{"id":4901,"date":"2010-02-16T18:19:40","date_gmt":"2010-02-16T08:19:40","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/power-up.space\/?p=4901"},"modified":"2010-02-16T18:19:40","modified_gmt":"2010-02-16T08:19:40","slug":"explosive-stories-of-power-espionage-and-humanity%e2%80%99s-survival-mark-the-biggest-year-in-xbox-360-gaming-history","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.impulsegamer.com\/wordpress\/?p=4901","title":{"rendered":"Explosive stories of power, espionage and humanity\u2019s survival mark the biggest year in Xbox 360 gaming history"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><strong>Explosive stories of power, espionage and humanity\u2019s survival mark the biggest year in Xbox 360 gaming history<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA, 16<sup>th<\/sup> February 2010 \u2013 <\/strong>Fire up the flat screen and crank up the volume for the biggest year in Xbox 360 gaming history. At X10, Microsoft Corp. proved to the world why 2010 will be a landmark year for gamers of all types, and it showcased a barrage of exclusive games that defy traditional genres and create new experiences filled with emotion, adrenaline and suspense.<\/p>\n<p>Heart-pounding action and rich storytelling encompass a massive line-up of blockbuster exclusives announced today with the hotly anticipated multiplayer beta of this year\u2019s biggest entertainment phenomenon, \u201cHalo: Reach,\u201d blasting off May 4<sup>th<\/sup>, and the chilling and immersive mystery of \u201cAlan Wake\u201d coming May 20<sup>th<\/sup> \u2014 both only available on the Xbox 360 gaming and entertainment system, starting at just $299 RRP.<sup>1<\/sup> To celebrate the franchise\u2019s Xbox 360 debut on March 9<sup>th<\/sup>, Square Enix have created the Xbox 360 \u201cFINAL FANTASY XIII\u201d Special Edition Bundle and Microsoft will be offering the complete experience at an incredible value for $599 RRP<sup>1<\/sup>.<\/p>\n<p>Available in Australia later this year, \u201cDead Rising 2\u201d picks up the suspenseful action where the original left off, as gamers fight to survive swarming hordes of the living dead. Microsoft and Capcom Co. Ltd. have also announced that they are teaming up to set a new standard in storytelling through an exclusive \u201cDead Rising 2\u201d prologue, downloadable only on Xbox LIVE. \u201cDead Rising 2: CASE ZERO,\u201d available shortly before the title releases in August, will allow Xbox 360 gamers to get their first glimpse into the \u201cDead Rising 2\u201d story with exclusive content that will not be featured in the full game.<\/p>\n<p>Last November, acclaimed developer Infinity Ward took gamers back to the action-packed world rife with political intrigue, betrayal and heroism in \u201cCall of Duty: Modern Warfare 2,\u201d becoming the largest entertainment launch in history, shattering Xbox LIVE launch records along the way. Now Xbox 360 owners will be the only players in the world to fully experience the biggest blockbuster titles with exclusive Game Add-ons, including a \u201cCall of Duty: Modern Warfare 2\u201d content pack arriving first on Xbox LIVE this autumn.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThis is going to be an amazing year for Xbox 360 and for gamers worldwide. It\u2019s our biggest year yet, filled with games and entertainment that you won\u2019t find on any other console,\u201d said Phil Spencer, corporate vice president of Microsoft Game Studios. \u201cI\u2019m floored on a daily basis with what the \u2018Crackdown 2\u2019 team is doing, and Bungie is proving the impossible possible by eclipsing even its own untouchable standards with \u2018Halo: Reach.\u2019 I can\u2019t wait to jump on Xbox LIVE with some friends to amp up our Gamerscores in co-op or talk a little trash to fuel some friendly competition.\u201d<sup>2<\/sup><\/p>\n<p>Gamers can grab their Xbox 360 controllers and envelop themselves in heroic tales of revolutionaries and kings, struggles to save mankind from annihilation, and action-packed stories of mystery and espionage, or simply have some nostalgic fun with family and friends across the globe on Xbox LIVE with the following games:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>\u201cHalo: Reach\u201d<\/strong> (Bungie) &#8211; Check The Classification (CTC)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>As the blockbuster prequel to the best-selling Xbox franchise of all time, developed exclusively for Xbox 360 by acclaimed developer Bungie, \u201cHalo: Reach\u201d puts you front and centre in the fateful moments that forged the \u201cHalo\u201d legend. As part of Noble Team, a squad of heroic Spartan soldiers, you will be called upon to defend the planet Reach, humankind\u2019s last line of defence between the terrifying Covenant and Earth. Starting on May 4<sup>th<\/sup>, the \u201cHalo: Reach\u201d public multiplayer beta will give you the opportunity to drive the latest advancements in multiplayer gameplay in the blockbuster franchise that started it all on Xbox LIVE. Access to the beta will be available through the \u201cHalo 3: ODST\u201d game disc on Xbox LIVE.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>\u201cAlan Wake\u201d<\/strong> (Remedy Entertainment Ltd.) &#8211; CTC<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Launching May 20<sup>th<\/sup>, nightmares come to life in this Xbox 360 exclusive that will establish a new gaming genre, the gripping psychological action thriller. It is built like a chilling episodic TV series, where your wits and light are your only allies, and you can pre-order your copy now at participating retailers to reserve your Bright Falls Bonus Pack, which includes exclusive content such as avatar gear, an Xbox LIVE theme, and a \u201cmaking of\u201d video. Those looking to immerse themselves in the mystery beyond the game can also pre-order the limited collector\u2019s edition, packed with bonus discs of behind-the-scenes footage, exclusive in-game commentary and hints from Remedy, a game soundtrack, \u201cThe Alan Wake Files\u201d book, and more, all bound together in a hardcover bookshelf-worthy package.