PixlBit | "As a huge Halo fanboy, I’m happy to take any non-Master Chief content the good brand managers at Microsoft are willing to toss out there. After getting fairly hooked on the Halo novels, and finding that the universe created to support a space marine shooter was actually pretty interesting, I’ve often pined for actual games that use this setting in completely new ways. Halo 3: ODST was a fantastic side-step and Halo Wars reportedly made a great effort at a console RTS, but the latest attempt to get Halo characters not wearing green body armor on your Xbox, Halo: Spartan Assault, smacks of an easy cash grab.
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BNR: Ah, top-down shooters- one of the more arcade-ey genres with a measure of popularity today, there are quite a few of them on the market. Assuming you’ve played Asteroids (which drew inspiration from what many consider to be the first video game, SpaceWars) and want some more, which are worth your time? Don’t despair; my personal top-five is here! these are games that I personally really enjoyed- if you’re into top-down (also known as twin-stick) shooters, you’ll want to check these out.
My personal favorite TDS of all time is Dead Nation by House Marque. I loved that game so much, and clocked so many hours into it. Can't wait for Alienation.
With the latest update for the IOS games of Halo: Spartan Assault and Halo: Spartan Strike Xbox services have been added including achievements for both titles.
DD:
What’s quite incredible about Spartan Assault is that it has managed to encapsulate the atmosphere and design of the Halo games, previously exclusive to Microsoft systems, into the confines of an iPad. From the way troops behave, to the weapons and locations, it feels like an authentic Halo experience, even though it's a top-down dual stick shooter, rather than a FPS, and that’s the best thing Spartan Strike has going for it.
Honestly, I don't see how it is a cash grab. This is one of the best top down shooters on X360, it stays true to the Halo canon, and it is loads of fun to play the levels several times.
It may not be what the typical Halo fans like, but from my perspective this is a solid and very fun game.