defense Force]]
***[[UNSC Defense Force]]
****[[Spartan (branch)|Spartan]]
****[[Spartan Operations|Spartan]]
*****[[SPARTAN-IV program]]
*****[[SPARTAN-IV program]]
****[[UNSC Army]]
****[[UNSC Army]]
Line 234: Line 246:
**[[Draetheus V]] {{1st}}
**[[Draetheus V]] {{1st}}
***[[Epsilon Expanse]] {{1st}}
***[[Epsilon Expanse]] {{1st}}
***[[Faraday Base]] {{1st}}<ref name="HSA E3"/>
***[[Faraday Base]] {{1st}}{{Ref/Reuse|HSA E3}}
***[[Red Slate Plateau]] {{1st}}
***[[Red Slate Plateau]] {{1st}}
***[[X50]] {{1st}}
***[[X50]] {{1st}}
Line 243: Line 255:
****[[Glacial Perch]] {{1st}}
****[[Glacial Perch]] {{1st}}
****[[Mirror Flats]] {{1st}}
****[[Mirror Flats]] {{1st}}
*****[[Research Facility Alpha]] {{1st}}<ref name="YSAG"/>
*****[[Research Facility Alpha]] {{1st}}{{Ref/Reuse|YSAG}}
*[[Sol system]]
*[[Sol system]]
**[[Earth]]
**[[Earth]]
Line 257: Line 269:
|title-5=Events|
|title-5=Events|
*[[Human-Covenant War]] {{Mo}}
*[[Human-Covenant War]] {{Mo}}
**[[Battle of Voi]] {{Mo}}
**[[Battle of Kenya]] {{Mo}}
*[[Post-Covenant War conflicts]]
*[[Post-Covenant War conflicts]]
**[[Battle of Draetheus V]] {{1st}}
**[[Battle of Draetheus V]] {{1st}}
Line 271: Line 283:
*[[M45 shotgun#M45D Tactical Shotgun|M45D shotgun]]
*[[M45 shotgun#M45D Tactical Shotgun|M45D shotgun]]
*[[M6 Spartan Laser]]
*[[M6 Spartan Laser]]
*[[M6H magnum]]
*[[M6 series]]
**[[M6H magnum]]
**[[M6/Z magnum]] {{1st}}
*[[M7 SMG]]
*[[M7 SMG]]
*[[M9 fragmentation grenade]]
*[[M9 fragmentation grenade]]
*[[MA5D assault rifle]]
*[[MA5D assault rifle]]
*[[Unidentified machine pistol]] {{1st}}<ref name="WP co-op"/><ref name="Ellis"/>
*[[Napalm grenade]]
*[[Napalm grenade]]
*[[SRS99-S5 AM sniper rifle]]
*[[SRS99-S5 AM sniper rifle]]
Line 281: Line 294:
;Unusable
;Unusable
*[[ARC-920 railgun]]
*[[ARC-920 railgun]]
*[[M395 DMR]]
*[[M6G magnum]]
*[[M6G magnum]]
*[[MA37 assault rifle]]
*[[MA37 assault rifle]]
Line 287: Line 301:
====Covenant====
====Covenant====
;Usable
;Usable
*[[Type-1 plasma grenade]]
*{{Pattern|Anskum|plasma grenade}}
*[[Type-25 plasma pistol]]
*[[Type-25 plasma pistol]]
*[[Type-25 Brute Shot]]<ref name="H:SAA"/>
*[[Type-25 Brute Shot]]{{Ref/Reuse|H:SAA}}
*[[Type-29 Shade]]
*{{Pattern|Mamua'uda|Shade}}
*[[Type-33 Needler]]
*[[Type-33 Needler]]
*[[Type-51 plasma repeater]]
*{{Pattern|Nakata'vho|plasma repeater}}
*[[Type-52 focus rifle]]
*{{Pattern|M'tara|focus rifle}}


;Unusable
;Unusable
*[[Covenant automated plasma turret|Automated plasma turret]]
*[[Fuel rod cannon]]
*[[Fuel rod cannon]]
*[[Mega turret]]<ref name="HSA E3w343"/>
*{{Pattern|Emp'seam|Antlion}}{{Ref/Reuse|HSA E3w343}}
*[[Type-1 energy sword]]
*[[Type-1 energy sword]]
*[[Type-2 gravity hammer]]
*[[Gravity hammer (fiction)|gravity hammer]]
*[[Type-25 plasma rifle]]<ref name="HSA E3w343"/>
*{{Pattern|Kewu Umppi'pa'|citadel turret}}
*[[Type-31 Needle Rifle]]
*{{Pattern|Okarda'phaa|plasma rifle}}{{Ref/Reuse|HSA E3w343}}
*[[Type-38 Tyrant]]
*{{Pattern|Gadulo|needle rifle}}
*{{Pattern|Cheru|Tyrant}}


====Forerunner====
====Forerunner====
Line 322: Line 336:
*[[M313 Elephant]]
*[[M313 Elephant]]
*[[M9 Wolverine]]
*[[M9 Wolverine]]
*[[Single Occupant Exoatmospheric Insertion Vehicle]]
*[[M8900 drop pod]]
*{{Class|Strident|heavy frigate}}
*{{Class|Strident|heavy frigate}}
*{{UNSCShip|Eminent Domain}} {{1st}}
*{{UNSCShip|Eminent Domain}} {{1st}}
Line 329: Line 343:
====Covenant====
====Covenant====
;Usable
;Usable
*[[Type-26 Wraith]]
*{{Pattern|Zurdo|Wraith}}
*[[Type-32 Ghost]]
*{{Pattern|Karo'etba|Ghost}}
*[[Type-52 Anti-Aircraft Wraith]]
*{{Pattern|Ogab'd|anti-aircraft Wraith}}


;Unusable
;Unusable
*{{Class|CAS|assault carrier}}
*{{Class|CAS|assault carrier}}
*{{Class|CCS|battlecruiser}}
*{{Pattern|Ket|battlecruiser}}
*[[Covenant drop pod|Orbital insertion pod]]<ref name="HSA E3"/>
*[[Covenant drop pod|Orbital insertion pod]]{{Ref/Reuse|HSA E3}}
*[[Type-25 Spirit]]
*{{Pattern|Taaku Xur|Spirit}}
*{{Pattern|Dextro Xur|Spirit}}
*[[Type-26 Banshee]]
*[[Type-26 Banshee]]
*[[Type-52 Phantom]]
*{{Pattern|Ru'swum|Phantom}}
**[[Phantom gunboat]]
**{{Pattern|R'shwupa|Phantom}}


