Gamers can expect more than 160 Xbox 360 high-definition games this year,
new Xbox Live experiences and cross-platform wireless accessories.
LOS ANGELES, May 9 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- The Xbox 360(TM) video
game and entertainment system has created a global phenomenon with its
record-breaking performance and fervent consumer response. Now, Microsoft
Corp. (Nasdaq: MSFT) hits the turbo button for gamers, announcing the next
wave of games and accessories for Xbox 360 and new world-class Xbox Live(R)
entertainment experiences.
(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20000822/MSFTLOGO )
At the Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3) in Los Angeles, Peter Moore,
corporate vice president of the Interactive Entertainment Business in the
Entertainment and Devices Division at Microsoft, announced that gamers can
expect more than 160 high-definition games by the end of 2006 for the Xbox
360 platform. In addition, Moore unveiled several new Microsoft Game
Studios titles in development for Xbox 360 including "Alan Wake," "Fable(R)
2," "Forza Motorsport(TM) 2" and the next installment in the critically
acclaimed "Halo(R)" franchise, "Halo 3."
Xbox 360 continues to evolve and feed the imagination of gamers
everywhere. This week at E3, the following Microsoft Game Studios
exclusives will showcase the breath and depth of Microsoft's
next-generation lineup:
-- "Alan Wake" (Remedy Entertainment Inc.). "Alan Wake" is a
psychological action thriller. Cited as one of the best titles of E3 2005,
"Alan Wake" introduces a deeply engaging and suspenseful storyline in a
free-roaming open world that invites players to unravel the riveting plot
and experience intense combat that combines the use of light with more
conventional weapons. "Alan Wake" will be released on Windows Vista(TM) and
Xbox 360. Timing is not yet announced.
-- "Blue Dragon" (Mistwalker/Artoon Co. Ltd.). From famed game producer
Hironobu Sakaguchi comes "Blue Dragon," a unique, epic role-playing game
(RPG) that centers on a young boy named Shu and several of his friends who
must harness the power of their phantom shadows in their fight against an
eminent evil. "Blue Dragon" will launch later this year in Japan.
-- "Crackdown" (Real Time Worlds). Dave Jones, creator of "Grand Theft
Auto," brings his brand of unprecedented, open-ended gameplay to the
next-generation with "Crackdown(TM)." "Crackdown" sets players loose in a
free-form, persistent playground where a citywide fight against crime
requires a new kind of hero who evolves into a bigger, stronger, faster,
more efficient weapon of justice through continued gameplay. "Crackdown"
will launch in 2006. Timing is not yet announced.
-- "Fable 2" (Lionhead Studios). "Fable 2" is the highly anticipated
sequel to the best-selling "Fable." Set 500 years after the original game,
"Fable 2" will offer even more choices and features, while building on the
core gameplay theme of "Fable" where every choice continually defines who
you become, allowing you to truly live the life you choose. Timing is not
yet announced.
-- "Forza Motorsport 2" (Turn 10). "Forza Motorsport 2" roars into the
next generation with more than 300 customizable cars and 60 frames per
second of head-turning, high-definition gameplay that creates the most
stunningly realistic racing simulation ever experienced. Timing is holiday
2006.
-- "Gears of War" (Epic Games Inc.). "Gears of War" thrusts gamers into
humankind's epic battle for survival against the Locust Horde, a
nightmarish race of creatures that surface from the bowels of the planet.
Blending the best of tactical action games with the best of survival horror
titles, "Gears of War" features cinematic, beautifully rendered interactive
environments with high-definition visuals. "Gears of War" will launch on
Emergence Day 2006.
-- "Halo 3" (Bungie Studios). The epic saga continues with "Halo 3,"
the hugely anticipated sequel to the highly successful and critically
acclaimed "Halo 2." In this third chapter of the "Halo" trilogy, Master
Chief returns to finish the fight, bringing the epic conflict between the
Covenant, the Flood and the entire human race to a dramatic, pulse-pounding
climax. Timing is 2007.
-- "Mass Effect" (BioWare Corp.). "Mass Effect" is an RPG trilogy
developed by BioWare, set in a massive, living universe waiting for
exploration and discovery. Gamers travel to distant, uncharted worlds --
and uncover the past to save the future -- in a richly detailed story where
players' actions, sometimes morally challenging, will determine the fate of
civilization. Timing is not yet announced.
-- "Shadowrun" (FASA Studio). Bringing the Microsoft vision of "Live
Anywhere" to life, "Shadowrun(TM)" is the first cross-platform game for
Xbox 360 and Windows Vista. "Shadowrun" is a multiplayer, first-person
shooter that propels team-based combat into a new dimension with a
revolutionary blend of modern weaponry and ancient magic. "Shadowrun" will
be available at the launch of Windows Vista.
