Microsoft at E3: What we can expect
As usual, there is a calm before the storm for E3, especially on Microsoft’s side. Few announcements have been made for the Xbox 360 and what we can expect this holiday season. This year’s E3 will either be made of Halo-like surprises or smirks as they announced the new kiddie Kinetic title. Hit the jump to see what we have in store.
Halo: Combat Revolved
Xbox’s flagship franchise, Halo, may have it’s second coming this holiday season. For the first time, Bungie has gone into new things while finishing their trilogy and putting icing on the cake with Halo: Reach. Now 343 Industries is in control and we may find out if they can handle the pressure of living up to the reputation Bungie has build up for Halo. Not too long ago, Joystiq.com released “insider” information that there will be a re-make of Halo: Combat Evolved this November. No news regarding this story has come up since it started. Will we see a new Halo or just a new gimmick from 343 Industries (Halo: Waypoint)?
Gears of War 3
The already successful beta launched today for Epic’s third installment in their blood-thirsty saga. Epic has already announced many gamemodes and features that will be in Gears of War including a release date. Will we see a whole new addition to the game or just a bad-ass trailer, which Epic has a knack for making.
Call of Duty 88 Exclusive DLC…again?:
There is no doubt Activision will release another Call of Duty this holiday, most likely Modern Warfare 3 and don’t be surprised to see an announcement on the show floor at this year’s E3, but like the last two previous titles, will the DLC be a first-time exclusive to the owners of the Xbox 360? Most likely it will be as Microsoft is seeing the success of it, but it’s up to Activision to accept their offer.
Kinect
With the Kinect’s astounding success to not only motion-technology, but also the Xbox 360, the gamers are looking forward to what Microsoft can do with it’s prize winner. The core games are of course asking for the core games, but the soccer moms demand the kiddie ones. Will Microsoft go 50/50 or choose a side? We’ll have to see at the show.
Forza 4
The top ranking racer of this generation is releasing it’s next installment, Forza 4. Forza 2 and Forza 3 are the highest ranked racing games of the current generation, giving Turn 10 a lot of pressure of their next game. They already announced a Kinect integration but are holding back what the fans want to know. Will there be weather? Different tracks besides tarmac? We’ll have to wait and see because there is no way Microsoft is going to hold back this announcement.
Another Splinter-Cell exclusive?
Splinter Cell went all Xbox 360 with its last game, Splinter Cell: Conviction. Will there be a repeat for their next game, which Ubisoft already announced they’re making? We’ll just have to wait and see if Sam Fisher sneaks past the PS3 fields again.
Overall Prediction
Like every year, Microsoft always holds back for E3 and give us surprises during the show, so unfortunately, we’ll have to play the waiting game. But no worries, we have Portal 2 and Gears of War 3 to help us out with that. As for now, enjoy what you got and be ready for what Microsoft has in store for all of us.