Rumor: MS may show off their motion controller next week

[Queasy]

Fable 2 Video

Banjo-Kazooie: Nuts and Bolts Video (fixed link)

Link

Today Microsoft Game Studios (MGS) and industry luminaries from the world's top development studios are on hand to show off the latest features of the year's most in-demand titles. In attendance will be Epic Games' Cliff Bleszinski, Lionhead's Peter Molyneux, TECMO/Team NINJA's Tomonobu Itagaki, and Silicon Knights' Denis Dyack.

This year, the visage of Marcus Fenix joins the likes of Ryu Hayabusa, Banjo, vivacious piñatas, cybernetic gods, and a hero with a loyal dog sidekick in the all-star 2008 MGS lineup that promises to make Xbox 360® the console of choice for players everywhere.

Return of Marcus Fenix
Attendees of the MGS San Francisco showcase event can witness the first extended taste of Gears of War® 2, the sequel to the blockbuster third-person tactical action game that sold nearly five million units. Epic Games Design Director Cliff Bleszinski will demonstrate dramatic new gameplay elements and stunning visual effects in a campaign sequence from early in the game?where Marcus Fenix and COG forces engage in pulse-pounding firefights between two Derrick transports, fend off vicious Reaver fly-by attacks and rabid Brumaks?all in the same rollercoaster ride of a level.

As the most anticipated Xbox 360 exclusive title of the 2008 holiday season, Gears of War 2 offers an unforgettable gameplay experience that blends a gripping story with visceral combat on a grand scale.

More Gears of War 2 Game Details - Link

The Piñatas Are Back
MGS will also crack open Viva Piñata?: Trouble in Paradise, set to appear on store shelves this September. Developed by the creative masterminds at Rare, this sequel to the colorful, sleeper hit builds upon the gameplay of the original and adds innovative twists to the mix. In an effort to help Piñata Central rebuild their computer database of piñatas, send piñatas at full candiosity to parties all around the world while using your creativity and imagination to attract, capture, protect, train, and manage more than 100 newly discovered and existing piñata species.

An exciting, new "Just for Fun" setting makes getting into the game fast and easy. For the first time, collaborate together on a garden through a rich co-op experience, connect and play with others online via Xbox LIVE® as well as instantly introduce new piñata species to your garden through an innovative new feature utilizing the Xbox LIVE Vision Camera.

More Viva Piñata: Trouble in Paradise Game Details. Link

A Bear and a Bird
MGS will also pull back the curtain on another beloved franchise with the triumphant return of Banjo, one of Rare's most successful characters, in Banjo-Kazooie: Nuts & Bolts. Defying the laws of nature, a bear, a bird, and a backpack team up to embark on another incredible adventure this November. MGS is breaking the rules of traditional platform games by putting the power to invent new abilities for Banjo directly into your hands.

Use your ingenuity to build imaginative vehicles that can be combined with infinite variations, helping Banjo successfully complete missions through multiple terrains. Through exploration, discovering hidden secrets, and solving puzzles to win rewards, you will continually find increasing ways to customize and improve your contraptions, creating an unprecedented level of user-generated content and emergent play for a 3-D adventure game.

More Banjo-Kazooie: Nuts & Bolts Game Details. Link

These instantly recognizable franchises join the enviable company of Fable® 2, Too Human?, and Ninja Gaiden® II from Team NINJA/TECMO, making Xbox 360 the home of the best blockbuster game experiences this year.

Fable 2
The wait is almost over for the sequel to THE biggest action role-playing game in Xbox history. Swords, guns, and now the newly unveiled magical power round out the combat in this action-RPG from acclaimed developer Peter Molyneux and Lionhead Studios. You'll have even more choices to continuously shape who your characters become in a world 10 times the size of the iconic Xbox game. Fable 2 introduces a host of exciting new features, including a first-of-its-kind Xbox LIVE Arcade experience, and a genre-stretching multiplayer experience, allowing you to easily play Fable 2 with friends and family side-by-side from the comfort of a living room couch. Immerse yourself in this vibrant world that only Lionhead and Molyneux could create, beginning this holiday.

