You're probably already aware that the multiplayer shooter Battlefield Heroes is due this summer for PC. You might not be aware, though, that you've got an opportunity to test-drive the game before its release.

Electronic Arts is currently giving players a chance to enter the game's closed beta. If you're interested, just register at this site. You'll need to be at least 16 years old to register (or at least be smart enough to say that you're 16 years old) and sign an agreement that you won't leak information on the game to evil game journos like me (damn it). If EA likes the cut of your jibe, they'll contact you.

EA hasn't announced the release date of Heroes yet but when it is released, it's going to be free. That's right, it costs you zero dollars to download and play. It's a new revenue model EA is trying out. The game's website and loading screens will have advertisements, and players also have the option of purchasing optional items for their characters. The latter part of the plan has been pretty controversial among gamers who think that the premium items will create an uneven playing field.

I'll hold off on judgment of these "microtransactions" for now, though. There's no telling at this point whether those purchasable items will lead to imbalances in gameplay and you'll end up needing to buy them to stay competitive. One of the things they might be evaluating in beta now is the strength of this premium equipment. Finding out how good these optional items really are and whether they're worth your money seems like as good of a reason to apply to beta as any.