Microsoft at E3 Predictions
Microsoft have been the timid performer at E3 over the past few years. They haven't exceeded expectations, nor have they disappointed. Last years expo had a few surprises - some good (like Final Fantasy XIII coming to 360) and some bad (like the You're In The Movies fiasco).
But as the current console "war" begins to heat up and hit boiling point, one can't help but have high expectations for this years expo. Everyone expects Nintendo to come out guns blazing after an embarrassing conference last year and Sony has teased and promised plenty of things. Then again, teasing and promising is just what Sony does.
Over the course of the week we’ll be looking at what Nintendo, Sony and Microsoft have in store for us this year. What we expect to see, what has been teased, predicted and what we’d like to see surprise us this year.
What’s Expected
Microsoft have been steady ever since the 360 launched. It was never going to fly off shelves in Japan, but it's been a steady seller in Europe, the US and Australia. Microsoft have announced quite a few bundles over the past few weeks, including games like Halo 3, Forza and even both Gears of War titles bundled together with an XBOX 360 Pro console. Sales have never dropped or risen significantly since launch, but even if Microsoft is eventually over-taken by the PS3 in sales numbers, Microsoft really shouldn't worry. Software sales, especially in 2007, have been spectacular, and XBOX Live is the most used online gaming service in the world. In the mean time, what do they have planned for the near future?
Alan Wake
Everyone needs to see Alan WakeIt's been far too long between drinks. The highly anticipated XBOX 360 exclusive needs to be shown. If it doesn't, expect plenty of backlash. We expect it to be shown purely because it hasn't been in so long. There are murmurs that new consoles won't be announced for a few years and that this E3 will be the biggest and best as well, so what better time for Microsoft to show off their supposed "system seller".
Improved Avatar system
More of a focus on Avatar's?Not that the current system really needs improving, but Microsoft really pushed the Avatar's at last years E3. We've seen the implementation of Mii's into party games on the Wii, so we expect to see some Microsoft-developed titles that use the Avatar's shown at this years E3. Microsoft have really pushed the family aspect of the 360 over the past 12 months, releasing family-centric console bundles and increasing support for XBLA.
New RARE title
We don't know why, but buzz has increased around RARE over the past few weeks as E3 approaches. RARE have failed to impress on the 360 as they did on the N64 when owned by Nintendo, and while their titles have been consistently good, but not great, we expect something big to be announced during Microsoft's conference. Maybe a new Perfect Dark?
Forza 3 trailer
Forza 2 is without a doubt one of the best racers so far this generation. Rumours have been spreading about the development of a third and there's strong reason to believe a new trailer will be shown as well. We expect Microsoft to show off the racer during their press conference to counter any GT5 footage Sony might show.
New Lionhead project
We expect an all-new Lionhead project to be announced, although it's doubtful it will be another Fable. It's been quoted that the developer doesn't want to be known purely for one franchise and it's heavily favoured that a new game will be shown during the conference.
What's been Teased
Health and fitness games
With the (expected) showing of the motion controller, there have been murmur's about possible fitness titles also come to the 360, similar to the craze currently owning the Wii.
Motion-controller
Microsoft have teased it for almost a year now and we expect to finally see it at this years E3. Whether or not it's announced alongside some motion-sensoring compatible games is yet to be seen.
The things we won't see
XBOX 720
It won't happen. At least not this year. There's no way any of the three major players will announce a new console yet, with so many great titles still to come out. It's far too early and too many analysts have come out saying that the current generation still has plenty of years.
Metal Gear Solid 4 on 360
Let's be honest - it has just as much chance of happening as GTA has of appearing on Wii. Then again, it's not like MGS has never appeared on a XBOX console before.
Halo 4
We can't imagine a new Halo sequel coming out anytime soon with the recent release of Halo Wars and a Halo 3 spin-off coming soon.
XBOX 360 console redesign
Microsoft didn't redesign the original XBOX and while we've seen upgrades/redesigns of other Microsoft hardware, we don't expect the 360 to change in appearance anytime soon.
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