Too Human
Today, MGS and Silicon Knights confirmed that Too Human will be available on August 19 in North America. Too Human is an epic, highly anticipated action game with integrated RPG elements and features a rich storyline with deep character development, both hallmarks of Silicon Knights' legendary tradition of video game development. Additionally, Silicon Knights is showcasing for the first time the title's online cooperative play via Xbox LIVE, allowing you to experience Too Human with friends in a multiplayer setting.

Ninja Gaiden II
Team NINJA/TEMCO revealed today that you can get a head start on expanding and customizing your Ninja Gaiden II experience with the release of Gamerpics and Themes, available on Xbox LIVE beginning today. The Gamerpics packs include five new images each, at 100 points per pack, and the Themes, which focus on heroes and bosses, are 150 points per pack. Soon, you'll follow Ryu Hayabusa on his entire blood-drenched mission?through cities like Venice, New York, and Tokyo?to avenge his clan and prevent the destruction of the human race. Ninja Gaiden II slashes its way onto store shelves on June 3 in North America. Additional Ninja Gaiden II download content will be available on May 20, with subsequent releases throughout the summer.

Penny Arcade Adventures: On the Rain-Slick Precipice of Darkness, Episode One
This Xbox LIVE Arcade release provides a first-of-its-kind RPG-Adventure experience based on the popular Web comic. The creative collaboration between Penny Arcade creators Mike 'Gabe' Krahulik and Jerry 'Tycho' Holkins, legendary game designer Ron Gilbert, and producers at Hothead Games results in a 100-percent authentic Penny Arcade experience that pushes bizarre characters, outrageous combat and adult humor to the precipice of darkness. Penny Arcade Adventures: On the Rain-Slick Precipice of Darkness, Episode One will be available on Xbox LIVE Arcade on May 21.

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Banjo Kazooie Screenshots

Viva Pinata 2 Screenshots

Link

Rumors about Microsoft entering the waggle market with a specialized, Wii Remote concept swiping controller have been popping up for the better part of a year. Talk of a partnership with Gyration, speculation that Bungie had quashed a proposal for a motion controller tied to Halo 3 and murmurs that Rare was now tasked with leading the waggle wand brigade have been bubbling up frequently. Microsoft and Gyration have both denied or brushed off the rumors, but we've just heard it pop up again.

According to sources that will go unnamed, Microsoft may be showing its Xbox 360 motion controller as early as next week to press, a controller geared specifically for Banjo Kazooie 3 gameplay. In fact, we've heard that select members of the press have already seen the controller?in use on the next Banjo Kazooie title?in action.

Microsoft plans to show off some of its 2008 and 2009 wares at an event next week, one that hits during the Game Critics Awards at which some of the "Best of E3" awards are judged. Occasionally, NDAs and embargoes ensure that what is shown at the Game Critics Awards doesn't go public until E3 proper, which may keep details on a the rumored new Xbox 360 controller under wraps.

However, Microsoft's event next Tuesday, at which the new Banjo Kazooie is confirmed to be shown to North American press, comes with an embargo that lifts before the event kicks off proper. That means that whatever is on display for press will be revealed next Tuesday morning to everyone.

Keep in mind that an Xbox 360 controller with motion control capabilities is still a rumor for now. We've heard some conflicting information about the controller's visibility to the media and that Microsoft may hold onto any new hardware reveals until E3. We'll know for sure Tuesday morning what's in store.

 

[purbeast0]

as long as it doesn't become the norm it's cool with me.

 

[erwos]

I'm definitely interested. Everyone's been chattering that a Wiimote could be amazing for RTS games (I'm unconvinced, but would like to be!), but the low resolution of the Wii makes those hard to do properly. The rumored microphone on it could be useful for other games (karaoke, Rock Band, etc.), too.

