Editing Halo: Spartan Assault

{{Title|''Halo: Spartan Assault''}}
{{Status|RealWorld}}
{{Disambig header|the first video game in the ''Halo: Spartan'' series|other uses|Spartan (disambiguation)}}
{{Game infobox
|name= ''Halo: Spartan Assault''
|image= [[File:HSA-Cover.jpg|300px|center]]
|developer= [[343 Industries]], [[Vanguard Games]]
|publisher= [[Microsoft Studios]]
|engine=[[Unnamed game engine (Halo: Spartan games)|Unnamed game engine]]
|composer=[[Tom Salta]]
|platform= [[Wikipedia:Windows 8|Windows 8]] (PC and tablet)<br>[[Wikipedia:Windows Phone 8|Windows Phone 8]]<br>[[Xbox 360]]<ref name="HWP">[https://blogs.halowaypoint.com/Headlines/post/2013/10/29/Spartan-Assault-is-coming-to-Xbox-One-and-Xbox-360.aspx '''Halo Waypoint''' - ''Halo: Spartan Assault Is Coming to Xbox One and Xbox 360'']</ref><br>[[Xbox One]]{{Ref/Reuse|HWP}}<br>[[Steam]]{{Ref/Reuse|steam}}<br>[[Wikipedia:iOS|iOS]]<br>[[Xbox Cloud Gaming]]<br>
|releasedate= July 18, [[2013]]{{Ref/Reuse|windows8only}}<ref name="waypoint">[http://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/games/halospartanassault '''Halo Waypoint''' - ''Halo: Spartan Assault'']</ref> {{C|Windows 8}}<br> December 23, 2013<ref name="Xbone">[http://www.oxm.co.uk/68528/halo-spartan-assault-is-out-now-for-xbox-one/ '''Xbox The Official Magazine''' - ''Halo: Spartan Assault is out now for Xbox One'']</ref> {{C|Xbox One}}<br> January 31, 2014{{Ref/Reuse|console dates}}<ref name="XM">[http://marketplace.xbox.com/en-US/Product/Halo-Spartan-Assault/66acd000-77fe-1000-9115-d80258411412 '''Xbox.com''' - ''Halo: Spartan Assault'']</ref><ref name="official360reldate">[https://blogs.halowaypoint.com/Headlines/post/2014/01/30/Halo-Spartan-Assault-for-Xbox-360-Release-Date-Revealed.aspx '''Halo Waypoint''' - ''Halo: Spartan Assault'' for Xbox 360 Releases Tomorrow!]</ref> {{C|Xbox 360}}<br>April 4, 2014 {{C|Steam}}<ref name="steam">[https://blogs.halowaypoint.com/en-us/blogs/headlines/posts/halo-spartan-assault-is-coming-to-steam '''Halo Waypoint''' - ''Halo: Spartan Assault Is Coming to Steam!'']</ref> 
|genre=
|modes= [[Campaign]]<br>[[Cooperative]]{{Ref/Reuse|HWP}}
|rating= [[Wikipedia:Entertainment Software Ratings Board|ESRB]]: Teen (T) for Blood and Violence

[[Wikipedia:Pan European Game Information|PEGI]]: 16+ (Europe only)
}}
{{Quote|Halo like you have never played before.|Halo Waypoint{{Ref/Reuse|waypoint}}}}

'''''Halo: Spartan Assault''''' is an isometric shooter video game developed by [[Vanguard Games]] in collaboration with [[343 Industries]]; it is the eighth game in the ''Halo'' series. Originally designed and released for [[Wikipedia:Windows 8|Microsoft Windows 8]] and [[Wikipedia:Windows Phone 8|Windows Phone 8]], enhanced ports of the game were subsequently released for [[Xbox 360]] and [[Xbox One]].{{Ref/Reuse|HWP}} Set in [[2554]], between the events of ''[[Halo 3]]'' in [[2552]] and ''[[Halo 4]]'' in [[2557]], the game features 30 missions that tell the story of the [[SPARTAN-IV program]]'s earliest operations.<ref name="windows8only">[http://www.gameinformer.com/games/halo_spartan_assault/b/pc/archive/2013/06/04/343-industries-reveals-halo-spartan-assault.aspx '''GameInformer''': ''343 Industries Reveals Halo: Spartan Assault'']</ref><ref name="official">[http://www.halowaypoint.com/en-US/games/halospartanassault '''Halo Waypoint''' - ''Halo: Spartan Assault'']</ref><ref name="firsttrailer">[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BxsYQtltOco ''Halo: Spartan Assault'' '''Announce Trailer''']</ref> The game went by the codename "'''Bootcamp'''" prior to its official announcement.<ref name="Waypoint 652013">[http://blogs.halowaypoint.com/Headlines/post/2013/06/05/The-Halo-Bulletin-6513.aspx '''Halo Waypoint:''' ''The Halo Bulletin 6.5.2012'']</ref> ''Spartan Assault'' was released on [[2013|July 18, 2013]] for Windows 8. The complete version of the game (including all DLC) was released on December 23, 2013 for Xbox One and released on [[2014|January 31, 2014]] for Xbox 360.{{Ref/Reuse|Xbone}}<ref name="console dates">[https://blogs.halowaypoint.com/Headlines/post/2013/12/09/Halo-Spartan-Assault-Release-Date-Revealed.aspx '''Halo Waypoint''' - ''Halo: Spartan Assault Release Date Revealed'']</ref>{{Ref/Reuse|XM}}{{Ref/Reuse|official360reldate}}<ref>[http://www.totalxbox.com/70364/halo-spartan-assault-xbox-360-now-available-on-xbox-live '''Xbox The Official Magazine''' - ''Halo: Spartan Assault Xbox 360 now available on Xbox Live'']</ref> The game was released on April 4, 2014 for [[Wikipedia:Steam (software)|Steam]].{{Ref/Reuse|steam}} ''Halo: Spartan Assault'' was also released on the iOS App Store in 2015. The game is no longer available for purchase on the iOS App Store, but people who bought it in the past years are still able to re-download the game through the "Purchased" tab on the App Store as the game is tied to their Apple accounts.

Completing the first mission on an Xbox console grants the player various rewards for use in Halo 4, including Air Assault VISN, C.I.O. RUSH, 'Determined' player stance, DMR STP weapon skin, and 50,000 XP. These bonuses are unlocked after purchasing the Champions Bundle in Halo 4 and entering the 'Flying Colors' glyph on Halo Waypoint. If entered correctly, the next time Halo 4 is launched, a message will thank you for purchasing the bundle and you will unlock the rewards.

