Microsoft’s 2009 games announcements from E3

Microsoft have announced the year’s videogame roadmap at the Electronic Entertainment Expo, unveiling a lineup that sees “more fun, more entertainment value and more games available only on Xbox 360”.

The list of Xbox exclusives announced includes “Forza Motorsport 3,” “Tom Clancy’s Splinter Cell Convictionâ„¢,” “Left 4 Dead 2”, “Alan Wake”, “Shadow Complex,” “Crackdown 2,” blockbuster “Halo 3: ODST” and the surprise announce of Halo trilogy prequel “Halo: Reach.” Sharing the stage were blockbusters “Modern Warfare 2” and the game that proves there’s nothing you can sing that can’t be sung, “The Beatles: Rock Band.”

Get behind the wheel of an Audi R8 V10 in “Forza Motorsport 3,” jump into the immersive movie-like action of “Alan Wake,” and download “Shadow Complex,” the newest Xbox LIVE Arcade game from the minds behind the blockbuster “Gears of War” franchise. Some of the most exciting games in 2009 and beyond are only on Xbox 360, including the following:

“Alan Wake” (Remedy/Microsoft Game Studios)

The all-new psychological action thriller from the renowned creators of the “Max Payne” franchise. Coming in 2010 and exclusive to Xbox 360, “Alan Wake” will immerse players in an intense cinematic thrill ride of dreams and reality, where light is the only ally.

“Crackdown 2” (Ruffian Games/Microsoft Game Studios)

The sequel to the award-winning “Crackdown,” “Crackdown 2” is the premier open-ended action experience that lets you be judge, jury and executioner for a vast city. Coming exclusively to Xbox 360 in 2010, “Crackdown 2” will take multiplayer gaming to unprecedented levels for the ultimate cooperative and competitive multiplayer experience, providing you and your friends with the freedom to explore, destroy and play as you return to restore justice and peace to Pacific City — by any means necessary.

“Forza Motorsport 3” (Turn 10/Microsoft Game Studios)

Launching this October, “Forza Motorsport 3” is the definitive racing game for everyone from hardcore tuners to anyone who’s ever dreamed of driving at full-throttle. Backed by breathtaking HD graphics and bone-jarring physics, you’ll take the wheel of more than 400 of the most-beloved cars on over 100 renowned real-world tracks and exotic road courses from around the globe. “Forza Motorsport 3” includes driving assists and adjustable skill levels to make the game a gripping pick-up-and-play experience for audiences of all ages and skill levels, while new customisation and sharing tools will further fuel the imaginations of the thriving “Forza Motorsport” community on Xbox LIVE.

“Gears of War 2: Dark Corners” (Epic Games Inc.)

The “Gears of War 2: Dark Corners” game add-on includes seven brand new multiplayer maps and a new campaign chapter, “Road to Ruin.” “Dark Corners” launches on Xbox LIVE Marketplace on July 28. The entertainment blockbuster of 2008, “Gears of War 2” has now surpassed 5 million copies sold worldwide.

“Halo 3: ODST” (Bungie)

Launching Sept. 22, “Halo 3: ODST” is a new game in the landmark “Halo” saga that lets players experience the events leading up to the epic story told in “Halo 3” through the eyes of a special forces ODST (Orbital Drop Shock Trooper). In addition to an all-new campaign, “ODST” includes three new “Halo 3” multiplayer maps and the complete, stand-alone “Halo 3” multiplayer experience*. The game also introduces Firefight, an exciting new cooperative multiplayer mode that pits up to four players against increasingly challenging waves of enemies. As a special bonus, “Halo 3: ODST” also includes an invitation to the “Halo: Reach”* multiplayer beta on Xbox LIVE. Also, launching on the same date with “Halo 3: ODST” is the “Halo 3: ODST Collector’s Pack,” which offers “Halo” fans a new and exclusive wireless controller and the game title in one package at a great price.

