Hardcore gamers rejoice!  The newest game in the  Halo franchise  is finally here.

“Halo: Reach” — This prequel to the popular Xbox action shooter trilogy puts players into a squad of Spartan soldiers who are making their last stand to defend the Earth from the alien Covenant. Microsoft says the game features improved graphics and sound, while multiplayer gameplay will be as robust as “Halo” players have come to expect. New for this game: four-player cooperative campaign play and some as-yet-unrevealed gameplay surprises. Rated M for Mature. $60, $80 and $150 for “Standard,” “Limited” and “Legendary” editions, for Xbox 360.