It looks like PlayStation 3 users will be the first to get a taste of the upcoming Battlefield: Bad Company 2, with DICE revealing that a mutliplayer beta program will be kicking off on November 19 2009.

The Battlefield: Bad Company 2 multiplayer beta will feature the Arica Harbour map, where up to 24 players can compete in one of the game’s four intense multiplayer modes called Rush. This new map displays a superb balance of vehicle and infantry combat, as the American assault unit attacks the Russian army base with full force, advancing further through a beautiful desert town and towards the industrial area in a desperate attempt to overtake the Arica Harbour. Heavy vehicle warfare on the first bases gradually turns into an intense infantry fight as the level progresses, showcasing this best-in-class online war experience.

Gamers can get a taste of this incredibly intense action by a numbers of ways including reserving the game with participating retailers. While supplies last.

As for the participating retailers? Well they've only named Best Buy and Gamestop for North Americans, informing the rest of us to "Keep your eyes open for local opportunities!".

As for other platforms, word is that an open beta for PC games is pegged for December with a mutiplayer demo earmarked for "early next year" on Xbox 360, PC and PlayStation 3.

Battlefield Bad Company 2 is due on March 5 2010 on all three platforms. For full details on the PS3 beta, check out the official battlefield blog.