Top 5 Xbox 720 exclusive launch titles – fantasy lineup
Microsoft is rumored to be gearing up to launch the next Xbox console sometime this year. Even the company’s Xbox 720 roadmap was allegedly leaked onto the Web, detailing Microsoft’s continued focus on the Kinect camera even on next gen consoles.
We recently posted the Top 5 PlayStation 4 exclusive launch titles we hoped to see. Its time to take out our crystal ball and rub out some games for the Xbox 720.
5) Crackdown 3
The original Crackdown developer, Realtime Worlds closed doors back in 2010 after its MMO, All Points Bulletin flopped. The studio passéd up the chance to create Crackdown 2, which went to to newly formed studio, Ruffian Games. A fatal mistake for Realtime Worlds, but this opportunity did give Ruffian a chance to take a crack at the franchise.
Crackdown 2 innovated in some ways with the addition of four player co-op and its addicting orb collecting metagame. However, it kept most of everything the same from the first game. The sequel also failed to live up to the original with a nonexistent story and a bland open world playground.
Hopefully, Ruffian is a bit more seasoned now especially after hiring former Realtime Worlds employees to the studio.
4) Alan Wake 2
Alan Wake is probably one of the most underrated series of this generation. Max Payne creator, Remedy has created an odd little world within the Alan Wake series that takes inspirations from Twin Peaks. While pitched as a Psychological Action Thriller, in actuality its not easy to categorize this quirky game.
While the flash-light combat can get monotonous, the simple gameplay mechanics does provide some heart pounding moments when your batteries start going out.
With two titles in the series including Alan Wake’s American Nightmare, Sam Lake, the writer for the series teased mid last year that “it will happen again, in another town, a town called Ordinary. It’s happening now.” Apparently, the follow up will have a new protagonist named Samantha, who buys a house to fix up, but finds out she starts dreaming of a man who resembles Alan Wake.
3) Halo 5
This is an easy one as its already known that 343 Industries will continue to work on the Halo franchise in this new trilogy. With Halo 4 releasing just last year, 2013 might be too early for a Halo 5. However, if the studio plans to annualize it then it could still come out near the end of this year.
With Halo 4 leaving off in such a controversial manner, it will be interesting to see how 343 decide to move forward with the franchise. Will you get to see Master Chief’s face? Will Cortana continue to spiral down into madness? All of these lingering questions will undoubtedly be left dangling like a carrot until the next game.
2) Gears of War 5
With Gears of War: Judgment being developed by People Can Fly, parent company Epic Games must be working on something quite juicy. One thing that’s clear is that Epic Games wants to continue to invest in the Gears franchise.
Considering that a non-major iteration will be landing on the Xbox 360, Epic may be quietly working on Gears 5 for the Xbox 720. Showing the power of the Unreal Engine has always been Epic’s main goal with each new generation of technology.
1) Ryse
Microsoft announced Ryse (codename Kingdoms) at E3 2011, which is an Xbox 360 exclusive to be developed by Crytek. However, besides a small pre-rendered trailer, not much has been revealed about the game.
Ryse was originally announced as a Kinect only game, where players would hack-n-slash using the motion detecting camera. However, when quizzed about Kinect’s status with the game last year, Phil Spencer, SVP of Microsoft Studios simply replied that “Kinect will be part of the game.”
The game revolves around a Roman warrior and seems to be a mix of gladiators and God of War. With Crytek involved, you can bet the game will look gorgeous when it comes out.
However, with Crytek busily working on Homefront 2 and Crysis 3, it makes you wonder when the studio has time to work on Ryse.
Honorable Mentions:
Forza 5 – a release of a race car game with a new console is usually guaranteed. With Turn10 quiet after releasing Forza 4 in 2011, chances are the studio is busy working on Forza 5 for the Xbox 720.
Fable 4 – while Lionhead founder, Peter Molyneux is no longer with the company, the studio indicated plans to make a Fable IV game. Even though Fable: The Journey for the Kinect flopped, the studio seems to be committed to getting a proper iteration of the game out.
65 Responses to “Top 5 Xbox 720 exclusive launch titles – fantasy lineup”
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February 10th, 2013
My guess is Fortnite which is the new Epic game using Unreal Engine 4. The game will likely also come to the PS4 because…. Why not?
A new Call of Duty trilogy as Modern Warfare ended at 3. Still not exclusive though.
Halo 5 is a few years away.
Alan wake 2 seems in the works.
Ryse was pushed to next gen so its likely a launch 720 game.
