Bulletstorm Epic Edition owners get week's headstart
Microsoft's confirmed that Gears of War 3's multiplayer beta will be open to Xbox Live members from April 25.
However, in order to gain access to the beta you'll have to pre-order the Standard (£49.99), Limited (£59.99) or Epic (£99.99) editions of Gears 3, says Microsoft, and you'll then be granted three weeks of beta action.
Owners of the Bulletstorm Epic Edition will gain access to the beta a week earlier on April 18.
As we previously revealed, the beta will include three new game modes and four maps, all running on dedicated servers.
Here are the key dates, from Microsoft:
Bulletstorm Preview, 18 - 24 April
Owners of "Bulletstorm: Epic Edition" are eligible for a one-week beta preview period featuring the new Team Deathmatch mode on four new maps (Thrashball, Checkout, Trenches and Old Town).
Gears of War 3 Beta, 25 April - 15 May
The full public beta period begins 25 April. Players can look forward to special events and playlists throughout the beta period. Two additional competitive game modes, Capture the Leader and King of the Hill, will be added during the final week of the beta.
15 May
Beta concludes.
And here are the good beta users will be able to unlock for the full game:
Beta Tester Medal - Complete one match in the beta to unlock the Beta Tester medal, which will carry over to your gamer profile in the final game. The Beta Tester title will be featured in the Gears 3 multiplayer lobby as well.
Thrashball Cole - Complete 50 matches in any game type to unlock the Thrashball Cole character variant in the beta. Once unlocked, complete 10 matches as Thrashball Cole during the beta and the character will carry over to your gamer profile in the final game.
Gold-Plated Retro Lancer - Show your ultimate Gears of War fandom by unlocking the Gold-Plated Retro Lancer. Complete 90 matches in any game type to unlock it for the beta, and score 100 kills with it once unlocked to carry the exclusive weapon skin over to your gamer profile in the final game.
Flaming Hammerburst - Complete one match by Sunday, 24 April and unlock this weapon variant.
Flaming Lancer - Complete one match during the week of 25 April and unlock this weapon variant.
Flaming Sawed-Off Shotgun - Complete one match during the week of 2 May to unlock this weapon variant.
Flaming Gnasher Shotgun - Complete one match during the week of 9 May to unlock this weapon variant.
Subject: Gears of War 3 beta starts April 25 
Fri Mar 04, 2011 7:46 am