Crackdown Uses Halo 3 Beta to Entice Gamers

When British fan websites use Halo 3 beta access to make extra cashola it can be defined as sleazy, but when Microsoft uses one of its own games to pimp out the other, its just plain business.  Some websites are reporting that the next issue of GamePro magazine features an ad for Crackdown with the hot little line: "Includes invitation to Halo 3 Multiplayer Beta".

The screenshots of the action game have gone from disappointing to "meh" over the past few weeks, but it is clear that the Halo 3 bonus will motivate a lot of people to take a chance on Crackdown.  None of the recent Microsoft published games have been terribly awful, and many gamers have even had fun with Perfect Dark Zero - the closest thing to a disastrous disappointment in my recent gaming life.  Crackdown has a chance of being good, but with the latest news, I'll rely on the millions of Halo fans to give it a try first.

Crackdown pushes the action-driving hybrid genre into the next generation with the introduction of the first-ever truly 3-dimensional persistent playground, highly innovative co-op gameplay and an extensive prop interaction system all while taking place in a massive and highly-stylized urban center. Players are called to unleash explosive judicial oppression on the most powerful, organized crime syndicates in existence. Restitution is the only goal. Players must crackdown on crime, decipher the organization of the gangs, and eliminate the kingpins. All strategies and tactics are acceptable provided players clean up the streets.