Xbox 360 Primes Every Passion With Games That Rock, Race and Sizzle
Microsoft unveils 'Forza Motorsport 3,' 'Halo: Reach,' 'Crackdown 2,' 'Shadow Complex' and 'Alan Wake' on Xbox 360.
LOS ANGELES, June 1 -- Rock out. Duck and cover. Shift into overdrive. On the eve of the Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3), Microsoft Corp. today made it perfectly clear: No matter who you are or what games you crave, Xbox 360 is the only gaming and entertainment console for you.
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At a time when, according to NPD Group Inc., nearly seven in 10 consumers plan to spend the same or more on video games compared with last year, Xbox 360 today unveiled a lineup that is sure to tip the scales in favor of more - more fun, more entertainment value and more games available only on Xbox 360.
A "who's who" of hot games, the list of Xbox exclusives includes "Forza Motorsport 3," "Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell Conviction(TM)," "Left 4 Dead 2," "Alan Wake," "Shadow Complex," "Crackdown 2," blockbuster "Halo 3: ODST" and the surprise announce of "Halo" trilogy prequel "Halo: Reach." Sharing the stage were blockbusters Infinity Ward's "Modern Warfare 2" and "The Beatles: Rock Band."
"We know that your fun and our success boil down to one thing: our ability to make games that are creative, diverse and entertaining. Period. And this year, we deliver in spades with the biggest and best lineup in our history," said Phil Spencer, general manager of the global Microsoft Game Studios business. "From the core first-person-shooter fans who've enjoyed Xbox since the first 'Halo' to new audiences who are discovering us today with genre-defining games like '1 vs 100,' we have something for everyone with our best and broadest lineup ever."
Xbox 360 has the most celebrated, most played, most coveted and most E-rated games in the industry - and with 1,000-plus titles to date, there's more than one for you.
Heart-Thumping Entertainment, Exclusively on Xbox 360
Get behind the wheel of an Audi R8 V10 in "Forza Motorsport 3," jump into the immersive movie-like action of "Alan Wake," and download "Shadow Complex," the newest Xbox LIVE Arcade game from the minds behind the blockbuster "Gears of War" franchise. Some of the most exciting games in 2009 and beyond are only on Xbox 360, including the following:
-- "1 vs 100" (Microsoft Game Studios). Are you ready to win big? The "1
vs 100" U.S. and Canadian beta launches today, June 1, at 7:30 p.m.
PDT. For the first time, "1 vs 100" on Xbox LIVE combines the best of
TV gameshow experiences with social gaming to create the largest
interactive game show in the world. Based on the hit TV game show of
the same name, "1 vs 100 Live" is regularly scheduled and features a
live studio host who provides comedic commentary throughout the show
and fresh content from a team of trivia writers and experts. Players
can play as "the one," "the mob" or "the crowd," for the chance to win
real prizes. Check your local Xbox LIVE listings to join "1 vs 100
Live."(1)
-- "Alan Wake" (Remedy/Microsoft Game Studios). "Alan Wake" is the
all-new psychological action thriller from the renowned creators of
the "Max Payne" franchise. Coming in spring 2010 and exclusive to Xbox
360, "Alan Wake" will immerse players in an intense cinematic thrill
ride of dreams and reality, where light is the only ally.
-- "Crackdown 2" (Ruffian Games/Microsoft Game Studios). The sequel to
the award-winning "Crackdown," "Crackdown 2" is the premier open-ended
action experience that lets you be judge, jury and executioner for a
vast city. Coming exclusively to Xbox 360 in 2010, "Crackdown 2" will
take multiplayer(2) gaming to unprecedented levels for the ultimate
cooperative and competitive multiplayer experience, providing you and
your friends with the complete freedom to explore, destroy and play as
you return to restore justice and peace to Pacific City - by any means
necessary.
-- "Forza Motorsport 3" (Turn 10/Microsoft Game Studios). Launching this
October, "Forza Motorsport 3" is the definitive racing game for
everyone from hardcore tuners to anyone who's ever dreamed of driving
at full-throttle. Backed by breathtaking HD graphics and bone-jarring
physics, you'll take the wheel of more than 400 of the most-beloved
cars on over 100 renowned real-world tracks and exotic road courses
from around the globe. "Forza Motorsport 3" includes driving assists
and adjustable skill levels to make the game a gripping
pick-up-and-play experience for audiences of all ages and skill
levels, while new customization and sharing tools will further fuel
the imaginations of the thriving "Forza Motorsport" community on Xbox
LIVE.
