14 DAY TRIAL // Microsoft is beating the Halo 5: Guardians hype drum quite vigorously, and rightly so, at least judging from the way its multiplayer looks.
Developer 343 Industries has offered lucky gamers early access to the multiplayer beta on the Xbox One home console, and now it's about to enable loads of more players to get a taste of what's coming.
Fans of the science fiction first-person shooter who purchased Halo: The Master Chief Collection will be granted access to the Halo 5: Guardians multiplayer beta later today, exclusively on the Xbox One computer entertainment system. The beta is scheduled to run through January 18, 2015, so there will be enough time to learn how to stomp on people.
The multiplayer beta will focus mainly on 4v4 arena action, showcasing only a small portion of what the devs have in store.
The game continues the story of the fabled Master Chief, introducing a new character, Spartan Locke, whose origin story can be explored in the Halo: Nightfall live-action films.
Pre-orders are now open
In addition to kicking off the multiplayer beta, Microsoft is also opening up pre-orders for Halo 5: Guardians today, with the official announcement on the Xbox wire also detailing the various options players have.
You can get the game from the official pre-order page, with the basic Halo 5: Guardians putting you back $60 / €49 and netting you an exclusive poster.
Those who want to get their hands on some exclusive digital content to enhance their abilities can dig deeper into their pockets and pay $100 / €82 for the Limited Edition of the shooter, getting the exclusive items wrapped in a "uniquely designed steel book."
However, if your link with Master Chief goes beyond what mere mortals would call "a reasonable amount of money to pay on a video game," you can always fork out $250 / €205 to get the Limited Collector's Edition, which comes with a commemorative numbered statue designed by developer 343 Industries.
The exact design of the statue is still to be announced, hopefully before the title hits the Xbox One, sometime during the fall of 2015.
