New Halo title first 'top-down action shooter' in the franchise

Games to be released in July only for Windows

The new game will feature a top-down play style

The latest title in the Halo franchise will debut this July, exclusively for Windows 8 and on the Windows 8 phone.

Set between the action of Halos 3 and 4, Halo: Spartan Assault explores more of the backstory of the Human-Covenant wars, and will be the first “top-down action shooter” in the series, bringing the game to touch-based devices.

The single-player campaign will cover 25 missions, spanning the rise of Commander Sarah Palmer and the Spartan Ops program.

The developers, 343 Industries and Vanguard Games, promise users a “unique fusion of touch and consolelike controls for easy pick-up-and-play gaming, with the added flexibility of keyboard and mouse controls.”

The game will also feature micro-transactions, allowing players to either level up their character through a slow grind, or purchase boosts, unique weapons and armour.

343 Industries is also partnering with Dark Horse Comics to develop a three-part comic series to accompany Spartan Assault.