Halo 2 goes 3D

Today Microsoft developer Bungie found a new way to work the throngs of fans waiting for Halo 2 into a frenzy when it released a 3D screenshot of the upcoming Xbox first-person shooter on Bungie.net.

The custom gameplay shot is an 8.6MB high-res image of a Covenant Elite putting its energy sword to deadly use. The 3D element in the shot is the ability to rotate the image via Quicktime VR and get a look at the environment and carnage surrounding the Elite. In addition to posting the actual image on its site, Bungie has included a short piece on its official Web site detailing how it was created .

Though the screenshot is now available on GameSpot DLX, Halo 2 won't ship until November 9 for the Xbox. For the latest preview of the game, check out our multiplayer hands-on preview from E3 2004.