Codemasters has released new "RF Online" screenshots along with the announcement that the Beta has begun.

"Over the next four weeks the RF Online beta will play host to 50,000 testers putting the game through its paces on its brand new network infrastructure, based in Boston, Mass.

Gamers who will join the RF Online beta test are now being contacted following the beta sign-up program, which began last November. With a limited number of places remaining in the best test, gamers can still apply to participate by registering via the beta sign-up form on the game’s official website www.rf-onlinegame.com.

The beta enables players to create a character from one of RF Online’s three all-powerful warring factions – the Bellato Union with their Mech battle units, the mystical Holy Alliance Cora or the mighty robots of the Accretian Empire – and engage in the game’s full-scale battles that can feature thousands of players."