Emerging this morning is a Halo 3 multiplayer leak entitled “Betalicious”, which appears to be an official one courtesy of fanatical Microsoft employee “Mr. Jukes”.  The video is essentially a compilation of multiplayer mayhem, boasting sexed-up graphics and a few new toys. 

Despite the excitement already surrounding the beta, Bungie has made sure to let fans know that Jukes’ video is a dated version, meaning some improvements have been made since its production.  There’s really no way of telling what these might be, although updates could include anything from the refinement of physics to added weaponry.

So, what do I think of the video?  Clearly, it’s highly reminiscent of the multiplayer action found in Bungie’s Xbox Live blast, Halo 2.  The two most exciting additions are the Covenant’s new laser sniper rifle and Master Chief’s ATV, a sort-of one man rendition of the Warthog.

However, not much else is exceptionally different.  The graphics have been given another slick coat of gloss, and clearly the maps are new.  However, many of the weapons in Mr. Jukes’ back pocket are the same, from the Covenant grenade launcher (laaame) to the rocket launcher (not lame whatsoever).

Regardless, the frantic nature of the multiplayer and the now phenomenally atmospheric soundtrack will still effectively “giddy up” any fan of the Halo series.  With little known about the storyline or the single player maps themselves, we’re still left one entire side of the finished product, which won’t ship until chilly November.