Jason Yorgason will team with Augade and Roach on a weekend a week or two after the game's release in a group event that will feature between eight and 16 players and several big-screen televisions — and 5.1 surround sound. But no wives.

"We (men) are biologically predisposed to play Halo," Yorgason says. "It's hunter-and-gatherer once removed." A student of ancient Hebrew, he enjoys the required cooperative play in team battles and revels in the vehicles, probably including several that are new in "Halo 3."

"It is like meth — though I have never taken it — but I can stay up for hours and hours," he said.

Developer Bungie Studios has added several new aspects to the game to keep veterans coming back. Players will probably be delighted to learn that the journey through the storyline, once a solo-only prospect, can now be done with up to four players.

There will be new guns, a flamethrower, new grenades and a feature allowing players to record any game. After the carnage ends, any player will be able to not only review his own view of the game but will be able to move the camera anywhere around the battlefield to watch any of the other players, in effect creating a tutorial that reveals the best weapons, spots and techniques.

Youtube.com currently hosts an abundance of "Halo"-themed game-captures, but now users will be able to easily share "Halo 3" videos in-game and even save a few.

Another feature, called "The Forge," will allow map-editing and is even its own four-on-four game.

Bungie is also planning to release additional player-combat maps for sale on Xbox Live for a few dollars, after players have mastered the game's default maps.

Already available is an Xbox 360 special edition, designed in armor-colored gold-and-green that complements the line of "Halo 3" accessories, such as control paddles and headsets — quite a departure from the traditional white theme of most hardware.

There is also a slew of related merchandise, such as the obligatory strategy guide, a "Halo"-themed automobile, and tie-ins with Burger King and 7-Eleven.

Sales predictions for the game range from 3 million units in 12 days to 4 million units in a month, and an increase of more than 400,000 360 consoles sold in the same time frame.

And then the holiday-shopping season will kick in.

Spider-Man's next costume change might be green — with envy.

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E-mail: LC@desnews.com