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When it was announced mere days ago, speculation swirled amongst the Halo loving fraternity about what this new Halo title would be. The theory that seemed to win out appeared to be the long-held and rumoured idea that it was to be a tactical shooter in a similar vein to the Tom Clancy: Ghost Recon titles, and that Master Chief would no longer be the main character.

Well at TGS, some of that speculation can be put to rest as Bungie have released a press release through Microsoft, which skims the surface in regards to what to expect from this mysterious new installment in the Halo franchise:

Title: “Halo 3: Recon”

Publisher: Microsoft Game Studios

Developer: Bungie

Format: DVD for the Xbox 360 video game system; Xbox LIVE-enabled

ESRB Rating: Rating pending

Availability: Fall 2009

Product
Overview: Developed exclusively for Xbox 360 by acclaimed developer Bungie, “Halo 3: Recon” is a stand-alone expansion that extends the award-winning “Halo 3” experience with hours of new campaign and multiplayer gameplay.* The release adds a new dimension to an all-encompassing universe that gamers around the world have known and loved for more than six years.

The new campaign chapter predates the events that unfold in “Halo 3” and gives players a new perspective through the eyes of a new hero in the “Halo” universe. New multiplayer maps ensure that the award-winning Xbox LIVE experience of “Halo 3” continues to thrive.

Top features include the following:

All-new campaign content. The “Halo 3: Recon” campaign is an intriguing side story that takes place during the terrifying events leading up to the Master Chief’s return to New Mombasa in “Halo 3.” Experience the fate of Earth from the brand-new perspective of a special forces ODST (Orbital Drop Shock Trooper), adding a unique outlook and new gameplay elements to the events that unfold in the trilogy’s finale. While the feel of this new chapter will greatly resemble that of previous “Halo” experiences, “Halo 3: Recon” will require players to employ more elements of stealth and cunning than ever before.

A new hero: Prepare to drop. Known for their courage, valor and, at times, insanity, ODSTs are among the fiercest UNSC soldiers, priding themselves on being the first unit deployed into hostile situations. While not as large or supernaturally gifted as their Spartan comrades, these “Hell Jumpers” more than compensate with their ferocious attitudes and unwavering nerve.

Expanded multiplayer collection. No “Halo” experience would be complete without groundbreaking multiplayer content,* and “Halo 3: Recon” gives fans more of what they love. With exclusive new maps and full Forge options, players will find more multiplayer content than ever before with “Halo 3: Recon.”

Ever-growing community options. Players will continue to enjoy all the great “Halo 3” technological innovations, including Saved Films, screenshots, Campaign Scoring and four-player co-op. All of the new multiplayer maps fully support the Forge editor, offering endless gameplay customization possibilities for fans.

As you can see, that ‘Ghost Recon’ theory isn’t too far off the mark, along with the old rumour that Master Chief would not be the main character.

More as and when.