Heroes of Might and Magic V beta now open

Ubisoft is giving gamers a chance to help the publisher sharpen its swords, buff its armor, and polish up the mechanics of its fireball delivery. Beginning today, gamers can head over to the game's official Web site for details on how to join. The beta was originally scheduled for January 19 but was delayed to today "to make the experience as smooth as possible for all those involved," according to a post on the game's news page. Heroes of Might and Magic V is a fantasy-based real-time strategy game for the PC, and it will be in stores at the end of March 2006.