15 Xbox 360 exclusives. Where are they?

The goal of this article is to review all major upcoming games, confirmed or rumored, that will be available on the Xbox 360, but not the PS3. My goal is to separate fact from rumor, and to provide the latest up to date information on 15 Xbox 360 "exclusives.
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The goal of this article is to review all major upcoming games, confirmed or rumored,  that will be available on the Xbox 360, but not the PS3.  My goal is to separate fact from rumor, and to provide the latest up to date information on 15 Xbox 360 “exclusives.”

Since the pre-release of Kinect in 2010, Microsoft has been redirecting much of it’s attention to the casual crowd, and casual exclusives.  The result of this change in focus is that “core” exclusives have fallen by the wayside to some extent.  Many a core’ 360 gamer has begun to worry that Microsoft is at least partly abandoning them.

Last month I could not help but roll my eyes when I read that Microsoft’s interactive entertainment business guy Kevin Unangst told CVG that “Hardcore gamers are where it started and absolutely, we’ve got Gears, great games like Homefront, Batman: Arkham City… if you like core games, and I’m a core gamer, this is going to be an incredible year.  What you’re seeing here today is just the beginning.” Reading between the lines with a dose of healthy pessimism, I take that as… “we don’t really have a lot of 1st party exclusives in the pipeline… but there is plenty to choose from that is multiplatform.” I can’t say that I find the situation particularly dire.  In fact I have previously argued that the stellar line of 2011 AAA multiplatform titles is more than most gamers have the time to play, or the money to buy… never mind exclusives.

Still, I was curious about the state of 360 exclusives… so I did a little digging.  If you know of any game I missed, or have anything to add, please add it in the form of a comment below.

Gears of War 3 – Epic Games

Release Date: Sept 20, 2011.  (CONFIRMED)

Official Gears of War Webpage

Official E3 Trailer

Multiplayer Preview

You would have to be stuck in a hole to not know about this one.  Gears has always set the standard for 360 graphics, and I am guessing that Gears 3 will be no exception.  Expect many a head to head comparison with PS3 exclusives when gamers get their hands on Gears 3.  With the multiplayer Beta coming out this spring, expect a polished AAA online experience at release. Surprisingly, of the list of exclusives in this article, this is shockingly the only one with a set, officially announced release date.

Rumors have been circulating for years that Gears 3 may come to PS3, thus pulling it off this list.  In December 2009 Cliffy B was interviewed on Kotaku Radio and responded comments about Gears possibly going PS3, and Microsoft not actually holding exclusivity to the franchise with: “Honestly there’s really no plans for any Gears on PS3 any time soon, which I can confirm.” The “soon” comment got a lot of people fired up.  Earlier this year at the Games Developer Conference, IndustryGamers asked Epic President Mike Capps if he wanted to put the Gears of War franchise on Sony’s platform.  Mike Capps responded with  “Do we wish we could take all those Killzone [players] and Resistance fans on PS3, and get them to say ‘Gears is awesome’? Yeah, sure I’d love to ship the Gears trilogy on PlayStation. That would be fun. I want to be there; I want to be everywhere.” I am sure Microsoft would have something to say about that however.  I predict Gears 4 will be a next gen Xbox exclusive.

 

The First Templar – Haemimont Games/Calypso Entertainment

Release Date: May 26, 2011 (Source IGN)

Official Webpage

Official Trailer

This exclusive was officially announced June 2 2010, and no it won’t be a Kinect title.  Straight from the unofficial looking official webpage comes this description: “Haemimont Games and Kalypso Media are pleased to announce The First Templar, a new co-operative, action adventure game for the Xbox 360 and PC. The game follows the story of a French Templar and his companions. Taking control over these two unlikely allies, the player must uncover the mysteries behind the Templar Order, play a role in a grand conspiracy, and discover the secret of the Holy Grail. The heroes face powerful opponents at every turn, in the face of the Saracen, King Philip IV of France and the Inquisition.”

The game looks to be a mix between the original Assassins Creed and Dragon Age Origins to me (the graphics of Origins, and the setting of AC).  Hopefully the January 2011 preview that they had for IGN is not representative of the final product.  The lack of polish in their trailer, webpage, and IGN preview has me worrying “low budget.”  Hopefully this game won’t become the movie equivalent of “straight to video.”

Rise of Nightmares – Sega

Release Date: Spring 2011

Sega Webpage

Official Trailer (TGS 2010)

According to the Sega webpage, Rise of Nightmares is said to offer “a spine-tingling horror experience” using none other than Kinect to give players “the ultimate fright.” “Using their whole body the player will experience fear and tension as never before in this first person horror adventure.” This may have some potential, but I have personally never been a fan of the horror genre in any medium… but then there are plenty of people less wimpy than I.  With such sparse information on the Sega webpage, I would not be surprised to see it release after “Spring 2011.”

