Microsoft's E3 Press Conference kicked off the annual trade show this morning and they managed to pack the briefing with a lot of news, both expected and surprising. Below is a list of all the big news. Read them all, especially if you are a 360 gamer, and check back later today for more trailers of the games discussed below. Sony and Nintendo's Conferences are tomorrow, so check back for news about those as well!
The Beatles: Rock Band demoed
The conference kicked off with Harmonix coming out and demoing their new music title coming later this year, including surprise guests Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr. The big news about the game is that it supports up to 3 mics, allowing up to 6 people to get in on the action. Additionally, the game will feature both downloadable singles and albums post-release, starting with "All You Need Is Love", whose proceeds will go to a charity, and Abby Road. It's unlcear whether these downloads will work on the main Rock Band titles.
Modern Warfare 2 exclusive map packs
Microsoft broke the news that they are making a conscious attempt to recognize the enormous success of the Call of Duty franchise on Xbox LIVE, particularly Infinity Ward's projects. In order to keep them as "de-facto Xbox exclusives", Modern Warfare 2 will get two map packs that will both release "first" on Xbox 360.
Final Fantasy XIII shown running on Xbox 360
A somewhat more minor development, Square Enix showed their flagship title running on Xbox 360 hardware for the first time (all other demos were on PS3). Also, an American release window was announced as Spring 2010 (it's pegged to hit Japan this fall).
Shadow Complex: the next big thing on XBLA
Developer Chair, most well-known for Xbox LIVE Arcade hit Undertow, is making a new action-adventure game for the Arcade. It features beautiful 3D graphics on a 2D gameplay plane, and is described as being very reminiscent on Metroid.
Crackdown 2 and Left 4 Dead 2 announced
It's been rumored for a little while, but today Microsoft confirmed that Crackdown 2 is under development at Ruffian Games, which if I'm not mistaken is a studio established by guys from original Crackdown (and now All Points Bulletin) developer Real Time Worlds, which in turn was founded by the original creator of Grand Theft Auto.
In a surprise move, Valve revealed that Left 4 Dead 2 will be released on November 17 for PC and Xbox 360. The game will feature 5 campaigns, new weapons, new zombies, new characters, and a new game mode in addition to the current 3. Apparently, Valve employees were pushing for this one in order to get in more ideas scrapped for the original. Unfortunately, this probably means that Half-Life 2: Episode Three is probably not going to come out until 2010. Keep an eye on this blog for the trailer coming soon.
Reworked Splinter Cell: Conviction shown off
As the rumors suggested, Splinter Cell: Conviction has been completely reworked from the version shown a couple years ago. The New and Improved Sam Fisher looks much more bad ass, with way better graphics, more complicated moves, and an overall more action-oriented feel. That's not to say the series is ditching its signature stealth emphasis, but it is adding a welcomed bit of spice to the mix. The game also looks much darker and gorier. Look for the trailer to be posted soon. Oh, and its still an Xbox 360 exclusive.
Oft-rumored Forza 3 finally confirmed, flips cars
In one of the more expected moves at the conference, Microsoft finally revealed Forza Motorsport 3 by rolling a real-life Audi onto the stage. The game's physics engine has added roll-overs, a feature notably lacking in Gran Turismo. The Forza Motorsport 3 vs. Gran Turismo 5 battle should be interesting this fall...assuming GT5 will be hear to combat Forza.
Halo 3: ODST only one of TWO Halo games shown
That's right, in addition to demoing the ODST expansion, Bungie and Microsoft also revealed a new game, Halo: Reach. Expect the trailer to be posted soon so you can see for yourself, but the game seems to be a prequel to the original, taking place during the infamous Fall of Reach. It seems like this might be a full-fledged Halo game, unlike the ODST expansion, and taking the place of a "Halo 4" since 3 was technically the end. A multiplayer beta key will be included the ODST package.
As for Halo 3: ODST itself, Bungie demoed it for attendees. The game will feature numerous new silenced weapons as well as the return of Halo 1's famous scoped pistol. You'll play as Orbital Drop Shock Troopers "The Rookie" and "Dutch", and a new low-light visor will be available. The expansion will also feature a new co-op mode called Firefight, which wasn't shown, and will launch September 22 (with the Reach beta!).
Remedy's Alan Wake finally comes out of hiding
Microsoft also demoed Max Payne developer Remedy's long-in-gestation survival-horror title Alan Wake. There was no trailer thusfar, but expect one to be released this week. Either a trailer or the demo video will be posted soon. The game itself is coming Spring 2010.
New Media options on Xbox Dashboard
First of all, Netflix users will now be able to add movies to their NetflixQ straight from the dashboard. In addition, Microsoft announced a partnership with both Facebook and Twitter relating to Xbox LIVE, though no details were really given (you can "access" them). A new music player called Last.fm will debut with its own channel on the dashboard. Video Marketplace content will now be able to stream in 1080p (depending on bandwith)
Metal Gear Solid: Rising coming to Xbox 360
Hideo Kojima's new project does in fact turn out to be Metal Gear-related, but not what people were expecting. Though not the long-hoped-for MGS4 360 port, instead Kojima has created an entirely new game that will apparently be starring Raiden. The tag "Lighting Bolt Action" replaces the usual "Stealh Espionage Action", suggesting that the game may be more action-based and fast-paced than the Snake-centric titles. Though announced here, no mention of exclusitivity was made, hinting that this may also be coming to PlayStation 3. The teaser will be posted soon.
Microsoft reveals full-body motion control in "Project Natal"
Microsoft has finally gone after the Wii's success with a new device that isn't exactly a controller, per se. Instead, its a device that sits under your TV and can detect the movements of your entire body. The device was demoed with using arm swipes to flip through the dashboard and a painting minigame. It seems like this may just be a show-off moment and this device may or may not come this year, but certainly is interesting and something to definitely keep an eye on. If I can find a demo video, I'll post it.
After the conference: Games on Demand revealed
It's curious that this didn't make the actual conference itself, but at a luncheon that followed the company announced that it is prepping a new service for digital distribution of full-size retail Xbox 360 games. Games on Demand will launch in August with about 30 games (so far only Assassin's Creed, BioShock, and Mass Effect were confirmed) and allow for direct charges to credit cards (i.e. you don't have to buy these with Microsoft Points).
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