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. This online extravaganza we all come to know as HALO 3 from Bungie Studios, a division of Microsoft Game Studios. The game’s One-player experience will not to tested, only the game’s capabilities to function properly on Microsoft’s XBOX LIVE online community. 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.

Microsoft CEO Bill Gates has alluded to the launch of the XBOX 360 console to include HALO 3 as an available title at the time, only to disappoint fans by the millions. The statement was an obvious attempt to lure consumer interest away from Sony Computer Entertainment’s Playstation 3. Finally, 360 owners can breath easy knowing that progress is finally being made towards a launch of this highly anticipated title.

Below is some gameplay from the BETA build of the game:

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The Bubble effect that you see in the game is a new shield, or force field of some sort. The “bubble shield” creates a protective sphere around players that blocks incoming fire and projectiles. When one used this item, you are able to clearly see him in detail behind the shield and not just a silhouette, though he looked distorted as if he were standing in a house of mirrors. When using the item, you see the entire surrounding area. The tester in the video does a good job of showing how the “bubble shield” can block fire from inside and out.

HALO 3 is expected to be released in time for the Holiday 2007 season.