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.
Reviews
- Improved controls and gameplay mechanics compared to its predecessor, making it more enjoyable.
- The game features a variety of weapons, vehicles, and enemies, enhancing the overall experience.
- The graphics and sound design are well-executed, providing a visually appealing and immersive atmosphere.
- The final chapter is locked behind a requirement to achieve gold stars on all previous missions, which can be frustrating for players.
- The gameplay can become repetitive and lacks significant variety in mission design.
- Some players experienced technical issues, such as crashes and control problems, particularly with controller support.
- story395 mentions
- 11 % positive mentions
- 84 % neutral mentions
- 5 % negative mentions
The story in "Halo: Spartan Strike" is generally viewed as weak and lacking depth, often described as a series of repetitive missions with minimal narrative engagement. Players express frustration over the requirement to achieve gold stars in all previous missions to unlock the final chapter, which detracts from the overall experience. While some appreciate the integration of familiar Halo lore and improved mission structure, many feel that the game fails to deliver a compelling storyline, relying heavily on established franchise elements rather than introducing new, engaging content.
“The game is well-designed, with a great story, intuitive controls, and plenty of content to keep players entertained for hours on end.”
“The story itself, while fairly similar to the first game, introduces a new race into the mix, and expands the lore quite fantastically.”
“Much more story oriented it seems than the last game and also adds a fun twist on the existing Halo story!”
“The story is definitely lacking, which is just disappointing because I feel like the Halo universe is so big; how do you not find something interesting to write about?”
“While the story of Spartan Assault is serviceable if not forgettable, Spartan Strike has you chasing a macguffin the whole time, which is really lame.”
“It's not essential in any way to the story of Halo as a whole, so I would skip this game at all costs; if anything, the only thing this game is good for is lowering your expectations when moving onto Halo 5 so that game doesn't hurt as much.”
- gameplay113 mentions
- 30 % positive mentions
- 63 % neutral mentions
- 7 % negative mentions
The gameplay of "Halo: Spartan Strike" is generally described as a fun yet simplistic top-down shooter that retains many mechanics from its predecessor, "Spartan Assault." While some players appreciate the improved controls and graphics, others criticize the repetitive nature and lack of innovation, leading to a mixed reception regarding its overall engagement and challenge. Despite its flaws, the game offers a casual experience that can be enjoyable for fans of the Halo franchise, especially when played with a controller.
“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 is smooth and simple, although extremely linear, but it's done well.”
“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.”
- graphics60 mentions
- 47 % positive mentions
- 48 % neutral mentions
- 5 % negative mentions
The graphics in "Halo: Spartan Strike" have received widespread praise for their significant improvements over its predecessor, "Halo: Spartan Assault," featuring vibrant colors, detailed environments, and smooth animations that enhance the overall visual experience. While some players noted minor glitches and a lack of extensive graphical settings, the visuals are generally considered top-notch for a top-down shooter, contributing positively to gameplay engagement and enjoyment. Overall, the game successfully combines appealing aesthetics with solid performance, making it a visually satisfying experience.
“The graphics and animations are top-notch, and the controls are intuitive and easy to use.”
“The graphics are great, colorful but not too colorful, and help make the levels a lot of fun.”
“Nice graphics and animations in great scenes and 3D environments with a lot of action makes for a fun game!”
“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.”
“The graphics are okay.”
- music51 mentions
- 55 % positive mentions
- 39 % neutral mentions
- 6 % negative mentions
The music in the game has received mixed reviews, with many praising its high quality and alignment with the Halo franchise, often describing it as immersive and enjoyable. 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 by fans, it may not fully meet the expectations set by previous Halo titles.
“The soundtrack is a good addition to the Halo discography.”
“In general, the sound effects and music are amazing and it made me feel immersed as I was playing the game.”
“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.”
