14 DAY TRIAL // Microsoft has revealed that the beta stage for Halo: Reach will be ending on May 19. Considering that the start date for the testing period begins on May 3, this is quite a limited time frame for fans of the series to see what they might be in for when the full videogame is launched on the Xbox 360 home console from Microsoft during the fall of this year.
Initially, those who get into the beta will be able to experience the fresh Deathmatch Arena game mode, based around four-player teams. This will be on for four days and then Bungie will grant access to Invasion, the large battle game mode that features Spartans facing off against Elites as sections of the map are gradually opening up.
The final addition will come on May 14, just five days from the end date, when Bungie adds the Generator Defence mode, which is built around three Elites taking on three Spartans.
The software giant also has some good news for those who do not have an Xbox Live Gold subscription, usually required to engage in multiplayer on the Microsoft platform. Live members will be able to join in the Halo: Reach beta starting with May 14 at 9 AM Pacific Daylight Time and ending on May 17 at the same time. The multiplayer component of Halo 3 and the ODST release from last year can be played for free by Silver account holders as well.
Microsoft has said that the Avatars of all those who put in any time in the beta will have access to a free hoodie, which can be obtained from the Halo Waypoint area. To get in the beta, players need a key they received with a purchase of ODST, and Bungie expects to get more than 3 million players involved.