GDC08: Gears Of War 2, Fable 2 & Ninja Gaiden 2 This Year! >

	2008/02/20 15:19:18: Posted by vividbreeze
	*Screenshots from Ninja 2, Gears 2, Fable 2 and more from the GDC available in our media section now! The world's hottest developers pave the way for a banner year with a blockbuster lineup that includes "Gears of War 2," "Fable 2," "Ninja Gaiden II" and a rich mix of indie Xbox LIVE Arcade titles. Click read more for full press release. PRESS RELEASE SAN FRANCISCO — Feb. 20, 2008 — Today at the Game Developers Conference (GDC) 2008, Microsoft Corp. provided an exciting glimpse at what promises to be another landmark year for games and online entertainment on the Xbox 360 platform and officially announced the launch of “Gears of War 2,” exclusively for Xbox 360 this November. Providing a dramatic close to Microsoft’s GDC keynote address, Epic Games Inc.’s lead designer Cliff Bleszinski announced that the epic saga of Marcus Fenix and Delta Squad continues exclusively on the Xbox 360 this fall with “Gears of War 2.” This highly anticipated sequel to the 4.5 million-selling blockbuster “Gears of War” delves deeper into humanity’s struggle for survival against the nightmarish Locust Horde, and promises to take high-definition visuals to a whole new level. In addition, acclaimed developer Peter Molyneux of Lionhead Studios took the stage to showcase exciting new multiplayer features for “Fable 2,” introducing dynamic cooperative play, a first to the franchise. Molyneux also announced that later this year, and before the launch of “Fable 2,” gamers can get a sneak peek at the game’s world when the “Fable 2” pub games debut as a stand-alone download on Xbox LIVE Arcade. When “Fable 2” launches, gamers will have the ability to transfer currency earned in the pub games directly to their character in “Fable 2.” This unique and first-of-its-kind experience, which can be found only on Xbox LIVE Arcade, will give the millions of “Fable” fans and gamers all around the globe the opportunity to jump into the “Fable 2” world with money already in the bank. Tomonobu Itagaki also revealed new “Ninja Gaiden II” game-sharing features, including Ninja Cinema, which is enabled solely through Xbox LIVE, providing exciting and innovative entertainment experiences for the more than 10 million Xbox LIVE members worldwide by allowing players to record and upload their best ninja moves to Xbox LIVE. “To our team the original game was just a tease, the appetizer to the ‘Gears of War’ characters and new style of gameplay. We were so amped to get to the next chapter, and dig deeper into the universe of this franchise,” said Cliff Bleszinski, lead designer for Epic Games. “‘Gears of War 2’ is an even bigger, better, and more badass experience than the first game, and we can’t wait to get it in the hands of eager gamers this November.” This year, the most anticipated games will be found exclusively on Xbox 360, including the next chapters of top franchises such as “Gears of War,” “Fable” and “Ninja Gaiden,” as well as new titles such as “Too Human.” • “Gears of War 2” (Epic Games). “Gears of War 2” is the sequel to the 4.5 million-selling blockbuster that redefined the third-person tactical action game genre. “Gears of War 2” continues the story of Marcus Fenix and Delta Squad in an epic saga of survival, loss and retribution. Developed by Epic Games exclusively for Xbox 360, “Gears of War 2” launches this November. • “Fable 2” (Lionhead Studios). In addition to the dynamic co-op mode unveiled onstage, Peter Molyneux also announced that Carbonated Games is bringing the “Fable 2” experience to Xbox LIVE Arcade. Before the game’s launch, gamers will be able to get an early taste of the “Fable 2” experience and gain a head start on earning currency for use in “Fable 2” by playing “Fable 2”-themed pub games that will be downloadable via Xbox LIVE Arcade. The currency earned in these Xbox LIVE Arcade titles will enable players to purchase items in “Fable 2” when the game launches later this year. • “Ninja Gaiden II” (TECMO/Team NINJA). Tomonobu Itagaki debuted several tantalizing new Xbox LIVE features of “Ninja Gaiden II,” including the ability to capture and share videos of a player’s glorious battles via the Ninja Cinema feature and upload them to Xbox LIVE. “Ninja Gaiden II” launches worldwide this June. • “Too Human” (Silicon Knights). Microsoft also showcased the epic action game from renowned Canadian developer Silicon Knights, “Too Human,” at a media event before today’s keynote address. In “Too Human,” players are treated to a nonstop barrage of action powered by the seamless integration of melee and firearms combat, plus deep role-playing elements fueled by breathtaking visuals enabled by the power of Xbox 360. With online multiplayer gameplay, downloadable content and ways to stay in contact with a global community, these forthcoming blockbusters harness the power of Xbox LIVE to create truly innovative and exciting entertainment experiences. Each game also comes packed with Achievements, so Xbox LIVE members can help add to the more than 1 billion Achievements already unlocked on the service to date. And, as with the “Fable 2” pub games, downloadable content in Xbox LIVE Marketplace allows gamers the opportunity to customize and enhance their gameplay experiences. Since the service launched, Microsoft has seen more than $250 million in digital revenue from Xbox LIVE Marketplace through the purchase of more than 20 billion Microsoft Points. Xbox LIVE members have been using a large portion of those Microsoft Points in Xbox LIVE Arcade, which is the premier destination for digitally distributed, high-definition original and classic games. With over 116 games to choose from on Xbox LIVE Arcade, everyone’s invited to get instantly immersed in the fun. Xbox LIVE Arcade is also home to the world’s most innovative independent developers, with more than 25 independent studios serving as the creative fuel behind the original games that represent more than a quarter of the Xbox LIVE Arcade library. The following titles represent a sample of games launching on Xbox LIVE Arcade in the near future from the world’s leading independent developers: • “Braid” (Number None Inc.). Developed by Independent Games Festival Winner and experimental game designer Jonathan Blow, “Braid” is a platform experience that bends all the rules with the manipulation of time. “Braid” will launch this spring. • “Castle Crashers” (The Behemoth). “Castle Crashers” is the second title currently in development by award-winning independent developer The Behemoth, creator of “Alien Hominid HD.” The role-playing game (RPG) adventure will let up to four players hack, slash and smash their way together through a visually stunning hand-drawn landscape. “Castle Crashes” launches this summer. • “Defense Grid: The Awakening” (Hidden Path Entertainment LLC). “Defense Grid: The Awakening” is the definitive tower defense game experience designed specifically for Xbox LIVE Arcade and launches this summer. • “Go! Go! Break Steady” (Little Boy Games). An Xbox LIVE Arcade exclusive, “Go! Go! Break Steady” is the debut title from independent developer Little Boy Games. The combination music and puzzle game combines break dancing with novel gameplay and launches this summer. • “Penny Arcade Adventures: On the Rain-Slick Precipice of Darkness” (Hothead Games). The first video game collaboration between Penny Arcade creators Mike “Gabe” Krahulik and Jerry “Tycho” Holkins and legendary game designer Ron Gilbert, “Penny Arcade Adventures” is an RPG-adventure game set in a highly stylized 1920s universe filled with bizarre characters, outrageous combat and adult humor. The first episode of the game launches this summer.
	Labeled With  xbox360 gears of war 2 microsoft ninja gaiden 2 Comments [17]  | Rate this article: -- 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10  | Avg. rating of 10.0