-- "Too Human" (Silicon Knights). "Too Human" is the first installment
in a fast-paced action trilogy, where players assume the role of Baldur, a
cybernetic god charged with defending mankind from an onslaught of
monstrous war machines. In "Too Human," players are treated to a nonstop
barrage of action powered by the seamless integration of melee and ranged
firearms combat and fueled by breathtaking visuals. "Too Human" will launch
in holiday 2006.
-- "Viva Pinata" (Rare Ltd.). "Viva Pinata" is a window to a
fantastical world full of wild-roaming Pinata animals. Players customize
their world to attract Pinatas, handle relationships among the more than 60
species, and protect their Piņatas from the dangers that threaten to break
them open. "Viva Pinata" will launch in holiday 2006.
Gamers can also expect to see amazing second- and third-party Xbox 360
titles at E3 this year:
-- "Ninety-Nine Nights" (Q Entertainment Ltd./Phantagram Co. Ltd.).
"Ninety-Nine Nights" is a fantasy action game that invites gamers to
experience an immersive and emotional story though the eyes of both good
and evil, while fighting among hundreds of fellow soldiers through an epic
adventure. "Ninety-Nine Nights," exclusive to Xbox 360, will launch in
summer 2006 in the U.S.
-- "Lost Planet" (Capcom Entertainment Inc.). Keiji Inafune, the
creator of "Mega Man" and "Onimusha," brings to life a riveting sci-fi
action shooter with intense cinematic gameplay set within the merciless
frozen tundra of a hostile planet. "Lost Planet," an Xbox 360 exclusive,
features online multiplayer gameplay via Xbox Live and will launch in the
first quarter of 2007.
-- "Saints Row" (THQ). An Xbox 360 exclusive, "Saints Row" is an
explosive, third-person action/driving hybrid developed by Volition Inc.
and is the only game in its genre that offers players unrivalled character
customization options and a multiplayer experience through Xbox Live. This
title will launch in fall 2006.
-- "Dead or Alive: Xtreme 2" (Tecmo Inc.). Get wet with Team Ninja's
newest graphical masterpiece, the Xbox 360 exclusive "Dead or Alive(R):
Xtreme 2." All the favorite DOA girls are back and ready to battle it out
in the tropical waters of Zach's Island on their high-performance personal
watercraft, compete in assorted and alluring activities, sunbathe on white
sand beaches, and go all-in at Zach's Casino. This title will launch during
the 2006 holiday season.
-- "Prey" (2K Games). An Xbox 360 console exclusive, "Prey" is a
groundbreaking first-person shooter that raises the bar and turns the genre
upside-down with awesome new gameplay features and next-generation
graphics. This title will be available in July 2006.
-- "Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell Double Agent" (Ubisoft). Sam Fisher
makes his next-generation debut on the Xbox 360 with "Tom Clancy's Splinter
Cell Double Agent(TM)." The best-selling "Splinter Cell(R)" franchise takes
an entirely new direction, allowing gamers to play as a double agent for
the first time ever in the saga's history. The game launches in September
2006.
-- "Madden NFL 07" (EA Sports). With the exclusive video game license
of the NFL and PLAYERS INC., "Madden NFL 07" continues to be the No. 1
football franchise in history with more than 51 million copies sold. In its
17th installment, gamers can control the running game like never before.
For the first time ever, they can step up as the lead blocker to create a
hole, and then take control of the tailback and smash through, overpower or
slash away from would-be tacklers as they fight for every yard. Innovative
rushing controls give players a game-breaking ground attack featuring
all-new jukes, cutbacks and the distinct running styles of their favorite
backs. Developed by EA-Tiburon, Madden NFL 07 will launch in August on the
Xbox 360 and Xbox(R) systems.
-- "Sonic The Hedgehog" (SEGA). Sonic is re-born for the next
generation! Sonic blazes his way onto Xbox 360, melding top-tier animation
production values with next-generation art, physics and game design to
create the most intense, high-velocity Sonic adventure yet. Featuring
real-time interactive 3-D environments, a large cast of new and returning
characters, and a blistering sense of speed, get ready for the reinvention
of Sonic The Hedgehog(TM). Timing is not yet announced.
Xbox Live Arcade
Xbox Live, surpassing 3 million connected members, continues its
commanding leadership position in the online unified gaming and
entertainment space. Since launch, nearly 60 percent of Xbox 360 owners
have joined the Xbox Live community. In addition, over 90 percent of
connected members are downloading content from Xbox Live Marketplace,
driving more than 18 million downloads in the first six months.