If Microsoft was really serious about killing the Wii, they'd write up a "Wii Sports +" clone, do open-access cross-game identity via body scans with the XBL vision camera (bonus: preparation for a Home clone!), and then package the camera, motion controller, game, 512mb memory card, and console for $250. That is _completely_ possible without losing money - they're due for a die shrink later this year anyways, and that'll save them a bundle.

The trick, of course, is follow-on, which Nintendo has generally been sucking at (all of their Wiimote usage past Wii Sports seems to be mostly tacked on).

 

[Modeps]

Originally posted by: erwos
I'm definitely interested. Everyone's been chattering that a Wiimote could be amazing for RTS games (I'm unconvinced, but would like to be!), but the low resolution of the Wii makes those hard to do properly.

Its not the Wii's resolution that is the problem with their FPS titles, its the fact that the Wiimote's technology is just not as accurate or quick as it needs to be. At this point, I'd argue that dual-analog trumps the Wiimote in all FPS games... and I don't really think that's going to change.

Here's to hoping that Banjo won't require this still-rumored motion sensing device to be played.

 

[oznerol]

Originally posted by: erwos
The trick, of course, is follow-on, which Nintendo has generally been sucking at (all of their Wiimote usage past Wii Sports seems to be mostly tacked on).

Peripherals have historically always been used in small, niche groups. The only successful video game "peripheral" that I can remember that caught on and became a standard is the rumble pack for the N64. Though that is more of an accessory than a peripheral.

Edit: On second thought, the analog stick controller that game with the Nights game is probably the best peripheral to become standard example.

Nintendo is, and always has been, in love with peripherals - the Wii is arguably nothing more than a Gamecube packaged with a motion controller peripheral. Wii Fit will add to this trend. If you're expecting these things to revolutionize gaming, you're in for a disappointment.

Light guns, power gloves, plastic guitars, dance pads, arcade joysticks, steering wheels, "buzz in" controllers - and now motion controllers - these things are fun when games are built around them, but they aren't going to sway the industry away from standard controllers.

 

[Queasy]

Originally posted by: ducci
Light guns, power gloves, plastic guitars, dance pads, arcade joysticks, steering wheels, "buzz in" controllers - and now motion controllers - these things are fun when games are built around them, but they aren't going to sway the industry away from standard controllers.

I miss Light Gun games. Nintendo should bring back Duck Hunt.

 

[Thraxen]

Originally posted by: Modeps
Its not the Wii's resolution that is the problem with their FPS titles, its the fact that the Wiimote's technology is just not as accurate or quick as it needs to be. At this point, I'd argue that dual-analog trumps the Wiimote in all FPS games... and I don't really think that's going to change.

He was talking about RTS, not FPS. Screen real estate becomes an issue when you have a lot of on screen commands to use and units to move.

 

[Modeps]

Originally posted by: Thraxen

Originally posted by: Modeps
Its not the Wii's resolution that is the problem with their FPS titles, its the fact that the Wiimote's technology is just not as accurate or quick as it needs to be. At this point, I'd argue that dual-analog trumps the Wiimote in all FPS games... and I don't really think that's going to change.

He was talking about RTS, not FPS. Screen real estate becomes an issue when you have a lot of on screen commands to use and units to move.

Its early, sorry. Yeah, I guess resolution could be an issue with RTS games. My bads yo. One love.

 

[oznerol]

Originally posted by: Queasy

Originally posted by: ducci
Light guns, power gloves, plastic guitars, dance pads, arcade joysticks, steering wheels, "buzz in" controllers - and now motion controllers - these things are fun when games are built around them, but they aren't going to sway the industry away from standard controllers.

I miss Light Gun games. Nintendo should bring back Duck Hunt.

Light Gun games are still around - especially on the Wii - though technically not using "light gun" technology.

