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It's a well-known fact that the Halo franchise is among Microsoft's most beloved exclusives, and if you're an Xbox gamer you've likely played them all. However, there was one title, released earlier this year, that wasn't an Xbox exclusive but a Windows 8 mobile exclusive: Halo: Spartan Assault.

Due to strong consumer demand, however, Microsoft has decided to port Halo: Spartan Assault to their newest console, the Xbox One. Moreover, that updated version of the mobile title will be available on December 24th.

While Halo: Spartan Assault was envisioned as a mobile title — with virtual twin stick mechanics — Microsoft has apparently done well to port it to the Xbox One. That means full 1080p visuals, a 60fps frame rate, surround sound audio, and more.

The Xbox One version of Halo: Spartan Assault also includes the 'Operation Hydra' add-on from the mobile game, and a cooperative mode that was not available for Windows 8 users. In the cooperative mode, players will be able to group with a friend and try to survive oncoming waves of The Flood. Granted, taking on The Flood doesn't sound like a terribly enticing experience, especially considering The Flood are one of the Halo franchise's least popular enemies, but a multiplayer mode has its inherent appeals regardless.

It should also be mentioned that Xbox 360 gamers will eventually be able to get in on the Halo: Spartan Assault action, when the game releases some time in January 2014. Both they and Xbox One owners will be able to unlock content for use in Halo 4 through Spartan Assault, although we're not sure how viable that content is now.

As gamers anxiously await the release of Halo 5, the first Xbox One title in the franchise, Halo: Spartan Assault looks to be a decent stop-gap — a well-received twin stick shooter that features many of the Halo series' trademark weapons, enemies, and vehicles. And if there are gamers out there who played Halo: Spartan Assault on their Surface tablet but want to play again on their Xbox One, they need only pay $4.99 to upgrade.

Will you try out Halo: Spartan Assault on the Xbox One? Do you like the concept of a twin stick shooter set in that universe?

Halo: Spartan Assault releases December 24, 2013 for $14.99 on the Xbox One.

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Source: Xbox Wire