A spiritual successor, ''[[Halo: Spartan Strike]]'', released for Windows devices, Steam and Apple devices on April 16, 2015.<ref name="delay">[https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/community/blog-posts/halo-spartan-strike-coming-in-early-2015 '''Halo Waypoint''' - ''Halo: Spartan Strike Coming in Early 2015'']</ref>

The [[Steam reward]]s available for the game can be viewed [[Steam reward/Halo: Spartan Assault|here]].

==Synopsis==
===Characters and setting===
Set sometime in [[2554]], ''Halo: Spartan Assault''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s main narrative explores the SPARTAN-IVs' first Spartan Ops<!--This is the in-universe term, not the game mode.--> during the [[Battle of Draetheus V]].<ref name="gameplay 1">[http://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/games/halospartanassault/mediadetail?title=halo-spartan-assault-defend&id=984bc596-d52b-49e4-be4c-93457bd55bf3&category=Videos '''Halo Waypoint''' - ''Halo: Spartan Assault - Defend'']</ref><ref name="gameplay 2">[http://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/games/halospartanassault/mediadetail?title=halo-spartan-assault-clear&id=8704efa0-1cc1-4920-8209-5c9e13440c97&category=Videos '''Halo Waypoint''' - ''Halo: Spartan Assault -Clear'']</ref> This battle is one of the [[Post-Covenant War conflicts|numerous conflicts]] waged between the [[United Nations Space Command|UNSC]] and the [[Covenant remnants|remnants]] of the former [[Covenant]] in the years after the end of the [[Human-Covenant War]].{{Ref/Reuse|official}}<ref name="Reed">[http://blogs.halowaypoint.com/Headlines/post/2013/06/03/Halo-Initiation-Writer-Interview.aspx '''Halo Waypoint''' - ''Halo Initiation Writer Interview'']</ref><ref>[http://blogs.windows.com/windows_phone/b/windowsphone/archive/2013/06/04/coming-this-summer-a-new-halo-for-windows-phone-8.aspx Coming this summer: '''Windows Phone Blog''' ''A new Halo for Windows Phone 8'']</ref> The story unfolds through the [[UNSC Tactical Simulator|UNSC TACSIM]], a historical computer simulation which the SPARTAN-IVs use for combat analysis and training, much like ''Halo 4''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s [[War Games]] mode,{{Ref/Reuse|firsttrailer}}<ref name="pareport">[http://penny-arcade.com/report/article/the-next-halo-game-is-coming-to-hardware-you-dont-have-and-software-you-don  '''The PA Report''': ''The next Halo game is coming to hardware you don’t have, and software you don’t want'']</ref> though the framing story takes place at some point after ''Halo 4''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s campaign.{{Ref/Note|[[Roland]] was activated on December 5, 2557, roughly five months after the [[First Battle of Requiem]], to replace ''Infinity''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s previous AI, [[Aine]]. The game's framing story thus takes place after the events of ''Halo 4''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s campaign, though when it occurs in relation to [[Spartan Ops]] is unclear. However, ''[[Halo: Escalation]]'' indicates that ''Infinity'' returned directly to Earth after [[Requiem]]'s destruction, suggesting that the framing narrative takes place in the gap between Roland's creation and the [[Second Battle of Requiem]].}} This framing structure explains some of the game's arcade-like elements, such as weapons' ability to fire continuously;{{Ref/Reuse|gameplay 1}}{{Ref/Reuse|gameplay 2}} indeed, [[Roland]] jests that the TACSIM doubles as "a fun game you can play in your spare time".<ref>''Halo: Spartan Assault'', opening cutscene</ref>

The campaign has two protagonists, Spartans [[Sarah Palmer]] and [[Edward Davis]], whose first meeting is depicted in the ''[[Halo: Initiation]]'' limited comic series.{{Ref/Reuse|Reed}} Rather than the in-engine cutscenes used in most ''Halo'' games, ''Spartan Assault'' instead makes use of motion comic-style animations between missions, much like the [[Terminal (Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary)|Terminal]]s in ''[[Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary]]'' and ''Halo 4''.{{Ref/Reuse|windows8only}} [[Halo: Spartan Assault/Quotes|Various quotes]] are displayed in the game's mission loading screens, some acting as gameplay tips while others provide backstory for the events of the game.

''Halo'' franchise writers [[Brian Reed]] and [[Jeremy Patenaude]] were responsible for the writing of ''Spartan Assault''.<ref>'''Halo: Spartan Assault credits'''</ref>

===Plot===
{{Spoiler/begin}}
''Spartan Assault'' begins with the {{UNSCShip|Infinity}}'s [[AI]] [[Roland]] giving several [[Spartan-IV]]'s a lesson on historical battles. Using [[UNSC Tactical Simulator]]s, Roland reveals that the Spartan users can assume the roles of Spartans [[Edward Davis]] and [[Sarah Palmer]] during the [[Battle of Draetheus V]], to enhance strategic skills. Roland explains that the engagement started when a [[Merg Vol's Covenant|splinter sect of Covenant]] ignored the Ceasefire of [[2552]] and attacked [[UNSC]] forces on the former [[Forerunner]] world of [[Draetheus V]].<ref name="umbra">'''Halo: Spartan Assault''', ''[[Operation A: Umbra]]''</ref>
[[File:Operation A.png|thumb|250px|Merg Vol's Covenant fleet arriving at [[Draetheus V]].]] 
The splinter Covenant forces are led by [[Sangheili]] [[Zealot]] [[Merg Vol]]. Vol leads a fleet of ships to the planet and his Covenant deploys troops on both Draetheus V and its [[moon]] [[X50]]. Palmer and Davis lead the UNSC in defending the planet from Merg Vol's Covenant. After thwarting the initial assault, Davis moved to secure the UNSC's [[Research Facility Alpha]] and the Forerunner artifact located therein, which appeared to be Vol's Covenant's main target.<ref>'''Halo: Spartan Assault''', ''[[Mission 1: Assault on CF-32|Assault on CF-32]]''</ref> However, Vol's Covenant resumed their assault and the UNSC feared the research facility would soon be crushed. Palmer, with a Marine detachment, infiltrated artillery positions Vol's Covenant had set up and destroyed them.<ref>'''Halo: Spartan Assault''', ''[[Mission 2: The Mirror Mantle Counter-Assault|The Mirror Mantle Counter-Assault]]''</ref> Spartan Davis later noticed Vol's Covenant's heavy reliance on dropship insertion. Davis realized they would be vulnerable to focused anti-aircraft fire, so, using [[M9 Wolverine]]s, he began establishing air defenses west of the facility at a location designated [[Glacial Perch]].<ref>'''Halo: Spartan Assault''', ''[[Mission 3: Reinforcement of the Perch|Reinforcement of the Perch]]''</ref>

