'Halo Wars 2' release date, news: Latest trailer introduces new villain Atriox and his dark backstory

"Halo Wars 2" is one of the much-awaited real-time strategy titles to arrive next year, and a new trailer featuring the game's supervillain Atriox has been recently released.

In a new trailer that premiered Thursday at The Game Awards 2016, fans are given a glimpse of the "Halo Wars 2" storyline and its menacing villain, Atriox. The clip gives a short backstory of Atriox and how he became the leader of the Banished outside of the territories controlled by the Covenant. As it turns out, he was previously under the Covenant's banner as an enslaved Brute who committed vicious war crimes. The high command has decided to summarily execute him, but he killed those who thought they were above him instead.

As reports point out, many members of the Covenant failed to outmatch Atriox's skills in strategic planning and cunning wit. His expertise helped him garner a strong following of loyal soldiers willing to risk everything for him. As a result, Atriox managed to form an unconquerable group with the Banished and ruled a nationless army.

The trailer also features how Atriox has taken control of one of the most powerful weapons in the universe. With the support of an army of unflinching mercenaries, killers, and war mongrels, Atriox is determined to turn his platform from ruling the galaxy's outskirts to taking over the whole galaxy. Also, worth noting is the return of the Spirit of Fire after what happened in the first "Halo Wars." After their long stay in cryo, Captain James Cutter is forced to make a difficult decision as he contemplates on whether they will fight against Atriox or flee as Atriox becomes more powerful.

"Halo Wars 2" will be released in an Ultimate Edition priced at $79.99, which comes with the Definitive Edition of the first "Halo Wars" installment and the game's season pass. For those who pre-order the Ultimate Edition, they will also have early access to the Definitive Edition starting Dec. 20.

Developed by 343 Industries and Creative Assembly, "Halo Wars 2" will be released on Feb. 21, 2017 for Xbox One and Microsoft Windows PC.