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>\u201cCrackdown 2\u201d<\/strong> (Ruffian Games) &#8211; CTC<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Available exclusively on Xbox 360 and hitting store shelves later this year, the sequel to the 2007 smash hit features over-the-top action, a massive living world, unprecedented online and multiplayer capabilities, and stylish graphics. Reserve your copy today and stand above the crowd \u2014 at participating retailers, you\u2019ll receive a code to download four exclusive suits of Agency-Issue armour: Gold, Brushed, Red and Blue Metal.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>\u201cDead Rising 2\u201d<\/strong> (Capcom) &#8211; MA15+<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Following the 2006 bone-crunching, zombie-bashing action adventure hit, \u201cDead Rising 2\u201d puts a new offbeat defender in the heart of the fight to save the United States from complete zombification. \u201cDead Rising 2: CASE ZERO\u201d will release as an exclusive Game Add-on only on Xbox LIVE.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>\u201cCall of Duty: Modern Warfare 2\u201d content pack<\/strong> (Infinity Ward\/Activision) &#8211; MA15+<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>The first content packs for this award-winning title and biggest entertainment launch ever will be available first on Xbox 360 and Xbox LIVE.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>\u201cTom Clancy\u2019s Splinter Cell Conviction\u201d<\/strong> (Ubisoft Entertainment) &#8211; MA15+<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Coming exclusively to Xbox 360 and PC on April 15<sup>th<\/sup> \u201cTom Clancy\u2019s Splinter Cell Conviction\u201d is the highly anticipated sequel in the multimillion-selling \u201cSplinter Cell\u201d series, and one of the most critically acclaimed Xbox franchises of all time. Uniting revolutionary gameplay enhancements with a high-octane, no-holds-barred storyline, the game also features intense co-op espionage missions on Xbox LIVE, making Xbox 360 the only console where you can unleash your inner renegade spy.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>\u201cFINAL FANTASY XIII\u201d<\/strong> (Square Enix) &#8211; M<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>The Xbox 360 \u201cFINAL FANTASY XIII\u201d Special Edition Bundle includes a 250GB hard drive, two wireless controllers, exclusive downloadable avatar items and a standard-edition copy of the dramatic sequel in the multimillion-selling series. Xbox 360 is the only console outside of Japan to be officially bundled with the game available in stores starting March 9<sup>th<\/sup>, while supplies last. In addition, a very limited number of \u201cFINAL FANTASY XIII\u201d Limited Edition Faceplates have been created by designer Tetsuya Nomura. These faceplates are only available promotionally in fixed quantities across select retailers in Europe, North America, Australia, and New Zealand.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>\u201cFable III\u201d<\/strong> (Lionhead Studios) \u2013 CTC<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>\u00a0\u201cFable III\u201d delivers an unparalleled action and adventure experience as players journey from revolutionary to the ruler of Albion and beyond. With your trusted canine companion, you will embark on an epic hero\u2019s quest against injustice, forge alliances, crush your enemies and take control of your kingdom. But with great power comes great responsibility. Will you honour promises made in your rise to power, or sacrifice allegiance for personal gain? Choose wisely, as the decisions you make will forever impact your ever-evolving world.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>\u201cLost Planet 2\u201d M<\/strong> (Capcom) &#8211; M<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>The next instalment of the popular third-person shooter returns you to breathtaking environments, unique Vital Suits and larger-than-life bosses of the world of E.D.N. III. The story picks up 10 years after the original game as players follow the exploits of their own customized snow pirate on their quest to seize control of the changing planet. You\u2019ll be able to play through the intense and action-packed campaign mode with three of your friends on Xbox LIVE. \u201cLost Planet 2\u201d launches in May 19<sup>th<\/sup>.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>\u201cLeft 4 Dead 2: The Passing\u201d<\/strong> (Valve) \u2013 MA15+<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>The first Game Add-on brings the original \u201cLeft 4 Dead\u201d survivors down south for a meeting with the \u201cLeft 4 Dead 2\u201d cast, while delivering new single-player, multiplayer and co-operative gameplay, exclusively for Xbox 360 and PC. Targeting an early autumn release, \u201cLeft 4 Dead 2: The Passing\u201d will include new co-operative campaign and associated narrative and new arenas for Survival, Versus and Scavenge modes, and introduce a new co-operative challenge mode.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>\u201cToy Soldiers\u201d<\/strong> (Signal Studios) &#8211; PG<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>An intense action game kicking off the Xbox LIVE Arcade Block Party on March 4<sup>th<\/sup> , \u201cToy Soldiers\u201d casts players into a fantastic, miniature world where antique toy soldiers fight in vintage World War I dioramas.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>\u201cGame Room\u201d<\/strong> (Krome Studios Pty Ltd.) &#8211; CTC<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Launching this March as a part of the Xbox LIVE Arcade Block Party, \u201cGame Room\u201d lets gamers relive the glory days of classic arcade and console games in their original forms, as the player\u2019s avatar takes part in the original sights, sounds and gameplay only on Xbox 360 and Windows-based PC.