While Spartan Davis was successful in slowing the enemy advance, Merg Vol's Covenant forces were too overwhelming. Sarah Palmer began fighting her way upstream through the invasion in an attempt to reach one of the northern outposts. Her plan was to destroy Covenant air support and give the [[AV-14 Hornet]]s a chance to land near the outposts. The ultimate goal was to get off X50 and warn Draetheus V of Vol's Covenant invasion. Within an hour of their arrival at X50, Vol's Covenant owned the moon. Despite the ferocity of the assault on X50, the UNSC forces on Draetheus V had no idea anything was going on because the planet's unique magnetic resonance frequently made off-world communication nearly impossible.<ref>'''Halo: Spartan Assault''', ''[[Mission 4: Live to Fight|Live to Fight]]''</ref>
[[File:Operation C.png|thumb|250px|left|[[Merg Vol]] activates [[X50]].]] 
While Davis defends the moon, Palmer and a small amount of UNSC forces remains on Draetheus V, outgunned and out-manned. Merg Vol's Covenant attack Draetheus V's main military outpost, [[Faraday Base]], and breach the first defense lines before the base's sentry turrets were fully operational.<ref>'''Halo: Spartan Assault''', ''[[Mission 6: Siege of Faraday|Siege of Faraday]]''</ref> After securing Faraday, Palmer began trying to establish the location of Vol's Covenant officers leading the invasion. After taking significant losses, Marines of the [[21st Scout platoon]] had managed to uncover a set of promising coordinates. After tracking the officers down, she quickly eliminated them.<ref>'''Halo: Spartan Assault''', ''[[Mission 8: Hunt for the Sangheili Command|Hunt for the Sangheili Command]]''</ref>

As Spartan Palmer led the charge on Draetheus V, Spartan Davis continued to face considerable enemy threat on the moon. Furthermore, it was revealed that X50 was not a natural moon after all, but a [[Forerunner]] megastructure capable of constructing and destroying planets. Upon finding his way into the control center, Merg Vol tuned X50's main weapon on Draetheus V and began to dismantle the planet. Merg Vol's Covenant forces activated the primary weapon of the X50 construct. Directed toward the planet, the beam began to disintegrate Draetheus V, destabilizing it.<ref>'''Halo: Spartan Assault''' - ''[[Operation C: Monolith]]''</ref> Enormous slabs of rock were slowly floating away from the planet's surface and both UNSC and Covenant troops were scrambling to get to safety as the UNSC continued to evacuate the planet.<ref>'''Halo: Spartan Assault''', ''[[Mission 16: Escape from the Southern Fields|Escape from the Southern Fields]]''</ref> Vol's Covenant continued to attack the planet and the UNSC quickly realized that Draetheus V was ill-prepared for a full evacuation. There was not enough transportation to allow everyone to leave Draetheus V. However, the UNSC raided a Covenant airfield and stole numerous Covenant aircraft. With Palmer's help, 23 Covenant aircraft carrying civilians made it off the planet.<ref>'''Halo: Spartan Assault''', ''[[Mission 20: Defense of the Enemies' Airbase|Defense of the Enemies' Airbase]]''</ref>

In a stroke of luck, the {{UNSCShip|Eminent Domain}} was able to outmaneuver Covenant forces in orbit over the moon and offer some support by deploying [[ODST]]s to the southern [[Mirror Flats]]. The [[3rd Helljumper Platoon]] was the first to land on Draetheus V's moon. Their drop zone was less than a mile from Alpha facility but the landing scattered them across the razor sharp rock face of the Glacial Perch. They were quickly surrounded by Covenant infantry and taking heavy losses, but Davis came to their assistance.<ref>'''Halo: Spartan Assault''', ''[[Mission 11: Descend from the Perch|Descend from the Perch]]''</ref> Davis connected with UNSC combat technicians who believed they could render the Forerunner structure inert; they just needed the chance to get inside the structure.<ref>'''Halo: Spartan Assault''', ''[[Mission 13: Assault on the Supply Lines|Assault on the Supply Lines]]''</ref> Davis and the remaining Marines assisted the combat technicians securing the Forerunner structure while Merg Vol's Covenant reinforcements did everything in their power to stop the technicians. With supporting sniper fire from higher grounds, Davis and his men were able to buy the technicians just enough time to do their work. However, even with their job complete, it was too late for Draetheus V. The planet was already breaking apart.<ref>'''Halo: Spartan Assault''', ''[[Mission 15: Superstructure Stand-off|Superstructure Stand-off]]''</ref>
[[File:Davis last stand.jpg|thumb|250px|Davis' last stand.]] 
While defending the moon, Spartan Davis was killed by an overwhelming amount of [[Sangheili]] forces. With transportation secured, one last hurdle remained in getting the colonists safely off of Draetheus V. The leader of the splinter Covenant forces, [[Merg Vol]], was still present on moon X50, providing the remaining Covenant forces with a rallying point and cry. If the colonists were to leave Draetheus V's orbit alive, Merg Vol would need to be terminated. Palmer suspected Vol's officer on Draetheus V, [[Parg Vol]] had a [[R'shwupa-pattern Phantom|personal transport]] hidden away. After completing the evacuation operation, locating Parg Vol's ship became Palmer's highest priority. After fighting through heavy Covenant forces she was able to locate Vol's Phantom and used it to get to X50.<ref>'''Halo: Spartan Assault''', ''[[Mission 21: Hunt for the Phantom|Hunt for the Phantom]]''</ref> Having successfully piloted the Phantom through Vol's Covenant fleet orbiting Draetheus V's moon, Palmer was able to land south of Merg Vol's camp, out of range of his [[Cheru-pattern Tyrant|turrets]].<ref>'''Halo: Spartan Assault''', ''[[Mission 23: Infiltration of the Cult Leader's Base|Infiltration of the Cult Leader's Base]]''</ref>
[[File:Battle for the Moon.png|thumb|250px|left|Palmer approaching Vol.]] 
Merg Vol was convinced he had been chosen by his gods to wield the power contained within the Forerunner structure. Having spent considerable resources to unlock its secrets, Vol managed to activate the structure's emergency defenses. With the deadly defenses at his command, Vol had become extremely dangerous. Unable to contact Spartan Davis since landing on Draetheus V's moon, Palmer prepared to battle Vol on her own. Vol's exact location had not been difficult to find: the direct area at the foot of the Forerunner structure was littered with a trail of dead UNSC soldiers. After facing Merg Vol's final forces and Forerunner [[beam turret]]s, she engaged Merg Vol himself. Despite a difficult fight, Palmer was able to overtake Vol and executed him with her [[M6H magnum]].