Duck Hunt was good for its time, but like all other light gun games, hasn't aged well. Games have evolved to more than quarter-fodder - Nintendo didn't get the memo.

 

[purbeast0]

Originally posted by: Thraxen

Originally posted by: Modeps
Its not the Wii's resolution that is the problem with their FPS titles, its the fact that the Wiimote's technology is just not as accurate or quick as it needs to be. At this point, I'd argue that dual-analog trumps the Wiimote in all FPS games... and I don't really think that's going to change.

He was talking about RTS, not FPS. Screen real estate becomes an issue when you have a lot of on screen commands to use and units to move.

as innaccurate as the wiimote is, i think i would rather play an RTS game w/a controller.

granted i wouldn't play one w/a controller anyways heh.

 

[Queasy]

Originally posted by: ducci

Originally posted by: Queasy

Originally posted by: ducci
Light guns, power gloves, plastic guitars, dance pads, arcade joysticks, steering wheels, "buzz in" controllers - and now motion controllers - these things are fun when games are built around them, but they aren't going to sway the industry away from standard controllers.

I miss Light Gun games. Nintendo should bring back Duck Hunt.

Light Gun games are still around - especially on the Wii - though technically not using "light gun" technology.

Duck Hunt was good for its time, but like all other light gun games, hasn't aged well. Games have evolved to more than quarter-fodder - Nintendo didn't get the memo.

Yeah, I know they have the House of the Dead series on the Wii. And there's one game(?) on the PS3 that uses the guncon. And no games on the 360. Disappointing overall.

I think an updated version Duck Hunt could be fun. It fits well into the "family friendly/party game" vibe of the Wii. When I bought my first NES, the best time I had was playing Duck Hunt with my Dad and sister.

 

[Queasy]

Here's a thought....if MS gets a motion-controller working, what are the chances of Wii games (3rd party obviously) getting ported to the 360?

 

[warcrow]

I'm waaaay more excited for Banjo-Kazooie 3 than a motion controller. The first, original game on the N64 was awesome. I loved it.

 

[oznerol]

Originally posted by: Queasy
Here's a thought....if MS gets a motion-controller working, what are the chances of Wii games (3rd party obviously) getting ported to the 360?

I was under the impression it simply used motion controls - not IR tracking - in which case only games that use "waggle" and not pointing would be possible.

90% of the 3rd-party Wii games that only use waggle are already ports of games that are on other consoles (statistic pulled out of my ass).

 

[Xavier434]

Originally posted by: Queasy

Originally posted by: ducci

Originally posted by: Queasy

Originally posted by: ducci
Light guns, power gloves, plastic guitars, dance pads, arcade joysticks, steering wheels, "buzz in" controllers - and now motion controllers - these things are fun when games are built around them, but they aren't going to sway the industry away from standard controllers.

I miss Light Gun games. Nintendo should bring back Duck Hunt.

Light Gun games are still around - especially on the Wii - though technically not using "light gun" technology.

Duck Hunt was good for its time, but like all other light gun games, hasn't aged well. Games have evolved to more than quarter-fodder - Nintendo didn't get the memo.

Yeah, I know they have the House of the Dead series on the Wii. And there's one game(?) on the PS3 that uses the guncon. And no games on the 360. Disappointing overall.

I think an updated version Duck Hunt could be fun. It fits well into the "family friendly/party game" vibe of the Wii. When I bought my first NES, the best time I had was playing Duck Hunt with my Dad and sister.

There is a game like that on the Wii Play although I don't feel it gives enough justice.

 

[RandomFool]

Originally posted by: warcrow
I'm waaaay more excited for Banjo-Kazooie 3 than a motion controller. The first, original game on the N64 was awesome. I loved it.

It's kinda of funny that they might be using a series that was previously Nintendo exclusive to sell their wiimote-clone.