February 10th, 2013
My top 5 for NextBox (not necessarily exclusive, per se.) in reverse order:
5. Left 4 Dead 3 (as much as 2 got on my nerves, I miss this game)
4. Dead or Alive
3. Psychonauts 2 (A guy can dream)
2. A new Unreal Tournament
1. Halo 5 (Look, Halo 4 was absolutely gorgeous, and a good game. If 343 can improve upon that, then I’m definitely down.)
February 10th, 2013
“A new Unreal Tournament”
YES!!!!!!
February 10th, 2013
Too Human 2 FTW
February 11th, 2013
I’m passing on the next gen Xbox.
On another note I really messed up my knee and ankle on the ski hill yesterday.
Very painful.
February 11th, 2013
Halo 4 was the best Halo since the 2nd. Was a great looking game for a 360 exclusive and had a brilliant campaign. Online sucked but I’ve never been one for online gaming. Halo to me has always been about the campaign and Halo 4 impressed me.
February 11th, 2013
*Kisses ncaissies knee better*
February 11th, 2013
@OS
Does Halo4 have it’s own story or do you kneed to play the first 4?
February 11th, 2013
And thanks my knee is feeling better already.
February 11th, 2013
It’s a new trilogy but its story is tied to the previous trilogy but doesn’t rely on it. I suppose you could jump in and play it.
February 11th, 2013
“Halo 5″
Really?? -_-
February 11th, 2013
@MAK
Well a new IP would be nice, but I was thinking more along the line of established franchises.
And Halo continues to get better… give it a go.
(*a serious go*)
February 11th, 2013
Disagree about Halo getting better. Halo CE was revolutionary. Halo 2 was better. Halo 3 was awful and too short. Halo ODST was the worst one by a mile. Halo Reach was decent, best one since 2 but not as good. Halo 4 is better than 2 but not the first.
I do like what 343 have done with it but Halo needs to evolve more. I for one would happily wait a few years for Halo 5 so they can give it a longer campaign and try to out do the first one. We don’t need Halo 5 as soon as the 720 is launched, Xbox needs new IPs and not keep relying on its 3 exclusives and early DLC.
February 11th, 2013
In meant out do the second one or at least try and bring back the awe and shock factor of the first. It was so fresh and new when it was released, no one had ever seen anything like it.
February 12th, 2013
@Bird
They NEED a new IP. That should be in the number 1 slot for this article “A New IP”.
If they made Halo as good as PS3 IPs, then I’d give it a serious go again. But, honestly, oldschool is correct. They haven’t really made one better than the first yet.
I loved the first. And I think about every other one is garbage, besides the second. It’s just not the same anymore.
February 12th, 2013
Microsoft hate investing in new IPs.
Crackdown tanked, same goes for Alan Wake. Too Human was a waste of 10 years (in development). They canned Kameo 2, Ninja Blade sucked. Fable received poor reviews, its creator left and Microsoft turned the franchine into casual crap. PGR was good but didn’t sell as well as Gran Turismo so Microsoft canned the IP.
February 12th, 2013
I think “Halo” will get better in the form of “Destiny” from Bungie. I think the MP will be somewhere in line with what Dust 514, and Planetside 2 is doing. A MMOFPS. That’s the only evolution I could really see the current type of FPS go.
Sony in return should make sure Planetside 2 is a PS4 launch game and console exclusive at that. Push the Free to Play side too. Destiny will likely be a timed exclusive to next box according to earlier released documents so having their own and marketing it to compete.
Aside from UT I’d also like to see the return of Unreal. U2 was a cool FPS and has a cool classed based MP component. A lot of ideas in current FPS’s came from UT and U2.
And of course. That should be a multi console release.
February 12th, 2013
Microsoft has not invested in any new ips because they have mostly got away with just having multi-platform titles and early dlc content for games like Cod along with the Halo and Gears franchises. I know many Xbox supporters argue that this is all that the Xbox360 needs but exclusive titles do matter.
February 12th, 2013
Ncaissie,
You have to stop pulling off all those fancy moves on the slopes. Afterall, you have to be around to keep the Xbots in line. (smile). It is good that you are feeling better.
Anyways, if you decide to pick up Halo 4, it is on sale for $39.99 this week at BB. They also have Resident Evil 6 on sale for $19.99 as well. Since Oldie and CarlB said Resident Evil 6 was pretty decent, I am going to buy Resident Evil 6 now since the price is right.
February 12th, 2013
Turns out my damn ankle broke.
February 12th, 2013
Ncaissie that sucks. Hopefully, you will get better soon.
February 12th, 2013
*Kisses ncaissies ankle*
February 12th, 2013
My stomach makes me broke. Spending all that money on beers.
