Company of Heroes Online beta registration begins

Publisher THQ's next battle will be fought on the online front in Relic's upcoming free-to-play Company of Heroes Online. Today, the game opened its beta registration for virtual recruits, granting players a chance at a first look at the upcoming real-time strategy spin-off game.

Those interested in enlisting can register on the game's Web site. When signing up, hopeful soldiers will need to check both “Receive News” and “Receive Offers," as beta keys will be sent out using the opt-in mailing list.

According to a post on the Company of Heroes Online Web site, a "limited" number of beta tokens will be handed out for the first wave of testing. However, more beta keys will be distributed later on this year. Neither Relic nor THQ has announced when the Company of Heroes Online beta will commence.

First announced for the Chinese market in 2007, the game is based on the online component of Relic's highly regarded WWII real-time strategy series. The game will be driven by microtransactions, as players can purchase special units and upgrades as an alternative to earning them. The game also features persistent progression that takes players from private to general, as well as army and commander customization options.