|title-8=Technology and equipment|
|title-8=Technology and equipment|
;[[Armor abilities]]
;[[Armor abilities]]
*[[M2705 Regenerative Kinetic Dispersal Field]]
*[[M2705 regeneration field]]
*[[Orbital reformer]] {{1st}}
*[[Overshield]]<ref name="H:SAA">[http://blogs.halowaypoint.com/Headlines/post/2013/06/11/Halo-Spartan-Assault-Achievements.aspx '''Halo Waypoint''': ''Halo: Spartan Assault Achievements'']</ref>
*[[Overshield]]<ref name="H:SAA">[http://blogs.halowaypoint.com/Headlines/post/2013/06/11/Halo-Spartan-Assault-Achievements.aspx '''Halo Waypoint''': ''Halo: Spartan Assault Achievements'']</ref>
*[[Repel]]<ref name="WP co-op"/>
*[[Repel]]{{Ref/Reuse|WP co-op}}
*[[Seeker Drone]] {{1st}}<ref name="H:SAA"/>
*[[Seeker Drone]] {{1st}}{{Ref/Reuse|H:SAA}}
*[[Stun Blast]] {{1st}}
*[[Stun Blast]] {{1st}}
*[[Teleport]] {{1st}}
*[[Teleport]] {{1st}}
Line 357: Line 373:
*[[Artificial intelligence]]
*[[Artificial intelligence]]
**[[Avatar]]
**[[Avatar]]
*[[Covenant comm node]]
*[[Covenant defense barrier]]
*[[Covenant supply case]]
*[[Data pad]]
*[[Data pad]]
**[[UNSC Tactical Simulator]] {{1st}}
**[[UNSC Tactical Simulator]] {{1st}}
Line 372: Line 391:
***[[MJOLNIR Powered Assault Armor/S variant]]
***[[MJOLNIR Powered Assault Armor/S variant]]
*[[Methane tank]]
*[[Methane tank]]
*[[Sangheili combat harness]]
*[[Combat harness|Sangheili combat harness]]
*[[Stationary shield generator]]
*[[Unggoy combat harness]]
*[[Unggoy combat harness]]
*[[UNSC Marine Corps Battle Dress Uniform]]
*[[UNSC Marine Corps Battle Dress Uniform]]
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==Development==
==Development==
===Design===
===Design===
Vanguard Games began development of ''Halo: Spartan Assault'' around April 2012 for the Windows 8 platform, before the announcement of Windows Surface.<ref name="build">[http://www.wpcentral.com/halo-spartan-assault-coming-mid-july-will-include-future-game-updates '''Windows Phone Central''': ''Halo Spartan Assault coming mid-July, will include future game updates'']</ref> During initial development, Vanguard experimented with several prototypes by bringing the traditional ''Halo'' first-person shooter experience to mobile devices, only to find the gameplay wholly unsuitable for the platform.<ref name="build"/> The game's AI system is managed by HAVOK, the same AI system management technology used in ''Halo 4''.<ref name="havokai">[http://www.havok.com/news-and-press/releases/halo-spartan-assault '''Havok''': ''Havok’s AI Technology Powering Halo: Spartan Assault on Windows 8 and Windows Phone 8'']</ref> The Microsoft Surface Pro version of the game runs at 60 frames-per-second; the Xbox One versions runs at the same frame rate with a native 1080p resolution.<ref name="Ellis"/> The Windows Phone 8 and PC versions are locked at 30 FPS.<ref name="build"/> The game's top-down view and stylization result in an aesthetic very similar to that of ''[[Halo Wars]]''.
Vanguard Games began development of ''Halo: Spartan Assault'' around April 2012 for the Windows 8 platform, before the announcement of Windows Surface.<ref name="build">[http://www.wpcentral.com/halo-spartan-assault-coming-mid-july-will-include-future-game-updates '''Windows Phone Central''': ''Halo Spartan Assault coming mid-July, will include future game updates'']</ref> During initial development, Vanguard experimented with several prototypes by bringing the traditional ''Halo'' first-person shooter experience to mobile devices, only to find the gameplay wholly unsuitable for the platform.{{Ref/Reuse|build}} The game's AI system is managed by HAVOK, the same AI system management technology used in ''Halo 4''.<ref name="havokai">[http://www.havok.com/news-and-press/releases/halo-spartan-assault '''Havok''': ''Havok’s AI Technology Powering Halo: Spartan Assault on Windows 8 and Windows Phone 8'']</ref> The Microsoft Surface Pro version of the game runs at 60 frames-per-second; the Xbox One and Xbox 360 versions runs at the same frame rate with a native 1080p resolution.{{Ref/Reuse|Ellis}} The Windows Phone 8 and PC versions are locked at 30 FPS.{{Ref/Reuse|build}} The game's top-down view and stylization result in an aesthetic very similar to that of ''[[Halo Wars]]''.


====Sandbox====
====Sandbox====
The [[sandbox]] features weapons, vehicles, and armor styles from throughout the series' past. Most of the UNSC's arsenal from ''Halo 4'' is represented in ''Spartan Assault''; indeed, all but [[M41 Light Anti-Aircraft Gun|one]] usable UNSC weapon comes from ''Halo 4''. The Covenant's arsenal is instead an eclectic mix of weapons from previous games, notably featuring the [[Type-52 Special Applications Rifle|focus rifle]] and [[Type-51 Directed Energy Rifle/Improved|plasma repeater]] from ''[[Halo: Reach]]''. Several vehicles and stationary weapons which originated in ''Halo Wars'' are virtually unchanged from their incarnations in that game, aside from improved textures. The Covenant [[Type-26 Assault Gun Carriage|Wraith]] and [[Type-26 Ground Support Aircraft|Banshee]] also appear to use their models from ''Halo Wars'', evidenced by the former's plasma turret and the latter's canard layout.
The [[sandbox]] features weapons, vehicles, and armor styles from throughout the series' past. Most of the UNSC's arsenal from ''Halo 4'' is represented in ''Spartan Assault''; indeed, all but [[M41 Light Anti-Aircraft Gun|one]] usable UNSC weapon comes from ''Halo 4''. Merg Vol's Covenant arsenal is instead an eclectic mix of weapons from previous games, notably featuring the [[M'tara-pattern focus rifle|focus rifle]] and [[Type-51 Directed Energy Rifle/Improved|plasma repeater]] from ''[[Halo: Reach]]''. Several vehicles and stationary weapons which originated in ''Halo Wars'' are virtually unchanged from their incarnations in that game, aside from improved textures. The [[Zurdo-pattern Wraith|Wraith]] and [[Type-26 Ground Support Aircraft|Banshee]] also appear to use their models from ''Halo Wars'', evidenced by the former's plasma turret and the latter's canard layout.


Aside from [[Merg Vol]], the Covenant species are based on their appearances in earlier media rather than their ''Halo 4'' incarnations. Specifically, the [[Unggoy|Grunts]], [[Sangheili|Elites]], and [[Kig-Yar|Jackals]] have the physiology of their ''Halo: Reach'' counterparts and wear corresponding armor. The [[Jiralhanae|Brutes]] and Drones are instead represented with their designs from ''Halo 3'' and ''[[Halo 3: ODST]]''.
Aside from [[Merg Vol]], the former Covenant species are based on their appearances in earlier media rather than their ''Halo 4'' incarnations. Specifically, the [[Unggoy|Grunts]], [[Sangheili|Elites]], and [[Kig-Yar|Jackals]] have the physiology of their ''Halo: Reach'' counterparts and wear corresponding armor. The [[Jiralhanae|Brutes]] and Drones are instead represented with their designs from ''Halo 3'' and ''[[Halo 3: ODST]]''.


