MS Cuts Down 360's Xbox Game List for EU
Europeans won't be able to play quite as many Xbox games on their 360s as Americans, but at least it's not as bad as in Japan.
Even in these late days, there are still several question marks surrounding the Xbox 360 But Microsoft is slowly filling the gaps and it announced this week what you can expect from backwards compatibility in Europe.
Earlier this week the company revealed it would have support for over 200 Xbox games on the 360 in North America, but this was followed by more sobering news that there would only be a dozen supported games in Japan. Things are, thankfully, distinctly better for Europe though.
The premium Xbox 360 will ship with software emulators for over 150 Xbox games installed on the hard drive. The list covers all the big franchises, though there are some notable exceptions.
You will not be able to play the two most recent FIFA instalments, for instance, though Konami's Pro Evolution Soccer 5 will work fine. Recent titles such as The Warriors, Far Cry Instincts and Burnout Revenge are also conspicuous in their absence.
Microsoft has promised to roll out new emulators in the future (which you can download either directly to your 360 or to your PC), but there's no timetable in place for what you can expect when.
To see if your favourite game is supported before you chuck your Xbox, check out Microsoft's backwards compatibility list.
Alex Wollenschlaeger
Editor, Kikizo Games
Satoru Iwata Video Interview - the late Nintendo president spoke with Kikizo in 2004 as 'Nintendo Revolution' loomed.
Kaz Hirai Video Interview - the first of Kikizo's interviews with the man who went on to become global head of Sony.
Ed Fries Video Interview - one of Xbox's founders discusses an epic journey from Excel to Xbox.
Yu Suzuki, the Kikizo Interview - we spend time with one of gaming's most revered creators.
Tetris - The Making of an Icon: Alexey Pajitnov and Henk Rogers reveal the fascinating story behind Tetris
Rare founders, Chris and Tim Stamper - their only interview? Genuinely 'rare' sit down with founders of the legendary studio.
The History of First-Person Shooters - a retrospective, from Maze War to Modern Warfare