Microsoft Games Studio Spring Showcase on May 13, 2008 reveals the lineup of games that will be released for the XBox 360 gaming console. The lineup is headed by the game Gears of War 2. The Gears of War 2 game is expected to be released by November this year.
Gears of War 2 is a third-person shooting game. The game lets players duck behind objects and shoot enemies. The game is a follow up to Gears of War by Epic Games, which sold over 5 million units. No small feat for a relatively expensive game that costs $60. This hype surrounding the original Gears of War game has resulted in the anticipation over the release of the sequel.
Another factor that could spell success for Gears of War 2 is the prevalence of the XBox 360 console. When the original game came out, there were few gamers who had an XBox. Now there are more XBox players who are prospect buyers of the soon to be released game.
Other games that are included in the line-up are:
• Fable 2 by Lionhead Studios
• Viva Pinata: Trouble in Paradise from Rare
• Ninja Gaiden II from TECMO/Team NINJA
• Banjo-Kazooie: Nuts and Bolts from Rare
• Too Human from Silicon Knights
The event was held at the Dogpatch Studios in San Francisco. It is held annually to give journalists and gamers a preview of the games that will be released for the year. The event also provides the release dates of the games. Microsoft Games Studio believes that this will drum up anticipation from the buying public.
The XBox 360 gaming console was developed by Microsoft as a follow up to the original XBox. The console was released as part of a trend that saw new gaming consoles like the Nintendo Wii and the Playstation 3. The console fell behind in sales compared to the other two due to lack of available games. Microsoft has since supported the development of more games for the device.
The storyline of Gears of War picks up were the original left off. It begins six months after the Lightmass Bomb is detonated at the end of the first game. Humans have to deal with a deadly disease named “Rust Lung” as well as the “Locust Horde”. Characters from the first game will also return, particularly Marcus Fenix, Dominic Santiago, Cole, and Baird. Several new characters will also be included.
