Microsoft has confirmed a new offering for Windows 8 PCs and Windows 8 Phones/Tablets called Halo: Spartan Assault. The downloadable offering is a top-down shooter that will arrive for Windows 8 PCs and Windows Phone 8 in July, and then for Windows tablets shortly after that. A release for iOS and Android devices is unconfirmed, but hinted at as a possibility at some point in the future. (No word if it is coming for the Xbox One or Xbox 360.)

This new Halo on-the-go experience was co-developed by 343 Industries and Vanguard Games. The game takes place in the Halo universe between the 3rd and 4th Halo title and will feature 25 missions. The game offers an easy-to-use touchscreen interface, but also offers keyboard and mouse support for the Windows 8 PC version. The game supports achievements and offers integration between the game and Halo 4 on the Xbox 360. The integration features will not arrive till a little after launch, however.

343 claims that it wanted to take the Halo experience off the TV and get it to more people. We think that this is just a clever way of giving Halo fans the ability to play in the Halo universe on the go. As with most games these days, Spartan Assault will support in-game micro-transactions that will allow users to purchase a variety of things.