Every Halo fan’s best friend for the moment Frankie of Bungie has finally let it be known that May16th 12:00 AM PDT is the date for the Halo3 Beta to begin. The Beta is to run until June 6th, so if you have one of those specially marked copies Crackdown, got a spot from the “Rule of Three”, or were picked from the original sign-up process on Halo3.com May16th is your day.

The maps in the Multiplayer only Beta are Valhalla, High Ground and Snowbound. It is stated that these three maps are graphically improved from the screenshots that were released and will include a wide variety of gametypes as well. Additionally a new grenade type, different class of weapon (whatever that means), and some of the advanced on-line features. It’s to be noted that a butt load of secret features aren’t going to be in this Beta, so don’t be disappointed when your 360 doesn’t turn into gold upon finishing the download.

Along with the new weapons, vehicles, and gametypes will be the “X” button functionality.

I personally don’t see what the big deal is about the X button, because if Bungie hadn’t said anything about it no one would be clamoring for what it does in the first place. I’ll have to give it up to Bungie for knowing that Halo Fans everywhere would be debating the mysterious use of one button for what seems like forever.

All juicy news aside, a new muiltiplayer making of Vid doc “Is Quisnam Protero Damno!” is available on Bungie.net or Xbox Live Marketplace showcasing the making of a multiplayer map from start to finish. Just as usual, all things seen in this video are not of the final game.

There it is. Are you ready? Hopefully Xbox Live is, because it’s about to be brought to its knees so to speak.

[via Bungie]

-William “thewilleffect” Bell-