E3 2009 is only a few short weeks away and the anticipation for this event is building up to make for one thrilling year for video games. Sony and Microsoft are trading blows with each other as both are guaranteeing their best show ever. Third-party publishers are slowly unveiling their line-up and excitement continues to rise – even in the wake of many publishers going the route of developing sequels over new IPs. Having said that, we’ve deemed that it’s the right time start a mini-series of three editorials that will cover what we already know about Microsoft’s E3 line-up, what possibly may come (whether it’s a stretch or not), what we’d like to see from Microsoft and finally, the rumors and what Microsoft’s competition will be bringing to E3 right before the show. Today we’ll be discussing the games that are logical and no-brainers to show up at Microsoft’s press conference this year. So without further ado, let the wild speculation of what software Microsoft will be bringing to the video game industry’s biggest trade show.
Part 1: Confirmed to Semi-Confirmed Games - if we were to list some of Microsoft's best exclusives that will be showing up out in Los Angeles at this year's show these would be them.
Forza Motorsport 3 - Developed By: Turn 10 Studios:
This so-called “secret” title has been basically confirmed by: Microsoft consumer surveys from 2008, insider sources, and hidden documents detailing important features. It’s often been rumored that the title would fit on two discs, feature over 400 cars, 100 tracks, new customization options and offer new racing modes. Recently, the logo for Forza Motorsport appeared at a Microsoft event in Brazil and details were said to be mentioned that it the third entry in the series would release winter 2009. While gamers are still left in the dark on an official confirmation from Microsoft, they shouldn’t fret for too much longer as the chances of Forza Motorsport 3 missing out on this year’s E3 is as likely as Halo 3: ODST being cancelled.
Halo 3: ODST - Developed By: Bungie:
The standalone expansion pack to Halo 3 will surely set the sales charts on fire this holiday, so you can bet your bottom dollar that Microsoft will be concentrating a good amount of time at E3 promoting the next title for their money in the bank franchise. Some naysayers will state that the game won’t sell and might be ignored by the Halo fanbase, but they said the same thing about Halo Wars and that sold over 1 million units. Look for Halo 3: ODST to enter into many top 10 to top 20 lists from the press after E3 comes to a close this year.
Ninety-Nine Nights II - Developed By: Feelplus:
Microsoft is taking a leap of faith here with Ninety-Nine Nights II as the original had mediocre reviews from the press and somewhat average sales. Announced at the Toyko Game Show in 2008, Ninety-Nine Nights II surprisingly didn’t make an appearance at Microsoft’s GDC presentation and hasn’t been mentioned that often since its TGS debut. Feelplus, developers of Lost Odyssey, has taken over the development reigns for the project and should steer the project towards having much more depth than the original. Already 50 percent completed, there’s no doubt in our mind that we’ll be playing Ninety-Nine Nights II in a few short weeks on the show floor.
Alan Wake - Developed By: Remedy:
Alan Wake is a title that has been on a long development cycle to the point many cynics love to label it as vaporware. Well it’s time for Microsoft to let the cat out of the bag and E3 2009 should be the show where it steals all the limelight from its competitors. Not much new information has arisen about the title since 2007, so what little we know about the title may actually benefit with its grand debut at E3 2009. There are not many video games that explore the “psychological thriller” genre, so here’s to crossing our fingers that Remedy and Microsoft are ready to unveil Alan Wake.
