Microsoft Unveils Xbox's 2008 Lineup

Microsoft has announced which first-party games will grace the Xbox 360 in 2008.
by Larry_Chimp_Man

It's never too late to make plans. Well, at least Microsoft thinks so. It may be May, five months into the new year, but MS has come forward and announced their lineup of first-party titles they plan to release in the remaining seven months of 2008. The following list may not share any surprises but it does give a good look at what you'll probably be playing on your 360 in the near future.

GEARS OF WAR 2 (Epic Games)

The sequel to 2006's groundbreaking shooter, Gears of War 2 promises a plethora of new features as well as improvements upon the successes of the original. Gamers will once again join up with Marcus Fenix and his crew to fight a Locust horde that's more brutal and aggressive than ever. Gears of War 2 will feature a deeper and more engaging story, bigger and more intense boss battles, new weapons and characters, and improvements on one of the best co-op experiences ever.
Release Date: November

FABLE 2 (Lionhead Studios)

Fans of the first Fable should already be drooling over the thought of Fable 2. Peter Molyneux and his team at Lionhead Studios have been hard at work implementing a more dynamic game world as well as an immersive and cinematic storytelling experience for the sequel to 2005's hit RPG. Also promised is a deep co-op mode allowing gamers to team up, and level up, with their friends. Although, it hasn't yet been confirmed whether or not co-op will be available online over Xbox Live.
Release Date: October

NINJA GAIDEN II (Team Ninja)

The sequel to 2004's incredibly difficult Ninja Gaiden will feature an all-new gameplay engine as well as weapons and enemies not previously seen in the original game. Follow Ryu Hayabusa as he sets out to avenge his clan and stop the destruction of the human race.
Release Date: June 3rd

TOO HUMAN (Silicon Knights)

Too Human may look like your typical hack-and-slash action game at first glance but Microsoft and Silicon Knights feel as if the game has some potential. Mixing action elements with an RPG level-up system Too Human promises battles of epic proportions along with a solid variety of both close-quarters and long-range combat. Too Human will also feature a co-op mode so you can explore the futuristic take on Norse mythology with a friend.
Release Date: August 19th

BANJO-KAZOOIE: NUTS & BOLTS (Rare)

The third Banjo-Kazooie game is the first on a next-gen console and it's headed to the Xbox 360 in 2008. The game's premise is simple; collect items to build all sorts of vehicles and contraptions to beat the game however you choose. Gamers can address each situation according to their unique playstyle. Want to drive to your objective? Build a car. Want to fly? Find the parts you need to build a flying machine. Nuts & Bolts will also feature online multiplayer true to the style of the franchise.
Release Date: Winter 2008

That wraps up a pretty solid list of first-party titles Microsoft is releasing for the Xbox 360 in 2008. Which games are you most excited for? Post a comment and let us know what games you are awaiting in 2008, both for the Xbox 360 and other consoles.

And, as always, check back to MediaZEALOT for the latest video game news.

Cheers.

Subscribe in a reader

Fable 2 Co-Op Details and Video

Lionhead Studios once again promises to push the envelope.

Yesterday at the Games Developers Conference 2008 in San Francisco Lionhead Studios announced a key feature to their upcoming sequel to 2004's Fable. Lionhead's leader Peter Molyneux revealed the game will feature a simple yet dynamic form of co-op play. The concept is that at any minute you can plug a second controller into your Xbox 360 while playing Fable 2 and have a friend join in on the adventure. You can share experience points with him however you choose and everything he earns or accomplishes will then tie directly back into his save file. So, for example, if you and your buddy complete a quest and earn a ton of cash you're individual characters will have done the same. You can then pick up the single-player experience where you last left co-op play.



This is all good news, right? Sadly not. Molyneux was coy about co-op being a part of online play and didn't mention whether or not it would be possible over Xbox Live. One can assume that there will be online co-op but nothing has been revealed as of yet.

Molyneux had more for GDC than just an announcement. The egotistical creator also showed off a co-op demo for Fable 2. The video previews the new co-op system as well as character emoting, the game HUD, and more footage of virtual dog behavior. It all looks pretty cool, check it out below.

Part 1:


Part 2:


Fable 2 is looking like it will be everything the first game promised and more, hopefully it can live up to the hype. I've been craving a good RPG since Oblivion came out years ago and hopefully Fable 2 can fill that void when it hits the shelves. A release date has not yet been announced but one can speculate it will arrive during the summer later this year.

Cheers.

Subscribe in a reader