With Merg Vol killed and his Covenant forces defeated, the surviving colonists of Draetheus V were able to safely evacuate the system. After killing Vol, Palmer sabotaged the Forerunner device on X50.<ref>'''Halo: Spartan Assault''', ''[[Mission 25: Battle for the Moon|Battle for the Moon]]''</ref>

Shortly after the battle, the UNSC discovered a looping transmission of low-frequency static from X50. Palmer and UNSC forces returned to the moon to investigate. However, the UNSC quickly realized that Covenant forces remained on the moon. After fighting through numerous Covenant soldiers, Palmer discovered that the message had originated from Spartan Davis, moments before his death, and that Davis' final impressions had been absorbed into a [[Durance|Forerunner device]]. She shut the device down in order to allow her friend to pass away peacefully.<ref>'''Halo: Spartan Assault''' - ''[[Operation F: Hydra]]''</ref>
{{Spoiler/end}}

===Campaign===
The [[campaign]] mode is divided into six chapters called "Operations", with five missions each. The [[Cooperative play|co-op]] mode comprises five missions.<ref name="Ellis">[http://venturebeat.com/2013/12/16/halo-spartan-assaults-lead-designer-mike-ellis-tells-us-how-we-can-blast-the-flood-in-co-op-on-xbox-one-interview/ ''Venturebeat'': Mike Ellis interview]</ref>
{{Col-begin}}
{{Col-2}}
;[[Operation A: Umbra]]
*[[Mission 1: Assault on CF-32|Assault on CF-32]]
*[[Mission 2: The Mirror Mantle Counter-Assault|The Mirror Mantle Counter-Assault]]
*[[Mission 3: Reinforcement of the Perch|Reinforcement of the Perch]]
*[[Mission 4: Live to Fight|Live to Fight]]
*[[Mission 5: The Last Stand|The Last Stand]]

;[[Operation B: Tempered Shield]]
*[[Mission 6: Siege of Faraday|Siege of Faraday]]
*[[Mission 7: Reactor Field Relief|Reactor Field Relief]]
*[[Mission 8: Hunt for the Sangheili Command|Hunt for the Sangheili Command]]
*[[Mission 9: Battle for Epsilon Expanse|Battle for Epsilon Expanse]]
*[[Mission 10: Battle at Red Slate|Battle at Red Slate]]

;[[Operation C: Monolith]]
*[[Mission 11: Descend from the Perch|Descend from the Perch]]
*[[Mission 12: Spirit Graveyard Stand-Off|Spirit Graveyard Stand-Off]]
*[[Mission 13: Assault on the Supply Lines|Assault on the Supply Lines]]
*[[Mission 14: Infiltration of the Covenant Perimeter|Infiltration of the Covenant Perimeter]]
*[[Mission 15: Superstructure Stand-off|Superstructure Stand-off]]
{{Col-2}}
;[[Operation D: Captured Chance]]
*[[Mission 16: Escape from the Southern Fields|Escape from the Southern Fields]]
*[[Mission 17: Liberation of Faraday|Liberation of Faraday]]
*[[Mission 18: Assault on the Covenant Landing Zones|Assault on the Covenant Landing Zones]]
*[[Mission 19: Escape from Faraday|Escape from Faraday]]
*[[Mission 20: Defense of the Enemies' Airbase|Defense of the Enemies' Airbase]]

;[[Operation E: Frostbite]]
*[[Mission 21: Hunt for the Phantom|Hunt for the Phantom]]
*[[Mission 22: The Scorching of the Thicket|The Scorching of the Thicket]]
*[[Mission 23: Infiltration of the Cult Leader's Base|Infiltration of the Cult Leader's Base]]
*[[Mission 24: Hunt for the Cult Leader|Hunt for the Cult Leader]]
*[[Mission 25: Battle for the Moon|Battle for the Moon]]

;[[Operation F: Hydra]]
*[[Mission 26: Battle at the Arid Sea|Battle at the Arid Sea]]
*[[Mission 27: Breach of the Bulwark|Breach of the Bulwark]]
*[[Mission 28: Superstructure Assault|Superstructure Assault]]
*[[Mission 29: Infiltration of the Cistern|Infiltration of the Cistern]]
*[[Mission 30: The Source|The Source]]
{{Col-end}}

;[[Halo: Spartan Assault co-op missions|Flood missions]]
*[[Mission 1: Checkpoint|Checkpoint]]
*[[Mission 2: Holding the Fort|Holding the Fort]]
*[[Mission 3: Structural Integrity|Structural Integrity]]
*[[Mission 4: Transmission Interrupted|Transmission Interrupted]]
*[[Mission 5: Power Net|Power Net]]

==Gameplay==
===Control input===
[[File:HSA touch input.jpg|thumb|250px|Touch input for ''Halo: Spartan Assault'']]
As a "twin-stick" top-down shooter title, ''Halo: Spartan Assault'' is developed primarily for touchscreen platforms. The default controls for the game use some of the common control mechanics of touchscreen games: the movement control is located on the left screen whereas the aiming and firing control is located on the right. ''Halo''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s staple abilities, (such as grenade with a single button and using vehicles seamlessly), are readily accessible to the player and are placed next to the aiming and firing controls for ease of use.<ref name="debut">[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rKjakadAOic '''YouTube''': ''Halo: Spartan Assault - Debut Gameplay Reveal'']</ref>

On Windows 8 PCs and tablets, the game can also be played with a mouse and keyboard. Keyboard controls use a standard shooter format: the "WASD" key group controls movement and the mouse is for aiming and firing. On August 29, an update was applied to the game which enables the use of an [[Xbox 360]] controller as well.{{Ref/Reuse|debut}} The console versions of the game feature an altered control scheme in which the player must press the Right Trigger in order to fire weapons; in contrast, the other versions do not distinguish between the "look" and "fire" controls.{{Ref/Reuse|Ellis}}
{{clear}}

===Gameplay mechanics===
Splattering damage in ''Spartan Assault'' is similar to ''[[Halo: Combat Evolved]]'' where a simple prod from a vehicle can instantly kill the player. ''Spartan Assault'' gameplay features weapon racks that will refill ammunition for the weapons they house, granting the player technically unlimited ammo in a given area. Most battlefield debris in the game can be destroyed using brute force such as explosions or ramming it with vehicles larger than the debris. Exceptions include the Spirit and Pelican dropships as well as drop pods, which cannot be destroyed. Hijackings only affect Covenant vehicle, such as Wraiths and Ghosts. While hijacking, the player will gain invulnerability until taking full control of the vehicle or turret. However, when any mounted vehicles and turrets used by the player are destroyed, the player will die. The game features overheat on the machine gun and Plasma Turret; when they overheat, the player cannot use it until the overheat bar drains. Some weapons are given more ammo than standard FPS Games, such as the plasma pistol, sniper rifle, Spartan laser and rocket launcher. Splattering Marines does not kill them; however, if the player is splattered by a friendly vehicle, the player will die.

