Available only for Windows 8 and Windows Phone 8, “Halo: Spartan Assault” is a new top-down action shooter that brings a “Halo” video game to touch-based devices for the first time in franchise history. Developed by 343 Industries in conjunction with Vanguard Games, “Halo: Spartan Assault” provides an accessible, pick-up-and-play experience for fans and newcomers alike.

Set between the events of “Halo 3” and “Halo 4,” “Halo: Spartan Assault” is a new chapter of the award-winning “Halo” universe that explores the first missions of the Spartan Ops program and dives deeper into the backstory of Human-Covenant wars. Play through the eyes of either Commander Sarah Palmer (voiced by the lovely Jennifer Hale in Halo 4, we hope she will be reprising the role) or Spartan Davis stationed aboard the UNSC Infinity as they fight never-before-seen battles against Covenant forces.

With rich storytelling, intuitive controls, and best-in-class action, audio and graphics, “Halo: Spartan Assault” brings the epic scale and action of the “Halo” universe to mobile devices through unrivaled action and intensity.

Halo: Spartan Assault looks pretty cool, with a Warhammer 40,000: Kill team kind of feel to it. It’s a crying shame it will only be available to Windows 8 users though, as many Windows 7 users will have to upgrade or miss out.

What do you think fo Halo: Spartan Assault? A fresh new idea for the franchise or just Microsoft milking the franchise? Let us know in the comments below.