Xbox Live Arcade provides quick fun experiences for gamers of all
interests, skill levels and budgets. This mainstream favorite provides the
most sought-after downloadable games in high definition supported by
integrated friends list, achievements, leaderboards, and voice and video
communication.
In addition, Microsoft today announced a power-packed lineup that will
be added to the already significant library of Xbox Live Arcade titles.
Gamers can expect the following nostalgic favorites and original,
innovative gaming experiences by end of year:
-- NAMCO BANDAI Games America Inc. NAMCO BANDAI Games America Inc. is
bringing legendary coin-op favorites "Pac-Man," "Galaga," "Dig Dug" and
"Rally-X," all complete with Xbox Live features such as leaderboards and
achievements.
-- Konami. Konami revives classic franchises including "Frogger,"
"Contra" and "Super Contra," "Track & Field," "Time Pilot," and "Scramble,"
each offering updated graphics and Xbox Live support.
-- Midway. Midway Games Inc. brings a new suite of classic arcade
titles to Xbox Live Arcade, including "Defender(R)," "Paperboy(R)," "Root
Beer Tapper(TM)" and "Ultimate Mortal Kombat(R) 3," complete with graphical
upgrades and multiplayer play over Xbox Live.
-- "Sonic The Hedgehog High Speed" (SEGA). Microsoft and SEGA(R) join
forces to bring some of the best console classics to Xbox Live Arcade
including "Sonic The Hedgehog High Speed." Everyone's favorite blue
hedgehog makes his high-speed debut in high definition with full
leaderboard and achievement support.
-- "Lumines Live!" (Q Entertainment). A fresh new installment to the
original puzzle action hit titles series, "Lumines Live!" will debut
exclusively on Xbox Live Arcade. It features frenetic puzzle action married
with video, music and themes from today's hottest pop culture icons. What's
more, "Lumines Live!" features full multiplayer play over Xbox Live, an
exclusive Duel mode and an all-new Puzzle mode, downloadable puzzles, and
music and skins from Xbox Live Marketplace, including the hit Madonna
single, "Sorry."
-- Indie Game Lineup. For the first time in history, Microsoft has
opened the world of video game consoles to independent game developers.
Some of the world's most creative independent game talents are developing
games for Xbox Live Arcade, including PopCap Games (the creators of
award-winning games such as "Zuma"), which brings its first action shooter
title, "Heavy Weapon," to the platform. Additional Xbox Live Arcade titles
featured at E3 include "Cloning Clyde" (Wahoo Studios/NinjaBee),
"RoboBlitz," (Naked Sky Entertainment Inc.) and "Mutant Storm Empire"
(PomPom).
Xbox 360 Accessories: More Ways to Play
The suite of Xbox 360 accessories continues to expand to give gamers
more ways to experience their favorite games and movies and to stay
connected with friends. Microsoft announced new, cross-platform accessories
that will enable gamers to take the thrill of wireless gaming one step
further on the Xbox 360 console and Windows(R)-based PC, while providing
additional details on other new accessories coming to the Xbox 360 system
this holiday:
-- The Xbox 360 Wireless Racing Wheel uses the latest wireless and
force feedback technology to bring new realism to racing games such as
"Project Gotham Racing(R) 3" and "Forza Motorsport 2." From drifting to
power sliding, feel the intensity of every turn.
-- The Xbox 360 Wireless Headset integrates seamlessly with the Xbox
360 console to provide wireless voice chat, stylish ergonomic design and
superior voice quality to chat over the Xbox Live network.
-- The Xbox 360 HD DVD Player, available this holiday, delivers a
superior digital audio and visual experience to consumers, enabling them to
enjoy blockbuster movies in stunning high definition through their Xbox 360
system. It includes the Xbox 360 Universal Media Remote.
-- The Xbox 360 Wireless Gaming Receiver for Windows connects existing
and future Xbox 360 wireless accessories to the PC, allowing gamers to
enjoy the Xbox 360 Wireless Controller, Xbox 360 Wireless Headset and Xbox
360 Wireless Racing Wheel on a second platform.
-- The Xbox Live Vision video camera will allow gamers with Xbox Live
Gold to customize their gamer picture, send photo messages, and video chat
with friends and family over Xbox Live. Featured titles include "Pinball
FX" (Zen), "Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six(R) Vegas" (Ubisoft), "TotemBall"
(Freeverse) and "World Series of Poker: Tournament of Champions"
(Activision). Xbox Live Vision launches in North America and Europe on
Sept. 19 and the rest of the world on Feb. 10, 2007.