===Cross-platform integration===
===Cross-platform integration===
In-game statistics are integrated across the four Microsoft platforms: Windows 8, Windows Phone 8, [[Xbox 360]], and [[Xbox One]]. [[List of Halo: Spartan Assault Medals|Medals]] unlocked, [[Experience point|XP]] earned, and [[Credit|cR]] purchased are each deposited into a single repository. [[Challenges/Halo: Spartan Assault|Challenge/Assault Ops]] progress carries across all platforms.
In-game statistics are integrated across the four Microsoft platforms: Windows 8, Windows Phone 8, [[Xbox 360]], and [[Xbox One]]. [[List of Halo: Spartan Assault medals|Medals]] unlocked, [[Experience point|XP]] earned, and [[Credit|cR]] purchased are each deposited into a single repository. [[Assault Ops]]/challenge progress carries across all platforms.


Mission progress is recorded individually for each platform, and each platform features its own leaderboards. Achievements must be unlocked by playing the game on each platform individually, however some achievements (i.e. [[117 (achievement)|117]], [[Extra Credit]], [[Pension Plan]]) are unlocked via accomplishments which are recorded across platforms, and therefore unlocking the achievement on one platform can contribute to or even complete the achievement on the others.
Mission progress is recorded individually for each platform, and each platform features its own leaderboards. Achievements must be unlocked by playing the game on each platform individually, however some achievements (i.e. [[117 (achievement)|117]], [[Extra Credit]], [[Pension Plan]]) are unlocked via accomplishments which are recorded across platforms, and therefore unlocking the achievement on one platform can contribute to or even complete the achievement on the others.
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===Integration features with ''Halo 4''===
===Integration features with ''Halo 4''===
The game is closely integrated with the player's experience in ''Halo 4'' where players can unlock experience points, new achievements, and an emblem for their ''Halo 4'' account.<ref name="official"/> After purchasing the [[Champions Bundle]] Pack or the Bullseye Map Pack, the game will unlock:  
The game is closely integrated with the player's experience in ''Halo 4'' where players can unlock experience points, new achievements, and an emblem for their ''Halo 4'' account.{{Ref/Reuse|official}} After purchasing the [[Champions Bundle]] Pack or the Bullseye Map Pack, the game will unlock:  


*The ''Striped'' (STP) skin for the [[M395 Designated Marksman Rifle|DMR]].
*The ''Striped'' (STP) [[Weapon skins (Halo 4)|skin]] for the [[M395 Designated Marksman Rifle|DMR]].
*The ''Vision'' (VISN) skin for the [[MJOLNIR Powered Assault Armor/AA variant|Air Assault]] armor.
*The ''Vision'' (VISN) skin for the [[MJOLNIR Powered Assault Armor/AA variant|Air Assault]] armor.
*The ''Rush'' (RUSH) skin for the [[MJOLNIR Powered Assault Armor/CIO|CIO]] armor.
*The ''Rush'' (RUSH) skin for the [[MJOLNIR Powered Assault Armor/CIO|CIO]] armor.
*A new stance called ''Determined''.
*A new [[stance]] called ''Determined''.


===Title update===
===Title update===
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==Reception==
==Reception==
{{Template:HSA Review}}
{{Halo: SA reviews}}
''Halo: Spartan Assault'' generally received mixed reviews upon release; the game has a weighted aggregate rating of 71/100 on [[Wikipedia:Metacritic|Metacritic]], based on sixteen reviews.<ref>[http://www.metacritic.com/game/pc/halo-spartan-assault '''Metacritic''' - Halo: Spartan Assault for PC Reviews]</ref> Pocket Gamer's Harry Slater and Destructoid's Chris Carter wrote that while ''Spartan Assault'' was not going to be a Windows 8 "killer app", it was a worthwhile purchase for gamers on the Windows 8 platform. Carter stated "Despite its lack of any remarkable or "must have" features, it still manages to be a fairly decent top-down shooter."<ref name="destructoid">[http://www.destructoid.com/review-halo-spartan-assault-258604.phtml '''Destructoid''' - Review: Spartan Assault]</ref>  
''Halo: Spartan Assault'' generally received mixed reviews upon release; the game has a weighted aggregate rating of 71/100 on [[Wikipedia:Metacritic|Metacritic]], based on sixteen reviews.<ref>[http://www.metacritic.com/game/pc/halo-spartan-assault '''Metacritic''' - Halo: Spartan Assault for PC Reviews]</ref> Pocket Gamer's Harry Slater and Destructoid's Chris Carter wrote that while ''Spartan Assault'' was not going to be a Windows 8 "killer app", it was a worthwhile purchase for gamers on the Windows 8 platform. Carter stated "Despite its lack of any remarkable or "must have" features, it still manages to be a fairly decent top-down shooter."<ref name="destructoid">[http://www.destructoid.com/review-halo-spartan-assault-258604.phtml '''Destructoid''' - Review: Spartan Assault]</ref>  


Multiple reviewers praised the game for its authentic ''Halo'' look and feel. Kyle Hillard from ''Game Informer'' called ''Spartan Assault'' "a true ''Halo'' game, even if the series’ signature scope and size are scaled down", with the game featuring familiar ''Halo'' moments, enemies, and sounds. Although the game's checkpoint system was criticised, with some critics claiming it to be nearly non-existent. Hillard stated that it was "''Spartan Assault'''s big shortcoming".<ref name="gameinformer">[http://www.gameinformer.com/games/halo_spartan_assault/b/pc/archive/2013/08/07/halo-spartan-assault-game-informer-review.aspx '''Game Informer''' - Review]</ref> ''Spartan Assault'' was criticised for being repetitive, dull and unmemorable. IGN's Dan Stapleton gave the game's [[Xbox One]] version a 5.8 out of 10 rating, stating "The top-down perspective turns the distinctive ''Halo'' arsenal into a bunch of pretty boring guns."<ref name="IGN">[http://ca.ign.com/articles/2014/01/11/halo-spartan-assault-xbox-one-review '''IGN''' - Halo: Spartan Assault Xbox One Review]</ref>
Multiple reviewers praised the game for its authentic ''Halo'' look and feel. Kyle Hillard from ''Game Informer'' called ''Spartan Assault'' "a true ''Halo'' game, even if the series’ signature scope and size are scaled down", with the game featuring familiar ''Halo'' moments, enemies, and sounds. Although the game's checkpoint system was criticised, with some critics claiming it to be nearly non-existent. Hillard stated that it was "''Spartan Assault'''s big shortcoming".<ref name="gameinformer">[http://www.gameinformer.com/games/halo_spartan_assault/b/pc/archive/2013/08/07/halo-spartan-assault-game-informer-review.aspx '''Game Informer''' - Review]</ref> ''Spartan Assault'' was criticised for being repetitive, dull and unmemorable. IGN's Dan Stapleton gave the game's [[Xbox One]] version a 5.8 out of 10 rating, stating "The top-down perspective turns the distinctive ''Halo'' arsenal into a bunch of pretty boring guns."<ref name="IGN">[http://ca.ign.com/articles/2014/01/11/halo-spartan-assault-xbox-one-review '''IGN''' - Halo: Spartan Assault Xbox One Review]</ref>


