Get Halo 3 for XBox 360

The Halo series may be one of the most popular video games ever released and and its third edition -- Halo 3 - certainly continued the trend when it was released in September 2007.

In a smart marketing move, Microsoft released the game in three editions. The Halo 3 Legendary Edition, the Limited edition and the standard edition. Additionally, they also releasing a special edition console of the XBox 360 -- skinned in a green and gold finish. But they didn't stopped there, there are also two special edition controllers and a wireless headset so you can have a complete Halo 3 outfit after you've shelled out a chunk of loot :)

With three editions, you'll need to decide which release of Halo 3 you want to buy. Naturally price may be one of your first considerations. The Legendary Edition has a recommended manufacturer's price for about $130, but Amazon knocks nearly $20 off that price. The standard edition can be bought for about $35, so there's a big price difference. Wit that in mind, let's lay out what's in each of the special editions of the game.

The Legendary Edition of Halo 3 are all individually number and will only be available as long as supplies last. So if you want something that's truly limited in quantity, this is the version to get. It comes with a copy of Halo 3 in a collectible Spartan Mjolnir Mark VI helmet case, an exclusive collection of storyboard art and the same bonus disc from the "Limited Edition" version of the game.

You'll also get the Legendary Edition disc, including remastered, high-res versions of the Halo and Halo 2 cinematics; an expanded digital "Bestiarum" guide to the creatures and cultures of Halo 3; The Cortana Chronicles; and exclusive machinima episodes.

The Limited Edition of Halo 3 comes in a sleek metal collector's case. In addition to the game, the Limited Edition includes the "Bestarium," a hardcover guide to the game's species, civilizations, and cultures. The bonus disc includes Bungie's high-definition home theater calibration tool; "Art Attack" with concept, production art, an exclusive Dashboard theme, and gamer pics; a Halo-themed minigame; and a variety of short films on a wide range of subjects.

The standard edition is just the game itself. Since there's only a $10 difference between the price of the standard and limited editions, I think it's worth popping for the upgrade. The Legendary Edition may take some more consideration, but for all the extras included, the Limited Edition is well worth the extra $10 bucks.

in addition to the games themselves, Microsoft also released the Xbox 360™ Halo® 3 Special Edition Console in September 2007. The nifty-looking Spartan Green and Gold console comes bundled with a matching Xbox 360 Wireless Controller, 20GB Hard Drive, Headset, Play & Charge Kit, and exclusive Halo 3 Gamer Pics and Theme (available via Xbox LIVE® download). What it does not include is the game. You'll need to buy that separately of course.

If you already have an XBox 360 and don't plan on buying a new one, you can still get some terrific Halo 3 toys in the form of two new game controllers and a wireless headset in green and gold.