The year 2017 is shaping up to be a great year for Xbox owners as 343 Industries, in partnership with Microsoft Studios, is close to revealing "Halo Wars 2." Months before its release, the new villain for the title basks in the spotlight.

A trailer introduces Atriox, a Brute who is enslaved by the Covenant, branded as an expendable muscle. His strength and reputation precede him though, so much that he stands up to his masters and eliminates them. From its ashes rises the rebellion, now known as the Banished.

The daunting news is relayed to Captain James Cutter of the UNSC Spirit of Fire, the only remaining force that stands in Atriox's way and his quest to obtain an incredibly powerful weapon that could potentially obliterate anything in his path. If he succeeds, destruction will rule over the galaxy in his wake. This must be avoided at all costs, thus Cutter does what he can to stop him.

"Halo Wars 2" is expected to take place in the vast installation called the Ark, which was first introduced on "Halo 3." This then means that players can hope for an even bigger playing field once the title goes out in the market, creating more possibilities for gamers.

The hype for the upcoming title is so strong that almost everyone is looking forward to know more details about it. Fortunately, a YouTube account named Gamecheat13 leaked what appears to be possible character renders and soundtrack of the game.

The Spartan, Grunt, and Elite designs look very different from "Halo 5: Guardians," which was supposedly the prequel for "Halo Wars 2." The music also sounds authentic as it perfectly fits the setting and the mood of the story. Whether the leaks are true or not is still being argued, but nonetheless shows the amount of interest for the game.

"Halo Wars 2" is slated for Xbox One and Windows platforms by Feb. 21, 2017.