Microsoft and 343 Industries today unveiled Halo: Spartan Assault, which will debut in July exclusively on Windows 8 and Windows Phone 8.

The game is the first top-down action shooter that brings a Halo video game to touch-based devices, the companies said in a press release. They promised a "unique fusion of touch and console-like controls for easy pick-up-and-play gaming, with the added flexibility of keyboard and mouse controls on Windows 8 PCs and tablets."

Halo: Spartan Assault is set between the action of Halo 3 and Halo 4. It explores the first missions of the Spartan Ops program and dives deeper into the backstory of Human-Covenant wars. Fans can play as Commander Sarah Palmer or Spartan Davis, who are stationed aboard the UNSC Infinity.

The single-player game features 25 unique missions. Users can play against friends via Leaderboards or participate in weekly challenges. More than 40 in-game achievements and medals are up for grabs for those who replay the mission. Spartan Assault players can also earn experience points, new achievements, and emblems for Halo 4. More integration features will be available after launch, Microsoft said.

343 is also partnering with Dark Horse Comics to develop a three-part comic series that tells the story of how Palmer became a Spartan and found herself fighting in Spartan Assault.

During the Xbox One announcement last month, Bonnie Ross from 343 announced a live-action Halo TV series on Xbox, which will be produced in conjunction with Steven Spielberg.

For more, see PCMag's review of Halo 4.

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