February 12th, 2013
@ncassie
http://youtu.be/kwq8D9RmwW8
Skip to 1:13
Lmao, it’s you. Listen to what he says.
February 12th, 2013
@twilight,
RE6 was okay as a rental for me, but not nearly as good as 5. It’s great that you’re not paying full price for it.
February 12th, 2013
Hate launch titles.
Would be happy to see BF4 next gen
February 12th, 2013
Id like to see a next gen BF as well. Hope it isn’t held back by the LCD again like the 3rd with smaller teams and flag points.
February 12th, 2013
Best launch title I have had in a while would be Uncharted Golden Abys.
February 12th, 2013
I’m praying for a next gen this month or next.
February 13th, 2013
You’re prayers won’t be answered ncassie. In all likelyhood it will be at the end of this year unless you’re talking about Wii U, but it’s really hard to call that “next gen”. Even some developers have gone on record not considering it next gen.
February 13th, 2013
Wii U is current gen. The Wii is last gen because it houses GameCube parts but just has motion control added. An upgraded console doesn’t mean its next gen, you can’t upgrade the GameCube with motion control and a new name and call it next gen.
February 13th, 2013
Wii U has started the 8th Generation of (home console) video games, while the 3DS ushered in the 8th gen proper.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:Eighth-generation_video_game_consoles
As the PS3/360/Wii are of the seventh generation, they are, in fact, last gen.
Power does not equate a generational shift, I’m afraid.
February 13th, 2013
So its when its released? Well the Ps3 super slim is next gen as well then. You’d have a point but the original Wii is GameCube parts with motion control added. That’s not a new system, that’s like the Ps3 with Move added. It’s the same hardware as the GameCube just under a different name. Check its Wikipedia page and it even states its GameCube parts.
Even EA doesn’t class the Wii U as next gen. Check recent Blorge article.
February 13th, 2013
“So its when its released? Well the Ps3 super slim is next gen as well then. ”
I’ll give you a chance to re-read this before I respond to it Oldie.
Giving you a chance here.
February 13th, 2013
Nintendo may consider it their next gen. I certainly don’t comsider it “next gen” as I’m basing that on power. Developers won’t either when games get released on PS4 and Nextbox and not on the Wii U.
Realistically, you’re right as its Nintendo’s 8th generation but what does it really matter when it only has the lasting “legs” of the PS3 and 360?
You guys can bicker about semantics, but the Wii U won’t be around in 4 years.
February 13th, 2013
“…but the Wii U won’t be around in 4 years.”
Bold.
I’m in no position to claim otherwise, as I’m not a fortune teller like you mate, but don’t you find it a bit contradictory, considering your claims that it is about the same power as the 360/PS3?
How is it contradictory you ask? Well, I’m guessing the PS3/360 WILL STILL be around in 4 years (if history is acceptable evidence), yet won’t get the…ahem…new games the Wii U will.
I don’t like the whole ‘I’m using power as an indicator’ mindset because, quite frankly that will have meant the original Xbox was not of the 6th gen, but 7th, as it was vastly more powerful than the PS2.
February 13th, 2013
“I’ll give you a chance to re-read this before I respond to it Oldie.”
Have I misread something? Go ahead and own me lmao. I can’t see what I’ve misread.
I won’t back down from my position though Bird. The Wii had reused GameCube tech with a peripheral added. The Wii U is slightly less powerful than the PS3 which seems current gen. Even EA seem to agree now.
February 13th, 2013
“Have I misread something? Go ahead and own me lmao. I can’t see what I’ve misread.”
(My intent is never to ‘own’ someone. I always attempt to insert logic during debates/discussions, and if someone gets ‘owned’ as a byproduct, well…that can’t be helped I guess)
You logic is extremely and inherently flawed. The PS3 super slim is a new SKU– that is, it’s the same exact system. It’s not a entirely new system, a la the transition from Wii to Wii U.
The second part to this is that the time in which a console debuts kind of matters. I say kind of because it’s an admittedly grey area, due to competitiveness amongst businesses (i.e. releasing a system first[i.e. Xbox 360]).
If this were not the case, then we’d have individually determined generations, as this *would be* the 3rd Playstation generation, and 2nd Xbox generation, which is an entirely silly notion. Think about it: the Playstation 1 debuted in what was known as the 5th console generation.
So yes, when it debuts matters.
Again, I’m not arguing specs because I don’t believe power should be the indicator here.
February 13th, 2013
” it’s the same exact system. It’s not a entirely new system, a la the transition from Wii to Wii U.”
