Microsoft announces spectacular lineup of new games for the Xbox 360 at E3. For the show, Xbox brought out the big guns with many using the controller-free fun of Kinect with titles such as ‘Kinect Star Wars’, ‘Fable: The Journey’ and what is sure to be one of the biggest games of 2012, ‘Mass Effect 3’.
“For Xbox, games have always been at the heart of who we are: the world’s biggest blockbusters, enduring stories from the world’s best storytellers and innovative entertainment experiences that you can’t find anywhere else,” said Phil Spencer, corporate vice president of Microsoft Studios. “Whether it’s Kinect games like ‘Kinect Star Wars’ or the latest installments of our most acclaimed and anticipated exclusive franchises like ‘Gears of War 3’ and ‘Halo 4,’ our existing fans, and new ones alike, will find something here to delight them and their families.”
‘Fable: The Journey’ (Lionhead Studios, Microsoft Studios). Set five years after the events of ‘Fable III’, ‘Journey’ takes you on a magical journey with only your loyal horse at your reins, Theresa, the mysterious seer of ‘Fable III’, by your side, and a malevolent evil to defeat before it claims all of Albion. With the power of Kinect for Xbox 360, craft and control magic in a way that can’t be done with a controller. ‘Fable: The Journey’ draws players deep into the action and adventure of the ‘Fable’ franchise like never before.
‘Gears of War 3’ (Epic Games, Microsoft Studios). ‘Gears of War 3’ wraps up the ambitious trilogy starring Marcus Fenix and Delta Squad. With civilization in ruins, Delta Squad must wage brutal war on two fronts in order to save their world. ‘Gears of War 3’ continues to innovate with new multiplayer experiences on Xbox LIVE, including the genre-defining cooperative campaign mode and the return of five-player Horde mode. Surpassing more than 1 million copies pre-sold to date, ‘Gears of War 3’ hits store shelves on Sept. 20, 2011, worldwide, except for Japan, where copies go on sale Sept. 22, 2011.
‘Halo 4’ (343 Industries, Microsoft Studios). ‘Halo 4’ is the next blockbuster installment in the iconic franchise that’s shaped entertainment history and defined a decade of gaming. Set in the aftermath of ‘Halo 3’, Master Chief returns to confront his own destiny and face an ancient evil that threatens the fate of the entire universe. A new trilogy begins when ‘Halo 4’ releases in 2012.
‘Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary’ (343 Industries/Microsoft Studios, Saber Interactive, Certain Affinity). Created in celebration of the 10th anniversary of one of the most beloved franchises in gaming history, ‘Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary’ is a spectacularly re-mastered version of the original ‘Halo’ campaign, bundled with some of the most beloved multiplayer maps in ‘Halo’ history reimagined for Xbox LIVE. Releasing only on Xbox 360 on Nov. 15, 2011, ‘Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary’ will include a bounty of new features, including cooperative play over Xbox LIVE, new challenges and new fiction to uncover.
‘Kinect Star Wars’ (Terminal Reality, LucasArts/Microsoft Studios).Drawing on iconic action from many of the ‘Star Wars’ major motion pictures, ‘Kinect Star Wars’ allows to you to physically experience training and battling as a Jedi, using the Force and battling with a lightsaber like never before, thanks to the full-body recognition of Kinect.
‘Mass Effect 3’ (BioWare, Electronic Arts). The galactic war has begun. An ancient alien race known only as the “Reapers” has launched an all-out invasion of the galaxy, leaving nothing but a trail of destruction in their wake. Earth has been taken, the universe is on the verge of total annihilation, and you, as Commander Shepard, are the only one who can stop them. Whether you are playing with a controller or through new voice recognition technology made exclusively for Kinect on Xbox 360, ‘Mass Effect 3’ allows you to immerse yourself in the Mass Effect universe like never before, as you decide how to rally the forces of the galaxy in a game that will react to each decision you make.
‘Minecraft’ (Mojang, Microsoft Studios). Known for its limitless possibilities, ‘Minecraft’ will come to life this winter in a whole new way through the magic of Kinect and also feature cross-functionality between the PC and Xbox 360 versions.
‘Tom Clancy’s Ghost Recon Future Soldier’ (Ubisoft Paris, Ubisoft). Welcome to the U.S. Special Forces’ most legendary unit, the Ghosts. Equipped with the most advanced combat technology, track down high-value targets in eight spectacular locales around the world in the latest chapter of the celebrated ‘Tom Clancy’s Ghost Recon’ franchise. Teamwork is key, whether it is fighting alongside your teammates in the campaign, Elite Co-op, or multiplayer modes. With the magic of Kinect’s body tracking and voice recognition, a special mode called “Gunsmith” will allow gamers to customize their weapons into more than 20 million variations in a way that simply can’t be done with a controller alone.
‘Tomb Raider’ (Crystal Dynamics, Square Enix Europe). Experience the intense and gritty origins of Lara Croft and her ascent from a frightened young woman to a hardened survivor. Armed with only the raw instincts and physical ability to push beyond the limits of human endurance, start at the beginning of where the ‘Tomb Raider’ adventure all began.
For more information visit: http://www.xbox.com
