SAN FRANCISCO — Feb. 11, 2010 — Fire up the flat screen and crank up the volume for the biggest year in Xbox 360 gaming history. Today 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. Heart-pounding action and rich storytelling encompass a massive lineup of blockbuster exclusives announced today with the hotly anticipated multiplayer beta of this year’s biggest entertainment phenomenon, “Halo: Reach,” blasting off May 3, and the chilling and immersive mystery of “Alan Wake” coming May 18 — both only available on the Xbox 360 gaming and entertainment system, starting at just $199.99 ERP.1 Celebrating the franchise’s Xbox 360 debut on March 9, Microsoft and Square Enix have created the Xbox 360 “FINAL FANTASY XIII” Special Edition Bundle, offering the complete experience at an incredible value for $399 ERP.1

Available in North America on Aug. 31, Japan on Sept. 2 and Europe on Sept. 3, “Dead Rising 2″ 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 “Dead Rising 2″ downloadable prologue only on Xbox LIVE. “Dead Rising 2: CASE ZERO,” available shortly before the title releases in August, will allow Xbox 360 gamers to get their first glimpse into the “Dead Rising 2″ story with exclusive content that will not be featured in the full game.

Last November, acclaimed developer Infinity Ward took gamers back to the action-packed world rife with political intrigue, betrayal and heroism in “Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2,” 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 “Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2″ content pack arriving first on Xbox LIVE this spring.

“This is going to be an amazing year for Xbox 360 and for gamers worldwide. It’s our biggest and most breakthrough year yet, filled with games and entertainment that you won’t find on any other console,” said Phil Spencer, corporate vice president of Microsoft Game Studios. “I’m floored on a daily basis with what the ‘Crackdown 2’ team is doing, and Bungie is proving the impossible possible by eclipsing even its own untouchable standards with ‘Halo: Reach.’ I can’t 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.”

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:

Halo: Reach (Bungie). As the blockbuster prequel to the best-selling Xbox franchise of all time, developed exclusively for Xbox 360 by acclaimed developer Bungie, “Halo: Reach” puts you front and center in the fateful moments that forged the “Halo” legend. As part of Noble Team, a squad of heroic Spartan soldiers, you will be called upon to defend the planet Reach, humankind’s last line of defense between the terrifying Covenant and Earth. Starting on May 3, the “Halo: Reach” 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 “Halo 3: ODST” game disc on Xbox LIVE.

• Alan Wake (Remedy Entertainment Ltd.). Launching May 18 in North America and May 21 in Europe, 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 “making of” video. Those looking to immerse themselves in the mystery beyond the game can also pre-order the limited collector’s edition, packed with bonus discs of behind-the-scenes footage, exclusive in-game commentary and hints from Remedy, a game soundtrack, “The Alan Wake Files” book, and more, all bound together in a hardcover bookshelf-worthy package.
• Crackdown 2 (Ruffian Games). 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 — you’ll receive a code to download four exclusive suits of Agency-Issue armor: Gold, Brushed, Red and Blue Metal.
• Dead Rising 2 (Capcom). Following the 2006 bone-crunching, zombie-bashing action adventure hit, “Dead Rising 2″ puts a new offbeat defender in the heart of the fight to save the United States from complete zombification. Before the mayhem launching in August and September, “Dead Rising 2: CASE ZERO” will release as an exclusive Game Add-on only on Xbox LIVE.
• Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 content pack (Infinity Ward/Activision). The first content packs for this award-winning title and biggest entertainment launch ever will be available first on Xbox 360 and Xbox LIVE.
• Tom Clancy’s Splinter Cell Conviction (Ubisoft Entertainment). Coming exclusively to Xbox 360 and PC on April 13 in North America, April 16 in the United Kingdom, and April 28 in Japan, “Tom Clancy’s Splinter Cell Conviction” is the highly anticipated sequel in the multimillion-selling “Splinter Cell” 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.
• FINAL FANTASY XIII (Square Enix). The Xbox 360 “FINAL FANTASY XIII” 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 bundled with the game, available in stores starting March 9, while supplies last. In addition, a very limited number of “FINAL FANTASY XIII” 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.
• Fable III (Lionhead Studios). “Fable III” 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’s quest against injustice, forge alliances, crush your enemies and take control of your kingdom. But with great power comes great responsibility. Will you honor 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.
• Lost Planet 2 (Capcom). The next installment 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’ll be able to play through the intense and action-packed campaign mode with three of your friends on Xbox LIVE. “Lost Planet 2″ launches in North America and Europe on May 18.
• Left 4 Dead 2: The Passing (Valve). The first Game Add-on brings the original “Left 4 Dead” survivors down south for a meeting with the “Left 4 Dead 2″ cast, while delivering new single-player, multiplayer and co-operative gameplay, exclusively for Xbox 360 and PC. Targeting an early spring release, “Left 4 Dead 2: The Passing” 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.2
• Toy Soldiers (Signal Studios). An intense action game kicking off the Xbox LIVE Arcade Block Party on March 3, “Toy Soldiers” casts players into a fantastic, miniature world where antique toy soldiers fight in vintage World War I dioramas. To celebrate the release of “Toy Soldiers” on Xbox LIVE Arcade, Microsoft is launching a companion Facebook experience on Feb. 12, “Toy Soldiers: Match Defense,” which will have you and your friends matching items to collectively win countries and conquer Europe.
• Game Room (Krome Studios Pty Ltd.). Launching this March as a part of the Xbox LIVE Arcade Block Party, “Game Room” lets gamers relive the glory days of classic arcade and console games in their original forms, as the player’s avatar takes part in the original sights, sounds and gameplay only on Xbox 360 and Windows-based PC.
• Perfect Dark (4J Studios). Fire up your Farsight and prepare for assignment — 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.
• Scrap Metal (Slick Entertainment Inc.). Launching in March as a part of the Xbox LIVE Arcade Block Party, “Scrap Metal” 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.

