14 DAY TRIAL // 
Hardly had the Xbox One been released than Microsoft launched a Halo game for the next-gen console. Bear in mind that it's actually an adaptation of Halo: Spartan Assault, a downloadable game that has already appeared for Microsoft's Windows Phone and Windows 8 platforms on smartphones, tablets, and PC.
Even so, it promises to shed more light on the events between Halo 3 and 4, as well as to deliver an enjoyable twin-stick shooter experience set in the rich universe that's currently maintained by 343 Industries.
Does the new title manage to do the Halo franchise justice or should the assault on the Xbox One be postponed until a full-fledged game appears? Let's find out.
Halo: Spartan Assault puts players in the shoes of a rookie on board the UNSC Infinity ship. They'll relive past missions of Spartans like Commander Sarah Palmer, who went on all sorts of intense missions between Halo 3 and Halo 4.
While there's a distinct lack of Master Chief and the gameplay is completely changed, the experience is a pretty enjoyable one.
The story offers quite a bit of new info on what happened between the full-fledged games, but its delivery isn't exactly up to par. There are some great cinematic cut scenes between the main chapters but the actual missions are explained through text.
In terms of actual gameplay, Spartan Assault delivers a true twin-stick shooter experience, as you can move and direct the aim of Spartan Palmer with the two sticks, while shooting and throwing grenades with the trigger buttons.
You can also use melee attacks with the right bumper, while the left one deploys your armor's special ability, from extra speed, to bonus shields, and other such things. Controls are pretty good but sometimes the aim is a bit too sensitive and you'll have problems following certain enemies as they jump and strafe around your position. What's more, overheating turrets causes the triggers to rumble and the sensation is pretty annoying.
Before you start the mission, you're taken to the loadout screen. Here, you can see what items you have equipped as standard for that particular mission and you can opt to replace some of them, although you'll need to spend either in-game XP or real money, in the form of Credits. There aren't that many reasons to alter your loadout, however, as scarce ammo means you'll constantly juggle different weapons.
In terms of level and mission design, there are a few basic types, from escort, to protect, or search scenarios. Environments are relatively linear, but there are quite a few levels where things are much more open. Unfortunately, the minimap isn't that good at highlighting enemies, so you'll have a few problems trying to eliminate them when tasked with protecting certain items or units.
Enemies are pretty varied, ranging from the regular Grunts, to Brutes or Drones, but if you play quite a few missions in quick succession, you'll quickly grow tired of all of them.
There’s also a diversity of weapons, ranging from the regular UNSC assault rifle or Magnum, to the Covenant Needler, for example. Ammo isn't that common in quite a few missions, so you'll often be forced to swap out guns with those found on the floor in order to survive the onslaught of enemies.
You're able to man certain turrets and vehicles, like Scorpions, but these moments aren't that numerous and you'll certainly encounter problems trying to control them using the two thumbsticks. What's more, I was met with quite a few bugs, as if you jam the path of a friendly AI-controlled vehicle, he'll get stuck in you and you won't be able to move anymore. As such, give the AI plenty of room for maneuvers.
Halo: Spartan Assault also features an online-only cooperative mode in which two players can team up and try to survive waves of the Flood in the UNSC Infinity's simulator. These moments are pretty fun but cooperation is key.
It's quite surprising that this co-op mode doesn't support local play, especially since an Xbox Live Gold Membership is required to experience it online.
In terms of visuals, Spartan Assault looks pretty good but it's not a major leap forward from the Windows 8 PC edition, for example. The special cut scenes have a great style but the in-game graphics aren't out of this world.
The soundtrack does offer some impressive orchestral scores during certain moments of quite a few missions, but it's often drowned out by the regular sound effects of weapons, enemies, or the repetitive taunts from your AI-controlled teammates.
Conclusion
Halo: Spartan Assault is a pretty fun twin-stick shooter that works even without its relationship to the core Halo franchise. Xbox One users should certainly try it out if they're fans of the genre, but first-person shooter fans might want to wait until Halo makes its proper debut on the Xbox One in the future.
