The wait is over for millions of “Halo” fans who’ve been eagerly anticipating the opportunity to sample the biggest blockbuster game of 2010. “Halo” fans around the world are now able to download the “Halo: Reach” multiplayer beta via their “Halo 3: ODST” game discs and help make entertainment history by participating in the biggest console beta ever. Starting yesterday and concluding on May 19, the beta is a chance for millions of people to experience a portion of the competitive multiplayer offering in “Halo: Reach,” and an opportunity to test and help perfect the definitive multiplayer experience.

Building upon the successes of its predecessors, “Halo: Reach” breaks new ground with a host of new content and features, delivering the most thrilling and feature-packed multiplayer experience yet. With new game types, weapons, armor abilities, players rewards, customisation options, social settings and more, the “Halo: Reach” multiplayer beta introduces a wave of innovations that will take the award-winning “Halo” multiplayer experience on Xbox LIVE to the next level.

Additionally, an introduction video to the “Halo: Reach” beta featuring actress Aisha Tyler, which debuted last week via the “Halo 3: ODST” game disc, is now widely available. In the light-hearted video, Tyler breaks down all the action-packed new game types in the beta and offers insider tips, all while wielding a variety of life-size “Halo” weaponry. It’s a must-watch for any “Halo” fan.

Stay tuned to Bungie.net and Halo Waypoint on Xbox LIVE throughout the beta for regular updates and original content, including new videos, interviews, montages, highlight reels and screenshots, and updates on the latest playlists and community-organized multiplayer matches.

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

About Xbox 360
Xbox 360 is a superior video game and entertainment system delivering the best games, unique entertainment features and a unified online gaming network that revolve around gamers. Xbox 360 has a portfolio of more than 300 games in nearly 40 countries. More information can be found online at http://www.xbox.com/en-GB/.

About Xbox LIVE
Xbox LIVE connects more than 23 million members across 26 countries to each other and the entertainment they love. Home of more entertainment from one remote than can be found from any device connected to the television, Xbox LIVE is also a unified online social network bringing friends together, no matter where they are — in the living room or across the world. More information and Xbox LIVE membership can be found online at http://www.xbox.com/en-GB/live/bestoflive/connectnow.htm.

About Microsoft
Founded in 1975, Microsoft (Nasdaq “MSFT”) is the worldwide leader in software, services and solutions that help people and businesses realize their full potential.

Posted: May 4, 2010

Today's GU Rank: 3 of 40991

US Release: September 14, 2010

JP Release: September 15, 2010

EU Release: September 24, 2010

AU Release: September 14, 2010

Genre: Action / Sci-Fi First-Person Shooter

Platforms: X360