Expanding on the last post, Microsoft has confirmed that Halo 3: Recon, the Bungie-developed expansion for the popular first-person shooter, will be a standalone DVD release that does not require the Halo 3 disc to play.

It will be set before the events of Halo 3, having players take on the role of an ODST drop soldier. Microsoft claims that it will “greatly resemble that of previous Halo experiences” but will “require players to employ more elements of stealth and cunning than ever before.”

Recon will include all of Halo 3’s online functionality, including four-player co-op, the Forge map editor and more. It will also include new multiplayer maps.

Halo 3: Recon is due out in Fall 2009.