Halo: Spartan Strike
- April 16, 2015
- 343 Industries
- 7h median play time
While top-down shooters are nothing new for mobile, Halo: Spartan Strike stands out by evoking its famous franchise.
Get on Steam"Halo: Spartan Strike" is a thrilling top-down shooter game where you play as a Spartan supersoldier fighting against Covenant and Promethean enemies. With 30 missions across various landscapes, you can utilize a wide range of weapons, abilities, and vehicles to conquer your foes. Compete in weekly challenges, earn Steam achievements, and climb the leaderboards to prove your Halo prowess. Crush enemies with iconic Warthogs or take down opponents from the sky using the new Kestrel VTOL. Experience a new captivating story set on New Mombasa and the Gamma Halo.
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Reviews
- Improved controls and gameplay mechanics compared to its predecessor, Spartan Assault.
- Engaging top-down shooter experience that captures the Halo feel with a variety of weapons and vehicles.
- Fun and enjoyable for Halo fans, with decent graphics and sound design.
- Final chapter locked behind a requirement to achieve gold stars on all previous missions, which can be tedious.
- Repetitive gameplay and mission design, leading to a lack of variety over time.
- No multiplayer or co-op mode, limiting replayability and social interaction.
- story790 mentions
- 11 % positive mentions
- 84 % neutral mentions
- 5 % negative mentions
The story in "Spartan Strike" is generally viewed as weak and lacking depth, often relying on established Halo lore without introducing new characters or significant plot developments. Players express frustration over the requirement to achieve gold stars in all previous missions to unlock the final chapter, which many find unnecessarily punitive and detracting from the overall experience. While some appreciate the improved mission structure and gameplay mechanics, the narrative is often described as basic and repetitive, failing to engage players beyond the immediate action.
“In any case, in true Halo fashion, the real story is the playthrough itself more than the cutscenes and texts anyways.”
“The game is built in a classic Halo way, with different segments with different missions/tasks to do, and you advance through them in chronological order.”
“Much more story oriented it seems than the last game and also adds a fun twist on the existing Halo story!”
“The story never makes sense at all.”
“While I could excuse its short runtime, its boring plot and uninteresting gameplay, where I draw the line is after fighting immense boredom to see the end of this game, it then turns around and says 'nope, you haven't gotten all the gold stars on all the levels yet.'”
“Unfortunately, the last set of missions in this game are locked behind a requirement to get a gold rating in every mission prior.”
- gameplay226 mentions
- 30 % positive mentions
- 63 % neutral mentions
- 7 % negative mentions
The gameplay of "Halo: Spartan Strike" is generally described as a fun yet familiar experience, retaining many mechanics from its predecessor, "Spartan Assault." While some players appreciate the smooth controls and varied missions, others criticize the repetitive nature and lack of innovation, leading to a mixed reception regarding its overall engagement and challenge. Despite its casual appeal and decent graphics, many feel the gameplay lacks depth and can become tedious over time.
“The gameplay is fun and offers a solid Halo experience in a condensed format, making it easy to pick up and play.”
“Different missions with different objectives allow for the gameplay to always vary, ever so slightly, but enough to not be repetitive.”
“The gameplay was a lot of fun and mechanics worked flawlessly.”
“While the core gameplay is fine, this frustrating design choice severely detracts from the experience.”
“I guess this has aged really poorly, but the gameplay is just stale and lifeless, and it seems like more attention has been paid to all sorts of various stuff happening in the background that you're not part of, instead of making sure the core gameplay actually felt like fun.”
“The gameplay does not fare much better; lacking any strategic nuance, it consists of clicking on monsters until they finally topple over from lead poisoning.”
- graphics120 mentions
- 47 % positive mentions
- 50 % neutral mentions
- 3 % negative mentions
The graphics in "Halo: Spartan Strike" have received positive feedback, with many reviewers noting significant improvements over its predecessor, "Halo: Spartan Assault." Players appreciate the vibrant visuals, detailed animations, and overall aesthetic appeal, which enhance the gameplay experience. While some minor glitches and limited graphical settings were mentioned, the game's visuals are generally regarded as top-notch and engaging, contributing to its enjoyment.
“The graphics and animations are top-notch, and the controls are intuitive and easy to use.”
“Now you will start to face the Prometheans, the enemies introduced in 'Halo 4', and the graphics and overall game experience have improved with this installment.”
