Microsoft Preps Age of Mythology Alpha

Microsoft and Ensemble Studios are looking for 10,000 testers to participate in an multiplayer alpha trial of the upcoming real time strategy game, Age of Mythology. An extension to the popular Age of Empires series, Age of Mythology casts players as one of nine civilizations sent to battle with the help of mythological creatures and mighty gods.

"By using a new state-of-the-art 3-D engine, our designers are able to do more than what was ever possible with the previous Age of Empires games," said senior game designer at Ensemble Studios Bruce Shelley, in the initial Age of Mythology announcement. "We are now able to produce stunning visual effects, wild mythological beasts and hundreds of on-screen units."

A limited alpha version of the game will ship to testers early next month, featuring two civilizations and multiplayer maps. Signups for the test will begin Friday, June 21 and end on June 30. Age of Mythology is slated for a fall release and will retail for $49.99 USD.

To apply for this massive beta test, visit Microsoft's Age of Mythology site, or Ensemble Studios.