-- Xbox 360 Memory Unit (256MB). With four times more capacity than the
original, gamers can easily store and transfer even more Xbox 360 saved
games, Xbox Live profiles, full Xbox Live Arcade titles and other
entertainment content downloaded from Xbox Live Marketplace.
Xbox Continues to Deliver
Xbox gamers have even more to celebrate. With more than 825 Xbox games
available and more than 24 million Xbox consoles sold worldwide, the
community of Xbox gamers continue to have superb videogame experiences.
This year at E3 top-tier Xbox games such as "Mortal Kombat(R) 3"
(Midway Games), "Justice League Heroes" (Warner Bros. Interactive
Entertainment), "Disney/Pixar's Cars" (THQ Inc.), "Destroy all
Humans!(TM)2" (THQ) and "LEGO(R) Star Wars(TM) II: The Original Trilogy"
(LucasArts) will all be highlighted at this year's E3.
About Xbox and Xbox 360
Microsoft revolutionized the gaming industry with the November 2001
launch of Xbox (http://www.xbox.com), its first-generation video game and
entertainment system, now sold in 26 countries. Microsoft introduced its
next-generation system, Xbox 360, in the 2005 holiday season in Europe,
Japan and North America, and launched the system in Australia, Colombia,
Hong Kong, Korea, Mexico, New Zealand, Singapore and Taiwan in 2006. Xbox
360 (http://www.xbox.com/xbox360) is the most powerful video game and
entertainment system, delivering the best games, the next generation of the
premier Xbox Live entertainment network, and unique digital entertainment
experiences that revolve around gamers.
About Microsoft Game Studios
Microsoft Game Studios is a leading worldwide publisher and developer
of games for the Xbox and Xbox 360 video game systems, the Windows
operating system, and online platforms. Comprising a network of top
developers, Microsoft Game Studios is committed to creating innovative and
diverse games for Windows (http://www.microsoft.com/games), including such
franchises as "Age of Empires(R)," "Flight Simulator" and "Zoo Tycoon(R);"
Xbox and Xbox 360 (http://www.xbox.com), including such games as the
upcoming "Gears of War" and franchises such as "Halo," "Fable," "Project
Gotham Racing" and "Forza Motorsport"; and MSN(R) Games
(http://www.games.msn.com), the official games channel for the MSN network
and home to such hits as "Bejeweled" and "Hexic(R)."
About Xbox Live
Xbox Live is the first and only unified online entertainment network
seamlessly integrated throughout the entire console experience, making it
easy for people to find the friends, games and entertainment they want from
the moment they power on their Xbox 360 system. Xbox Live connects more
than 3 million members across 24 countries to enjoy hundreds of multiplayer
games, downloadable games via Xbox Live Arcade, free and premium playable
game demos, music videos, and movie trailers, as well as new game levels,
characters and vehicles for all their favorite retail games. More
information can be found online at http://www.xbox.com/en-us/live.
About Microsoft
Founded in 1975, Microsoft is the worldwide leader in software,
services and solutions that help people and businesses realize their full
potential.
NOTE: Microsoft, Xbox 360, Xbox Live, Fable, Forza Motorsport, Halo,
Windows Vista, Bungie, Crackdown, FASA Studio, Shadowrun, Xbox, Windows,
Project Gotham Racing, Age of Empires, Zoo Tycoon, MSN and Hexic are either
registered trademarks or trademarks of Microsoft Corp. in the United States
and/or other countries.
The names of actual companies and products mentioned herein may be the
trademarks of their respective owners.
Electronic Arts - Legal Copy
The mark "John Madden" and the name of John Madden are trademarks or
other intellectual property of Red Bear, Inc. or John Madden, are subject
to license to Electronic Arts Inc., and may not be otherwise used in whole
or in part without the prior written consent of Red Bear or John Madden.
NFL Team names/logos are trademarks of the teams indicated. All other
NFL-related trademarks are trademarks of the National Football League.
Officially licensed product of PLAYERS INC. http://www.nflplayers.com.
JUSTICE LEAGUE HEROES - Legal Copy
JUSTICE LEAGUE HEROES Software (C) 2006 Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc.
All other elements (C) 2006 DC Comics. SNOWBLIND STUDIOS is a registered
trademark of Snowblind Studios, Inc. All other trademarks and copyrights
are the property of their respective owners. All rights reserved.
JUSTICE LEAGUE HEROES and all related characters and elements are
trademarks of and (C) DC Comics. (s06)
Konami - Legal Copy
"Konami" is a registered trademark of KONAMI CORPORATION. (C) 1981 1982
1983 1986 1987 1988 2006 Konami Digital Entertainment Co., Ltd.
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