“I was surprised at how pleasant the effects and graphics were; this can look beautiful and impressive at many times, and seeing explosions and debris flying around evokes a sense of enjoyment comparable to the gameplay of Halo 1.”
“Halo: Spartan Strike, on the other hand, despite the improvements in graphics and control mechanics, it is a boring game.”
“A graphical overhaul compared to Halo: Spartan Assault, but still uninteresting gameplay.”
“Campaign 1 of 5 (there are still 30 missions total) is the worst offender as the first section of the game is padded with needless backtracking and showing off the fancier graphics and mechanics.”
- music102 mentions
- 55 % positive mentions
- 41 % neutral mentions
- 4 % negative mentions
The music in the game has received mixed reviews, with many praising it as a strong addition to the Halo franchise, featuring high-quality orchestral compositions that enhance immersion. However, some players noted issues with repetitive tracks and a lack of dynamic intensity during gameplay, which detracted from the overall experience. Overall, while the soundtrack is appreciated for its recognition value and quality, it also faces criticism for not being original and for occasional audio issues.
“The soundtrack is a good addition to the Halo discography.”
“Overall, great game, excellent soundtrack, and just a great spinoff in general.”
“I'd actually say this game has one of the best soundtracks in the entire franchise.”
“The music is not original.”
“Music is static 'dramatic' music that doesn't change, for example, to increase in intensity during combat.”
“The music is really bad repetitive synth whine which grinds on your nerves when you can hear it.”
- grinding40 mentions
- 5 % positive mentions
- 5 % neutral mentions
- 90 % negative mentions
The grinding aspect of the game has received mixed feedback, with some players finding it less tedious than previous titles, while others express frustration over repetitive missions and the need to grind for achievements. Many noted that certain missions are enjoyable, but the requirement to replay them for credits or to unlock content can detract from the overall experience, making it feel tedious at times. Overall, while improvements have been made, grinding remains a significant element that can impact enjoyment.
“Also, the challenges aren't as tedious as in Spartan Strike, so if you are a completionist, this is a much better game.”
“Grinding for the last operation was pretty boring, but the game as a whole was very fun.”
“Game was a fun and relaxing little time waster, a few short missions and a lot of shooting, then I find the last set of missions are locked behind achievements, achievements I have no interest in getting. I want to relax and play all the game I bought, not be left out of content because I don't feel like grinding and replaying missions ad nauseum.”
“Even if you kill every enemy without using 1000 credits to buy a score booster, most aren't attainable without one, either due to the difficulty or lack of enemies, so have fun grinding the shortest missions over and over again for credits.”
- optimization20 mentions
- 20 % positive mentions
- 65 % neutral mentions
- 15 % negative mentions
Overall, the game's optimization is praised for its solid performance and low system requirements, making it accessible even on lower-end PCs. While some players experienced minor issues like occasional stuttering and a crash, these were not significant enough to detract from the overall smooth gameplay. The graphics are well-optimized, earning high marks, and the game caters to casual players who prefer a less demanding experience.
“Graphics: 10/10 doesn't require much, and is heavily optimized, by the looks of it.”
“It's a twin-stick shooter that surprisingly inherits the combat of the core Halo shooters very well, and while it isn't anything noteworthy or something I'd consider highly recommendable, its performance is solid and undemanding; it doesn't demand your time nor leaves a large hole in your wallet.”
“Some players, especially those looking for a more casual experience, simply want to finish the game without having to meet strict performance criteria.”
“My only issues were a crash during the first hour and occasional stuttering (not significant).”
“Performance is solid, even on my relatively low-end PC, but that's to be expected from what's basically a side-by-side PC and mobile game.”
- replayability18 mentions
- 17 % positive mentions
- 67 % neutral mentions
- 17 % negative mentions
The game offers moderate replayability, primarily through leaderboards, achievements, and short missions that can be completed in one sitting, making it easy to pick up and play. While some players appreciate the challenge of completing all achievements and medals, others feel that the overall replay value is limited, with the campaign and assault challenges lacking depth. Despite its short playtime of around 3-4 hours, fans of the Halo series may still find enjoyment in replaying the game.
“Has replay value as it has leaderboards, medals, etc. The missions are relatively short but not as short as Spartan Assault; each mission can be completed in one sitting, maybe an hour to do each mission, which I like as I can feel like I've completed something and then stop playing and go do other stuff.”