The microtransaction features of ''Spartan Assault'' were generally negatively received. While reviewers such as Destructoid's Carter felt that the microtransactions could be ignored and did not impact enjoyment of the game,<ref name="destructoid"/> Hillard wrote that "it’s hard not to feel as though an important part of the game is being withheld after buying into the agreed-upon price of admission."<ref name="gameinformer"/> IGN's Stapleton stated "the worst thing about Spartan Assault is its obnoxious microtransactions."<ref name="IGN"/>
The microtransaction features of ''Spartan Assault'' were generally negatively received. While reviewers such as Destructoid's Carter felt that the microtransactions could be ignored and did not impact enjoyment of the game,{{Ref/Reuse|destructoid}} Hillard wrote that "it’s hard not to feel as though an important part of the game is being withheld after buying into the agreed-upon price of admission."{{Ref/Reuse|gameinformer}} IGN's Stapleton stated "the worst thing about Spartan Assault is its obnoxious microtransactions."{{Ref/Reuse|IGN}}


Jake Valentine from GameZone gave the Xbox One version a less generous 5/10, stating "''Halo: Spartan Assault'' is a soulless, boring, chore of a game. The small glimpses of fun arcade like gameplay are drowned away by frustration and money grabbing."<ref>[http://www.gamezone.com/reviews/2014/01/04/halo-spartan-assault-review-nickel-and-dime '''GameZone''' - Halo: Spartan Assault Review: Nickel and Dime]</ref>
Jake Valentine from GameZone gave the Xbox One version a less generous 5/10, stating "''Halo: Spartan Assault'' is a soulless, boring, chore of a game. The small glimpses of fun arcade like gameplay are drowned away by frustration and money grabbing."<ref>[http://www.gamezone.com/reviews/2014/01/04/halo-spartan-assault-review-nickel-and-dime '''GameZone''' - Halo: Spartan Assault Review: Nickel and Dime]</ref>
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==Trivia==
==Trivia==
*Despite being depicted on the cover art, [[Mgalekgolo|Hunters]] do not appear in the game.
{{Linkbox|quote=yes}}
*Despite appearing on the cover art, [[Mgalekgolo|Hunters]] and [[T'vaoan|Skirmisher]]s are not encountered in the game. Curiously, the Skirmisher in the background (either a [[Skirmisher Commando|Commando]] or a [[Skirmisher Champion|Champion]]) carries a [[Kig-Yar point defense gauntlet|Jackal shield]].
*When shot, the [[Yanme'e|Drones]] make the same noises [[Huragok|Engineers]] make in ''[[Halo 3: ODST]]'' and ''[[Halo: Reach]]''.
*When shot, the [[Yanme'e|Drones]] make the same noises [[Huragok|Engineers]] make in ''[[Halo 3: ODST]]'' and ''[[Halo: Reach]]''.
*This marks the first ''Halo'' game in which [[Kig-Yar|Jackals]] use [[Type-1 plasma grenade|plasma grenades]].
*This marks the first ''Halo'' game in which [[Kig-Yar|Jackals]] use [[Anskum-pattern plasma grenade|plasma grenades]]. This also marks the first time that Jackals will use melee attacks.
*The [[Mission 1: Assault on CF-32|first mission]]'s [[:File:HSA mission overview.jpg|briefing screen]] and the [[:File:Battle for Epsilon Expanse.png|opening cutscene]] for [[Mission 9: Battle for Epsilon Expanse|Mission 9]] depict Unggoy and Sangheili in their ''Halo 3'' likenesses, whereas they resemble their ''Halo: Reach'' counterparts in gameplay. The [[:File:Liberation of Faraday.png|briefing screen]] for [[Mission 17: Liberation of Faraday|Mission 17]] clearly shows Army troopers (evidenced by their [[UNSC Army Battle Dress Uniform|BDUs]] and [[MA37 assault rifle]]s), despite the briefing itself identifying the base's defenders as Marines.
*The [[Mission 1: Assault on CF-32|first mission]]'s [[:File:HSA mission overview.jpg|briefing screen]] and the [[:File:Battle for Epsilon Expanse.png|opening cutscene]] for [[Mission 9: Battle for Epsilon Expanse|Mission 9]] depict Unggoy and Sangheili in their ''Halo 3'' likenesses, whereas they resemble their ''Halo: Reach'' counterparts in gameplay. The [[:File:Liberation of Faraday.png|briefing screen]] for [[Mission 17: Liberation of Faraday|Mission 17]] clearly shows Army troopers (evidenced by their [[UNSC Army Battle Dress Uniform|BDUs]] and [[MA37 assault rifle]]s), despite the briefing itself identifying the base's defenders as Marines.
*''Halo: Spartan Assault'' is the first Halo game to be released on PC since ''[[Halo 2: Vista]]''.


==Gallery==
==Gallery==
===Logo and cover art===
<gallery>
<gallery>
File:HSA-Logo.png|Title art.
File:HSA-Logo.png|Title art.
File:HSA-FullCover.jpg|Cover art.
</gallery>
===Concept art===
<gallery>
File:HSA-Concept-DraetheusV.jpg|Concept art of Draetheus V.
File:SA DesertBaseConcept.jpg|Concept art of a military base.
File:SA MeteorConcept.jpg|Concept art of a meteor.
File:SA RelicConcept.jpg|Concept art of a [[Forerunner]] relic.
File:SA AbsoluteRecordConcept.jpg|Concept art of the [[Absolute Record]], which did not make it into the final game.
</gallery>
===Screenshots===
<gallery>
File:TACSIM_1.png|Main menu.
File:HSA keyboard.jpg|Control for mouse and keyboard.
File:HSA keyboard.jpg|Control for mouse and keyboard.
File:HSA mission overview.jpg|Mission briefing.
File:HSA mission overview.jpg|Mission briefing.
File:HSA mission outcome.jpg|Mission outcome with scoring detail.
File:HSA mission outcome.jpg|Mission outcome with scoring detail.
File:HSA-Concept-DraetheusV.jpg|Concept art of Draetheus V.
File:HSA-Cinematic-PlanetSurface.jpg|A view of a planet's surface, presumably Draetheus V's.
File:HSA-Cinematic-PlanetSurface.jpg|A view of a planet's surface, presumably Draetheus V's.
File:HSA-Cinematic-Plummet.jpg|A damaged UNSC frigate falling from the sky.  
File:HSA-Cinematic-Plummet.jpg|A damaged UNSC frigate falling from the sky.  
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File:Flood city.jpeg|An African city consumed by the Flood.
File:Flood city.jpeg|An African city consumed by the Flood.
File:HSA Flood infesting Earth.jpg|A simulation of Earth being infested by the Flood.
File:HSA Flood infesting Earth.jpg|A simulation of Earth being infested by the Flood.
File:HSA Roland with Flood-infection form.jpg|Roland with a Flood infection form.
File:HSA Roland with Flood-infection form.jpg|Roland with a Pod infector.
</gallery>
</gallery>


==Note==
==Notes==
<references group="note"/>
{{Ref/Notes}}
 


==Sources==
==Sources==
{{Reflist|3}}  
{{Ref/Sources|3}}  


==External links==
==External links==
*[http://apps.microsoft.com/windows/en-us/app/halo-spartan-assault/8fe2d694-baa2-4011-99c0-3a22216223bb The official download site]
*[http://apps.microsoft.com/windows/en-us/app/halo-spartan-assault/8fe2d694-baa2-4011-99c0-3a22216223bb The official download site]
{{Halo Games}}
{{Navbox/Media/Games}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Spartan Assault, Halo}}
[[Category:Halo: Spartan Assault| ]]
[[Category:Halo: Spartan Assault| ]]
[[Category:Canon]]

