Microsoft briefing reveals Titanfall, Killer Instinct revival and next-gen Halo
Microsoft kicked off yesterday's firestorm of E3 announcements with a press briefing focused on its plans for the Xbox One, launching in November at $499.
Minutes before Microsoft's conference began, Rare's Danny Isaac revealed Kinect Sports Rivals, an Xbox One launch title that uses the console's improved Kinect sensor for a new collection of minigames. Microsoft began its briefing with a look at Konami's Metal Gear Solid 5: The Phantom Pain. Despite initial speculation as to whether it was a platform exclusive, it was later confirmed that The Phantom Pain is still planned for release on the Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, and PlayStation 4.
Microsoft then dedicated a few minutes to the Xbox 360 before moving on to the Xbox One. A new Xbox 360 hardware model was announced, along with news that Xbox Live Gold members would receive two free games per month up until the release of the Xbox One. Gold members can now grab Fable III free of charge, and Halo 3 and Assassin's Creed II will be available for free starting July 1.
The company additionally revealed that a free-to-play Xbox 360 version of World of Tanks is in the works. The console's Summer of Arcade lineup was later detailed, and is set to launch in August.
The Xbox One's software lineup then took center stage, as Microsoft showed off trailers for Crytek's Ryse: Son of Rome, Insomniac's Sunset Overdrive, and a Double Helix-developed reboot of Rare's 2D fighter Killer Instinct. Rumors of a Battletoads reboot were unfortunately unfounded.
A presentation for Forza Motorsport 5 detailed a new "Drivatar" system, which creates cloud-based gameplay profiles for rival racers. Forza Motorsport 5 will premiere as a launch title for the Xbox One.
Professing its dedication to indie developers, Microsoft then showed off an Xbox One version of Minecraft, promising larger worlds and expanded multiplayer options. More game announcements followed, including the LittleBigPlanet competitor Project Spark, the Panzer Dragoon spiritual successor Crimson Dragon, and the episodic murder mystery game D4 from Deadly Premonition director Swery65.
On the services tip, Microsoft announced its plans for SmartGlass matchmaking integration, gameplay streaming via Twitch, and the elimination of the Microsoft Points payment system.
Microsoft wrapped up its presser with glimpses at Capcom's Dead Rising 3, CD Projekt Red's The Witcher 3, Capy's roguelike Below, Respawn Entertainment's Titanfall, and an unnamed AAA game from Black Tusk Studios.
Microsoft additionally announced a deal to host timed exclusive Battlefield 4 content, then closed with a brief look at a new Halo game. Microsoft concluded by announcing a November release date for the Xbox One, which will retail for $500 in the US, €500 in Europe and £430 in the UK.