Same as the GameCube and Wii, both have the same internal components. I see the Wii U as the true successor to the GameCube. EA seems to agree.
February 13th, 2013
“Same as the GameCube and Wii, both have the same internal components. I see the Wii U as the true successor to the GameCube. EA seems to agree.”
May I ask exactly which internal components?
From what I’ve seen, the Gamecube offers a much different experience than the Wii.
And even if it didn’t, it was a new system with new games. That’s a generation leap to me. Basically, if you cannot play the NEW games on the OLD system, you have made a generation leap.
February 13th, 2013
As an aside, EA’s opinion isn’t worth a anything.
They are angry at Nintendo for refusing Origin, and their shady business practices (DLC, Online Passes, etc.).
So it’s not that they don’t consider it next gen, it’s that they are girls on their period: angry they didn’t get their way, so they badmouth the company.
February 13th, 2013
“May I ask exactly which internal components?”
Honestly? That stuff goes over my head. It’s on the Wii Wikipedia page anyway.
“From what I’ve seen, the Gamecube offers a much different experience than the Wii”
I own both and both systems have the same graphics. Twilight Princess on both systems are very similar. The only difference is the motion control but if you play Killzone 3 with the dualshock then with the Move, both experiences will seem different.
February 13th, 2013
We can even use the Wii as a guideline. Recently the Wii has been seeing similar sales stats quarterly as the PS2.
The PS2 has recently been discontinued, and Nintendo transitioned development to the Wii U.
I’m betting in 4 years time (maybe less) Nintendo will have released another console and the transition will once again move on.
Nintendo unlike others can sustain themselves strictly on first party but I can’t see the Wii U getting third party support or keeping the casual audience occupied as the gimmick isn’t as marketable this time around.
February 13th, 2013
“As an aside, EA’s opinion isn’t worth a anything”
Worth more than ours I would think. They are the ones who make and distribute games.
“They are angry at Nintendo for refusing Origin, and their shady business practices (DLC, Online Passes, etc.)”
I have seen no proof that this is the reason why they stated the Wii U isn’t next gen.
February 13th, 2013
http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wii#section_5
“they generally indicate that the console is an extension (or advancement) of the Nintendo GameCube architecture.”
Like the Slim to the original PS3 lol.
February 13th, 2013
http://mynintendonews.com/2013/02/05/digital-foundry-says-we-can-rule-out-any-next-gen-pretensions-for-wii-u/
February 13th, 2013
@Oldschool
“I own both and both systems have the same graphics.”
Because experience=graphics?
Want a list of PS2 games that look better than PS3 games?
@Phranctoast
“I’m betting in 4 years time (maybe less) Nintendo will have released another console and the transition will once again move on.”
Hmm… I just can’t get over how ostentatious your claims are… A new Nintendo console in 4 years? Damn, I need investing advice Frank
Seriously though, I see developers being quite satisfied with the Wii U. The architecture can’t be more complex than that of the PS3, and it is vastly less gimmick-centered than the Wii, so I could see developers not only easily developing great games for it, but thriving.
Don’t argue against what I’m about to say as it is strictly my opinion and doesn’t add to this discussion, but I think that you guys only think these things because you’re extremely pro-Sony, opposed to just being gamers. I’m not insulting you, but you lot have a bad habit of marginalizing a product that isn’t under Sony’s banner, and in my opinion, that’s not a mark of a pure gamer.
February 13th, 2013
“Because experience=graphics?
Want a list of PS2 games that look better than PS3 games?”
Never stated that. It has exactly the same graphics, yes. But also the games are the same. The only difference is the motion control. Didnt think I needed to be so exact with you, you normally know what is meant.
Dm anyway that quote about the GameCube parts is more than enough to prove my point. The EA statement is the cherry on top.
February 13th, 2013
Oldie
“Worth more than ours I would think. They are the ones who make and distribute games.”
I can easily create and distribute flash games. So what does that say about my opinion?
“I have seen no proof that this is the reason why they stated the Wii U isn’t next gen.”
There wouldn’t be absolute proof of this, as they wouldn’t admit that this is the reason.
Anyway, what you posited was that they don’t consider Nintendo’s console next ten, but what they really asserted was that they do not want to do *much* business with Nintendo.
Their CEO was the one to say he doesn’t think it is a next gen console. Let’s use our head here: His company was refused money-milking schemes on their console, therefor he’s angry. He’s human. It happens.
“http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wii#section_5
“they generally indicate that the console is an extension (or advancement) of the Nintendo GameCube architecture.”
