Xbox 360 at E3 2009

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Upcoming games

Of course, it wouldn't be E3 without new game announcements, and here Microsoft presented what looks like a pretty credible year's worth of gaming entertainment. The upcoming title list is sequel-heavy, of course, but there are some gems to consider. Here are the ones I'm looking forward to, and as you might expect they're heavy with first person shooters.

Alan Wake

Years late, Alan Wake is a "psychological action thriller" from the makers of "Max Payne." An Xbox 360 exclusive, Alan Wake combines amazing graphics with an in-depth story and movie-like atmosphere. The big question is whether it will deliver compelling game play.

The Beatles: Rock Band

In the latest title in the Rock Band series, you can play guitar, bass, or drums, and harmonize along with the Beatles. This title is being released on September 9, 2009, alongside the Beatles' recently remastered musical catalog. It's an exciting time for fans.

Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2

Given the success of Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare, it should be no surprise that Infinity Ward is continuing the series and adding some exciting looking new game play options, such as--get this--snowmobile combat! This one is going to rock.

Crackdown 2

The original Crackdown was a surprise hit and a surprisingly fun game. Its sequel looks quite a bit more realistic, though is still cartoonish (or, perhaps, "graphics novel-ish"). I can't wait.

Halo 3: ODST

Halo 3 was correctly derided as "Halo 2.5," offering as it did sub-HD graphics and a fairly old-fashioned multiplayer mode. But it's hard not to get excited about Halo 3: ODST (Orbital Drop Shock Trooper), a standalone title that extends that Halo universe in some interesting ways. There's a new single player campaign that takes place before the events of Halo 3 and features a new cast and a new cooperative multiplayer mode called Firefight.

Halo: Reach

While Halo 3: ODST is obviously just an interim release, Microsoft has mysteriously provided some early info about a late 2010 Halo title called Halo: Reach. This title is a brand new entry in the Halo series and could be a prequel. But that's just a guess, and developer Bungie hasn't said much beyond admitting that they're working on it.

Left 4 Dead 2

Despite the simplicity of the original, Left 4 Dead was a big hit and the sequel will ship this fall. (Hey, Valve: Where's the much more necessary Half-Life 2: Episode 3??) The game will be set during the same zombie invasion that marked the first title, but will occur in the southern US and feature new weapons, new features, and new play mechanics.

Final thoughts

It's a great year to be an Xbox 360 fan: Thanks to an ever-expanding library of game titles and new capabilities, Microsoft's suddenly venerable console just keeps getting better and better. I'd like to see a true second-gen version of the 360, however, one with fewer reliability issues and far less noise. Such a device would make the system's non-gaming capabilities all the more interesting and useful. In the meantime, I'll continue availing myself of the best first-person shooters you can find on any platform, and look forward to the new stable of contenders this Fall.

--Paul Thurrott
June 2, 2009

Xbox 360 @ E3 2009

Part 1: Natal, Zune, Integration
Part 2: Upcoming Games

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