EA has just announced that the open beta for their Real Time Strategy mixed with a collectible card game will begin on November 7th. Eager gamers wanting to try out this strange hybrid can register at the BattleForge Beta site by submitting your e-mail address and waiting for them to send you a beta code. You can also preorder the game at the EA Store or EB/GameStop for beta access. It hasn't been revealed yet, but I get the feeling that preordering at a retailer will also net you some bonus cards.

BattleForge is a unique take on real time strategy. Instead of resource gathering, all of your troops, buildings, and spells are contained in your card deck. Decks are both virtual and real; when the game releases, you'll be able to purchase extra cards for more troops. It can't be an RTS without multiplayer, and BattleForge has it in spades. Not only is there your standard PvP, but there will also be co-op campaign missions, each playable with upwards of twelve other players.

Stay tuned to Blend Games for more on the BattleForge beta as soon as it becomes available. BattleForge is scheduled for a first quarter release in 2009.