Halo 3 will be released on September 25, according to several sources. The release date is also shared by Xbox 360 title Assassins Creed, however that is subject to change.

Look below for a first impression of Halo 3 by DPAD writer Aaron Estman.

Halo 3 Beta was released at around 10:00 p.m. Central time last night. After about 133 tries at downloading it, I finally got to play my first round of Halo 3.

The first thing I am going to talk about are the new weapons and vehicles in Halo 3.
The first weapon that got my eye very quickly was the Spartan Laser. The Spartan Laser is a Shoulder-Mounted Energy weapon used by the UNSC. It fires an extremely powerful red laser, capable of destroying vehicles and people with one direct hit.

Next is the Brute Spike Rifle. It holds about 40 spikes per magazine and when dual wielding these weapons they can kill anyone very fast.

Up next we have the different kind of defense shields and mines. The first shield is the Bubble Shield. When thrown, it can instantly produce a "Bubble" like shield around you, covering you from all fire. The Land Mine is also a great defensive weapon. Got a Warthog coming after you? Deploy this and watch that thing blown to shreds.

Halo 3 has also brought back the Assault Rifle, seen previously in the original Halo.

Next up we have the vehicles. The newest vehicle is the ATV like Mongoose. This fast two-person vehicle is great to get around maps in style. Halo 3 still has the Warthog and all of the regular vehicles like the Ghost, Banshee, and
Scorpion tank.

Expect much more regarding Halo 3 and the Halo 3 beta test from DPAD in the days to come.

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