Latest revision as of 14:49, July 4, 2024

This article is about the first video game in the Halo: Spartan series. For other uses, see Spartan (disambiguation).
Halo: Spartan Assault
HSA-Cover.jpg

Developer(s):

343 Industries, Vanguard Games

Publisher(s):

Microsoft Studios

Composer(s):

Tom Salta

Engine:

Unnamed game engine

Platform(s):

Windows 8 (PC and tablet)
Windows Phone 8
Xbox 360[1]
Xbox One[1]
Steam[2]
iOS
Xbox Cloud Gaming

Release date(s):

July 18, 2013[3][4] (Windows 8)
December 23, 2013[5] (Xbox One)
January 31, 2014[6][7][8] (Xbox 360)
April 4, 2014 (Steam)[2]

Mode(s):

Campaign
Cooperative[1]

Rating(s):

ESRB: Teen (T) for Blood and Violence

PEGI: 16+ (Europe only)

 

"Halo like you have never played before."
— Halo Waypoint[4]

Halo: Spartan Assault is an isometric shooter video game developed by Vanguard Games in collaboration with 343 Industries; it is the eighth game in the Halo series. Originally designed and released for Microsoft Windows 8 and Windows Phone 8, enhanced ports of the game were subsequently released for Xbox 360 and Xbox One.[1] Set in 2554, between the events of Halo 3 in 2552 and Halo 4 in 2557, the game features 30 missions that tell the story of the SPARTAN-IV program's earliest operations.[3][9][10] The game went by the codename "Bootcamp" prior to its official announcement.[11] Spartan Assault was released on July 18, 2013 for Windows 8. The complete version of the game (including all DLC) was released on December 23, 2013 for Xbox One and released on January 31, 2014 for Xbox 360.[5][6][7][8][12] The game was released on April 4, 2014 for Steam.[2] Halo: Spartan Assault was also released on the iOS App Store in 2015. The game is no longer available for purchase on the iOS App Store, but people who bought it in the past years are still able to re-download the game through the "Purchased" tab on the App Store as the game is tied to their Apple accounts.

Completing the first mission on an Xbox console grants the player various rewards for use in Halo 4, including Air Assault VISN, C.I.O. RUSH, 'Determined' player stance, DMR STP weapon skin, and 50,000 XP. These bonuses are unlocked after purchasing the Champions Bundle in Halo 4 and entering the 'Flying Colors' glyph on Halo Waypoint. If entered correctly, the next time Halo 4 is launched, a message will thank you for purchasing the bundle and you will unlock the rewards.

A spiritual successor, Halo: Spartan Strike, released for Windows devices, Steam and Apple devices on April 16, 2015.[13]

The Steam rewards available for the game can be viewed here.

Synopsis[edit]

Characters and setting[edit]

Set sometime in 2554, Halo: Spartan Assault's main narrative explores the SPARTAN-IVs' first Spartan Ops during the Battle of Draetheus V.[14][15] This battle is one of the numerous conflicts waged between the UNSC and the remnants of the former Covenant in the years after the end of the Human-Covenant War.[9][16][17] The story unfolds through the UNSC TACSIM, a historical computer simulation which the SPARTAN-IVs use for combat analysis and training, much like Halo 4's War Games mode,[10][18] though the framing story takes place at some point after Halo 4's campaign.[Note 1] This framing structure explains some of the game's arcade-like elements, such as weapons' ability to fire continuously;[14][15] indeed, Roland jests that the TACSIM doubles as "a fun game you can play in your spare time".[19]

The campaign has two protagonists, Spartans Sarah Palmer and Edward Davis, whose first meeting is depicted in the Halo: Initiation limited comic series.[16] Rather than the in-engine cutscenes used in most Halo games, Spartan Assault instead makes use of motion comic-style animations between missions, much like the Terminals in Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary and Halo 4.[3] Various quotes are displayed in the game's mission loading screens, some acting as gameplay tips while others provide backstory for the events of the game.

Halo franchise writers Brian Reed and Jeremy Patenaude were responsible for the writing of Spartan Assault.[20]

Plot[edit]

Spoiler warning: Plot and/or ending details follow.

Spartan Assault begins with the UNSC Infinity's AI Roland giving several Spartan-IV's a lesson on historical battles. Using UNSC Tactical Simulators, Roland reveals that the Spartan users can assume the roles of Spartans Edward Davis and Sarah Palmer during the Battle of Draetheus V, to enhance strategic skills. Roland explains that the engagement started when a splinter sect of Covenant ignored the Ceasefire of 2552 and attacked UNSC forces on the former Forerunner world of Draetheus V.[21]

Merg Vol's Covenant fleet arriving at Draetheus V.

The splinter Covenant forces are led by Sangheili Zealot Merg Vol. Vol leads a fleet of ships to the planet and his Covenant deploys troops on both Draetheus V and its moon X50. Palmer and Davis lead the UNSC in defending the planet from Merg Vol's Covenant. After thwarting the initial assault, Davis moved to secure the UNSC's Research Facility Alpha and the Forerunner artifact located therein, which appeared to be Vol's Covenant's main target.[22] However, Vol's Covenant resumed their assault and the UNSC feared the research facility would soon be crushed. Palmer, with a Marine detachment, infiltrated artillery positions Vol's Covenant had set up and destroyed them.[23] Spartan Davis later noticed Vol's Covenant's heavy reliance on dropship insertion. Davis realized they would be vulnerable to focused anti-aircraft fire, so, using M9 Wolverines, he began establishing air defenses west of the facility at a location designated Glacial Perch.[24]

While Spartan Davis was successful in slowing the enemy advance, Merg Vol's Covenant forces were too overwhelming. Sarah Palmer began fighting her way upstream through the invasion in an attempt to reach one of the northern outposts. Her plan was to destroy Covenant air support and give the AV-14 Hornets a chance to land near the outposts. The ultimate goal was to get off X50 and warn Draetheus V of Vol's Covenant invasion. Within an hour of their arrival at X50, Vol's Covenant owned the moon. Despite the ferocity of the assault on X50, the UNSC forces on Draetheus V had no idea anything was going on because the planet's unique magnetic resonance frequently made off-world communication nearly impossible.[25]

Merg Vol activates X50.