 

Forza 4 – Turn 10

Release Date: Fall 2011

Official Webpage

Official Trailer (Spike VGA awards debut trailer)

Kinect functionality video (E3 2010)

The Xbox response to the infamous Gran Turismo series has been highly regarded with both reviewers and gamers alike (ok, maybe not with GT fanboys).  Metacritic puts Forza 3 at an impressive 92%, with GT5 pulling in a respectable, but lagging 84%.  The excellent quality car models (all with full interiors), driving physics realism, and excellent online offerings really made Forza 3 a true stand out this generation.  Added Kinect functionality for Forza 4 appears to further broaden the appeal to both core and casual racers alike.  With GT5 having left the door open with numerous shortcomings, many eyes will be watching to see what Turn 10 can come up with only two short years after the release of Forza 3.  Can Forza 4 finally put the Forza vs GT debate to rest this gen?

Star Wars Kinect – LucasArts / Terminal Reality

Release Date: Holidays 2011

Webpage: n/a

Official Reveal Trailer

This title was revealed by Kinect creative lead Kudo Tsunoda at E3 2010:“We have a Kinect Star Wars game coming out for next holiday,” Tsunoda said. “I’ve seen a bunch of the game and it’s super compelling.” At this point in time Kinect Star Wars is probably known best for it’s compelling ability to control the gamer (the game character clearly moved it’s arm before the gamer on stage did… this is the only logical explanation).  Still, even if the game plays me instead of me playing it, the inclusion of “Star Wars” and the potential of having a light saber duel with Darth Vader pretty much guarantees success.

The Gunstringer – Twisted Pixel

Release Date: TBA 2011

Official Webpage and Trailer

This game comes from Twisted Pixel, known for the quirky arcade titles Comic Jumper and ‘Splosion Man.  This title is part 2D platformer, part on rails shooter, and part co-op on rails shooter.  Oh yeah… and it uses Kinect.  As of yet it has not been announced if this will be an Xbox live game, or be distributed by more traditional means in a box of plastic.  Any game that uses undead and shooting mechanics would be expected to please the core gamer audience, however  I am guessing it will fall somewhere between core and casual (but closer to casual).

Haunt – NanaOn-Sha/Zoe Mode

Release Date: TBA 2011

Webpage: n/a

Official Trailer (TGS 2010)

“As announced at Tokyo Game Show, we are working with Microsoft Game Studios to bring an exciting new Kinect experience to Xbox Live Arcade. The game is called Haunt, and is being developed in collaboration with our friends at Zoe Mode in the UK. The game will release in 2011.” (source: NanaOn-Sha Inc.)  Haunt is a horror game based off of Kinect and designed by Masaya Matsuura.  This first-person perspective horror game uses a cartoon art style and not-too-scary atmosphere to guide players into the story of a haunted mansion. Kinect will allow players to use a flashlight to explore the “mysterious” mansion.

Kinect.  Live arcade.  Looking at the cartoon visuals and the caual/kids games pedigree of the developers (of Parappa the Rapper fame.), the big question in my mind is: Will core gamers care?  I probably won’t.

Codename D – Grasshopper Manufacture

Release Date: TBA 2011

Webpage: n/a

Official Trailer (TGS 2010)

This Kinect game comes from the director Suda51, known for unique and creative offerings like Killer7 and No More Heroes.  The early preview looks promising to me, even if it does look like Eminem is about to fight Skittles… (if it was, it would be a day one buy for me, no questions asked).  NOTE: any game on this list with “Codename” or “Project” in it’s title is probably a long way from release.  Just Saying.

XCOM – 2K Marin

Release Date: 2011?

Official Webpage

Official Debut Trailer (E3 2010)

XCOM is a FPS prequel to the original, squad based tactical game X-COM: UFO Defense (or UFO: Enemy Unknown) released in 1994 on the PC.  The original was a very highly regarded game, and has topped many “best of all time” lists. Three times it has been voted as IGN’s best PC game of all time.  With such a pedigree, it comes as no surprise that a lot of eyebrows were raised when XCOM was officially announced as a 360 exclusive on April 14 2010.  2K Marin is the developer (Bioshock, Bioshock 2), and if the 2010 E3 trailer is anything to go by… it should be one to watch for.  As a huge fan of the 1994 original, I am excited to hear that they will be integrating classic gameplay elements like research, an upgradable base of operations, and unique squad members.

Since the debut of the trailer I have heard nothing about XCOM, which has me a little nervous.  One unverified twitter rumor suggested it was undergoing major changes.  Maybe people wanted more space marines and less “black blobs” as seen in the trailer.

Project Draco – Grounding

Release Date: 2011?

Webpage: n/a

Official Keynote and Trailer (TGS 2010)

Another Kinect title that is developed by the name behind the infamous Panzer Dragoon.  Draco was announced during Microsoft’s Tokyo Game Show keynote and features the ability to ride and control flying dragons.  Cool.  Various sources have sited a probable 2011 release, but I have seen no official word in my searches.

Steel Battalion Heavy Armor – Capcom/From Software

Release Date: 2011?

