Set your countdown clocks. The “Halo: Reach” multiplayer beta, which is poised to be one of the biggest test events in entertainment history, kicks off in just five days. Among the millions of “Halo” fans eagerly anticipating the beta is actress Aisha Tyler. Available starting tomorrow is a video introduction to the beta starring the actress, viewable exclusively through the “Halo 3: ODST” game disc. Tyler walks through all of the exciting new game modes and offers her own tips and insider hints for each of the maps while showing off some life-size “Halo” weaponry. It’s a fun introduction to the beta that no fan should miss.

The “Halo: Reach” multiplayer beta is set to be the definitive Xbox LIVE event of the spring and will run from May 3 through May 19. The beta will be accessible via the “Halo 3: ODST” game disc (an Xbox LIVE Gold membership and Internet connection are required to play). The beta will offer millions of “Halo” fans a unique opportunity to test and help refine the biggest blockbuster game of 2010.

As this is a beta, Bungie will be turning on different modes at different times to optimize testing. The beta kicks off with three playlists featuring the all-new, highly competitive Arena mode (4v4 ranked Team Slayer games) as well as “Free-for-All” and “Grab Bag” playlists, which include a mix of classic and brand new game types. Beginning May 7, the new large-scale Spartan vs. Elite “Invasion” playlist will be added to the beta. Finally, beginning May 14 the “Generator Defense” game type will become available.

Everyone who logs in and plays at least one full game of any type in the “Halo: Reach” beta will receive a free “Halo: Reach” Avatar hoodie via the Halo Waypoint portal on Xbox LIVE. To redeem the hoodie, players must access Halo Waypoint and browse their “Halo” Career statistics after completing a match. Additionally, as a way to give even more “Halo” fans a chance to join the fun, online multiplayer for the “Halo: Reach” beta, “Halo 3: ODST” and “Halo 3” will be free for all Xbox LIVE members during the “Halo Multiplayer Unlock Weekend,” which runs from May 14 at 9 a.m. PDT through May 17 at 9 a.m. PDT.

Continue the experience online at the “Halo: Reach” experience site, www.welcometonobleteam.com. The destination is designed to capture the imagination of “Halo” fans and introduce newcomers to the fiction of “Halo: Reach” through videos, interactive experiences and additional content. For more information throughout the beta that’s accessible from your Xbox 360, be sure to visit Halo Waypoint for exciting “Halo: Reach” coverage and features from a variety of sources including Giant Bomb, G4 and Machinima.com’s Inside Gaming. Don’t miss out on the newest videos, interviews, montages, and screenshots as Halo Waypoint showcases “Halo: Reach” every step of the way.

Representing the best-in-class multiplayer elements that have become the hallmark of the “Halo” series and fused with a host of new content and features, “Halo: Reach” offers the most robust, action-packed multiplayer experience ever and promises to set a new standard for competitive gameplay, customization and community integration.

“Halo: Reach” is available for preorder from participating retailers worldwide in Standard, Limited and Legendary editions. Developed by acclaimed studio Bungie, “Halo: Reach” launches in the fall of 2010 exclusively on Xbox 360.

Posted: April 28, 2010