The Showdown Effect swaggers into its beta phase

Arrowhead’s The Showdown Effect is taking one step closer to its big premiere, with the announcement that the 2.5D, movie-themed multiplayer shooter is now in beta. You can sign up for a chance to get in on the early action, here.

Another way to guarantee yourself some access is to pre-order the game. That’s possible from this site, and comes with a bonus character and a ‘fusion sabre of light’ (hmm, what could that be?) A deluxe edition is available too, with more bonus goodies, including an alternative Magicka character skin and a copy of Magicka itself.

Earlier today, Paradox streamed a Showdown Effect beta tournament. To catch up on what happened in that, and see what the game looks like, head over here to Twitch.tv.