There’s no hiding our excitement for this one. We’ve been looking forward to the prospect of a decent Halo title on Microsoft’s ancillary Xbox platforms for some time now. Starting today, you can pick up Halo: Spartan Assault for your favorite Xbox LIVE platform, well kind of.
During the announcement of Spartan Assault, the first top-down shooter in the franchise’s history, apparently Microsoft forgot to mention a few details. Users looking to play the title on Windows Phone 8 devices will need to be on Verizon. That is right, from now until August 16th, Microsoft has given the carrier an exclusive on the title. No other Windows Phones, unlocked or otherwise, will be able to download the title.
Microsoft also seems to have forgotten one of the foundations of the Windows Store: free trials. We’re sure Halo: Spartan Assault is an incredible title, but at the cost of $6.99 we suspect most won’t ever find out since there is no free trial available for the title.
Xbox Wire has a small in-depth piece with Vanguard Games, the studio who developed the game in partnership with 343 Industries.
Halo: Spartan Assault’s soundtrack is also now available in the Xbox Music Store too. It was produced by new series producer Tom Salta.