Not since the console’s launch in 2005 has there been a better time to jump into Xbox 360. With the year’s biggest lineup of blockbuster titles and most-anticipated exclusives launching now and throughout 2010, leading up to the holiday debut of “Project Natal,” only Xbox 360 offers the revolutionary gaming and entertainment experiences that everyone craves.

Gametrailers.com

Gametrailers.com

Xbox are once again happy to announce the return of Xtival – the ultimate online party weekender. FREE to all*, from 27th to 29th November via our Xbox LIVE service, Xtival will feature an live gig from the ongoing US Tour by Tiësto, as well as delivering a raft of exciting entertainment to Xbox users from the comfort of their sofas.

Xtival is fast gaining a reputation as Europe’s premiere online festival, and a destination for cutting-edge interactive entertainment. Last year the festival attracted over 1.5 million visitors who joined the Kerrang! rock stage, downloaded hot film titles such as The Dark Knight and take part in exclusive competitions. Xtival Winter 2009 promises to be even better, jam packed with a host of exciting content and experiences.

Silver Members

Silver member? Don’t worry! For this weekend only, Xtival is offering you the chance to sample all of the latest LIVE features from Facebook, Twitter and Last.fm through a series of sneaky peaks at the Gold way of life.

Music

This year the musical showcase is bigger and better than ever before with enough to keep even the most diehard music lover happy. The Grammy nominated Tiësto will be fronting the dance stage featuring footage from his ongoing US Tour in support of his new album Kaleidoscope. There will also be interviews with the man himself with Inside Xbox
Music fans will also be offered the chance to download exerts from the forthcoming Metallica DVD through the LIVE stage as well as a video EP from the Prodigy and full live classic concerts from Run DMC and rock legends ZZ Top.

Movies

This year Xtival introduces the ‘cinema’ stage where movie buffs will be captivated by a 4 minute trailer from the highly coveted and much awaited film ‘Avatar’. This footage from James Cameron’s adventure blockbuster will be available exclusively on Xbox for 5 days giving fans the ultimate glimpse of the movie.

Games

For one weekend only Silver members will also get the chance to play multiplayer games online with their friends. Whether you prefer a good sing-along to a Lips classic or the adrenalin rush of racing the Nurburgring in Forza Motorsport 3, we have a range of content and exclusive downloads to suit all.

Xtival will offer more than just great music, movies and games with an exciting range of LIVE content for download and competitions with the chance to win fantastic prizes. Festival goers can also go on the ultimate free shopping spree and kit out their avatar with the latest in winter chic jazz up their dashboard with some Xtival themed backgrounds and gamerpics.

For more details, please visit www.xbox.com/Xtival.

Source: Xbox Press Releases & Feature Stories

Coinciding with this year’s Tokyo Game Show, Turn 10 is proud to reveal that Fujimi Kaido, a fan favorite original track from the first Forza Motorsport, will be making its long-awaited return in Forza Motorsport 3 this October when the game releases exclusively on Xbox 360.

With an all-new layout that runs through the backside of the Fujimi Kaido mountain, totaling a challenging 10 miles of mountainous circuits and point-to-point stages, fans of the original track will encounter a completely new experience. Inspired by the thrilling downhill street racing style made popular in Japan, Fujimi Kaido offers fans the perfect setting for touge-style racing and drifting.

Fans of drifitng will also be receiving an additional treat. In Forza Motorsport 3, drift mode is always on. Players score drift points while racing in both single-player and multiplayer races. Additionally, drift points will be reflected in a new global drift scoreboard, adding yet another new experience to the high-stakes competitive community of Forza Motorsport 3.

