The Microsoft Conference Unveiled

The Games

Rather quickly from his discussion on the XBOX Live platform, Moore explained that the Live aspect was only the appetizer- and the main course was the games. Finally, we were able to see all of the future games for the XBOX 360 in the near future. Such games include:


Lost Planet Extreme Condition
Rockstar Games presents Table Tennis
Brothers in Arms Hell's Highway
Mass Effect
NHL 2k7
F.E.A.R. First Encounter Assault Recon
Too Human
Viva Pinata
MotoGP '06
The Lord of the Rings Battle for Middle Earth
Sonic the Hedgehog
Madden NFL 07
World Series of Poker Tournament Champions
Saint's Row
WWE Smackdown vs Raw 2007
John Woo presents Stranglehold
Enchanted Arms
Test Drive Unlimited
NCAA Football 07
Dead Rising
Dance Dance Revolution Universe
Prey
Superman Returns the Videogame
NBA 2k7
Crackdown
Ninety-Nine Nights
Gears of War

Ending with the logo of “Jump In”, Moore announced that by the end of the year, there will be 160 XBOX 360 titles for purchase. That's rather big. Currently, with only 20 or so games, gamers are wondering what to do with their XBOX 360 systems- and looking at the titles above, you now know. While I currently worry about the marketability of this system outside of America (Due to the fact that 50% or more of the games above are shooters, the rest action-driving games or sports games, all of which do not interest Asian gamers whatsoever), there is no doubt that the 360 is assured a future in the market.

Fable 2

Surprising us, Peter Molyneaux is yet again practicing his skill by creating a new Fable game. The original Fable, all about choice and options, will now be remade on the XBOX 360 with better graphics and what appears to be more choices- but it's hard to tell with the little information we were given.

Forza Motorsport 2

With absolutely perfect graphics, Forza Motorsport 2 is back in even more high gear, with absolutely perfect graphics, the same style as the original game, and some definitely enjoyable gameplay. However, much like the Fable video, we will definitely need to see if this game is as good as we see on the big screen, or if Microsoft is pulling our leg on the newest racing game for the 360. We'll see it quickly, though- it will be available this holiday season, complete with a wireless steering wheel.

New Accessories

Moore also quickly announced two new accessories- first, a wireless XBOX Live headset, for those of you (like myself) who hated that tiny cord. Also, even better, is an EyeToy like accessory known as the “XBOX Live Vision Camera”, which will allow you to not only customize your gamer tag, but also stick your face in all games that support the camera. Much like Forza Motorsport, these accessories will be available in time for the Holiday season.

Blue Dragon

Another interesting addition, as Moore talked about the Japanese market, was the display of a Dragon Quest lookalike game called Blue Dragon. Showing only an FMV involving a high speed airship chase, not much is really definitive about this game, but check back as we try to delve into what exactly Blue Dragon is.

Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell Double Agent

Because the series will never die, Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell is back, this time, much like any shooter series, you play the bad guy- but it's Sam Fisher, as usual. With spot on realistic graphics, Sam Fisher is now a bald terrorist with serious issues, and definitely looks different than his previous games. Also, this time, on the XBOX 360, the game is spot on perfect, and even long distances can be seen with ease, unlike the PS2 renditions of the popular series. Sam Fisher is back, and it definitely looks like a must-buy for those with a 360.

Viva Pinata

The only non-sports game that could be rated E on the list for the XBOX 360, Viva Pinata is, as our news articles have previously said, a children's show that will now be transformed into a game. With beautiful graphics and interesting gameplay, Viva Pinata may be a definate buy for gamers looking for something that doesn't involve Cliff Bleszinski-like gore, but considering that this will be one of the ONLY games for the system like this, I doubt it will do well except for small children.

HD-DVD Drive

Called by critics as a “fix for something that should have existed already”, the HD-DVD drive was shown at the Microsoft press conference- a drive that will be able to play HD-DVD movie titles. However, much debate goes on about this CD-case sized piece of hardware, primarily game titles on it- if gamers will be forced to purchase it to play HD games. Regardless, much like everything else shown by Microsoft, it will be available this holiday season, for something around 150 HD-DVD movie titles.

Tattoos of Grand Theft Auto 4

Much like Peter Moore did with Halo 2, Peter Moore has a new tattoo of a new franchise he's literally betting his skin on- Grand Theft Auto 4. Microsoft and Rockstar Games have teamed up this time, and are going to bring the latest Grand Theft Auto game to the XBOX 360 on October 16th, 2007 in the US. While not much information has been given about the game (And hell, it's over a year away), we can still expect the ultra violent aspect that we all love (and some love to hate) on the XBOX 360 platform. One of the best features of this will be the exclusivity of the content- meaning that on XBOX Live, you will be able to download extra chapters to Rockstar games for a small nominal fee. Eat that, Sony Microtransations.

Page 1    Page 2    Page 3