Microsoft E3 2009 press conference: The games
Rounding up the video game announcements and lineup from the Microsoft E3 2009 press conference.
The Microsoft press conference at E3 2009 offered a detailed glimpse into the Xbox 360's video game line up for the rest of 2009 and into 2010 as well. Things started off with a giant Beatles Rock Band introduction climaxing with Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr appearing on stage.
Tony Hawk then helped show off the new skateboard controller to be used with Tony Hawk Ride, a new game that abandons the conventional control scheme. Players can use the board to kick, turn, and do grab tricks.
Next, Infinity Ward premiered a snow-covered level of the highly anticipated Modern Warfare 2 (see: Call of Duty) with dazzling graphics and intense action game play.
A very brief combat scene from Final Fantasy XIII was on display, officially removing console exclusivity from the Sony PlayStation 3. This debut wrapped up the multiplatform games that are going to be available for the Xbox 360. In a refreshing change of pace, it was announced that all games shown off from here on out will be available exclusively on the Xbox 360.
Kicking off these titles was the DLC (downloadable content) game Shadow Complex from developer Epic Games (Gears of War)--an action/exploration game very much in the vein of the original Metroid and Castlevania series.
Joy Ride will allow you to race as your Xbox Live Avatar with friends online. The free DLC title looks a lot like a Mario Kart inspired racer where you'll be able to purchase additional tracks for use with friends as well.
The follow up to the open world over-the-top crime-fighting title Crackdown has gotten a sequel in the form of Crackdown 2. Zombie apocalypse fans will be happy to hear that Left4Dead 2 will see the light of day this November.
After some delays in production, we were treated to an impressive game play session of Splinter Cell Conviction which offers a unique storytelling mechanic. Sam Fisher is now on his own, hell bent on seeking revenge for the murder of his daughter.
Quite a deal of time was then spent on Forza Motorsport 3, the latest iteration of the critically acclaimed racing simulator. There are plenty of new social aspects of the title, including brand new ways to customize your racing experience and virtual representation.
If you were clamoring for a Halo presence at the Microsoft press conference, developer Bungie certainly delivered. Not only did we get to see game play footage from the September-bound Halo: ODST title, the company announced yet another new game, Halo Reach. It's still a bit unclear what Reach will be about, having only seen a teaser-trailer.
Another title shrouded in delays and production hiccups and found itself back in the spotlight. The sci-fi action thriller Alan Wake will be making its way to the Xbox 360 next spring. A few minutes of very promising--and creepy--game play would make it seem that this is well worth the wait.
Finally, after rumors of Metal Gear Solid coming to the Xbox 360, it was announced that perhaps the most coveted of all Sony franchises would be coming to Xbox 360. Metal Gear Solid Rising is a brand new title featuring the Raiden character from the Metal Gear series. This was especially shocking since it was expected that the announcement would just be a Metal Gear Solid 4 port over.
That just about takes care of the game announcements at the Microsoft E3 2009 press conference. Make sure you check out all of our E3 coverage as well as the other non-game specific announcements like more video offerings, Project Natal and Facebook/Twitter on the Xbox 360. We'll be back tomorrow for game announcement wrap-ups of both the Nintendo and Sony press conferences.