Ubisoft sends word that the promised (story) sign-ups for beta testing of Far Cry are getting underway today. Here's the story:

Ubisoft, one of the world's largest video game publishers announced FAR CRY PC Multiplayer Beta test. Commencing on Monday, December 8th at 20:00 GMT, 5,000 gamers worldwide will have the exclusive opportunity to take part in a multiplayer beta test for Ubisoft's cutting-edge First Person Shooter (FPS) Far Cry(tm).

Far Cry is a first-person shooter set in a lush tropical paradise that sets out to bring the first-person shooter to an entirely new level of entertainment and technical excellence. Far Cry's final multiplayer mode will utilize some of the key features of the Single Player game such as Long range gameplay, Vehicular gameplay and Beautiful tropical environments.

It will also include unique innovative features :

     -The "sniper flare" that allows other players in the game to pinpoint the position of other snipers by light reflecting from the sniper scope.

     -The support class which can build or even repair destructible structures such as bunkers, towers, roadblocks, mounted weapons and walls.

The beta test registration will run for several days from Monday, December 8th 2003. These individuals will be the first people outside of Ubisoft to experience this highly anticipated FPS, and they will also work with the team in order to help balance the game.

The initial beta signup will take place on December 8th 2003. Registration will be via links on the www.farcry-thegame.com.

Once registration is closed, Ubisoft will select 5,000 testers that will best reflect the widest variety of geographical locations.