To complement the Fujimi Kaido track and drift features in the game, this week’s car reveal celebrates some of the greatest drifting cars from Japan, including the 2003 Honda S2000, Nissan Skyline GT-R V-Spec, and Toyota Supra 2.0 GT Twin Turbo. Other cars in this week’s reveal include:

• 2003 Honda S2000
• 1997 Mazda RX-7
• 2004 Mazda RX-8 Mazdaspeed
• 1992 Nissan Silvia CLUB K’s
• 1993 Nissan Skyline GT-R V-Spec
• 1994 Nissan Silvia K’s
• 1995 Nissan Skyline GT-R V-Spec
• 2000 Nissan Silvia Spec-R
• 2002 Nissan Skyline GT-R V-Spec II
• 1985 Toyota Sprinter Trueno GT Apex
• 1992 Toyota Supra 2.0 GT Twin Turbo
• 1998 Toyota Supra RZ

Forza Motorsport 3 is rated E for Everyone and will be available in the U.S. on October 27, 2009, Europe on October 23, and Asia on October 22.

Source: Xbox Press Releases & Feature Stories

Alexander the Great. Genghis Khan. Queen Elizabeth I. Che Guevara. Throughout history, revolutionary leaders have taken very different paths to power, bringing about prosperity and poverty, peace and sometimes anarchy to their people.

Now Microsoft and Lionhead Studios will explore the journey to rule, with you in pursuit of a kingdom, in Fable III, the exciting new game in the critically acclaimed Fable franchise. The title’s debut was confirmed today at gamescom in Germany by Peter Molyneux, Lionhead’s creative director, and will be available exclusively on Xbox 360 in the 2010 holiday season.

Since its inception, the blockbuster Fable franchise has offered the opportunity to choose your own destinies as a hero, villain, or someone between, where the possibilities are limitless and the consequences can weigh heavily on the path to greatness.

Monarch or Tyrant?

In this new adventure, you will witness tyranny, poverty, and injustice plague your land. You will see a people divided, and you will be compelled to stand up for change. You will also be forced to answer a question: What would you sacrifice to secure the crown of Albion? Will you uphold the values and principles that led to your ascension, or will you be corrupted by the station you’ve strived to acquire? Will you be a monarch of the people, or bring the entirety of Albion to the brink of collapse?

“We’ve spent a lot of time at Lionhead thinking about how we can innovate the gameplay and progress the world of the Fable games for its third chapter, and we’re confident that players won’t second-guess what we have planned for Fable III,” said Molyneux, who also serves as creative director of Europe, the Middle East, and Africa for Microsoft Game Studios. “Though I can’t give too much away right now, players should expect to have to make much tougher choices with far wider consequences than ever before in Albion—and with many more interactive adventure elements.”

In the epic story of Fable III, the journey to rule the throne of Albion begins five decades after the events of the last chapter, and you play as the child of your hero from Fable II. As you rule your kingdom as king or queen, you will be called upon to make choices and sacrifices that will test your morality and can affect your entire kingdom. Themes of heroism, leadership, and consequence are taken to a grand scale as you fight to unite a divided people.

Fable II in Single-Serving Sizes

While Fable II has become the best-selling role-playing game of all time on Xbox 360, there are some who still have not experienced the magic and adventures that await them in Albion. For those who have watched from the outside, unsure if they were hero material, a surprise awaits. Microsoft and Lionhead Studios are about to embark on a new journey with the episodic release of Fable II on Xbox LIVE. The launch of Fable II: Game Episodes will debut September 29 with the release of the first episode for free download exclusively on Xbox LIVE.

In the first episode, you will experience childhood and the trials of being a young adult in the world of Albion. After completing the chapter, you have the choice to then purchase the next installment or the entire game (in select regions). Fable II: Game Episodes delivers the entire Fable II experience in five consecutive installments, with all the Achievements, challenges, and excitement of the disk-based game, as well as full compatibility with the previously released Game Add-ons, Knothole Island and See the Future. The episodes are also fully compatible with the disk-based, retail version of Fable II, allowing players to enter Albion and continue their story should they purchase Fable II at retail. All editions of the game offer cooperative play with friends on the same couch as well as on Xbox LIVE (Xbox LIVE Gold Membership required for online multiplayer).

“With the launch of Games on Demand on Xbox LIVE, we have a great tool in place to deliver classic titles in an incredibly convenient fashion,” said Phil Spencer, general manager of Microsoft Game Studios. “With the Fable II episodic model, we’re encouraging people to experience the first chapter of the game free, then move onto other chapters when they are ready. It’s a unique model and one that will appeal to gamers who’ve been hesitant to dive full into the original retail release.”

Fable III will deliver a sweeping, powerful story and new innovations in gameplay and Xbox LIVE functionality when it is made available in the 2010 holiday season, only on Xbox 360.

Source: Xbox Press Releases & Feature Stories

Missed out on all the action at E3? Don’t worry, catch up on all the news from the Ubisoft press conerence right here.

Running time: 1 hour 55 minutes 25 seconds