Capcom Webpage (2010 TGS preview)

Official Trailer (TGS 2010)

This Kinect title was announced during the TGS Microsoft Keynote on Sept 15, 2010.  The story appears to be set in Manhattan 2082 (tough luck… first 911, then Crysis 2, now this…).   Expect lots of juicy heavy mech action.  Steel Batallion looks promising as a true Kinect game for core gamers.   It will be interesting to see how Capcom makes a game known for ridiculous over the top controller complexity into one that is also used to play with everyone’s fav cub Skittles.

Codename: Kingdoms – Crytek Budapest

Release Date: Unknown

Webpage: n/a

Official Trailer

Codename Kindoms was revealed at E3 2010 with a teaser.  There was no gameplay shown or date announced, but with a name like Crytek at the helm, you take notice.  3rd person gladiator slasher?  1st person gladiator slasher?  Who knows but I am sure it will be a heavy hitter… when it comes out.  On that note, Crytek Budapest is currently looking to hire talent for Codename: Kingdoms including: Art director, senior game designer, 3d artist, concept artist, senior animator.  Sounds like they are in the early stages of development. 2012 release anyone?

Project Gotham Racing 5 – Developer Unknown

Release Date: Unknown

Webpage: n/a

Trailer: n/a

Rumor of this popular arcade racer arriving has been swirling for years now.  Back in November 2009 Microsoft Executive Tim Burt posted the following: “A team of sound engineers from Microsoft Game Studios (some working on Forza, some on Project Gotham Racing) asked if I was willing to take my Roadster to a track so they could record a variety of sounds. Some time ago they had the opportunity to record Tesla motor noises when a prototype was being run on a dyno at Tesla. But the teams were excited about the prospect of recording other sounds, particularly tire skid and squeal noises, without the interference of loud engine and exhaust noise. Of course I said “yes.”

More recently, in September 2010 Microsoft Game Studios boss Phil Spencer told Joystiq “We don’t have a developer for PGR. We were talking about it just a couple months ago.  We don’t have any plans for it right now but I do know that most of our team that worked on PGR are still in the studio. So, at some point, I can still see us doing something with it if we find the right opportunity and the right team. We could make something happen.”

To add some very unverified fuel to the rumor fire, UK’s Official Xbox Magazine hinted, and then pulled a rumor that Microsoft was in talks with several European studios concerning the Project Gotham Racing.  I personally refuse to get my hopes up.  Maybe 2012/13… or next gen.

Perfect Dark 2 – Rare (Rumored)

Release Date: Unknown

Webpage: n/a

Trailer: n/a

I am not sure how rumor of this exclusive came about.  I found some supposed early development footage from an ex Rare employee in 2007 that could be from just about anything if you ask me.  Additionally, a website MundoRare had some “exclusive information” about Perfect Dark 2. According to their own undisclosed sources, “PD2 was indeed started in 2007, but by late 2007, it wasn’t greenlighted; it was a prototype instead. Chris Seavorfrom Conker and Killer Instinct fame was in charge of the project. By early 2008, the PD2 team was cut down to a 3-man team, effectively putting the game on hold.”

Another more questionable source of unofficial information came from the Official Xbox Magazine claiming the ‘ball sees a redheaded girl in a spandex suit’ as part of their their magazine rumor section for 2011.  Until I see something more concrete, I will just assume that someone writing those rumors has a S&M kink and likes to talk about his genitals using a first person perspective.

Halo: Combat Evolved Remake – 343?

Release Date: November 2011? (10 year anniversary of Halo)

Webpage: n/a

Trailer: n/a

This is the rumor that we all wish would be confirmed.  It only makes sense right?  The 10 year Halo anniversary comes this November… perfect time for $$$$.  Rumors of a Halo remake supposedly emerged via the Nov 15 2010 UK print publication GamesMaster.  Additionally Stephen McGill, UK marketing chief for Microsoft, told Eurogamer in late 2010 that “I imagine it’s a good idea” to remake Halo. He also said “I think some people want to go back to older games and see them revisited and I think a lot of developers want to see that too.” Sadly on Dec 10, 2010  Microsoft issued a statement to Eurogamer regarding the rumors. “Right now our focus is on supporting Halo: Reach,” a Microsoft spokesperson communicated. “We have nothing to announce at this time.”

Most recently rumors resurfaced when an unnamed source reportedly told the website Joystiq that a remake of the original Halo is being prepped for a Holiday 2011 release for Xbox 360. The remake was said to include new art assets and updated controller configurations. It was also claimed that it would support 1080p resolution, 3D televisions, and online co-op.  My impression: Expect this, or a Special edition “10th Anniversary”  Halo collection boxed set this November.  Expect Halo 4 as an early next gen exclusive.

FINAL THOUGHTS:

A lot remains up in the air as you can see.  I only found two games with pinned down release dates (Gears 3 and The First Templar… and the second is looking shaky).  A handful of others were “Hollidays 2011” or “2011”, and still more looked to be far from release… or just flat out unsubstantiated rumors.  Not all hope for 2011 is lost though, as I suspect E3 will solidify the Holiday offerings, and hint to 2012.


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