Check Out Tons of New Halo: Spartan Strike Images

Microsoft today released a host of new details and images about December's twin-stick shooter Halo: Spartan Strike, a spiritual successor to 2013's Halo: Spartan Assault.

First, Microsoft says Halo: Spartan Strike's story is set during the events of Halo 2. However, it won't be tracing a story you already know. The game opens up on a "new chapter" in the Halo lore, and you'll play as a Spartan on a mission that begins on New Mombasa in 2552.

Using a variety of Spartan skills, as well as new weapons and vehicles (including the iconic Warthog), you're tasked with leading a troop of UNSC soldiers through 30 "challenging" missions. It's your duty to prevent Earth from being overrun by Covenant and Prometheans.

The game's other new vehicle is the Kestrel VTOL. As for new weapons, these include the Suppressor, Scatter Shot, Binary Rifle, and Incineration Cannon. Armor abilities for Spartan Strike will include the Proximity Mine, Bubble Shield, Teleport, Shock Chain, and Airstrike.

Microsoft boasts that Spartan Strike will feature "unparalleled visuals" for a mobile game. You can decide for yourself by checking out the trailer above and image gallery below.

Spartan Strike launches December 12 for $6. It will be available on that day for Windows platforms such as desktop, Surface tablets, and Windows Phones. The game is also coming to Steam, and supports USB Xbox controllers.

In addition, Spartan Strike players can earn achievements in-game to unlock an exclusive emblem, nameplate, and avatar for Xbox One game, Halo: The Master Chief Collection. Some other interesting things to note about Spartan Strike is that it won't have microtransactions and it features music from Tom Salta, who has a long list of video game, film, and TV credits to his name.