While Davis defends the moon, Palmer and a small amount of UNSC forces remains on Draetheus V, outgunned and out-manned. Merg Vol's Covenant attack Draetheus V's main military outpost, Faraday Base, and breach the first defense lines before the base's sentry turrets were fully operational.[26] After securing Faraday, Palmer began trying to establish the location of Vol's Covenant officers leading the invasion. After taking significant losses, Marines of the 21st Scout platoon had managed to uncover a set of promising coordinates. After tracking the officers down, she quickly eliminated them.[27]

As Spartan Palmer led the charge on Draetheus V, Spartan Davis continued to face considerable enemy threat on the moon. Furthermore, it was revealed that X50 was not a natural moon after all, but a Forerunner megastructure capable of constructing and destroying planets. Upon finding his way into the control center, Merg Vol tuned X50's main weapon on Draetheus V and began to dismantle the planet. Merg Vol's Covenant forces activated the primary weapon of the X50 construct. Directed toward the planet, the beam began to disintegrate Draetheus V, destabilizing it.[28] Enormous slabs of rock were slowly floating away from the planet's surface and both UNSC and Covenant troops were scrambling to get to safety as the UNSC continued to evacuate the planet.[29] Vol's Covenant continued to attack the planet and the UNSC quickly realized that Draetheus V was ill-prepared for a full evacuation. There was not enough transportation to allow everyone to leave Draetheus V. However, the UNSC raided a Covenant airfield and stole numerous Covenant aircraft. With Palmer's help, 23 Covenant aircraft carrying civilians made it off the planet.[30]

In a stroke of luck, the UNSC Eminent Domain was able to outmaneuver Covenant forces in orbit over the moon and offer some support by deploying ODSTs to the southern Mirror Flats. The 3rd Helljumper Platoon was the first to land on Draetheus V's moon. Their drop zone was less than a mile from Alpha facility but the landing scattered them across the razor sharp rock face of the Glacial Perch. They were quickly surrounded by Covenant infantry and taking heavy losses, but Davis came to their assistance.[31] Davis connected with UNSC combat technicians who believed they could render the Forerunner structure inert; they just needed the chance to get inside the structure.[32] Davis and the remaining Marines assisted the combat technicians securing the Forerunner structure while Merg Vol's Covenant reinforcements did everything in their power to stop the technicians. With supporting sniper fire from higher grounds, Davis and his men were able to buy the technicians just enough time to do their work. However, even with their job complete, it was too late for Draetheus V. The planet was already breaking apart.[33]

Davis' last stand.

While defending the moon, Spartan Davis was killed by an overwhelming amount of Sangheili forces. With transportation secured, one last hurdle remained in getting the colonists safely off of Draetheus V. The leader of the splinter Covenant forces, Merg Vol, was still present on moon X50, providing the remaining Covenant forces with a rallying point and cry. If the colonists were to leave Draetheus V's orbit alive, Merg Vol would need to be terminated. Palmer suspected Vol's officer on Draetheus V, Parg Vol had a personal transport hidden away. After completing the evacuation operation, locating Parg Vol's ship became Palmer's highest priority. After fighting through heavy Covenant forces she was able to locate Vol's Phantom and used it to get to X50.[34] Having successfully piloted the Phantom through Vol's Covenant fleet orbiting Draetheus V's moon, Palmer was able to land south of Merg Vol's camp, out of range of his turrets.[35]

Palmer approaching Vol.

Merg Vol was convinced he had been chosen by his gods to wield the power contained within the Forerunner structure. Having spent considerable resources to unlock its secrets, Vol managed to activate the structure's emergency defenses. With the deadly defenses at his command, Vol had become extremely dangerous. Unable to contact Spartan Davis since landing on Draetheus V's moon, Palmer prepared to battle Vol on her own. Vol's exact location had not been difficult to find: the direct area at the foot of the Forerunner structure was littered with a trail of dead UNSC soldiers. After facing Merg Vol's final forces and Forerunner beam turrets, she engaged Merg Vol himself. Despite a difficult fight, Palmer was able to overtake Vol and executed him with her M6H magnum.

With Merg Vol killed and his Covenant forces defeated, the surviving colonists of Draetheus V were able to safely evacuate the system. After killing Vol, Palmer sabotaged the Forerunner device on X50.[36]

Shortly after the battle, the UNSC discovered a looping transmission of low-frequency static from X50. Palmer and UNSC forces returned to the moon to investigate. However, the UNSC quickly realized that Covenant forces remained on the moon. After fighting through numerous Covenant soldiers, Palmer discovered that the message had originated from Spartan Davis, moments before his death, and that Davis' final impressions had been absorbed into a Forerunner device. She shut the device down in order to allow her friend to pass away peacefully.[37]

Spoilers end here.

Campaign[edit]

The campaign mode is divided into six chapters called "Operations", with five missions each. The co-op mode comprises five missions.[38]

Operation A: Umbra
Operation B: Tempered Shield
Operation C: Monolith
Operation D: Captured Chance
Operation E: Frostbite
Operation F: Hydra
Flood missions

Gameplay[edit]

Control input[edit]

Touch input for Halo: Spartan Assault

As a "twin-stick" top-down shooter title, Halo: Spartan Assault is developed primarily for touchscreen platforms. The default controls for the game use some of the common control mechanics of touchscreen games: the movement control is located on the left screen whereas the aiming and firing control is located on the right. Halo's staple abilities, (such as grenade with a single button and using vehicles seamlessly), are readily accessible to the player and are placed next to the aiming and firing controls for ease of use.[39]

On Windows 8 PCs and tablets, the game can also be played with a mouse and keyboard. Keyboard controls use a standard shooter format: the "WASD" key group controls movement and the mouse is for aiming and firing. On August 29, an update was applied to the game which enables the use of an Xbox 360 controller as well.[39] The console versions of the game feature an altered control scheme in which the player must press the Right Trigger in order to fire weapons; in contrast, the other versions do not distinguish between the "look" and "fire" controls.[38]

Gameplay mechanics[edit]

Splattering damage in Spartan Assault is similar to Halo: Combat Evolved where a simple prod from a vehicle can instantly kill the player. Spartan Assault gameplay features weapon racks that will refill ammunition for the weapons they house, granting the player technically unlimited ammo in a given area. Most battlefield debris in the game can be destroyed using brute force such as explosions or ramming it with vehicles larger than the debris. Exceptions include the Spirit and Pelican dropships as well as drop pods, which cannot be destroyed. Hijackings only affect Covenant vehicle, such as Wraiths and Ghosts. While hijacking, the player will gain invulnerability until taking full control of the vehicle or turret. However, when any mounted vehicles and turrets used by the player are destroyed, the player will die. The game features overheat on the machine gun and Plasma Turret; when they overheat, the player cannot use it until the overheat bar drains. Some weapons are given more ammo than standard FPS Games, such as the plasma pistol, sniper rifle, Spartan laser and rocket launcher. Splattering Marines does not kill them; however, if the player is splattered by a friendly vehicle, the player will die.

Player loadout[edit]

Player loadout

Players are able to customize their Spartan character's primary and secondary weapon loadout, armor ability, and booster (akin to Halo 4's tactical packages and support upgrades) at the start of each mission. For additional challenge, the player can select up to two of six skulls to gain more bonuses achievements.

Cooperative play[edit]

The Xbox 360 and Xbox One versions of the game include a two-player online cooperative mode. In this mode two Spartans battle against hordes of Flood forms across five missions.[1] The also mode features never-before-seen weapons and equipment, including a machine pistol (which is dual-wielded like the M7), a teleportation armor ability, and a what appears to be a "cryo bomb" which emits a cloud that the Flood cannot penetrate.[38][40]

Weekly Challenge[edit]

The Weekly Challenge is where the player will be tasked with a challenge that occurs randomly every week, such as kill a specified target on a specified mission, kill with specified weapons, or even kill with specified methods. The reward is based on the difficulty you will face and the harder the weekly challenge, the more reward will be given. Weekly challenge change randomly every week and the player can take up to three challenges every week.

