TOKYO \u2014 October 9, 2008 \u2014 Against the backdrop of one of the world\u2019s largest video games event, Tokyo Game Show, Microsoft Corp. unveiled a blockbuster portfolio of games for the Xbox 360 from many of the world\u2019s most renowned developers.<\/p>\n
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 \u201cHalo 3: Recon,\u201d an exciting new chapter in the legendary \u201cHalo\u201d franchise from acclaimed developer Bungie.<\/p>\n
During his keynote address, John Schappert, Microsoft\u2019s corporate vice president of LIVE, Software and Studios showcased the best blockbusters Japan has to offer from the most popular genres. Cementing Xbox 360\u2019s 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 \u201cStar Ocean 4\u201d and \u201cThe Last Remnant\u201d from developer Square Enix.\u00a0 Action adventure fans were also given a new look at the latest trailer for \u201cResident Evil 5,\u201d slated to launch on Xbox 360 this March.<\/p>\n
\u201cXbox 360 continues to be the destination of choice for the best and broadest games from the world\u2019s biggest and best developers,\u201d said Schappert. \u201cWith the latest incarnations of the \u2018Halo\u2019 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.\u201d<\/p>\n
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A New Look at the \u201cHalo\u201d Universe<\/p>\n
To the delight of devoted fans across the world, Microsoft debuted \u201cHalo 3: Recon,\u201d developed exclusively for Xbox 360 by acclaimed developer Bungie. \u201cHalo 3: Recon\u201d is a new chapter in the \u201cHalo\u201d saga that lets gamers experience events leading up to the epic story told in \u201cHalo 3\u201d through the eyes of a new hero in the \u201cHalo\u201d universe. The standalone expansion, set to release in Spring of 2009, extends the award-winning \u201cHalo 3\u201d 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 \u201cHalo Wars\u201d 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 \u201cHalo\u201d Universe. Players will be able to enjoy the full experience when \u201cHalo Wars\u201d hits retailers in early 2009.<\/p>\n
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Japanese Developers Gain Worldwide Momentum<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
To underscore that point, Schappert unveiled dramatic new titles from Japan, including \u201cNinety-Nine Nights 2\u201d from famed developer Tetsuya Mizuguchi and Q Entertainment. The title will join the \u201cNinja Gaiden\u201d franchise and the just-announced \u201cNinja Blade\u201d in making Xbox 360 the best place for Japanese action games. Schappert also declared that the release of \u201cStar Ocean 4\u201d and \u201cThe Last Remnant\u201d are further proof that Xbox 360 is the best console for RPGs, citing a rich portfolio of global blockbusters including \u201cInfinite Undiscovery, \u201cFable II,\u201d and \u201cFallout 3.\u201dAdditional Japanese-developed blockbusters debuting this spring and 2009 include:<\/p>\n
\u00b7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cThe Last Remnant\u2122\u201d (Square Enix). \u201cThe Last Remnant\u201d 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 \u2014 Remnants \u2014 that possess magic powers. Groundbreaking graphics bring the intensity to a whole new level. \u201cThe Last Remnant\u201d is launching worldwide on November 20 and will be available only on Xbox 360.<\/p>\n
\u00b7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cNinety-Nine Nights 2\u201d (Q Entertainment). Set amongst a dramatic, epic backdrop of a warring world, \u201cNinety-Nine Nights 2\u201d 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.<\/p>\n
\u00b7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cResident Evil 5\u201d (Capcom). Destined to bring new fans to the series, \u201cResident Evil 5\u201d 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, \u201cResident Evil 5\u201d 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 \u201cResident Evil\u201d world, will make this a must-have game for gamers across the globe.<\/p>\n
\u00b7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cSTAR OCEAN\u00ae: The Last Hope\u2122\u201d (Square Enix). \u201cSTAR OCEAN: The Last Hope\u201d 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\u2019s famous real-time battle system, introducing the amazing graphics and visual effects possible only on Xbox 360.<\/p>\n
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Xbox LIVE Arcade Debuts New Lineup<\/p>\n
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\u2019s most legendary developers. Classic titles announced at TGS include:<\/p>\n
\u00b7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cArkanoid\u201d (Q ENTERTAINMENT). First appearing in the 1980\u2019s as a block-breaking game, the next evolution will now be available on Xbox LIVE Arcade. Enjoy \u201cArkanoid\u201d in high-definition with beautifully choreographed background movies and background music. \u201cArkanoid\u201d is loaded with 120 stages in all and colourful cooperative and versus modes.<\/p>\n
\u00b7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cKing of Fighters\u201d (SNK). The original “dream match” comes to Xbox LIVE Arcade with new features, characters and game modes. Face your favourite \u201cKing of Fighters\u201d characters to determine the ultimate champion.<\/p>\n
\u00b7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cMetal Slug 7\u201d (SNK). Join Marco, Tarma, Eri, Fiolina, Clark and Ralph as they prepare to take on Modern’s Forces across seven new missions. \u201cMetal Slug 7\u201d will also feature a host of new weapons, colossal new bosses, new Slugs to pilot and new gameplay modes.<\/p>\n
\u00b7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cMeteos Wars\u201d (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.<\/p>\n
\u00b7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cR-Type Dimensions\u2122\u201d (TAITO). \u201cR-Type Dimensions\u2122\u201d combines the genre-defining coin-op classics \u201cR-Type\u201d and \u201cR-Type II,\u201d 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.<\/p>\n
\u00b7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cSpace Invaders Extreme\u201d (TAITO). Experience \u201cSpace Invaders\u201d in fully immersive sound and vivid high-definition on the next-gen system, with visuals that will excite your senses!<\/p>\n
\u00b7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 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!<\/p>\n
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About Xbox 360<\/p>\n
Xbox 360 is a premier video game and entertainment system. It is home to some of the best and broadest games. The digital centre of the living room, Xbox 360 blends great content, including personal pictures and music, with a unified online social network to create an entertainment experience that can be shared at home or across the globe. More information can be found online at http:\/\/www.xbox.com\/xbox360<\/a>.<\/p>\n About Microsoft<\/p>\n Founded in 1975, Microsoft (Nasdaq \u201cMSFT\u201d) is the worldwide leader in software, services and solutions that help people and businesses realise their full potential.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" TOKYO \u2014 October 9, 2008 \u2014 Against the backdrop of one of the world\u2019s largest video games event, Tokyo Game Show, Microsoft Corp. unveiled a blockbuster portfolio of games for the Xbox 360 from many of the world\u2019s most renowned developers. The line-up, which features a variety of high profile titles coming this summer season,<\/p>\n