Even though April Fools is still a good two weeks away we're inclined to treat such information as this with a greater deal of scrutiny and cynicism, particularly when it surrounds Halo 3... or more specifically the lack of it.

Alleging to have copied word for word a forthcoming expose featured in Game Informer, one Xbox forum poster has supposedly revealed the first information on Forerunner - a Halo based title that may or may not end up being Halo 3, but then again probably isn't even that.

The lengthy article describes a persistent game world based on a modified Halo 2 engine, with the promise of four-player co-op that moves away from the distinctly linear solo based experiences typically associated with the mode. Despite the changes, the Master Chief will resume his starring role - which begs the question, if so much focus is on co-op, surely everybody's going to want be the MC???

The story behind the title will allegedly focus on the origins of the Forerunners, the mysterious race believed to be behind the Halos, suggesting that the Master Chief's return to Earth will be delayed until the true Halo 3 begins. The thread continues to describe an experience in which failed objectives do not mean the end of a mission, but instead a different set of circumstances to face up to.

It's easy to dismiss such an article as rampant fanboy speculation, something we blame entirely on Bungie's shoulders. But then again the concept does sound appealing and left us hoping that there might be a shred of truth. The myths behind whatever happened to Halo 2.5 continue to frequent forums, perhaps this "modified" version of Halo 2 is actually that - a way for Bungie to deliver a "Halo" title (of sorts) before commencing on the original project they've mentioned many times in the past.

Concluding with yet another revelation, suggesting that the Halo movie, currently in the pipeline, will follow the events of Eric Nylund's "The Fall of Reach" leading up to the events of the original Halo, this is one rumour that like many other bouts of Halo speculation is best treated with a healthy dose of scientism - for the time being at least...

TVG has contacted Microsoft for a response and expects the typical "no comment on rumour and speculation..." soon.