E3 Coverage: Microsoft announcements

Microsoft reveals Xbox exclusives and more

Today Microsoft took the stage at E3 2011, to show off some of their current projects.

The conference started out strong with a preview and demo for the upcoming Call of Duty Modern Warfare 3. The demo showed us how the new game would take place across different terrain including under water, in the air, and on the ground. What was most impressive about this was the fluidity of the action. The in game graphics take on a darker tone than the games that came before it and the game has an extremely polished look over all. Whether you're a fan of first person shooters or not, this game looks like it's going to be one that shouldn't be missed.

Next up Microsoft showed a preview for their upcoming Tomb Raider game. Revamping a franchise that seemed to be more than dead, this new game will take place in the past as you play as a younger Laura Croft just starting out her adventures. The gameplay itself is nothing too spectacular, and the voice acting was atrocious. As we followed our main character through the demo, she kept pointing out the most obvious things in the surroundings. Things like "Oh, here's a torch, I've got to re-light it." and "That was close!" along with assorted girlish grunts and screams while trying to escape the fairly bland setting. It's obvious that this revamp is just a way to cash in on a franchise that doesn't really need anymore games. I would not suggest this one.

Mass Effect 3 was announced and will be compatible with the Kinect's Voice recognition function. You don't have as much freedom as that may imply though, as you still only have a couple of options to choose from. It would be quicker to just press a button.

Ghost Recon Future Soldier will also be compatible with the Kinect. The only new feature worth mentioning is the weapon customization where you will be able to tell the Kinect what parts to take out and put in to create the best weapon for your situation. The new Ghost Recons boasts that it will have over 2 million weapon options if you use this feature.

The Main Focus of Microsoft's presentation this year seemed to be all of the new entertainment options coming to Xbox Live. Some of the new features include Youtube partnering up with Xbox, Using Bing to search the XBL library for your favorite tv shows and movies, and Live TV. Coming to the Live Market place in November, a remake of the first Halo game will include updated graphics, remastered campaign, and co-op. This winter Minecraft will be playable through Xbox live and will also be compatible with the Kinect. Minecraft will be exclusive to the Xbox 360. Lastly, Microsoft has listened to requests from fans to bring you the Kinect Fun Lab. Fun lab can be accessed through the XBL dashboard today to bring you innovations for the Kinect made by other players and the industry alike. Some of the fun things you'll find there include People Scanning, a function that allows you to make an avatar that looks just like you by being scanned by the Kinect, Finger Tracking, which allows you to take pictures and draw in 3D, and Object Capture that allows you to make a character out of any household object.

Some kid-friendly titles were also announced. Double Fine, the creators of classics such as Grim Fandango and Psychonauts, are working on Sesame Street: Once upon a Monster. The game will play out like an interactive story book in which your child can interact with characters and play a series of mini games while progressing through the story. Also coming to Xbox is Kinect Disneyland Adventure. You will be able to explore the magical kingdom in the comfort of your own home.

A new Star Wars game will be coming out that is compatible with the Kinect. You'll finally be able to wield a light saber without the use of a controller. While they were showing the demo, there seemed to be a slight delay between the player and character's actions on screen. We can only hope that they'll tighten up the reaction time before the game's release.

Lastly a few other games were announced; Gears of War 3, Ryse, Forza Motorsport 4 (which looked really tight), Kinect Sports season 2 which includes skiing and tennis, Dance Central 2, and Halo 4 which is to be released in the holiday season 2012.

Be sure to check back for more E3 coverage and announcements!

Article submitted by Mel at www.meltheofficegamergirl.com