While EA and Namco Bandai won't send Cerberus packing until Halloween, a few select patrons will be able to pass through Hellgate: London'sentrance beginning today. Developer Flaghips Studios is now takingvolunteers to beta test its upcoming post-apocalyptic massivelymultiplayer online game through its Web site. (Note: The beta sign-up page seems to currently be experiencing intermittent connectivity issues.)

In development by the team behind Blizzard's original Diablo, FlagshipStudios' Hellgate: London looks to meld in an unholy union thefast-paced action of shooters with the obsessive components ofrole-playing games. Those who preorder the $49.99 standard or $59.99 collector's editionof Hellgate: London will be granted access to Hellgate's beta untilOctober 7. In addition, preorderers will be eligible to purchase alifetime subscription to the game for $149.99 and will receiveexclusive armor dyes for in-game characters.

After the game'sinitial purchase, Hellgate: London's single-player campaign can eitherbe played for free or upgraded to an Elite subscription account at$9.95 per month, which confers MMOG functionality to the title. It israted M for Mature and goes on sale October 31.