Appearances[edit]

Characters

UNSC

The following characters are only mentioned in pre-mission quotes:

  • Private Aaron Landvik (First mentioned)
  • Lieutenant Abbi Strand (First mentioned)
  • Sergeant Albert Sessa (First mentioned)
  • Private Alexandra Tran (First mentioned)[42]
  • Private Amber Penzak (First mentioned)
  • Private Andy Dimotta (First mentioned)
  • Lieutenant Benjamin Wallace (First mentioned)
  • Spartan Bethany Kossup (First mentioned)
  • Captain Brad Falkenrath (First mentioned)
  • Lieutenant Brendan Hale (First mentioned)
  • Lieutenant Caitlin De Sauveterre (First mentioned)[43]
  • Lieutenant Chandana Pasternack (First mentioned)[44]
  • Private Charlie Sultan (ODST) (First mentioned)
  • Private Christopher Olsen (First mentioned)
  • Corporal Craig Prinz (First mentioned)
  • Private Dave Moriarty (First mentioned)
  • Private Edward Levesque (First mentioned)
  • Lieutenant Elizabeth Kwan (First mentioned)[45]
  • Major Geraldine McNally (First mentioned)
  • Private Gerry Payne (First mentioned)
  • Private Guy Amjad (First mentioned)
  • Lieutenant Han Quigley (First mentioned)
  • Private Harold Amundsen (First mentioned)[46]
  • Sergeant Harry Benton (First mentioned)
  • Lieutenant Henry Darzi (First mentioned)
  • Private Jamie O'Neal (First mentioned)
  • Lieutenant Jim Nikolai (First mentioned)
  • Private John Rosenfeld (First mentioned)
  • Private Kelly Tremblay (First mentioned)
  • Sergeant Lindsay Asturias (First mentioned)[47]
  • Lieutenant Mark El-Hashem (First mentioned)
  • Sergeant Mary Russo (First mentioned)
  • Private Matt Salamanca (First mentioned)
  • Private Molly Markozi (First mentioned)
  • Private Monica Ernst (First mentioned)
  • Captain Nada Rand (First mentioned)
  • Private Nick Rhee (First mentioned)
  • Private First Class Nozomi Li (First mentioned)
  • Lieutenant Patton Liao (First mentioned)
  • Private Paul Voclain (First mentioned)
  • Private Peter Zhou (First mentioned)
  • Sergeant Ramone Dakota (First mentioned)
  • Commander Richard Moe (First mentioned)
  • Private Rob Petersen (First mentioned)
  • Private Roger Alfarsi (First mentioned)[48]
  • Private Samantha Hass (First mentioned)[49]
  • Lieutenant Sasha Wu (First mentioned)
  • Lieutenant Scott Pham (First mentioned)
  • Doctor Sheila Nerrivik (First mentioned)
  • Lieutenant Stefan Morris (First mentioned)
  • Lieutenant Tara Nguyen (First mentioned)[50]
  • Private Tom Siskino (First mentioned)
  • Sergeant Tom Winter (First mentioned)
  • Private Victor Quintana (First mentioned)[51]
Covenant

Species and entities

Locations

Events



Development[edit]

Design[edit]

Vanguard Games began development of Halo: Spartan Assault around April 2012 for the Windows 8 platform, before the announcement of Windows Surface.[54] During initial development, Vanguard experimented with several prototypes by bringing the traditional Halo first-person shooter experience to mobile devices, only to find the gameplay wholly unsuitable for the platform.[54] The game's AI system is managed by HAVOK, the same AI system management technology used in Halo 4.[55] The Microsoft Surface Pro version of the game runs at 60 frames-per-second; the Xbox One and Xbox 360 versions runs at the same frame rate with a native 1080p resolution.[38] The Windows Phone 8 and PC versions are locked at 30 FPS.[54] The game's top-down view and stylization result in an aesthetic very similar to that of Halo Wars.

Sandbox[edit]

The sandbox features weapons, vehicles, and armor styles from throughout the series' past. Most of the UNSC's arsenal from Halo 4 is represented in Spartan Assault; indeed, all but one usable UNSC weapon comes from Halo 4. Merg Vol's Covenant arsenal is instead an eclectic mix of weapons from previous games, notably featuring the focus rifle and plasma repeater from Halo: Reach. Several vehicles and stationary weapons which originated in Halo Wars are virtually unchanged from their incarnations in that game, aside from improved textures. The Wraith and Banshee also appear to use their models from Halo Wars, evidenced by the former's plasma turret and the latter's canard layout.

Aside from Merg Vol, the former Covenant species are based on their appearances in earlier media rather than their Halo 4 incarnations. Specifically, the Grunts, Elites, and Jackals have the physiology of their Halo: Reach counterparts and wear corresponding armor. The Brutes and Drones are instead represented with their designs from Halo 3 and Halo 3: ODST.

Cross-platform integration[edit]

In-game statistics are integrated across the four Microsoft platforms: Windows 8, Windows Phone 8, Xbox 360, and Xbox One. Medals unlocked, XP earned, and cR purchased are each deposited into a single repository. Assault Ops/challenge progress carries across all platforms.

Mission progress is recorded individually for each platform, and each platform features its own leaderboards. Achievements must be unlocked by playing the game on each platform individually, however some achievements (i.e. 117, Extra Credit, Pension Plan) are unlocked via accomplishments which are recorded across platforms, and therefore unlocking the achievement on one platform can contribute to or even complete the achievement on the others.

Steam does not feature this integration. Progress on this platform does not contribute to the others. Similarly, Halo Waypoint does not record stats, progress or achievements on Steam, nor do Steam achievements contribute to the player's Gamerscore, as the platform utilizes a different profile.[56]

Integration features with Halo 4[edit]

The game is closely integrated with the player's experience in Halo 4 where players can unlock experience points, new achievements, and an emblem for their Halo 4 account.[9] After purchasing the Champions Bundle Pack or the Bullseye Map Pack, the game will unlock:

  • The Striped (STP) skin for the DMR.
  • The Vision (VISN) skin for the Air Assault armor.
  • The Rush (RUSH) skin for the CIO armor.
  • A new stance called Determined.

Title update[edit]

On August 29, 2013, Operation F: Hydra was released in the form of a title update. Hydra includes five new missions as well as five new achievements, worth a total of 50 gamerpoints.[57]

Soundtrack[edit]

Main article: Halo: Spartan Assault Original Soundtrack

The Halo: Spartan Assault Original Soundtrack was released on July 18, 2013.[58] The soundtrack features 27 tracks and was composed by Tom Salta.[59]

Reception[edit]

Internet sites
Reviewer Score
Destructoid 7/10
Eurogamer 7/10
IGN 6.7/10
VideoGamer.com 7/10
Magazines
GameInformer 8.25/10
Maximum PC 8/10
Metro 7/10
Pocket Gamer 9/10
PC Gamer US 58/100
Compilation websites
Metacritic 71/100 (PC)
54/100 (XONE)
Game Rankings 68.7% (PC)
55.39% (XONE)