===Player loadout===
[[File:HSA loadout.jpg|thumb|250px|Player loadout]]
Players are able to customize their Spartan character's primary and secondary weapon [[loadout]], [[armor ability]], and [[Boosters|booster]] (akin to ''Halo 4''<nowiki />'s [[tactical packages]] and [[support upgrades]]) at the start of each mission. For additional challenge, the player can select up to two of six skulls to gain more bonuses achievements.
{{clear}}

===Cooperative play===
The Xbox 360 and Xbox One versions of the game include a two-player online cooperative mode. In this mode two Spartans battle against hordes of [[Flood]] forms across five missions.{{Ref/Reuse|HWP}} The also mode features never-before-seen weapons and equipment, including [[Machine Pistol|a machine pistol]] (which is [[Dual-wielding|dual-wielded]] like the [[M7/Caseless Submachine Gun|M7]]), a [[Slipspace translocation|teleportation]] armor ability, and a what appears to be a "cryo bomb" which emits a cloud that the Flood cannot penetrate.{{Ref/Reuse|Ellis}}<ref name="WP co-op">[https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/games/halospartanassault/mediadetail?title=spartan-assault-xbox-one-co-op&id=c6a8539d-34ee-4bda-8b0a-a5f1c2615f14&category=Videos '''Halo Waypoint:''' ''SPARTAN ASSAULT XBOX ONE - CO-OP'']</ref>

===Weekly Challenge===
The Weekly Challenge is where the player will be tasked with a challenge that occurs randomly every week, such as kill a specified target on a specified mission, kill with specified weapons, or even kill with specified methods. The reward is based on the difficulty you will face and the harder the weekly challenge, the more reward will be given. Weekly challenge change randomly every week and the player can take up to three challenges every week.

==Appearances==
{{Featurelist|secondcolumn=title-5|title-1=Characters|
;UNSC
*Spartan [[Edward Davis]] {{1st}}{{Ref/Reuse|windows8only}}
*Spartan [[Sarah Palmer]]{{Ref/Reuse|official}}
*[[Roland]]<ref>[https://vine.co/v/hmgIb1VATxb '''Vine.co''' - ''Xbox: Meet Roland, your A.I. guide in Halo: Spartan Assault'']</ref>

''The following characters are only mentioned in [[Halo: Spartan Assault/Quotes|pre-mission quotes]]:''
*Private Aaron Landvik {{Fm}}
*Lieutenant Abbi Strand {{Fm}}
*Sergeant Albert Sessa {{Fm}}
*Private Alexandra Tran {{Fm}}<ref name="HSA E3w343">[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U-14IYU9C3A '''YouTube''' - '' Halo Spartan Assault gameplay w/ 343i employee Jay Frechette (E3 2013)'']</ref>
*Private Amber Penzak {{Fm}}
*Private Andy Dimotta {{Fm}}
*Lieutenant Benjamin Wallace {{Fm}}
*Spartan [[Bethany Kossup]] {{Fm}}
*Captain Brad Falkenrath {{Fm}}
*Lieutenant Brendan Hale {{Fm}}
*Lieutenant Caitlin De Sauveterre {{Fm}}<ref>[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DxIhLBpS6Mw '''YouTube''' - ''PC 1080p | Halo: Spartan Assault Gameplay'']</ref>
*Lieutenant Chandana Pasternack {{Fm}}<ref>[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-u5wo4ZNsLQ '''YouTube''' - ''Halo: Spartan Assault Launch Party Demo'']</ref>
*Private Charlie Sultan (ODST) {{Fm}}
*Private Christopher Olsen {{Fm}}
*Corporal Craig Prinz {{Fm}}
*Private Dave Moriarty {{Fm}}
*Private Edward Levesque {{Fm}}
*Lieutenant Elizabeth Kwan {{Fm}}<ref>[https://www.youtubhttps://vine.co/v/hmgIb1VATxb.com/watch?v=M9lvzTHSbXg '''YouTube''' - ''Halo: Spartan Assault on Surface Pro @E3 2013'']</ref>
*Major Geraldine McNally {{Fm}}
*Private Gerry Payne {{Fm}}
*Private Guy Amjad {{Fm}}
*Lieutenant Han Quigley {{Fm}}
*Private Harold Amundsen {{Fm}}<ref>[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sPpJvbrjQ7I '''YouTube''' - ''Halo: Spartan Assault On Surface RT gameplay'']</ref>
*Sergeant Harry Benton {{Fm}}
*Lieutenant Henry Darzi {{Fm}}
*Private Jamie O'Neal {{Fm}}
*Lieutenant Jim Nikolai {{Fm}}
*Private John Rosenfeld {{Fm}}
*Private Kelly Tremblay {{Fm}}
*Sergeant Lindsay Asturias {{Fm}}<ref>[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DvP7pJhFztI '''Youtube''' ''Halo Spartan Assault Walkthrough - Level A-1 (Part 1)'']</ref>
*Lieutenant Mark El-Hashem {{Fm}}
*Sergeant Mary Russo {{Fm}}
*Private Matt Salamanca {{Fm}}
*Private Molly Markozi {{Fm}}
*Private Monica Ernst {{Fm}}
*Captain Nada Rand {{Fm}}
*Private Nick Rhee {{Fm}}
*Private First Class Nozomi Li {{Fm}}
*Lieutenant Patton Liao {{Fm}}
*Private Paul Voclain {{Fm}}
*Private Peter Zhou {{Fm}}
*Sergeant Ramone Dakota {{Fm}}
*Commander Richard Moe {{Fm}}
*Private Rob Petersen {{Fm}}
*Private Roger Alfarsi {{Fm}}<ref name="YSAG">[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=epVymGith5A '''YouTube''' - ''Halo Spartan Assault Impressions (inc Gameplay) '']</ref>
*Private Samantha Hass {{Fm}}<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6x_8tkluobE '''YouTube''' - ''Halo: Spartan Assault for Windows Phone 8 @E3 2013'']</ref>
*Lieutenant Sasha Wu {{Fm}}
*Lieutenant Scott Pham {{Fm}}
*Doctor Sheila Nerrivik {{Fm}}
*Lieutenant Stefan Morris {{Fm}}
*Lieutenant Tara Nguyen {{Fm}}<ref name="HSA E3">[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hYD81rFPuew '''YouTube''' - ''E3 2013: Halo Spartan Assault'' ]</ref>
*Private Tom Siskino {{Fm}}
*Sergeant Tom Winter {{Fm}}
*Private Victor Quintana {{Fm}}<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MM3sTiCA12M '''YouTube''' - ''vgBR na E3 2013 - Gameplay de Halo Spartan Assault'']</ref>

