Halo 3 Multiplayer Beta hits May 16

Just got the press release, so mark your calendars, and schedule the day off work/school. No other info on the beta has been released, just that it will arrive on the Xbox Live Marketplace May 16th. To hold you over until than, a new multiplayer Vidoc is available at Bungie.net, and on the Marketplace (in 720p). You can download it here.

Bungie also offers the following details, and confirms that there will be three maps:

The Beta itself consists of three maps – Valhalla, High Ground and Snowbound – graphically improved since our first MP screenshots – and all three will be playable in Matchmaking only (that is after all, what we’re Beta testing here). All three maps are suitable for a wide variety of gameplay types, and you will have the chance to try all manner of game types, familiar and new.

There are a number of new features you’ll get to test out – including a new grenade type, a completely different class of weapon and some of the enhanced online functionality we plan to bring to the game – but it should be noted, a lot of secret features are hidden in this Beta. We’re keeping a lot of our powder dry for Fall. In May, when your firing the Spiker, sniping vehicles with the Spartan Laser and sticking fools with the Brute Spike grenade, remember that it’s just a peek-a-boo fraction of what’s to come.

And do me a special personal favor – walk down to the beach, the river or the lake in High Ground and Valhalla, and take a look at the water.

Rejoice!