Originally Posted by ign

January 3, 2007 - Dominate Halo 2. Buy Crackdown.

Those are the two new ways to jump into the Halo 3 multiplayer beta testing this spring, Microsoft announced Wednesday.

According to Microsoft: "Beginning Thursday, February 1, at 12:01 a.m. EST, all gamers need to do is participate in at least three hours of "Halo 2" multiplayer sessions, via Xbox Live, before February 3, at 11:59 p.m. EST and then be among the first 13,333 to register at Halo3.com. The 'Rule of Three' program is currently planned for gamers in the 50 United States (includes District of Columbia) age 17 years and older who have access to an Xbox 360 Pro console or an Xbox 360 Core console with hard drive, a valid Xbox Live Gold subscription and the 'Halo 2' game. Gamers around the world are encouraged to visit Halo3.com in the coming weeks for more information on the 'Rule of Three' program in their region."

You can be sure that being among the first 13,333 gamers to jump online and register will be more difficult than beating Halo on Legendary mode with a broken A button. For the rest of you, go buy Crackdown.



The upcoming "Halo 3 Multiplayer Demo Disc Also Featuring Crackdown."

The upcoming open-world action game from Real Time Worlds hits store shelves in the United States on February 20. While Crackdown was sure to be a popular game for Microsoft before, the decision to include a Halo 3 beta invite will surely skyrocket sales through the roof.

When the beta opens this spring, Crackdown owners with an Xbox Live Gold membership and a hard drive will only have to pop the disc into the console and download the beta from Xbox Live Marketplace. Then commence needling.

There has been no word yet if Crackdown has been renamed "Halo 3 Multiplayer Demo Disc Also Featuring Crackdown," but we'll keep you posted.

User feedback from the beta will be used to hone the final Halo 3 product. So if you truly love the original pistol, buy Crackdown and let your voice be heard.