One of the most celebrated first-person shooter game series is coming to an end -- but not without a bang.  Giveaways, midnight release parties and other special events are scheduled for the direct prequel to the Halo trilogy; Halo: Reach. 

The yet-to-be-released game is already earning rave reviews and will be available in stores on Tuesday, according to Joystiq and Bungie.net.

The science fiction video game franchise has been a run-away success for Microsoft Xbox and Xbox 360.  The game, created by Bungie, began with the release of Halo: Combat Evolved in 2001 and was followed by Halo 2 and Halo 3. 

The prequel takes place in 2552, after the fall of the human-colonized planet Reach.  The game follows the six special ops Spartans of the Noble Team as they begin their fight against the Covenant, the alien militant alliance who have targeted the humans. 

Highly focused and detailed, Reach offers more autonomy in the game and provides new maps and visuals like Forge World, which allows players to build a world they envision; and weapons like the long-range Designated Marksman Rifle which takes down enemies with one shot. 

In Reach instead of playing Master Chief, Noble Team observer, the player can choose to step into the role of a Noble Team member.  When the Campaign ends the user can remain "in character" throughout all of the game modes.

The game designers have upped the ante for multiplayers as well with Firefight, Rocketfight and Gruntocalypse.  Gamers fight through battles and are rewarded with mini-events.  
  
Reach will be made available in Standard, Limited and Legendary Editions. The standard version is $59.99, the limited edition is $79.99  and the legendary edition is $149.99 

Fans can receive a token to unlock a Spartan Recon Helmet, by picking up the game on launch day.  More information can be found here.