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Gameplay
Graphics
Sound/Music
Controls
Replay Value

Throughout the series Halo has made a name for itself, creating a rich mythology that has spanned from the consoles games to other media formats such as books and animation. Focused had to be shifted away from John 117, a.k.a. Master Chief, in order to expand the universe. Halo: Spartan Assault is a spinoff game that adds something different to the franchise. While the method in storytelling is different as its gameplay it is fun to play other MJOLNIR armored soldiers.

“Halo: Spartan Assault” offers a lot of action and explosions.

The story is told through the historic battle records onboard the UNSC Infinity, as Roland, the ship’s A.I., starts the lesson on the tactical training course for the newly arrived Spartan. This session covers the operations on Draetheus V and its moon X50 when The Covenant broke the ceasefire treaty by conducting a full assault on the planet. As the invasion bombarded the UNSC it was up to the Spartans Davis and Palmer to fend off The Covenant and save what’s left of the UNSC occupation.

Become a pilot they said, it will be fun they said.

Spartan Assault is an isometric shooter that is akin to games such as Alien Swarm. Before taking on a mission the armory screen allows changes to the default loadout, including weapons, abilities, and boosters, as well as add challenges. Instead of selecting a difficulty level choosing handicaps, in forms of skulls, are used for challenges and create a XP multiplier, which helps since points are required to change the loadout. Aside from completing the mission there is also the goal of gaining a high score based on kills, earned medals for feats such as Double Kill and Assassin, and fastest time. At the completion of the mission the points will tally to a final score which will award a bronze, silver, or gold star and post it on the leaderboards. Each mission will also have weekly and mission-based goals, such as kills by rifles or multiple kills by one grenade, and will award extra XP.

This is what Halo: SA´s armory looks like. You can upgrade and spend your experience points here.

The presentation meets the series’s standard. All characters, structures, and environments are just as spectacular as ever with memorable designs and melding colors that is a staple to the Halo franchise. Cutscenes mostly use a motion comic style opposed to in-game events. The art style for these scenes are nonetheless, captivating as Roland narrates the events in motion. The music continues to use orchestrated scores that the Halo franchise is known for and sets the mood during cutscenes and gameplay.

One would think that this would be the green portal to hell (or something like that). However, that is not the case this time.

The selection for control types are the mouse & keyboard and gamepad. Like all overhead shooters aiming is rotary while the playable character moves around the map. There are a number of keys/buttons used for combat such as Spartan abilities, melee, and weapon swap but most of them can be remapped under the settings. Vehicles would take some practice to drive on a rotary setup but should be easy to pick up after some practice.

Pros:
+ A number of fan favorite weapons and vehicles are accessible to player.
+ Controls are straightforward and easy to learn.
+ Moderate replayability for high scores, achievements, and trying different armory loadouts.

Cons:
– Missions can be short and easily done on normal difficulty (No skulls).

tgg grade 4 out of 5

Verdict: 4/5
Halo: Spartan Assault is a fantastic little title in the Halo franchise. The presentation is just as awe-inspiring as the gameplay is fun and satisfying. The only issue that would cut it short is how short the missions can be if the objectives were the only focus. But as Roland said, “it’s a pretty fun game you can play in your spare time. So let’s get to it.”

Title: Halo: Spartan Assault
Developer: 343 Industries and Vanguard Games
Format: PC
Genre: Top Down Shooter
Resolution: PC’s Best Performance
Release Date: 2013-07-18
Difficulty: Normal to Hard
Spent time: 4+ hours
Average grade internationally: 68.79%
PEGI Age/ESRB Rating: 12+/Teen
Price: $4.99