;Covenant
*[[Merg Vol]] {{1st}}
*[[Parg Vol]] {{Mo}}<ref>[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BxsYQtltOco '''YouTube''', ''Halo: Spartan Assault Reveal Trailer'']</ref>

|title-2=Species and entities|
*[[Flood]] {{C|Simulation only}}
**[[Pod infector]] {{C|Simulation only}}
**[[Flood combat form]] {{C|Simulation only}}
*[[Forerunner]] {{Mo}}
*[[Human]]
*[[Jiralhanae]]
**[[Jiralhanae Chieftain|Chieftain]]
**[[Jiralhanae Jumper|Jumper]]
*[[Kig-Yar]]
**[[Kig-Yar Minor|Minor]]
*[[Sangheili]]
**[[Field Master]]
**[[Sangheili Major|Major]]
**[[Sangheili Minor|Minor]]
**[[Sangheili Ranger|Ranger]]
**[[Stealth Sangheili|Stealth]]
**[[Sangheili Zealot|Zealot]]
*[[Unggoy]]
**[[Unggoy Major|Major]]
**[[Unggoy Minor|Minor]]
*[[Yanme'e]]
**[[Yanme'e Minor|Minor]]

|title-3=Organizations|
*[[Covenant remnants]]
**[[Merg Vol's Covenant]] {{1st}}
*[[Unified Earth Government]]
**[[United Nations Space Command]]
***[[UNSC Defense Force]]
****[[Spartan Operations|Spartan]]
*****[[SPARTAN-IV program]]
****[[UNSC Army]]
*****[[23rd Armored Cavalry]] {{1st}}
*****[[Special Warfare Command]] {{Mo}}
****[[UNSC Marine Corps]]
*****[[21st Scout platoon]] {{1st}}
*****[[Orbital Drop Shock Troopers]]
******[[3rd Platoon]] {{1st}}
****[[UNSC Navy]]

|title-4=Locations|
*[[Draetheus system]] {{1st}}
**[[Draetheus V]] {{1st}}
***[[Epsilon Expanse]] {{1st}}
***[[Faraday Base]] {{1st}}{{Ref/Reuse|HSA E3}}
***[[Red Slate Plateau]] {{1st}}
***[[X50]] {{1st}}
****[[Arid Ripple]] {{1st}}
****[[Arid Sea]] {{1st}}
****[[Cistern]] {{1st}}
****[[Basalt Maze]] {{1st}}
****[[Glacial Perch]] {{1st}}
****[[Mirror Flats]] {{1st}}
*****[[Research Facility Alpha]] {{1st}}{{Ref/Reuse|YSAG}}
*[[Sol system]]
**[[Earth]]
***[[Africa]]
****[[East African Protectorate]]
*****[[Republic of Kenya]]
******[[Voi]]
*[[X-40]] {{1st}}
**[[Conduction Refinement Facility]] {{1st}}
**[[Overwatch Construction Platform]] {{1st}}
**[[The Fort]] {{1st}}

|title-5=Events|
*[[Human-Covenant War]] {{Mo}}
**[[Battle of Kenya]] {{Mo}}
*[[Post-Covenant War conflicts]]
**[[Battle of Draetheus V]] {{1st}}

|title-6=Weapons|
====UNSC====
;Usable
*[[BR85HB battle rifle]]
*[[M247T machine gun]]
*[[M319 grenade launcher]]
*[[M41 rocket launcher]]
*[[M41 Vulcan]]
*[[M45 shotgun#M45D Tactical Shotgun|M45D shotgun]]
*[[M6 Spartan Laser]]
*[[M6 series]]
**[[M6H magnum]]
**[[M6/Z magnum]] {{1st}}
*[[M7 SMG]]
*[[M9 fragmentation grenade]]
*[[MA5D assault rifle]]
*[[Napalm grenade]]
*[[SRS99-S5 AM sniper rifle]]

;Unusable
*[[ARC-920 railgun]]
*[[M395 DMR]]
*[[M6G magnum]]
*[[MA37 assault rifle]]
*[[SRS99-AM sniper rifle]]

====Covenant====
;Usable
*{{Pattern|Anskum|plasma grenade}}
*[[Type-25 plasma pistol]]
*[[Type-25 Brute Shot]]{{Ref/Reuse|H:SAA}}
*{{Pattern|Mamua'uda|Shade}}
*[[Type-33 Needler]]
*{{Pattern|Nakata'vho|plasma repeater}}
*{{Pattern|M'tara|focus rifle}}

;Unusable
*[[Fuel rod cannon]]
*{{Pattern|Emp'seam|Antlion}}{{Ref/Reuse|HSA E3w343}}
*[[Type-1 energy sword]]
*[[Gravity hammer (fiction)|gravity hammer]]
*{{Pattern|Kewu Umppi'pa'|citadel turret}}
*{{Pattern|Okarda'phaa|plasma rifle}}{{Ref/Reuse|HSA E3w343}}
*{{Pattern|Gadulo|needle rifle}}
*{{Pattern|Cheru|Tyrant}}

====Forerunner====
;Usable
*[[Z-510 focus turret]]

|title-7=Vehicles|
====UNSC====
;Usable
*[[M808 Scorpion]]
*[[M850 Grizzly]]

;Unusable
*[[AV-14 Hornet]]
*[[AV-22 Sparrowhawk]]
*[[D77H-TCI Pelican]]
*[[M312 Elephant]]
*[[M313 Elephant]]
*[[M9 Wolverine]]
*[[Single Occupant Exoatmospheric Insertion Vehicle]]
*{{Class|Strident|heavy frigate}}
*{{UNSCShip|Eminent Domain}} {{1st}}
*{{UNSCShip|Infinity}}

====Covenant====
;Usable
*{{Pattern|Zurdo|Wraith}}
*{{Pattern|Karo'etba|Ghost}}
*{{Pattern|Ogab'd|anti-aircraft Wraith}}

;Unusable
*{{Class|CAS|assault carrier}}
*{{Pattern|Ket|battlecruiser}}
*[[Covenant drop pod|Orbital insertion pod]]{{Ref/Reuse|HSA E3}}
*{{Pattern|Taaku Xur|Spirit}}
*{{Pattern|Dextro Xur|Spirit}}
*[[Type-26 Banshee]]
*{{Pattern|Ru'swum|Phantom}}
**{{Pattern|R'shwupa|Phantom}}

|title-8=Technology and equipment|
;[[Armor abilities]]
*[[M2705 regeneration field]]
*[[Orbital reformer]] {{1st}}
*[[Overshield]]<ref name="H:SAA">[http://blogs.halowaypoint.com/Headlines/post/2013/06/11/Halo-Spartan-Assault-Achievements.aspx '''Halo Waypoint''': ''Halo: Spartan Assault Achievements'']</ref>
*[[Repel]]{{Ref/Reuse|WP co-op}}
*[[Seeker Drone]] {{1st}}{{Ref/Reuse|H:SAA}}
*[[Stun Blast]] {{1st}}
*[[Teleport]] {{1st}}
*[[Type-27 hologram]]
*[[Z-2500 autosentry]]
*[[Z-90 hardlight shield]]

