E3 2003: Microsoft's Line-Up

Xbox is in for one killer show this year. See our list of expected titles inside.

Like the other two firstparties, Microsoft has not issued an official press release detailing their exhibited Xbox titles for next week's show. However, it doesn't take a genius - so here we go...

Halo 2 - the sequel that needs no introduction. Multiplayer is a much bigger focus for the people at Bungie when it comes to Halo 2. The company has already said it wants to develop the sequel around everything the first Halo missed out on as far as multiplayer goes. Already confirmed, or at least strongly indicated, are full Xbox Live and System Link capabilities. This means gamers can expect to battle head-to-head or in teams from anywhere around the world. The possibilities are near endless with Halo 2 using Microsoft's vast Xbox Live network; tournaments, online clans and even downloadable levels are only the commencement. Here's our preview.

Project Gotham Racing 2 - The sequel to the awesome, and perhaps underrated Gotham Racing. Project Gotham Racing 2 features more cities then its predecessor. The new ones confirmed by Bizarre Creations (thus far) are Hong Kong and Edinburgh. PGR2 will definitely continue the international racing mood by allowing players to visit genuine surroundings from across the globe. Of course, street racing is nothing without a stylish vehicle to tear the road apart with. Bizarre Creations has already confirmed almost two times as many vehicles as the original - that's around the 50-60 mark. Here's our preview.

Sudeki - Being produced by renowned UK-based development studio Climax, Sudeki is a major Xbox exclusive title dripping with promise. Fast-paced sword fighting combined with spell making in a deep, exceptional environment is only a slight glimpse at what Sudeki is all about. Players assume the initial role of a sword-wielding young man named Tal. The world is being threatened, and it's up to Tal to defend it from total darkness. However, as time goes on, Tal will run into other individuals sharing the same goal. In addition to Tal, the other characters consist of a devious gunner, a sexily clad huntress, a sultrier sorceress as well as a brave swordsman. Here's the preview.

Counter-Strike - Promises full Xbox Live compatibility, utilising a system in which players can detect how close their enemies and comrades are - by what they hear through their Communicator Headset. The control system has been simplified for Xbox, and there'll be tonnes of weapons including pistols, assault rifles, explosives, and heavy machine guns, for each political group. In addition, Counter-Strike will offer 22 single player levels spread across jungle, desert, and arctic environments. Here are some more screens.

Amped 2 - the sequel to Amped, obviously, a game which proved very popular with extreme sports fanatics and casual gamers alike. Apmped 2 has loads more on offer, including Xbox Live compatibility. Bet you'd never have guessed that.

Voodoo Vince - allows players to explore and fight as a tattered but unrelenting voodoo doll as he explores the depths of the Louisiana Bayou full of outrageous levels and over-the-top characters. "Voodoo Vince" is the only game where kicking your own butt leads to victory! Unlike other games, players must seek out danger to keep enemies at bay. Vince can poke himself with pins, bonk himself in the head with a mallet, or seek out a blazing fire to inflict pain on monsters and villains - all without Vince even batting an eye. This game sounds awesome!

BC - Developed by Inteprid, under the guidance of Lionhead Studios, BC is a prehistoric action title that puts gamers in a living, breathing, interactive world - a bit like a sim. This should prove to be interesting at the very least.

Brute Force - The promising action title from Digital Anvil, and delayed a few times in order to get the final game as good as possible. It's nearly finished now and we're looking forward to checking this one out.

Crimson Skies: High Road to Revenge - After a less than impressive showing at last year's E3, this game has been delayed and improved ready to hopefully wow the industry at this year's show.

Fable - previously known as Project Ego, Fable is Peter Molyneux's next 'big thing' - an RPG touted by Molyneux himself as "the best RPG ever" and one where you can apparently "go anywhere and do anything". Whilst we remain sceptical about those two statements, Fable does look like it's going to be awesome. So stay tuned for full impressions.

Inside Pitch 2003 - Microsoft's own baseball attempt with online support. NHL Rivals - Microsoft Game Studios "enter the ice rink" with their first ice hockey title.

Top Spin - with Sega's Virtua Tennis nowhere in sight, Microsoft's own impressive-looking tennis sim has a good chance of success.

Perfect Dark Zero - Rare's eagerly awaited Perfect Dark title for Xbox is likely to make a showing.

Adam Doree
Staff writer, Kikizo Games