First Halo Game Arrives on the Xbox One

Users purchasing an Xbox One weren’t able to get their hands on a traditional Halo title, however Microsoft is softening the blow by offering updated versions of Halo: Spartan Assault, the top-down shooter it brought to Windows Phone and Windows 8 earlier this year.

Though the console version of Halo: Spartan Assault, which is available to Xbox One users today, looks identical to its Windows Phone and Windows 8 counterparts, there are a few changes buyers should be aware of. First, Microsoft has added a few new features.

For example, Halo: Spartan Assault for the Xbox One includes a new multiplayer mode that allows users to team up to battle the game’s assortment of enemy, aliens known collectively as The Covenant.  Unfortunately, the game doesn’t seem to advance the franchise’s overarching plot much. Still, the game’s graphics, soundtrack and new play style will impress longtime series fans who didn’t purchase the title on Windows and Windows Phone. The Xbox One version of Halo: Spartan Assault also includes the Operation Hyrda expansion pack absolutely free.

Users who already own the game won’t get the Xbox One title for free. Instead, Microsoft will discount the game to just $4.99 for users who purchased any version of the game before December 15th. Otherwise, the title will cost users $14.99.

Xbox 360 users have a little less to celebrate. Microsoft has confirmed that it’s delaying the release of Halo:  Spartan Assault for Xbox 360 until January 2014.

GottaBeMobile did get the opportunity try out early versions of Halo: Spartan Assault this summer. We found the game to be great, especially when paired with an Xbox 360 controller. Unfortunately, only the Windows 8 version of the game offered any external controller support. Of course, Microsoft has resolved that issue in the newer titles, the Xbox One version of the game only supports the Xbox One controller.

Read: Halo: Spartan Assault Hands-On

All versions of the game support cloud syncing, so users can pick up exactly where they left off in other versions of the game. Users can’t yet purchase the game from the Xbox Store online, however it is available in the Xbox One’s game store.