Halo 3 beta access confirmed for May 16

Microsoft announced Tuesday that the long awaited beta access to Halo 3 -- which marks consumers first time playing Bungie Studios' sequel -- will occur on May 16.

The beta will be available to download on Xbox Live, Microsoft's online multiplayer matchmaking and distribution service for the Xbox and Xbox 360. It will include three action-oriented maps, named Snowbound, High Ground, and Valhalla, representing a mix of large- and medium-scale combat, according to the Microsoft press release issued Tuesday morning. All-new weapons and vehicles will also be included.

Beta access was granted via the "Rule of Three" promotion, which has now concluded, or from purchasing Microsoft-published Xbox 360 title, Crackdown.