The Xbox 360 Exclusives of 2010

Hello all,

The O.D.S.T. have dropped down upon us, Modern Warfare 2 has torn apart the online world, and the special infected are ready to rip us a new any day now. So now that 2009 has pretty much played out its hand, what do we green light gamers have to look forward to? Are we left to suffer another year where the Sony Defense Force can flaunt having more key exclusives on their platform as they did in 2009? Not a chance ! Microsoft is poised and ready to strike with some very high-caliber titles to quench the thirst for action and mayhem.

Without further ado, here are the Xbox 360 exclusives of 2010.

 

*** ANNOUNCED TITLES ***

 

Alan Wake

Developer: Microsoft Game Studios
Status: Exclusive

This very long-awaited action/adventure title is set to change the way we look at video games and story telling as its major focus is on being a psychological thriller.  The developers have been pushing the story elements to a “movie-like atmosphere” and will also incorporate the use of light and shadow into the gameplay perimeters. Narrative, puzzles, and combat are all to be blended into a symbiotic mix while presented along in real-time pacing.

 

Crackdown 2

Developer: Ruffian Studios
Status: Exclusive

This open world shooter brings players back into the world of Pacific City to try and reassert the dominance of the Agency. The developer has stated it will bring a much more diverse and useful arsenal of weapons to the table in comparison to the first Crackdown and that they will feature an improved story to motivate the average Agent. Add in four player co-op alongside a sixteen player competitive multi-player death match and you have a lot of new and exciting gameplay experiences to enjoy.

 

Fable 3

Developer: Lionhead Studios
Status: Exclusive

This is the third entry in the highly successful western action RPG series that has re-imagined the concepts of in-game freedom. Lionhead has said they plan to raise the “do as you wish” gameplay style to even greater heights as you will get more expression options. Even better is the fact that you will get the chance to rule Albion as a king (or queen) and directly decide the fates of your citizens and their world.

 

Halo Reach

Developer: Bungie
Status: Exclusive

It’s Halo. What else needs to be said? The final title by long time Halo developer Bungie is set to show gamers a more in-depth look into the history of the well-known halo-verse and will have a large focus on the Spartan soldiers (not like the last entry in the series which focused on the O.D.S.T.). You can expect the same frantic FPS mayhem that millions have come to love along with some surprises that Bungie is bound to have up its sleeve.

 

Mass Effect 2

Developer: Bioware
Status: Console Exclusive

As of today, this is still listed as a 360 console exclusive although heavy rumors are still circulating that it will land on the PS3 later on in the year. That would be heaven on earth for the ears of the Sony faithful IF that comes true.
Why? Because Mass Effect 2 is one of the most anticipated titles of 2010 for gamers on any platform. You continue Shepard’s journey into a now expanded universe (how that is possible, lord only knows) and the developers have made a large effort to improve the combat pacing and intensity for the sequel. Also, there shouldn’t be long and drawn out elevator sequences this time around which should appease the pickier players out there.

 

Ninety Nine Nights 2

Publisher: Q Entertainment
Status: Exclusive

The original N3 was well praised by Famitsu and broke a lot of hack and slash barriers by allowing hundreds of soldiers on-screen at one time with kill counts landing in the thousands instead of hundreds. This sequel promises to bring this mold of gameplay to new heights by introducing new characters, new locales, and co-op gameplay to engulf the hack and slash faithful into a world of battle.
If they can speed the game’s movement just a bit this could have a much warmer reception stateside then the original entry did.

 

Splinter Cell: Conviction

Publisher:Ubisoft
Status: Console Exclusive

This is stealthy series sneaks onto the Xbox 360 with a darker story which centers around Sam Fisher’s deception by the Third Echelon.
Visually impressive graphics, improved melee combat and new stealth options should allow any gamer to enthrall themself into the renegade’s role and take down any who stand in his way.

 

*** RUMORED TITLES/EXPECTED TITLES ***

 

Gears of War 3

Publisher: Epic Studios
Status: Exclusive

Gears of War 2 left all of the battle hardened COG yearning for the finale of the Marcus Fenix story arch. What did the cryptic end game message mean? Will the human race survive or will all of Sera fall under the dominance of the Locust horde? And what new and awesome weapons will be used for utter carnage?
This title is definitely one of the most anticipated titles that hasn’t yet been announced. However, word has been spread around the net saying we might get to see the infamous Delta Squad veterans back in action in the year 2010. We will have to wait and see on this one.

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I will update this topic as I come across more rumors/announcements for titles appearing on the 360 brand. But even while looking at the confirmed titles alone, we can say with certainty have plenty of different games to look forward to in the year 2010.

 

Live and let game.