Jeremy Dunham, Zipper Interactive's new Senior Community Manager, introduced himself to the PlayStation Blog US community, and brought with him news that the latest MAG beta program (#4) is on right now. New features are detailed after the jump

The fourth Beta phase includes some 6,000 changes from the last phase. To name a few, they have increased the level cap from 40 to 60, retooled a skill tree and experience curve, and has included an improved ranking system in the mix.

Two of the major features included are the "proximity chat" feature as well as the Shadow War bonuses. Let's delve a bit deeper into them, shall we?

 

The "proximity chat" feature allows you to hear your enemies communicating as you get closer. If eavesdropping is not your thing, then you can trash talk them yourself as you blast them away with your wit, sarcasm, and lead.

The Shadow War bonus, meanwhile, lets the entire PMC earn different bonuses, based on gametype, and depending on which PMCs are leading in the number of contracts owned. If you get ahead of the game here, you'll get extra experience points, while leading in Acquisition increases leadership aura distance, and leading in Domination decreases tactical strike cooldown time.

Other features would be:

• character hit detection and reactions
• skill tuning
• refined Leadership abilities and experience points

The developer blog has also been launched over at MAG.com, so you can go check it out to have your dose of behind-the-scenes look before the game officially launches in January 26, 2010.

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