- grinding20 mentions
- 5 % positive mentions
- 5 % neutral mentions
- 90 % negative mentions
Overall, players find the grinding in the game to be a mixed experience; while some assault operations are less grindy than in previous titles, many missions still require repetitive play to unlock content and achievements, leading to frustration and tedium. The necessity to grind for credits and complete certain challenges detracts from the enjoyment for some, although others appreciate improvements in mission design and find the game fun despite the grind.
“The challenges aren't as tedious as in Spartan Strike, so if you are a completionist, this is a much better game.”
“You'll need a second life for grinding.”
“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.”
“I enjoyed Spartan Assault, but this game just seems tedious. It's quite boring and doesn't do anything better than Spartan Assault.”
- optimization10 mentions
- 20 % positive mentions
- 50 % neutral mentions
- 30 % 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 crashes and stuttering, the majority found the graphics well-optimized and the gameplay smooth, catering to both casual and dedicated gamers.
“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.”
- replayability9 mentions
- 33 % positive mentions
- 33 % neutral mentions
- 33 % negative mentions
The game offers moderate replayability, primarily through leaderboards, achievements, and various challenges, which can appeal to completionists. While missions are short and can be completed in one sitting, the overall campaign length is limited, leading some players to feel that replay value is lacking. However, features like medals and skulls provide additional incentives for players to revisit 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.”
“Lot's of replay value if you're into getting all the achievements.”
“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.”
“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.”
- stability7 mentions
- 43 % positive mentions
- -29 % neutral mentions
- 86 % negative mentions
The game's stability is a mixed bag, with some users reporting significant issues such as freezing and bugs, particularly during the input method selection. However, a few players noted a relatively bug-free experience, suggesting that stability may vary widely among users. Overall, the game appears to have notable glitches that detract from the experience.
“The game is remarkably stable, with very few bugs to disrupt the experience.”
“I appreciate how smooth and stable the gameplay is, making for an enjoyable experience.”
“The stability of the game is impressive, allowing for seamless play without interruptions.”
“It's so bug-ridden, do not buy.”
“This one literally just freezes on the input method select screen.”
“Buggy as hell.”
- monetization7 mentions
- 43 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 57 % 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 richer gameplay experience with more content and features, enhancing player engagement without the typical monetization pitfalls.
“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.”
“No microtransactions (for every platform), more enemies (Prometheans), bigger maps and better story.”
“Another cash grab.”
“Since this is a premium game, it at least spares you the deluge of ads between levels, but somehow they are subliminally inserted into the playing fields.”
“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.”
- atmosphere4 mentions
- 75 % positive mentions
- -25 % neutral mentions
- 50 % negative mentions
The atmosphere in Spartan Strike is praised for its detailed models, dynamic mission environments, and effective UI, enhancing the gameplay experience. The minimalistic yet well-executed lighting and particle effects contribute to the immersive Halo universe, complemented by the series' signature music and engaging AI. Overall, the game successfully retains the atmospheric qualities that fans of the Halo franchise appreciate.
“I liked the atmosphere and the smooth nature surrounding the game.”
“The lighting and particles, even though minimalistic because this is a minimalistic game, have been made very well and are 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, though minimalistic because this is a minimalistic game, have been made very well and are fitting to the atmosphere of our Halo universe.”
“Legitimately being able to see more details within each model, the constant atmosphere change of each overall mission, and better UI for aiming really makes Spartan Strike less of a guessing game and more of a skilled one.”
- emotional3 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, creating a sense of nostalgia and attachment. However, some reviewers feel that the repetitive missions and lackluster story detract from the overall emotional impact, despite the immersive sound effects and music enhancing 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 by revealing that you're actually *spoiler* fighting in a simulation to prepare for incoming Covenant attacks, but it just fell flat.”
- humor2 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The humor in the game is characterized by its witty AI dialogue and familiar comedic elements typical of the Halo franchise, providing a lighthearted experience that complements the action. Players appreciate the blend of humor with the game's core mechanics, making it an enjoyable addition to the series.
“Everything you'd expect from Halo is here, like guns, Spartans, and funny AI dialogue.”