“Joy Ride” (Big Park/Microsoft Game Studios)

Avatars, start your engines! Full of wild driving fun, “Joy Ride” will get your adrenaline pumping as you tear up the track with your friends, or jump, flip and trick your way through the Stunt Park as you work with the whole community to unlock rewards. “Joy Ride” is free to download and gives you all new ways to play, whether you’re looking for a quick game or a deep, custom social experience, all on Xbox LIVE*. Design your dream car or purchase new tracks, game modes and avatar items. You can share the racetracks and game modes with your friends so no one is ever left out.

“Left 4 Dead 2” (Valve)

The sequel to the best-selling and critically acclaimed cooperative multiplayer smash from Valve, creators of “Half-Life,” “Portal,” “Team Fortress” and “Counter-Strike.” Introducing melee weapons and new enemies to the original’s award-winning gameplay, “L4D2” casts players as one of four new “Survivors” battling zombie hordes as they travel from Savannah, Georgia, through to New Orleans’ French Quarter.

“Shadow Complex” (Epic Games Inc. and Chair Entertainment Group/Microsoft Game Studios)

Combines the best of old-school side-scroller design with modern, cutting-edge gameplay and incredible high-definition graphics. Collect power-ups, discover new abilities and evolve your character into a force of destruction as you explore an original story set in the world of Orson Scott Card’s best-selling novel, “Empire.” “Shadow Complex” marries the quality and depth of a full retail title with the accessibility you love, exclusively on Xbox 360 and Xbox LIVE Arcade.

“Tom Clancy’s Splinter Cell Conviction” (Ubisoft)

Coming exclusively to Xbox 360 this spring, unleash the ferocious skills of renegade agent Sam Fisher and uncover a deadly terrorist plot in “Tom Clancy’s Splinter Cell Convictionâ„¢.” Completely reinvented and revolutionised, “Tom Clancy’s Splinter Cell Convictionâ„¢” ushers in a new breed of action gameplay leaving players fully immersed in the life of the world’s most dangerous spy. Take full advantage of the 20 million member Xbox LIVE community in this latest installment of the award-winning “Splinter Cell” franchise.

“Metal Gear Solid: Rising” (Konami Digital Entertainment)

The highly anticipated debut of Hideo Kojima’s critically acclaimed “Metal Gear Solid” franchise on Xbox 360. “Metal Gear Solid: Rising” will star Raiden, one of the most popular characters in the “Metal Gear Solid” universe, in a new, thrilling adventure on Xbox 360.

“Modern Warfare 2” (Infinity Ward/Activision)

On Nov. 10, 2009, Infinity Ward will make its return with the release of “Modern Warfare 2” on Xbox 360, one of the highly anticipated games of the year and the sequel to the best-selling first-person action game of all time, “Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfareâ„¢.” “Modern Warfare 2” continues the gripping and heart-racing saga with an unprecedented level of action as players face off against a new threat dedicated to bringing the world to the brink of collapse.

“The Beatles: Rock Band” (Harmonix/MTV Games)

On September 9, 2009, “The Beatles: Rock Band” will allow fans all over the world to pick-up the guitar, bass, mic or drums and experience The Beatles’ extraordinary catalogue of music through gameplay that takes players on a journey through the legacy and evolution of the band’s legendary career.

In addition, “The Beatles: Rock Band” offers Beatles fans the opportunity to rock out with new hardware replica controllers modeled after instruments used by John Lennon, Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr throughout their careers. And, for the first time, players will be able to download music and make a change: Available only on Xbox 360, all Apple Corps, MTV Games and Microsoft proceeds from downloads of “All You Need is Love” will benefit Doctors without Borders, courtesy of Microsoft Corporation.

“Tony Hawk: RIDE” (Activision)

Redefines the action-sports genre by offering a dynamic hands-free gaming experience featuring a new skateboard controller. The new skateboard peripheral provides an accessible and social gaming experience on Xbox 360 that allows players of all skill levels to battle for skateboard supremacy while posting their stats and challenging gamers worldwide over Xbox LIVE, the largest social gaming network.