Microsoft will make available the "Halo: Spartan Assault" touch-based top-down shooter exclusively to Windows 8 and Windows Phone 8 later this summer. Played from a top-down (as opposed to first-person) perspective, Halo: Spartan Assault mines some rich storytelling territory. Set in the years between Halo 3 and Halo 4, it offers new insights into the first missions of the Spartan Ops program, the history of the Human-Covenant wars, and the rise of Commander Sarah Palmer.

In the game (see Youtube video), which spans 25 missions, you play either Commander Palmer or Spartan Davis aboard the UNSC Infinity. The title features weekly challenges, leaderboards, and more than 40 in-game achievements and medals. You can also shop for better weapons, armor, or abilities within the game. Beyond the game’s storyline, there’s another cool Halo 4 tie-in: Playing Spartan Assault can earn you experience points and unlock new achievements and emblems for your Halo 4 Spartan.

Spartan Assault is designed to work hand-in-hand with Windows 8, so you'll be able to pause the game on the phone and pick up where you left off on your PC or tablet.