-- "Gears of War 2: Dark Corners" (Epic Games Inc.). The "Gears of War 2:
Dark Corners" Game Add-on includes seven brand new multiplayer maps
and a new campaign chapter, "Road to Ruin." "Dark Corners" launches on
Xbox LIVE Marketplace on July 28. The entertainment blockbuster of
2008, "Gears of War 2" has now surpassed 5 million copies sold
worldwide.
-- "Halo 3: ODST" (Bungie). Launching Sept. 22, "Halo 3: ODST" is a new
game in the landmark "Halo" saga that lets players experience the
events leading up to the epic story told in "Halo 3" through the eyes
of a special forces ODST (Orbital Drop Shock Trooper). In addition to
an all-new campaign, "ODST" includes three new "Halo 3" multiplayer
maps and the complete, stand-alone "Halo 3" multiplayer experience.(2)
The game also introduces Firefight, an exciting new cooperative
multiplayer mode that pits up to four players against increasingly
challenging waves of enemies. As a special bonus, "Halo 3: ODST" also
includes an invitation to the "Halo: Reach" multiplayer beta on Xbox
LIVE. Also, launching on the same date with "Halo 3: ODST" is the
"Halo 3: ODST Collector's Pack," which offers "Halo" fans a new and
exclusive wireless controller and the game title in one package at a
great price.
-- "Joy Ride" (Big Park/Microsoft Game Studios). Avatars, start your
engines! Full of wild driving fun, "Joy Ride" will get your adrenaline
pumping as you tear up the track with your friends, or jump, flip and
trick your way through the Stunt Park as you work with the whole
community to unlock rewards. "Joy Ride" is completely free to download
and gives you all new ways to play, whether you're looking for a quick
game or a deep, custom social experience, all on Xbox LIVE.(2) Design
your dream car or purchase new tracks, game modes and avatar items.
You can share the racetracks and game modes with your friends so no
one is ever left out.
-- "Left 4 Dead 2" (Valve). "Left 4 Dead 2" is the sequel to the
best-selling and critically acclaimed cooperative multiplayer smash
from Valve, creators of "Half-Life," "Portal," "Team Fortress" and
"Counter-Strike." Introducing melee weapons and new enemies to the
original's award-winning gameplay, "L4D2" casts players as one of four
new "Survivors" battling zombie hordes as they travel from Savannah,
Ga., through New Orleans' French Quarter.
-- "Shadow Complex" (Epic Games Inc. and Chair Entertainment
Group/Microsoft Game Studios). New from Epic Games and Chair
Entertainment, "Shadow Complex" combines the best of old-school
side-scroller design with modern, cutting-edge gameplay and incredible
high-definition graphics. Collect power-ups, discover new abilities
and evolve your character into a force of destruction as you explore
an original story set in the world of Orson Scott Card's best-selling
novel, "Empire." "Shadow Complex" marries the quality and depth of a
full retail title with the accessibility you love, exclusively on Xbox
360 and Xbox LIVE Arcade.
-- "Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell Conviction(TM)" (Ubisoft). Coming
exclusively to Xbox 360 this fall, unleash the ferocious skills of
renegade agent Sam Fisher and uncover a deadly terrorist plot in "Tom
Clancy's Splinter Cell Conviction(TM)." Completely reinvented and
revolutionized, "Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell Conviction(TM)" ushers in
a new breed of action gameplay leaving players fully immersed in the
life of the world's most dangerous spy. Take full advantage of the 20
million member Xbox LIVE community in this latest installment of the
award-winning "Splinter Cell" franchise.
Blockbusters Here, There, Everywhere on Xbox 360
It's a simple truth: third-party games play better on Xbox 360. Why? Because only Xbox 360 can pair must-have titles like this year's blockbuster from Infinity Ward, "Modern Warfare 2"; "The Beatles: Rock Band"; and "Tony Hawk(R): RIDE(TM)" with Xbox LIVE, the world's largest social network on your TV. The result? As the world's largest online gaming network, Xbox LIVE gives you more friends to play with and its exclusive collection of Game Add-ons ensures the fun never ends. It leaves only one question: Why would you play these blockbusters anywhere else?
