Offering a marked departure from its established World War II roots, the Call of Duty franchise is set to storm the gaming world in an all-too realistic sense with Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare. While 2K’s BioShock continues to hog the first-person shooter spotlight, CoD4 (and perhaps a certain Halo 3) may have something to say about all the speculative ‘Game of the Year’ chatter that’s following the underwater epic around at present.

Indeed, the BioShock bandwagon may be in for somewhat of a bumpy ride over the coming weeks, with Halo 3 looming large before its September 25 release (US), and Infinity Ward and Microsoft this week officially announcing a European call to arms for the Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare multiplayer beta test.

If you’re interested – and having drooled at the trailers and screens, we think that’s likely a given – then all you need do is hit the following link to stand a chance of being signed up for one of the precious places on the CoD4 multiplayer tour: www.cod4beta.co.uk

Those lucky enough to have their heads shaven and be awarded a multiplayer billet will receive a Clearance Code along with a simple set of instructions to ensure they hit the battlefield running. Needless to say, signing up quickly is advised as uniforms and weaponry are in strictly limited supply.

"We’re excited to bring to our fans around the world this early look at Call of Duty 4 multiplayer," says Infinity Ward’s Grant Collier. "The gameplay possibilities are limitless from levelling-up and utilising perks, to creating-your-own class and matchmaking."

And what can you look forward to should you be lucky enough to receive an invite to the CoD4 multiplayer theatre? Well, according to Xbox.com, players will get "a selection of assault rifles, sub machine guns and other accessories" along with access to 4 multiplayer modes set across "three action-packed maps including a downed helicopter, and overgrown rural area, and a deserted Russian office block." Beyond map and weaponry attractions, up to 12 beta players per match will also have the chance to "customise the whole experience using the game’s Create-a-Class, Player-Ranking and Perks systems."

Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare will be released in November.