Here’s some encouraging news. Mode 7 Games has opened Frozen Synapse to pre-orders, and you don’t have to wait until release to play the game.

Everyone who puts down the asking price — £16.99, €18.99 or $25.99 depending on where you’re from — gets access to the beta. For a few more units of your currency, you can get music, your face in the game and a copy of Determinance, the game that combines flying and swordplay. Oh, and you also get a copy to give to a friend.

Frozen Synapse is a top-down tactical game. Each side plans out their turn, and then the movement plays out simultaneously. So whoever is better at anticipating the other player’s actions holds the advantage. You can even run simulations with the other player’s team while you’re planning, so you can fine-tune your strategy.

Right now the beta focuses on the multiplayer modes, but a solo campaign will be included in the full release, which is expected near the end of 2010. And for those who missed it the first time, the trailer is below.

[via Mode 7 Games]