|
There
are few big announcements related to the Xbox360 this week, but
there have been some huge games. The last couple of weeks has seen
the release of not one, not two, but three very different AAA games
for the worlds only Next-Generation console. Released 1st September, 2006, was Saints
Row, the first Next-Generation alternative to Grand Theft
Auto, and what an alternative it is, with Real-Time Physics, oft
hilarious cut-Scenes and a wide selection of innovative features; Saints
Row thoroughly deserves its excellent score in the Electronic Articles. Next up was Test Drive: Unlimited, ATARI’s gorgeous Massively Open Online Racing
game. Not content with merely creating its own genre, Test Drive: Unlimited
features over 100 incredibly detailed cars, an
accurately modelled Hawaiian island, seamless integration of online
elements and jaw-dropping graphics. Needless to say, Test Drive: Unlimited has scored highly in the Electronic Articles and
is a definite must-have for all car enthusiasts. The third title in
this sublime trilogy needs little introduction to the Xbox faithful.
Originally touted for launch, the highly anticipated Dead Rising has
finally arrived. Part Survival Horror, part farcical comedy, Dead
Rising tears-up the rulebook on zombie games by allowing players
to use virtually any item in a shopping mall to kill the walking
dead. There is also a rich story, a huge amount of replay value and
an unbelievable amount of zombies on screen at any one time. All of
these Xbox360 exclusives are much loved by the Electronic Articles
crew and it seems that true Next-Generation gameplay is
finally gathering pace.
In
an attempt to bolster the less than stellar performance of the
Xbox360 in Japan, the Xbox360 Core Pack has finally been announced for the region,
and at a price not to be sniffed at. The Core SKU is schedule to hit
Japanese shores this autumn for 29,800 Yen (approx. £135), likely
to be close to a third of what most Japanese retailers will be
selling the hugely anticipated PlayStation3 for. Is this the spark
Microsoft needs to conquer the home of videogames? Doubtful, it
seems likely that only the success of the Japanese centric Lost
Odyssey and Blue Dragon will spur sales, given the
publics almost hostile response to the Xbox360.
Fans
of the Project Gotham Racing series are also in for a treat
this week as the fourth installation, the predictably named Project
Gotham
Racing 4, has been unofficially announced by Peugeot.
Yes, that’s right, the French car manufacturer. Although Microsoft
has regularly used unconventional means to announce and promote
their products, this time it seems the announcement is not a viral
marketing campaign, more an inadvertent, but necessary slip. Peugeot
are currently offering a competition to all would-be car designers
to create a car for the company. The winning entry will then be made
into a concept car for the 2007 Frankfurt Motor Show as well as
featuring in Project
Gotham
Racing 4. The real news here is the likely release date for
the newest entrant to the series, Q4 2007 or early 2008. However,
with a date so vague and distant, this is hardly concrete stuff.
Lastly
is another random act of generosity from Microsoft. Between 20th
and 29th September, 2006, European gamers will be able to access XboxLIVE! Gold for
free. All you need is a broadband connection for your Xbox360 and
you can take part in online gaming, as well as all the standard
features of Silver Membership. What nice chaps they are.
|