;Other
*[[Artificial intelligence]]
**[[Avatar]]
*[[Covenant comm node]]
*[[Covenant defense barrier]]
*[[Covenant supply case]]
*[[Data pad]]
**[[UNSC Tactical Simulator]] {{1st}}
*[[Durance]]
*[[Hard light]]
**[[Light bridge]]
*[[Holography]]
**[[Holotank]]
*[[Jiralhanae power armor]]
*[[Jump pack]]
*[[Kig-Yar point defense gauntlet]]
*[[MJOLNIR Powered Assault Armor]]
**[[MJOLNIR Powered Assault Armor (GEN2)|MJOLNIR [GEN2]]]
***[[MJOLNIR Powered Assault Armor/Recruit]]
***[[MJOLNIR Powered Assault Armor/S variant]]
*[[Methane tank]]
*[[Combat harness|Sangheili combat harness]]
*[[Stationary shield generator]]
*[[Unggoy combat harness]]
*[[UNSC Marine Corps Battle Dress Uniform]]
}}

==Development==
===Design===
Vanguard Games began development of ''Halo: Spartan Assault'' around April 2012 for the Windows 8 platform, before the announcement of Windows Surface.<ref name="build">[http://www.wpcentral.com/halo-spartan-assault-coming-mid-july-will-include-future-game-updates '''Windows Phone Central''': ''Halo Spartan Assault coming mid-July, will include future game updates'']</ref> During initial development, Vanguard experimented with several prototypes by bringing the traditional ''Halo'' first-person shooter experience to mobile devices, only to find the gameplay wholly unsuitable for the platform.{{Ref/Reuse|build}} The game's AI system is managed by HAVOK, the same AI system management technology used in ''Halo 4''.<ref name="havokai">[http://www.havok.com/news-and-press/releases/halo-spartan-assault '''Havok''': ''Havok’s AI Technology Powering Halo: Spartan Assault on Windows 8 and Windows Phone 8'']</ref> The Microsoft Surface Pro version of the game runs at 60 frames-per-second; the Xbox One and Xbox 360 versions runs at the same frame rate with a native 1080p resolution.{{Ref/Reuse|Ellis}} The Windows Phone 8 and PC versions are locked at 30 FPS.{{Ref/Reuse|build}} The game's top-down view and stylization result in an aesthetic very similar to that of ''[[Halo Wars]]''.

====Sandbox====
The [[sandbox]] features weapons, vehicles, and armor styles from throughout the series' past. Most of the UNSC's arsenal from ''Halo 4'' is represented in ''Spartan Assault''; indeed, all but [[M41 Light Anti-Aircraft Gun|one]] usable UNSC weapon comes from ''Halo 4''. Merg Vol's Covenant arsenal is instead an eclectic mix of weapons from previous games, notably featuring the [[M'tara-pattern focus rifle|focus rifle]] and [[Type-51 Directed Energy Rifle/Improved|plasma repeater]] from ''[[Halo: Reach]]''. Several vehicles and stationary weapons which originated in ''Halo Wars'' are virtually unchanged from their incarnations in that game, aside from improved textures. The [[Zurdo-pattern Wraith|Wraith]] and [[Type-26 Ground Support Aircraft|Banshee]] also appear to use their models from ''Halo Wars'', evidenced by the former's plasma turret and the latter's canard layout.

Aside from [[Merg Vol]], the former Covenant species are based on their appearances in earlier media rather than their ''Halo 4'' incarnations. Specifically, the [[Unggoy|Grunts]], [[Sangheili|Elites]], and [[Kig-Yar|Jackals]] have the physiology of their ''Halo: Reach'' counterparts and wear corresponding armor. The [[Jiralhanae|Brutes]] and Drones are instead represented with their designs from ''Halo 3'' and ''[[Halo 3: ODST]]''.

===Cross-platform integration===
In-game statistics are integrated across the four Microsoft platforms: Windows 8, Windows Phone 8, [[Xbox 360]], and [[Xbox One]]. [[List of Halo: Spartan Assault medals|Medals]] unlocked, [[Experience point|XP]] earned, and [[Credit|cR]] purchased are each deposited into a single repository. [[Assault Ops]]/challenge progress carries across all platforms.

Mission progress is recorded individually for each platform, and each platform features its own leaderboards. Achievements must be unlocked by playing the game on each platform individually, however some achievements (i.e. [[117 (achievement)|117]], [[Extra Credit]], [[Pension Plan]]) are unlocked via accomplishments which are recorded across platforms, and therefore unlocking the achievement on one platform can contribute to or even complete the achievement on the others.

Steam does not feature this integration. Progress on this platform does not contribute to the others. Similarly, [[Halo Waypoint]] does not record stats, progress or achievements on Steam, nor do Steam achievements contribute to the player's [[Gamerscore]], as the platform utilizes a different profile.<ref>[https://forums.halowaypoint.com/yaf_postsm2883092_Spartan-Assault-STEAM---Synchronization.aspx '''Halo Waypoint''': ''Forum: Spartan Assault Steam - Synchronization?'']</ref>

===Integration features with ''Halo 4''===
The game is closely integrated with the player's experience in ''Halo 4'' where players can unlock experience points, new achievements, and an emblem for their ''Halo 4'' account.{{Ref/Reuse|official}} After purchasing the [[Champions Bundle]] Pack or the Bullseye Map Pack, the game will unlock: 

*The ''Striped'' (STP) [[Weapon skins (Halo 4)|skin]] for the [[M395 Designated Marksman Rifle|DMR]].
*The ''Vision'' (VISN) skin for the [[MJOLNIR Powered Assault Armor/AA variant|Air Assault]] armor.
*The ''Rush'' (RUSH) skin for the [[MJOLNIR Powered Assault Armor/CIO|CIO]] armor.
*A new [[stance]] called ''Determined''.

