Four-player online co-op announced for Halo 3

Chicago (IL) - In a surprising revelation, Halo developer Bungie announced last night that Halo 3 will include a cooperative online mode that allows up to four players to team up and battle together over Xbox Live.

Though rumors popped up and many people were hoping for a two-player co-op mode, Bungie would not confirm anything until now. The idea of having four player co-op support is a big move for the series.

Bungie’s Luke Smith confirmed in a post on Bungie.net, "Of course we were working on (a co-op mode), but we were also working on something better. Not two player co-op. Not three-player co-op, but up to four player co-op. Online. On Xbox Live, or sure, System Link if you prefer."

Two players will be able to play in a cooperative setting in the same room with the same screen, with the possibility of adding two more teammates through the Xbox 360’s online network.

Players who start a single-player campaign will be able to bring in other gamers to join in the adventure from any save checkpoint.

Smith continued to talk about the feature, saying, "Acting as a team is a fantastic new twist to the Campaign gameplay – something that works as well on foot, in close confines as it does on the battlefield, with large scale vehicle mayhem. Scared of Jackal snipers ? Send out a scout to see what dangers lie ahead. Terrified of an open field ? Flank your enemies and swipe their rides."

Players will also be able to save videos of battles fought during co-op mode, allowing for on demand replays of the action.

Halo 3 will be available on September 25 in three forms - standard edition, limited edition, and legendary edition - ranging in price from around $60 - $130.