Earlier today, Microsoft released images and details of Halo 3, the last chapter in Bungie's highly anticipated sci-fi shooter trilogy. While there still hasn't been an announcement of a firm release date, prospective Halo 3 players can now see exactly what's going to be included in each of the three different versions of the game that will ship this fall.

A Halo 3 for Everyone

Later today, GameSpy will be attending a Halo 3 press preview event, where we will get our hands on the game, so check back later this evening to read our impressions. This latest and final entry in the series will feature HDR (High Dynamic Range) lighting that should provide an unprecedented level of visual realism as the stage is set for Master Chief's last stand against the Covenant on Earth. The features that made Halo 2 such a runaway multiplayer success will be back for more in Halo 3, including split-screen multiplayer gameplay as well as comprehensive stat-tracking and standings for Xbox Live multiplayer competition.


The much-discussed Legendary Edition of Halo 3, best known for including a Spartan helmet case, will be available in limited quantities for a limited time at select retailers. If you make the plunge and end up picking up one of these $129.99 packages, you'll receive a copy of the game, remastered cinematic material from the first two games, "A Day in the Life of Bungie" featurette, exclusive content from the Red vs. Blue and This Spartan Life artists, a Halo 3 storyboard art book by artist Lee Wilson, everything included in the Limited Edition version of the game, and of course, the Spartan helmet.

The Limited version of the game, which will retail for $69.99, comes in a metal collector's case and includes a high-definition "Making of Halo 3" documentary, featurettes on game design and development, early game concepts, and an audio-video calibration tool designed by the Halo 3 graphics and audio team. This last bonus should be particularly handy if Xbox 360 owners have never taken the time to properly calibrate their high-definition displays, as the benefits of doing so could be quite substantial.

While the fact sheet released earlier today didn't tell us much of what we wanted to know, specifically about the content and gameplay of Halo 3, we're sure that we'll learn much of what's in store for us at tonight's event. Be sure to come back tonight to learn about Halo 3 from our hands-on preview.