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>\u201cPerfect Dark\u201d <\/strong>(4J Studios) &#8211; MA15+<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Fire up your Farsight and prepare for assignment \u2014 the Dark returns this March as part of the Xbox LIVE Arcade Block Party. Agent Joanna Dark brings her epic tale of galactic conspiracies in future America to Xbox 360 with remastered visuals, LIVE-enabled multiplayer modes, leader boards, achievements and avatar awards.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>\u201cScrap Metal\u201d<\/strong> (Slick Entertainment Inc.) &#8211; G<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Launching in March as a part of the Xbox LIVE Arcade Block Party, \u201cScrap Metal\u201d lets gamers drift around corners with guns blazing and take out competitors in this fast-paced, top-down racer. Gamers fight their way through explosive, action-packed missions, defeat cunning bosses, or jump on Xbox LIVE to race against their friends, exclusively on Xbox 360.<\/p>\n<p>Not since the console\u2019s launch in 2005 has there been a better time to jump into Xbox 360. With the year\u2019s biggest line-up of blockbuster titles and most-anticipated exclusives launching now and throughout 2010, leading up to the holiday debut of \u201cProject Natal,\u201d only Xbox 360 offers the revolutionary gaming and entertainment experiences that everyone craves.<\/p>\n<p><sup>1<\/sup> Recommended retail price. The price you pay will be determined by your retailer. From participating retailers.<\/p>\n<p><sup>2<\/sup> Xbox LIVE Gold Membership required for online multiplayer. \u201cHalo: Reach\u201d beta will require a hard drive and Gold membership.<\/p>\n<p>&#8211; ends \u2013<\/p>\n<p>For further information, please contact:<strong><\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Alice Coulthard, Pulse Communications: (02) 8281 3818 \/ alice@pulsecom.com.au<\/p>\n<p>Danny Wong, Pulse Communications: (02) 8281 3826\/ <a href=\"wlmailhtml:{912E957C-4F18-4B24-83B9-FA97839F0302}mid:\/\/00000061\/!x-usc:mailto:daniel@pulsecom.com.au\">daniel@pulsecom.com.au<\/a><\/p>\n<p><strong>\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>About Xbox 360 <\/strong><\/p>\n<p>The powerful Xbox 360 video game and entertainment experience delivers amazing games, the next generation of the premier Xbox LIVE online social network, and unique digital entertainment experiences that revolve around gamers. Xbox 360 now boasts a catalogue of over 500 high-definition games. More information can be found online at <a title=\"http:\/\/www.xbox.com\/xbox360\" href=\"wlmailhtml:{912E957C-4F18-4B24-83B9-FA97839F0302}mid:\/\/00000061\/!x-usc:http:\/\/www.xbox.com\/xbox360\">http:\/\/www.xbox.com\/xbox360<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p><strong>About Xbox LIVE<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Xbox LIVE is the first and most comprehensive 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 millions of members across 26 countries to enjoy hundreds of multiplayer games, downloadable games via Xbox LIVE Arcade, free and premium playable game demos and movies in the as well as new game levels, characters and vehicles for all their favourite retail games. More information can be found online at <a href=\"wlmailhtml:{912E957C-4F18-4B24-83B9-FA97839F0302}mid:\/\/00000061\/!x-usc:http:\/\/www.xbox.com\/en-au\/live\">http:\/\/www.xbox.com\/en-au\/live<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p><strong>\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>About Microsoft<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>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. Xbox 360, the Xbox 360 logo, Xbox LIVE are trademarks of the Microsoft group of companies. <strong><\/strong><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Explosive stories of power, espionage and humanity\u2019s survival mark the biggest year in Xbox 360 gaming history \u00a0 SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA, 16th February 2010 \u2013 Fire up the flat screen and crank up the volume for the biggest year in Xbox 360 gaming history. At X10, Microsoft Corp. proved to the world why 2010 will be<\/p>\n<p class=\"more-link\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.impulsegamer.com\/wordpress\/?p=4901\">Read More\u2026<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-4901","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-game-news"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.impulsegamer.com\/wordpress\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4901","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.impulsegamer.com\/wordpress\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.impulsegamer.com\/wordpress\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.impulsegamer.com\/wordpress\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.impulsegamer.com\/wordpress\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=4901"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/www.impulsegamer.com\/wordpress\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4901\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":4903,"href":"https:\/\/www.impulsegamer.com\/wordpress\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4901\/revisions\/4903"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.impulsegamer.com\/wordpress\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=4901"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.impulsegamer.com\/wordpress\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=4901"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.impulsegamer.com\/wordpress\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=4901"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}