New Halo within Reach
It will be no news to hardcore fans of the game-changing Halo franchise that this week is the start of the multiplayer beta test for the next, and supposedly final, instalment in the series.
Few games in 2010 are as highly anticipated as Halo: Reach.
The classic first-person shooter enjoys a massive following around the globe, and Halo Reach marks the start of a big spring and summer season for Xbox 360 owners in Australia.
For a limited time, owners of Halo 3: ODST with valid Xbox Live Gold subscriptions will have access to the “beta” test of Reach’s multiplayer mode, one of the key components that makes this franchise the success it is.
The beta test aims to fix bugs to make sure that Reach is “balanced” when it hits stores; no weapon, equipment, tactic or position on the field can be unfairly exploited.
Over a staggered schedule, Bungie will release four arenas and a mix of old and new game types, including Invasion, Headhunter and the experimental Generator Defence.
Why allow members of the public to test Reach?
The Halo games are the benchmark for competitive shooter play on consoles, and Bungie must make sure that Reach improves on its predecessors.
Bungie must also make sure that a player in Cairns has as smooth an experience as possible when playing Reach with a friend in New York.
Games across the globe will give Reach’s internet capability a very thorough trial.
Why get involved?
Firstly, online competitors will have a leg up on those who wait for Reach’s retail release.
Secondly, the more data Bungie can collect on how people play, the more they can improve Reach before it hits stores.
Thirdly, from the screenshots and videos I’ve seen so far, Halo: Reach looks sweet.
The Halo Reach Beta is open now to all owners of Halo 3: ODST in possession of an Xbox LIVE Gold subscription.
It will be online until May 20 in Australia.
>> Halo 3: ODST is on sale for around $70. Xbox Live Gold subscriptions cost $10.95 a month, $29.95 for three months or $79.95 for 12 months. For the full details of the beta, go to their official website www.bungie.net/projects/reach or check out www.ign.com
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Highly anticipated: Halo Reach's multiplayer beta is currently online and testing.
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