“The maps are short, but sweet and show a dedication to detail. The campaign is short too, but fun to replay, and the medals, assault ops, and achievements add to the replayability.”
“Honestly, $6 feels like a sale price already, especially considering that the aforementioned skulls can add some challenge and a bit of replayability.”
“Speaking of replayability, however, the game doesn't really have much.”
“Only about 3-4 hours worth of playtime and no real replay value.”
“The assault challenges are as arbitrary as the first game - usually killing things with some other thing for replayability.”
- stability15 mentions
- 20 % positive mentions
- -7 % neutral mentions
- 87 % negative mentions
The game's stability has received mixed reviews, with many users reporting significant bugs and freezing issues, particularly during the input method selection. While some players noted occasional frame-rate problems and glitches, others found the game relatively bug-free. Overall, the consensus leans towards a frustrating experience due to its instability.
“The game is remarkably stable and runs smoothly without any major issues.”
“I appreciate how bug-free the experience has been; it really enhances gameplay.”
“The stability of the game allows for an immersive experience without interruptions.”
“It's so bug-ridden, do not buy.”
“This one literally just freezes on the input method select screen.”
“Buggy as hell.”
- monetization15 mentions
- 20 % positive mentions
- 27 % neutral mentions
- 53 % negative mentions
The monetization model of the game is praised for being fair and free from microtransactions, distinguishing it from many other mobile games that often rely on cash grabs. As a premium title, it avoids intrusive ads and offers a more immersive experience, focusing on gameplay and content rather than monetization tactics. Overall, players appreciate the absence of microtransactions, which enhances the game's integrity and enjoyment.
“Its perk/bonus systems are much more fair as they aren't built around microtransactions.”
“Luckily, there aren't any of the microtransactions the mobile version undoubtedly has, which is always refreshing.”
“[Involved, well-scripted levels, no microtransactions, still feels like Halo.]”
“Another cash grab.”
“For example, you slow down when you shoot, which may be a staple in similar games, but it just feels like overhead ads, which is not what you'd expect from Halo.”
“Since this is a premium game, it at least spares you the deluge of ads between levels, so somehow subliminally inserted into the playing fields.”
- atmosphere8 mentions
- 50 % positive mentions
- 25 % neutral mentions
- 25 % negative mentions
The atmosphere in Spartan Strike is praised for its detailed models, effective lighting, and smooth gameplay, which enhance the overall experience within the Halo universe. Reviewers appreciate the game's minimalistic design that complements its immersive environment, alongside the familiar elements of great music, AI, and engaging vehicle sequences that fans of the franchise have come to love.
“I liked the atmosphere and the smooth nature surrounding the game.”
“The lighting and particles too, even though minimalistic because this is a minimalistic game, have been made very well and fitting to the atmosphere of our Halo universe.”
“Everything else that made Halo games good still remains: great atmosphere and music, good AI, fun vehicle sequences, etc. So if you liked Spartan Assault (and Halo games generally), this should be a no-brainer.”
“The lighting and particles, although minimalistic due to the nature of the game, have been crafted well and are fitting to the atmosphere of our Halo universe.”
“The constant atmosphere change in each mission adds a layer of depth, but it often feels inconsistent and lacks immersion.”
- emotional6 mentions
- 67 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 33 % negative mentions
The emotional aspect of the game is highlighted by its memorable objectives and iconic protagonist, which resonate with players and have become part of the game's cultural lexicon. However, the repetitive missions and a lackluster story twist detract from the overall emotional engagement, despite the immersive sound effects and music that enhance the experience.
“In general, the sound effects and music are amazing and it made me feel immersed as I was playing the game.”
“At some point, I guess it would be tedious to keep replaying the same 20 short and lacking missions, and that's when I'd wrap the game up and say goodbye to it forever. I imagine they tried to do a twist with the boring story here by revealing to you that you're actually *spoiler* fighting in a simulation to get ready for any and all incoming Covenant attacks, but meh.”
- humor4 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The humor in the game is characterized by its witty AI dialogue and familiar Halo elements, such as guns and Spartans, which contribute to a lighthearted and entertaining experience. However, some users feel that the humor may not fully meet their expectations.
“Everything you'd expect from Halo is here, like guns, Spartans, and funny AI dialogue.”
