“The Halo 3 Multiplayer Beta will go live on May 16th at 12:00 AM PDT and run through June 6 ^th at 11:59 PM PDT. That means that folks who purchased specially marked copies of Crackdown, or won a spot in the Beta through the “Rule of Three” or other regional promotions, will be able to log into their Xbox Live Gold accounts, download and play the Halo 3 Multiplayer Beta and enjoy an early peek at the multiplayer aspect of the game.”

“The Beta itself consists of three maps – Valhalla, High Ground and Snowbound – graphically improved since our first MP screenshots – and all three will be playable in Matchmaking only (that is after all, what we’re Beta testing here). All three maps are suitable for a wide variety of gameplay types, and you will have the chance to try all manner of game types, familiar and new.

There are a number of new features you’ll get to test out – including a new grenade type, a completely different class of weapon and some of the enhanced online functionality we plan to bring to the game – but it should be noted, a lot of secret features are hidden in this Beta. We’re keeping a lot of our powder dry for Fall. In May, when your firing the Spiker, sniping vehicles with the Spartan Laser and sticking fools with the Brute Spike grenade, remember that it’s just a peek-a-boo fraction of what’s to come”.

PK - If you still haven’t got your Halo 3 beta key or you want to get into the beta wagon go and buy a copy of Crackdown!

Via Bungie.net

“Two new maps, both available on April 17th through the Halo 2 downloader in the game itself, and it’s just $4 for the pair.The maps are Tombstone and Desolation - remakes of Hang ‘Em High and Derelict, respectively.”

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So, there’s this 14-year old kid in Mt. Victoria, New Zealand, right? Kid breaks into a house and steals someones Xbox 360 and all their games. Takes the games, disappears.

Until he decides to personally call Microsoft and complain because the legitimate owner’s already registered the 360 and now the thief can’t get online to play almol his stolen games. Oh, and he ordered a spare power cable to be delivered to his house ’cause… you know… he forgot to steal one.

Read more… 

Here are the first decent pictures of Halo 3. Halo 3 is slated for a 2007 Q4 release.

Looking at the pictures, you can see that they have got the MA5B Assult rifle back, it was discontinued on Halo 2 with the SMG and Battle rifle being the common weapons. MA5B, you were truly missed! Welcome back…

Source: Flickr - Dean

Update:
Here is a screenshot of the Halo 3 start menu:

Source : 360 HQ