Halo 3 multiplayer Beta to hit Xbox Live on May16

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Gaming enthusiasts waiting for the launch of world’s most-anticipated Xbox 360 game, "Halo 3", would soon experience their first taste of the action as Microsoft Game Studios and Bungie studios Tuesday announced that the beta version of first-person shooter video game will hit the Xbox Live servers across the globe next month.

Starting on May 16 at 5 a.m. PDT, the multiplayer beta version of the highly awaited Halo 3 game will last for three weeks till June 6 at 11:59 p.m. PDT. The final version of the game will hit the racks sometime later this year.

The first version of the popular game designed for the Xbox 360 supports online competition and contains "quirks, a couple of rough edges," said content manager Frank O'Connor, further adding that gamers will not be able to experience all the features of the multiplayer. "A lot of secret features are hidden in this beta. We're keeping a lot of our powder dry for fall," he said.

New levels, vehicles, weapons and game types will be made available during the beta. The test version also includes three new maps including Snowbound, High Ground and Valhalla, which represent a mixture of large- and medium-scale combat environments in "Halo 3."

Gamers will be able to experience the Mongoose all-terrain vehicle as well as new deadly weapons including the new and improved Assault Rifle, the ferocious Brute Spiker, the devastating Spartan Laser and the treacherous new Spike Grenades.

Users will be able to download the beta to their Xbox 360 systems, but according to Microsoft only those users who have been invited through the "Rule of Three" promotion or those who have simply purchased a specially marked copy of "Crackdown," which was released in February 2007, will be allowed to participate.

In addition, participation in the multiplayer playtest will only be granted to those with Xbox Live Gold accounts. Users with admission keys to the beta will be able to download the beta on Xbox LIVE, and go online using their Xbox LIVE Gold account.

Microsoft also announced a documentary titled "Is Quisnam Protero Damno!" that serves up a behind-the-scenes look at the development of "Halo 3", and can be downloaded from either the Xbox LIVE Marketplace or www.bungie.net.

Halo, the award-winning and critically acclaimed science fiction epic adventure packed with action, contains all the thrilling game-play and rich story that has made it a smash hit with gamers all over the world. Halo 1 & 2, both for the original Xbox console, brought in $700m for Microsoft by selling 14.2 million copies worldwide.

“‘Halo: Combat Evolved’ and ‘Halo 2’ changed the face of console gaming forever,” said Shane Kim, corporate vice president, Microsoft Game Studios. “Gamers from around the world have logged more than 800 million hours on Xbox LIVE playing ‘Halo 2,’ and years after its launch it remains the no. 1 title on our Xbox LIVE network. Bringing an early look at the multiplayer elements of ‘Halo 3’ to our passionate fan base is tremendously exciting for us.”

The upcoming game, "Halo 3" stars Master Chief, who must save mankind from the grip of Covenant rule. In the latest multiplayer video documentary, gamers can also catch the glimpse of brand-new “Halo 3” multiplayer levels in their early stages of evolution and construction.