Microsoft has sent along a big list of new information pertaining the upcoming Halo 4. On the multiplayer front, the biggest reveal is the Spartan Ops mode, a new story-driven experience that intersects the main Halo 4 campaign, which they boast as "effectively delivering two campaign experiences in one game".

The document also elaborates on the great character customisation and personalisation that 343 Industries has in-store for us this time around:

Halo 4 features a vastly expanded suite of new multiplayer modes, weapons, vehicles, armor abilities, a new loadout and player progression system, and a new armor modification system that introduces gameplay-enhancing customisations for the first time in a Halo game. These advancements can be used in both Spartan Ops and certain War Games matchmaking playlists, empowering player choice, vastly expanding their creative options, and make the experience deeper for core fans and more approachable for newcomers.

The Halo 4 player progression system goes beyond simple aesthetic upgrades, encouraging players to invest time and effort to create a Spartan that looks and plays the way they want. Players can earn and activate combat enhancements called “Specialisations” based on the style of play they engage in, from stealth to all-out assault, and everything in between.

On the Limited Edition, Microsoft announced that it is available for pre-order today and supposedly "maximises your Halo multiplayer career".

The Limited Edition will include future access to nine post-release DLC maps (spread across three competitive multiplayer map packs), six "specialisations (which standard edition Halo owners will have to wait for to unlock over time) as well as some of the usual collector's edition type stuff such as making-of videos and some exclusive in-game skins and avatar props.

Check out the handful of new screenshots below or Gamecenter's interview with Frank O'Connor (with some multiplayer gameplay footage) and Read the complete document for all the details on Halo 4 multiplayer and the Limited Edition contents.

Halo 4 is due on Xbox 360 on November 6th 2012.