 

[Modeps]

Originally posted by: ducci

Originally posted by: Queasy
Here's a thought....if MS gets a motion-controller working, what are the chances of Wii games (3rd party obviously) getting ported to the 360?

I was under the impression it simply used motion controls - not IR tracking - in which case only games that use "waggle" and not pointing would be possible.

90% of the 3rd-party Wii games that only use waggle are already ports of games that are on other consoles (statistic pulled out of my ass).

We have no idea what the official thing is going to be.... or if it even exists (although all signs points to YES)

 

[erwos]

Originally posted by: ducci

Originally posted by: Queasy
Here's a thought....if MS gets a motion-controller working, what are the chances of Wii games (3rd party obviously) getting ported to the 360?

I was under the impression it simply used motion controls - not IR tracking - in which case only games that use "waggle" and not pointing would be possible.

I would be astonished if they left out IR-based pointing. It's such an obviously useful thing to have, and it costs very little to implement.

As for porting games, like Queasy was mentioning, what games would we be talking about? There are very few third-party Wii games that are worth the DVD they're stamped on. Hell, I think my entire Wii collection so far is first-party stuff. I admit, porting was my first thought, too, but I just couldn't figure out what there was to port that would be worthwhile.

IMHO, a new peripheral could work on the larger market, but it needs to be packaged with a compelling game. That's the lesson of DDR, Guitar Hero, the Wii Zapper, Wii Fit, and so forth.

 

[blurredvision]

I'm more interested in seeing BK3 rather than hearing about waggle controller details. Regardless of what Microsoft does with motion control this generation, it's not going to affect my games. It's the next generation that I'm concerned about.

 

[Queasy]

Originally posted by: erwos
As for porting games, like Queasy was mentioning, what games would we be talking about? There are very few third-party Wii games that are worth the DVD they're stamped on. Hell, I think my entire Wii collection so far is first-party stuff. I admit, porting was my first thought, too, but I just couldn't figure out what there was to port that would be worthwhile.

No More Heroes, Boom Blox, Zak & Wiki.

Granted, there's very few quality 3rd party games.

 

[erwos]

Originally posted by: Queasy

Originally posted by: erwos
As for porting games, like Queasy was mentioning, what games would we be talking about? There are very few third-party Wii games that are worth the DVD they're stamped on. Hell, I think my entire Wii collection so far is first-party stuff. I admit, porting was my first thought, too, but I just couldn't figure out what there was to port that would be worthwhile.

No More Heroes, Boom Blox, Zak & Wiki.

That's three games, and of them, at least one doesn't even require the Wiimote beyond the gimmick stage. Plus, Z&W sold terribly, justly or not, and it's not going to improve sales to put it on a _more_ hard-core console.

 

[ed21x]

Originally posted by: purbeast0

Originally posted by: Thraxen

Originally posted by: Modeps
Its not the Wii's resolution that is the problem with their FPS titles, its the fact that the Wiimote's technology is just not as accurate or quick as it needs to be. At this point, I'd argue that dual-analog trumps the Wiimote in all FPS games... and I don't really think that's going to change.

He was talking about RTS, not FPS. Screen real estate becomes an issue when you have a lot of on screen commands to use and units to move.

as innaccurate as the wiimote is, i think i would rather play an RTS game w/a controller.

granted i wouldn't play one w/a controller anyways heh.

have you tried games like Medal of Honor: Heroes 2, House of the Dead, or Ghost Squad? The IR calibration works perfectly in those game and allows as much responsiveness as any mouse or Light Gun. But even with this response, you are probably still going to go around bashing the "inaccuracies of the wiimote" because you simply hate your wii.

 

[Queasy]

Banjo Kazooie Screenshots

Viva Pinata 2 Screenshots

 

[tw1164]

I may pre-order Viva Pinata 2 and Banjo Kazooie, I can't remember the last game I've pre-ordered.

 

[Kev]

That's great, I had always hoped that the 360 could eventually get its share of gimmicky bullshit titles!