Like the Slim to the original PS3 lol.”
Perhaps you should admit you don’t understand what is being said here instead of laughing…
Notice the word advancement?
February 13th, 2013
Ok. Maybe 4-1/2 to 5.
My issues with Nintendo and the Wii U are more vehement due to my disgust at Nintendo for their arrogance in thinking they can continue to get away with releasing underpowered machines with gimmicks more so than my Pro Sony POV.
In fact. I wouldn’t mind Nintendo releasing their catalog on other consoles as I wouldn’t have to endure great games like Mario and Zelda while being forced to use a Wii mote to play.
February 13th, 2013
http://www.gamefaqs.com/boards/631516-wii-u/63629803
Please read this before you keep using EA as a source. This has been common knowledge for the better part of 6 months.
February 13th, 2013
“Seriously though, I see developers being quite satisfied with the Wii U. The architecture can’t be more complex than that of the PS3, and it is vastly less gimmick-centered than the Wii, so I could see developers not only easily developing great games for it, but thriving.”
I see third parties continuing to release on PS3/360 and the Wii U getting some ports while most concentration will be on PS4/next box in a year. I think Nintendo will be depending mostly on first part once again.
Occasionally you’ll have something likes happening with Criterions Need for Speed Hot pursuit where it will be better on Wii U but people may not really care anymore as the game is kind of old news. EA game
February 13th, 2013
” but I think that you guys only think these things because you’re extremely pro-Sony, opposed to just being gamers”
Lol no. Already said I won’t buy ps4 if they lock out used games and require constant online connection. I ain’t loyal to a company who doesn’t even know who I am. I just go where the best experiences are. The reason I say the Wii U is current gen is because it is, it has the same games as current gen systems, nothing truly next gen. Also the Wii was last gen because the GameCube was as well, the Wii was an extension of the GameCube. Not to mention EA themselves said the Wii U is current gen and their opinion carries more weight than ours.
Not fanboyism, I hate it when people try to dismiss valid points as fanboyism. I have all systems, except the Wii U which I will get when Zelda comes out.
February 13th, 2013
“My issues with Nintendo and the Wii U are more vehement due to my disgust at Nintendo for their arrogance in thinking they can continue to get away with releasing underpowered machines with gimmicks more so than my Pro Sony POV.”
Phranc… come on man. Gaming is not about how much power a system has. It’s about how complex and fun a game is.
Minecraft, Pokemon, nearly every Slender Man game and the various puzzle games that sell a crap ton on the iPhone are testaments to this.
If a game is fun and intuitive, it shouldn’t matter if the system it’s being played on is “underpowered”.
February 13th, 2013
@capt.
Good link. Fucked up if true and a bit ridiculous that EA should expect that the should have any hand on a console makers infrastructure.
February 13th, 2013
Funny that you brought up iOS because like the Wii, the mobile games also drive me away with poor controls.
If they rereleased the 1st party Wii games as HD remakes with normal controller controls I’d likey jump in. I have difficulty enjoying a game when I’m forced to endure what I consider poor gameplay despite how fun or great of a game others may find it.
If Sony made all their games Move only once that peripheral came out I’d be singing the same tune.
KZ3 may work well with Move, but that should never be the only forced option IMO.
February 13th, 2013
I have Bad Piggies and I absolutely hate the damn touch controls for it.
February 13th, 2013
I also hate bad controls for games.
But if they could make it work…
I don’t know if you have an iPhone or not, but there is an awesome game that I like to play called “Where’s My Water?” Perhaps one of the most complex (AND FUN!) iPhone games with a very simple concept.
February 13th, 2013
Downloading now
February 13th, 2013
Have fun.
It’ll keep you busy for hours hahaha
February 13th, 2013
Not a game but good for some laughs.
http://thechive.com/2013/02/13/captions-and-photos-go-together-like-ketchup-and-fries-31-photos/
February 13th, 2013
Where’s My Water is the best iPhone game out apart from Chinatown Wars. Good choice Bird. Cut the Roap is good as well. Also recommend Osmos and Clear Vision.
February 13th, 2013
“Cut the Roap is good as well.”
I’ve heard good things, but I don’t really use my iPhone for anything other than pictures, Facebook, Safari and music. Got a lot of space on it because of that.
Hell, I still haven’t upgraded so I still have the original YouTube app (which I consider better than the new one).
February 13th, 2013
GTA is a great iPhone game. Recommend it more than other touch screen games.
February 13th, 2013
“Have fun.
It’ll keep you busy for hours hahaha”
Tried it and it’s pretty good. Likely pick up the full game for a buck.