-- "Final Fantasy(R) XIII" (Square Enix). The world-renowned "Final
Fantasy" will continue making its home on Xbox 360 with the upcoming
release of "Final Fantasy XIII," the eagerly anticipated title from
Square Enix. "Final Fantasy XIII" uses the power and cutting-edge
technology of Xbox 360 to deliver seamless transitions between
real-time gameplay and in-game cinematics as gamers summon the courage
to execute powerful attacks with an evolved Active Time Battle system
and ultimately fulfill their destiny. Scheduled to be released only in
North America and Europe.
-- "Metal Gear Solid: Rising" (Konami Digital Entertainment). "Metal Gear
Solid: Rising" is the highly anticipated debut of Hideo Kojima's
critically acclaimed "Metal Gear Solid" franchise on Xbox 360. "Metal
Gear Solid: Rising" will star Raiden, one of the most popular
characters in the "Metal Gear Solid" universe, in a new, thrilling
adventure on Xbox 360.
-- "Modern Warfare 2" (Infinity Ward/Activision). On Nov. 10, 2009,
Infinity Ward will make its return with the release of "Modern Warfare
2" on Xbox 360, the most-anticipated game of the year and the sequel
to the best-selling first-person action game of all time, "Call of
Duty(R) 4: Modern Warfare(TM)." "Modern Warfare 2" continues the
gripping and heart-racing saga with an unprecedented level of action
as players face off against a new threat dedicated to bringing the
world to the brink of collapse. Xbox LIVE gamers will also be the
first to get their hands on two "Modern Warfare 2" map packs coming
first to Xbox 360.
-- "The Beatles: Rock Band" (Harmonix/MTV Games). On 09.09.09, "The
Beatles: Rock Band" will allow fans all over the world to pick up the
guitar, bass, mic or drums and experience The Beatles' extraordinary
catalogue of music through gameplay that takes players on a journey
through the legacy and evolution of the band's legendary career. In
addition, "The Beatles: Rock Band" offers Beatles fans the opportunity
to rock out with new hardware replica controllers modeled after
instruments used by John Lennon, Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr
throughout their careers. And, for the first time, players will be
able to download music and make a change: Available only on Xbox 360,
all Apple Corps, MTV Games and Microsoft proceeds from downloads of
"All You Need Is Love" will benefit Doctors Without Borders.
-- "Tony Hawk: RIDE" (Activision). "Tony Hawk: RIDE" redefines the sports
genre by offering a dynamic hands-free gaming experience featuring an
innovative skateboard controller. Using full motion sensing
technology, players physically control the action by performing
various movements and gestures on the board that directly translate
into amazing tricks in the game. The skateboard controller provides an
accessible and social gaming experience on Xbox 360 that allows
players of all skill levels to battle for skateboard supremacy by
challenging gamers worldwide over Xbox LIVE, the largest social gaming
network.
About Xbox 360
Xbox 360 is a premier video game and entertainment system. It is home to the best and broadest games as well as the largest on-demand library of standard- and high-definition movies and TV shows connected to the television -- with music coming this fall. The digital center of the living room, Xbox 360 blends unbeatable content with the largest online social network of 20 million members on Xbox LIVE to create a limitless entertainment experience that can be shared at home or across the globe. With the addition of currently code-named "Project Natal," Xbox 360 will forever transform social gaming and entertainment with a whole new way to play -- no controller required. More information about "Project Natal" and Xbox 360 can be found online at http://www.xbox.com/projectnatal and http://www.xbox.com/.
About Xbox LIVE
Xbox LIVE is the largest gaming and entertainment network and delivers more entertainment than any device connected to the television, including movies, TV, music and games. Xbox LIVE is also the only entertainment service to provide instant on 1080p streaming HD video from Zune video. With an active community of more than 20 million people across 26 countries, Xbox LIVE lets you play the best games, enjoy the largest on-demand library and, coming soon, listen to millions of songs - all while connecting to friends anytime. An Xbox LIVE Gold membership provides you with exclusive benefits and premium access to entertainment from the top studios and services, all in one place. More information about Xbox LIVE can be found online at http://www.xbox.com/live.
About Microsoft
Founded in 1975, Microsoft (NASDAQ:MSFT)
is the worldwide leader in software, services and solutions that help people and businesses realize their full potential.
(1) Full details, including prize rules, are available at http://www.xbox.com/1vs100.
(2) Xbox LIVE Gold Membership required for online multiplayer. "Halo Reach" beta will require a hard drive and Gold membership.
