Microsoft announces Three Xbox 360 "Halo 3" Editions

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Microsoft Game Studios and Bungie Studios on Friday revealed the first details of the three editions of the most-eagerly anticipated Xbox 360 game, "Halo 3", which will hit stores later this fall, also giving gaming enthusiasts three different purchase options.

Announcing the three different SKUs of Halo 3, the companies have apparently divided the gaming community in three kinds: First, those who are really, truly desperate for Halo 3, then those who are sort of desperate, and lastly those who are just your garden-variety desperate.

Announcing the details of the most popular offering on an Xbox console, John Porcaro, Senior Group Manager at Microsoft's Global Games Marketing Team said that Halo 3 will be available in three different editions, “Standard”, “Limited” and “Legendry”, adapted for the tastes of all kinds of gamers.

“Halo 3 Standard Edition”: Especially made for those casual players who just want to play the game, this edition includes the game disc only and will ship in standard Xbox 360 game title packaging. The game is expected to be in the market some time this autumn for $59.99.

“Halo 3 Limited Edition”: Packed in a sleek metal collector's case, this version will include the standard game disc and a bonus disc that features exclusive, behind-the-scenes footage and videos. Furthermore, this edition will include a special “Halo” fiction and art book as well as a high-definition Making of Halo 3 documentary, numerous HD featurettes, and an audio-visual calibration tool. The "Limited Edition" version will retail for around $79.99.

"Halo 3 Legendary Edition": This version of the Xbox 360 game will come in a "Spartan helmet case" within which the gamers will find two bonus disks full of additional content, including behind-the-scenes footage and developer commentaries. The Legendary Edition, which will be released in limited quantities, will also come with a collection of storyboard art from artist Lee Wilson, which includes the illustrations of key moments and pivotal scenes from the game, and will be available for suggested price of $149.99.

Of the two bonus disks of Legendry edition, the first will include a high-definition “Making of ‘Halo 3 documentary showcasing the Bungie team and its effort to create the most anticipated title in the industry’s history; numerous high-definition featurettes. The disk will also include an audio-visual calibration tool, never before seen on a video game and custom designed by the “Halo 3” graphics and audio team to make the most of fans’ high-definition home cinemas, for the ultimate “Halo 3” and Xbox 360 audio and video performance.

The second bonus disk will have cinematic materials from Halo: Combat Evolved and Halo 2, combined with developer commentaries and which will tell the thrilling story of the Halo game so far and a featurette documenting a day in the life at Bungie.

“Halo 3” is the highly anticipated third chapter of one of the greatest gaming “Halo” trilogies, a Marvel Entertainment Inc. graphic novel series, apparel and more.