Microsoft heavy-hitters unleashed at Gamescom 2011
Gamescom 2011 is now fully underway in Cologne, Germany, giving Microsoft the opportunity to show what the future holds for Xbox 360 fans.
Chris Lewis, vice president Interactive Entertainment Business for Microsoft Europe, says, "We've been very clear that our ambition is to be the number one console not only in Europe but worldwide, and looking at our line-up at Gamescom while knowing what's still in the pipeline, I'm confident we have the games and experiences to drive us toward that goal.
"Consumers of all ages continue to be captivated and entertained by everything Xbox 360 and Kinect have to offer and our commitment to the core remains undeniable.
Microsoft is taking the opportunity to show off its tent-pole Xbox 360 exclusives to European gamers for the first time. Fans are getting first hand looks at the publisher's imminently arriving Gears of War 3, the first in the series to get past Germany's notoriously strict censors. Gears of War 3 will hit New Zealand's shelves on September 20.
Forza Motorsport 4 is also on show at the Xbox 360 booth, with the worldwide debut of the 2012 BMW M5. Developers Turn 10 Studios will also be revealing Formula One favourite, the Hockenheim Ring, which will be joining the host of circuits available when Forza Motorsport 4 arrives in New Zealand on October 13.
Lucky Halo fans at the show will be among the first in the world to try out the classic multiplayer maps Beaver Creek and Damnation in the re-mastered Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary launching on the franchise's 10th anniversary, November 15.
Microsoft are also showcasing the top third party games arriving for the Xbox 360 in the coming months, with blockbuster titles such as Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3, Assassins Creed Revelations, FIFA 12 and The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim all set to turn heads.
The show features the first public demonstration of Kinect Star Wars. Attendees will be able to wreak havoc as the fearsome Rancor monster destroying Mos Eisley, crushing Stormtroopers, and swatting X-Wing fighters out of mid-air.
Dance Central 2 adds songs by Lady Gaga and popular European artists such as Lena, Enrique Iglesias and Daft Punk to the track-list with hit songs 'Born This Way', 'Satellite', 'I Like It' and 'Technologic'. European gamers will get to try out the game's new full body two-player simultaneous dance tracking, as well as the improved fitness mode. Dance Central 2 is out New Zealand on October 21.
Fans of those cutesy Kinectimals will be able to play around with some new furry friends in Kinectimals Now with Bears!, which is out in New Zealand on October 13.
Kinectic Fun Labs wowed audiences at E3 2011showing off the true capabilities of Microsoft's motion sensing technology. The latest gadget, Air Band, introduces new Augmented Reality technology to Kinect and places you on stage as the star of your living room with a guitar, drums or keyboard. Air Band will be unveiled at Gamescom and available in Kinect Fun Labs on August 22.
New Zealand Xbox 360 fans have a lot to look forward to.
