Though Halo 3 won't be out until September 25, Microsoft is already trying to artificially manufacture buzz for the game. However, it's the slow trickle of details which are generating real interest in the pre-anointed blockbuster.

　　The latest drip from the trickle of information flowing out of Bungie Studios appears to be the unveiling of Halo 3's achievements. Xbox360achievements.org, a fan site dedicated to the acquisition of the so-called "nerd cred," today posted a listing of achievements it claims will be awarded for playing the sci-fi shooter.

　　Microsoft reps could--or would--not verify the achievements list as of press time, but they seem very similar to the PC Halo 2 achievements. If authentic, the list also appears to reveal some new Halo 3 details. Besides receiving rewards for finishing stages--which the achievements name--players will receive extra points when they replay the game and "find and claim" skulls hidden inside each level. The Halo 3 campaign will also feature a meta-game which will award points for performing an as-yet unknown tasks. The "Marathon Man" achievement also hints at some sort of connection with Bungie's classic Marathon series. Check out the full list for more details.