Four-player online co-op announced for Halo 3

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.