TOKYO — October 9, 2008 — Against the backdrop of one of the world’s largest video games event, Tokyo Game Show, Microsoft Corp. unveiled a blockbuster portfolio of games for the Xbox 360 from many of the world’s most renowned developers.
The line-up, which features a variety of high profile titles coming this summer season, as well as in 2009 and beyond, was headlined by “Halo 3: Recon,” an exciting new chapter in the legendary “Halo” franchise from acclaimed developer Bungie.
During his keynote address, John Schappert, Microsoft’s corporate vice president of LIVE, Software and Studios showcased the best blockbusters Japan has to offer from the most popular genres. Cementing Xbox 360’s reputation as the premier home for great storytelling and the industries best Role Playing Games (RPGs), Schappert provided an exclusive look at the widely anticipated “Star Ocean 4” and “The Last Remnant” from developer Square Enix. Action adventure fans were also given a new look at the latest trailer for “Resident Evil 5,” slated to launch on Xbox 360 this March.
“Xbox 360 continues to be the destination of choice for the best and broadest games from the world’s biggest and best developers,” said Schappert. “With the latest incarnations of the ‘Halo’ universe we continue to deliver on our commitment to provide the calibre of entertainment and games that capture the imagination of people across the globe.”
A New Look at the “Halo” Universe
To the delight of devoted fans across the world, Microsoft debuted “Halo 3: Recon,” developed exclusively for Xbox 360 by acclaimed developer Bungie. “Halo 3: Recon” is a new chapter in the “Halo” saga that lets gamers experience events leading up to the epic story told in “Halo 3” through the eyes of a new hero in the “Halo” universe. The standalone expansion, set to release in Spring of 2009, extends the award-winning “Halo 3” experience with hours of new campaign excursions and multiplayer gameplay. Additionally, attendees were given an all-new glimpse of the Xbox 360 exclusive strategy game “Halo Wars” from Ensemble Studios. By showing campaign mode for the first time, the live demo provided viewers with a thrilling taste of the revolutionary gameplay and new perspective of the “Halo” Universe. Players will be able to enjoy the full experience when “Halo Wars” hits retailers in early 2009.
Japanese Developers Gain Worldwide Momentum
By partnering with the some of the best and brightest Japanese developers and publishers, Microsoft is committed to providing an unparalled gaming experience on Xbox 360 not only to Japan, but also helping Japanese games reach new audiences worldwide. During his keynote address, Schappert announced that Xbox 360 has the most top-selling, third-party Japanese titles among all other current games platforms. He also noted that Japanese publishers have sold more than $800 million worth of games thus far on Xbox 360 and are on track to see lifetime revenue of more than US$1 billion by the end of this holiday.
To underscore that point, Schappert unveiled dramatic new titles from Japan, including “Ninety-Nine Nights 2” from famed developer Tetsuya Mizuguchi and Q Entertainment. The title will join the “Ninja Gaiden” franchise and the just-announced “Ninja Blade” in making Xbox 360 the best place for Japanese action games. Schappert also declared that the release of “Star Ocean 4” and “The Last Remnant” are further proof that Xbox 360 is the best console for RPGs, citing a rich portfolio of global blockbusters including “Infinite Undiscovery, “Fable II,” and “Fallout 3.”Additional Japanese-developed blockbusters debuting this spring and 2009 include:
· “The Last Remnant™” (Square Enix). “The Last Remnant” is a new role-playing game crafted using the finest artistry and technology Square Enix has to offer. Set in a fantasy world, war-torn and scarred by years of conflict, gameplay revolves around mysterious artifacts — Remnants — that possess magic powers. Groundbreaking graphics bring the intensity to a whole new level. “The Last Remnant” is launching worldwide on November 20 and will be available only on Xbox 360.
· “Ninety-Nine Nights 2” (Q Entertainment). Set amongst a dramatic, epic backdrop of a warring world, “Ninety-Nine Nights 2” blends strategy and action, allowing players to take control of massive armies to defeat thousands of enemies in massive-scaled battles never before seen on the Xbox 360.
· “Resident Evil 5” (Capcom). Destined to bring new fans to the series, “Resident Evil 5” is the sequel to one of the highest-rated video games in history (according to Metacritic.com and Gamerankings.com). Promising to revolutionise the series by delivering an unbelievable level of detail, realism and control, “Resident Evil 5” unleashes an exceptional level of fear for the next generation. New technology developed specifically for the game, as well as incredible changes to both the gameplay and the “Resident Evil” world, will make this a must-have game for gamers across the globe.
· “STAR OCEAN®: The Last Hope™” (Square Enix). “STAR OCEAN: The Last Hope” is the long-awaited continuation of the celebrated science fiction and fantasy role-playing game series. Slated for release on Xbox 360 in Autumn 2009 and published by Square Enix, this prequel set during the aftermath of World War III combines science fiction and fantasy elements spanning multiple planets and the vastness of space itself to recount the origins of the STAR OCEAN universe. Exhilarating combat expands upon the franchise’s famous real-time battle system, introducing the amazing graphics and visual effects possible only on Xbox 360.
Xbox LIVE Arcade Debuts New Lineup
Xbox LIVE Arcade continued momentum built during the Winter of Arcade as Microsoft announced seven new titles to the already robust lineup of classics and original titles. With the power of Xbox LIVE Arcade, a new generation of gamers can now experience some of the most beloved games of all-time from Japan’s most legendary developers. Classic titles announced at TGS include:
· “Arkanoid” (Q ENTERTAINMENT). First appearing in the 1980’s as a block-breaking game, the next evolution will now be available on Xbox LIVE Arcade. Enjoy “Arkanoid” in high-definition with beautifully choreographed background movies and background music. “Arkanoid” is loaded with 120 stages in all and colourful cooperative and versus modes.
· “King of Fighters” (SNK). The original “dream match” comes to Xbox LIVE Arcade with new features, characters and game modes. Face your favourite “King of Fighters” characters to determine the ultimate champion.
· “Metal Slug 7” (SNK). Join Marco, Tarma, Eri, Fiolina, Clark and Ralph as they prepare to take on Modern’s Forces across seven new missions. “Metal Slug 7” will also feature a host of new weapons, colossal new bosses, new Slugs to pilot and new gameplay modes.
· “Meteos Wars” (Q ENTERTAINMENT). Take a ride through this intergalactic journey where you slide, stack and ignite your blocks to blast away the world?ending meteors! Only you can stop them from falling and crushing your planet.
· “R-Type Dimensions™” (TAITO). “R-Type Dimensions™” combines the genre-defining coin-op classics “R-Type” and “R-Type II,” with a twist. For the first time ever, R-Type Dimensions allows multiplayer co-op play locally or over Xbox LIVE for up to 2 players. Fight through all 14 Bydo-infested stages in the original 2D or all-new 3D graphics with the ability to swap back and forth between the two seamlessly.
· “Space Invaders Extreme” (TAITO). Experience “Space Invaders” in fully immersive sound and vivid high-definition on the next-gen system, with visuals that will excite your senses!
· Tenchu: Shadow Assault (FROMSOFTWARE). Tenchu, the world-famous ninja action game, is now on Xbox LIVE Arcade. Control your favourite characters as you use a variety of ninja weapons to defeat your enemies and complete your missions. Use traps in multiplayer mode to kill your friends for massive points!
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