Non-FilePlanet subscribers will get to download the beta in about a week. (this news from a moderator of their forums). And why would you hate FP? I think it kicks fucking ass.
Just played for a half hour before I head to bed. Totally sweet!
Game really does feel like Tribes! I agree that this game feels more like Tribes than Tribes 2! Took no time to get accustomed to the controls! The new vehicles you can climb into are pretty sweet! The best thing I would say is the performance! Got awesome performance on my 9800PRO (Set at 412/365)!! I ran fraps while playing and I would average between 45-65 fps with it dipping occasional in the mid 30s. And that was with 24 players on the map!! Very little lag as well. I'm quite shocked at how well it performed. I ran at 1024 X 768 resolution with everything set to high or very high.
it is cool, outside of the awful netcode and that it was a buggy mess.