Halo: Spartan Assault generally received mixed reviews upon release; the game has a weighted aggregate rating of 71/100 on Metacritic, based on sixteen reviews.[60] Pocket Gamer's Harry Slater and Destructoid's Chris Carter wrote that while Spartan Assault was not going to be a Windows 8 "killer app", it was a worthwhile purchase for gamers on the Windows 8 platform. Carter stated "Despite its lack of any remarkable or "must have" features, it still manages to be a fairly decent top-down shooter."[61]

Multiple reviewers praised the game for its authentic Halo look and feel. Kyle Hillard from Game Informer called Spartan Assault "a true Halo game, even if the series’ signature scope and size are scaled down", with the game featuring familiar Halo moments, enemies, and sounds. Although the game's checkpoint system was criticised, with some critics claiming it to be nearly non-existent. Hillard stated that it was "Spartan Assault's big shortcoming".[62] Spartan Assault was criticised for being repetitive, dull and unmemorable. IGN's Dan Stapleton gave the game's Xbox One version a 5.8 out of 10 rating, stating "The top-down perspective turns the distinctive Halo arsenal into a bunch of pretty boring guns."[63]

The microtransaction features of Spartan Assault were generally negatively received. While reviewers such as Destructoid's Carter felt that the microtransactions could be ignored and did not impact enjoyment of the game,[61] Hillard wrote that "it’s hard not to feel as though an important part of the game is being withheld after buying into the agreed-upon price of admission."[62] IGN's Stapleton stated "the worst thing about Spartan Assault is its obnoxious microtransactions."[63]

Jake Valentine from GameZone gave the Xbox One version a less generous 5/10, stating "Halo: Spartan Assault is a soulless, boring, chore of a game. The small glimpses of fun arcade like gameplay are drowned away by frustration and money grabbing."[64]

Trivia[edit]

Gallery[edit]

Logo and cover art[edit]

Concept art[edit]

Screenshots[edit]

Notes[edit]

  1. ^ Roland was activated on December 5, 2557, roughly five months after the Battle of Requiem, to replace Infinity's previous AI, Aine. The game's framing story thus takes place after the events of Halo 4's campaign, though when it occurs in relation to Spartan Ops is unclear. However, Halo: Escalation indicates that Infinity returned directly to Earth after Requiem's destruction, suggesting that the framing narrative takes place in the gap between Roland's creation and the Requiem Campaign.


Sources[edit]

  1. ^ a b c d e Halo Waypoint - Halo: Spartan Assault Is Coming to Xbox One and Xbox 360
  2. ^ a b c Halo Waypoint - Halo: Spartan Assault Is Coming to Steam!
  3. ^ a b c d GameInformer: 343 Industries Reveals Halo: Spartan Assault
  4. ^ a b Halo Waypoint - Halo: Spartan Assault
  5. ^ a b Xbox The Official Magazine - Halo: Spartan Assault is out now for Xbox One
  6. ^ a b Halo Waypoint - Halo: Spartan Assault Release Date Revealed
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  8. ^ a b Halo Waypoint - Halo: Spartan Assault for Xbox 360 Releases Tomorrow!
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  11. ^ Halo Waypoint: The Halo Bulletin 6.5.2012
  12. ^ Xbox The Official Magazine - Halo: Spartan Assault Xbox 360 now available on Xbox Live
  13. ^ Halo Waypoint - Halo: Spartan Strike Coming in Early 2015
  14. ^ a b Halo Waypoint - Halo: Spartan Assault - Defend
  15. ^ a b Halo Waypoint - Halo: Spartan Assault -Clear
  16. ^ a b Halo Waypoint - Halo Initiation Writer Interview
  17. ^ Coming this summer: Windows Phone Blog A new Halo for Windows Phone 8
  18. ^ The PA Report: The next Halo game is coming to hardware you don’t have, and software you don’t want
  19. ^ Halo: Spartan Assault, opening cutscene
  20. ^ Halo: Spartan Assault credits
  21. ^ Halo: Spartan Assault, Operation A: Umbra
  22. ^ Halo: Spartan Assault, Assault on CF-32
  23. ^ Halo: Spartan Assault, The Mirror Mantle Counter-Assault
  24. ^ Halo: Spartan Assault, Reinforcement of the Perch
  25. ^ Halo: Spartan Assault, Live to Fight
  26. ^ Halo: Spartan Assault, Siege of Faraday
  27. ^ Halo: Spartan Assault, Hunt for the Sangheili Command
  28. ^ Halo: Spartan Assault - Operation C: Monolith
  29. ^ Halo: Spartan Assault, Escape from the Southern Fields
  30. ^ Halo: Spartan Assault, Defense of the Enemies' Airbase
  31. ^ Halo: Spartan Assault, Descend from the Perch
  32. ^ Halo: Spartan Assault, Assault on the Supply Lines
  33. ^ Halo: Spartan Assault, Superstructure Stand-off
  34. ^ Halo: Spartan Assault, Hunt for the Phantom
  35. ^ Halo: Spartan Assault, Infiltration of the Cult Leader's Base
  36. ^ Halo: Spartan Assault, Battle for the Moon
  37. ^ Halo: Spartan Assault - Operation F: Hydra
  38. ^ a b c d Venturebeat: Mike Ellis interview
  39. ^ a b YouTube: Halo: Spartan Assault - Debut Gameplay Reveal
  40. ^ a b Halo Waypoint: SPARTAN ASSAULT XBOX ONE - CO-OP
  41. ^ Vine.co - Xbox: Meet Roland, your A.I. guide in Halo: Spartan Assault
  42. ^ a b c YouTube - Halo Spartan Assault gameplay w/ 343i employee Jay Frechette (E3 2013)
  43. ^ YouTube - PC 1080p | Halo: Spartan Assault Gameplay
  44. ^ YouTube - Halo: Spartan Assault Launch Party Demo
  45. ^ YouTube - Halo: Spartan Assault on Surface Pro @E3 2013
  46. ^ YouTube - Halo: Spartan Assault On Surface RT gameplay
  47. ^ Youtube Halo Spartan Assault Walkthrough - Level A-1 (Part 1)
  48. ^ a b YouTube - Halo Spartan Assault Impressions (inc Gameplay)
  49. ^ YouTube - Halo: Spartan Assault for Windows Phone 8 @E3 2013
  50. ^ a b c YouTube - E3 2013: Halo Spartan Assault
  51. ^ YouTube - vgBR na E3 2013 - Gameplay de Halo Spartan Assault
  52. ^ YouTube, Halo: Spartan Assault Reveal Trailer
  53. ^ a b c Halo Waypoint: Halo: Spartan Assault Achievements
  54. ^ a b c Windows Phone Central: Halo Spartan Assault coming mid-July, will include future game updates
  55. ^ Havok: Havok’s AI Technology Powering Halo: Spartan Assault on Windows 8 and Windows Phone 8
  56. ^ Halo Waypoint: Forum: Spartan Assault Steam - Synchronization?
  57. ^ Halo Waypoint, New Halo: Spartan Assault Achievements Released
  58. ^ Soundtrack.net - Halo: Spartan Assault
  59. ^ TomSalta.com: Tom Salta provides the original score to Halo: Spartan Assault
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  62. ^ a b Game Informer - Review
  63. ^ a b IGN - Halo: Spartan Assault Xbox One Review
  64. ^ GameZone - Halo: Spartan Assault Review: Nickel and Dime

External links[edit]