===Title update===
On August 29, 2013, ''[[Operation F: Hydra]]'' was released in the form of a title update. ''Hydra'' includes five new missions as well as five new achievements, worth a total of 50 gamerpoints.<ref>[http://blogs.halowaypoint.com/Headlines/post/2013/08/27/New-Halo-Spartan-Assault-Achievements-Released.aspx '''Halo Waypoint''', ''New Halo: Spartan Assault Achievements Released'']</ref>

==Soundtrack==
{{Main|Halo: Spartan Assault Original Soundtrack}}
The ''Halo: Spartan Assault Original Soundtrack'' was released on July 18, 2013.<ref>[http://www.soundtrack.net/albums/database/?id=10766 '''Soundtrack.net''' - ''Halo: Spartan Assault'']</ref> The soundtrack features 27 tracks and was composed by [[Tom Salta]].<ref>[http://www.tomsalta.com/?page_id=5#post-455 '''TomSalta.com''': ''Tom Salta provides the original score to Halo: Spartan Assault'']</ref>  

==Reception==
{{Halo: SA reviews}}
''Halo: Spartan Assault'' generally received mixed reviews upon release; the game has a weighted aggregate rating of 71/100 on [[Wikipedia:Metacritic|Metacritic]], based on sixteen reviews.<ref>[http://www.metacritic.com/game/pc/halo-spartan-assault '''Metacritic''' - Halo: Spartan Assault for PC Reviews]</ref> Pocket Gamer's Harry Slater and Destructoid's Chris Carter wrote that while ''Spartan Assault'' was not going to be a Windows 8 "killer app", it was a worthwhile purchase for gamers on the Windows 8 platform. Carter stated "Despite its lack of any remarkable or "must have" features, it still manages to be a fairly decent top-down shooter."<ref name="destructoid">[http://www.destructoid.com/review-halo-spartan-assault-258604.phtml '''Destructoid''' - Review: Spartan Assault]</ref> 

Multiple reviewers praised the game for its authentic ''Halo'' look and feel. Kyle Hillard from ''Game Informer'' called ''Spartan Assault'' "a true ''Halo'' game, even if the series’ signature scope and size are scaled down", with the game featuring familiar ''Halo'' moments, enemies, and sounds. Although the game's checkpoint system was criticised, with some critics claiming it to be nearly non-existent. Hillard stated that it was "''Spartan Assault'''s big shortcoming".<ref name="gameinformer">[http://www.gameinformer.com/games/halo_spartan_assault/b/pc/archive/2013/08/07/halo-spartan-assault-game-informer-review.aspx '''Game Informer''' - Review]</ref> ''Spartan Assault'' was criticised for being repetitive, dull and unmemorable. IGN's Dan Stapleton gave the game's [[Xbox One]] version a 5.8 out of 10 rating, stating "The top-down perspective turns the distinctive ''Halo'' arsenal into a bunch of pretty boring guns."<ref name="IGN">[http://ca.ign.com/articles/2014/01/11/halo-spartan-assault-xbox-one-review '''IGN''' - Halo: Spartan Assault Xbox One Review]</ref>

The microtransaction features of ''Spartan Assault'' were generally negatively received. While reviewers such as Destructoid's Carter felt that the microtransactions could be ignored and did not impact enjoyment of the game,{{Ref/Reuse|destructoid}} Hillard wrote that "it’s hard not to feel as though an important part of the game is being withheld after buying into the agreed-upon price of admission."{{Ref/Reuse|gameinformer}} IGN's Stapleton stated "the worst thing about Spartan Assault is its obnoxious microtransactions."{{Ref/Reuse|IGN}}

Jake Valentine from GameZone gave the Xbox One version a less generous 5/10, stating "''Halo: Spartan Assault'' is a soulless, boring, chore of a game. The small glimpses of fun arcade like gameplay are drowned away by frustration and money grabbing."<ref>[http://www.gamezone.com/reviews/2014/01/04/halo-spartan-assault-review-nickel-and-dime '''GameZone''' - Halo: Spartan Assault Review: Nickel and Dime]</ref>

{{clear}}

==Trivia==
{{Linkbox|quote=yes}}
*Despite appearing on the cover art, [[Mgalekgolo|Hunters]] and [[T'vaoan|Skirmisher]]s are not encountered in the game. Curiously, the Skirmisher in the background (either a [[Skirmisher Commando|Commando]] or a [[Skirmisher Champion|Champion]]) carries a [[Kig-Yar point defense gauntlet|Jackal shield]].
*When shot, the [[Yanme'e|Drones]] make the same noises [[Huragok|Engineers]] make in ''[[Halo 3: ODST]]'' and ''[[Halo: Reach]]''.
*This marks the first ''Halo'' game in which [[Kig-Yar|Jackals]] use [[Anskum-pattern plasma grenade|plasma grenades]]. This also marks the first time that Jackals will use melee attacks.
*The [[Mission 1: Assault on CF-32|first mission]]'s [[:File:HSA mission overview.jpg|briefing screen]] and the [[:File:Battle for Epsilon Expanse.png|opening cutscene]] for [[Mission 9: Battle for Epsilon Expanse|Mission 9]] depict Unggoy and Sangheili in their ''Halo 3'' likenesses, whereas they resemble their ''Halo: Reach'' counterparts in gameplay. The [[:File:Liberation of Faraday.png|briefing screen]] for [[Mission 17: Liberation of Faraday|Mission 17]] clearly shows Army troopers (evidenced by their [[UNSC Army Battle Dress Uniform|BDUs]] and [[MA37 assault rifle]]s), despite the briefing itself identifying the base's defenders as Marines.

==Gallery==
===Logo and cover art===
<gallery>
File:HSA-Logo.png|Title art.
File:HSA-FullCover.jpg|Cover art.
</gallery>
===Concept art===
<gallery>
File:HSA-Concept-DraetheusV.jpg|Concept art of Draetheus V.
File:SA DesertBaseConcept.jpg|Concept art of a military base.
File:SA MeteorConcept.jpg|Concept art of a meteor.
File:SA RelicConcept.jpg|Concept art of a [[Forerunner]] relic.
File:SA AbsoluteRecordConcept.jpg|Concept art of the [[Absolute Record]], which did not make it into the final game.
</gallery>
===Screenshots===
<gallery>

File:TACSIM_1.png|Main menu.
File:HSA keyboard.jpg|Control for mouse and keyboard.
File:HSA mission overview.jpg|Mission briefing.
File:HSA mission outcome.jpg|Mission outcome with scoring detail.
File:HSA-Cinematic-PlanetSurface.jpg|A view of a planet's surface, presumably Draetheus V's.
File:HSA-Cinematic-Plummet.jpg|A damaged UNSC frigate falling from the sky. 
File:HSA-Cinematic-Palmer.jpg|Spartan Palmer in one of the game's motion comic-style cutscenes.
File:HSA-Cinematic-Horizon.jpg|Palmer observes an incoming Covenant fleet.
File:Merg Vol.png|Shipmaster Merg Vol.
File:HSA-Cinematic-SpartanIV-Recruit.jpg|Davis wearing his GEN2 Recruit armor.
File:Flood city2.jpeg|The Flood in a Kenyan city.
File:Flood city.jpeg|An African city consumed by the Flood.
File:HSA Flood infesting Earth.jpg|A simulation of Earth being infested by the Flood.
File:HSA Roland with Flood-infection form.jpg|Roland with a Pod infector.
</gallery>

==Notes==
{{Ref/Notes}}


==Sources==
{{Ref/Sources|3}} 

==External links==
*[http://apps.microsoft.com/windows/en-us/app/halo-spartan-assault/8fe2d694-baa2-4011-99c0-3a22216223bb The official download site]
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