i think my heart just stopped...

The Ow In Wow8, did you just get the RROD?

Xbox 360 has BY FAR the BEST lineup of games for 2008!

Microsoft was telling the truth that they had MANY games for 2008 that had not yet been announced, and we now see that they were telling the truth!

Keeping the 2008 release of Gears of War 2 a secret was an AMAZING move that INSTANTLY gave the Xbox 360 ALL of the momentum for the Holiday shopping season of 2008!



2008 will give us Gears of War and Halo in the SAME YEAR!!!

Gears of War 2

Halo Wars

Grand Theft Auto 4: With exclusive episodes

Ninja Gaiden 2

Fable 2

Too Human

Infinite Undiscovery

Plus all of the others in EVERY Genre!!!

2008 definitely has what it takes to beat the Legendary lineup of Xbox 360 games for 2007.



Previously, Gears of War 2 wasn't even expected as a 2008 game...now I know what game will INSTANTLY shoot to the top of the Most Wanted games for 2008!

...No..im just so excited for new good games.

yeah gears 2, can't wait, single player probally be gack but the multiplayer will rock.

Microsoft has Sony owned for this year aswell when it comes to games, I'm gonna buy a PS3, but can't think of a reason why to, c'mon Sony gimme somthin.

add alan wake and banjo, they are getting better and better, how many still say that the 360 doesnt have any games to compete this year?

i never seen the 360's game list so complete for 08' this is going to kick ass. The only problem is people will still buy playstation for the brand no matter how low quality the games are, like the psp.

Response to arthur56k:

You are 100% correct. The Xbox 360 game lineup for 2008 is even better than the amazing lineup for 2007!

So many games that previously were not announced, and they just INSTANTLY became the most desired games of the year!

The word on the street is that there are even more games that have not yet been "Officially" announced that will eventually be "Officially" announced this summer, for release in the fall.

Playing Ninja Gaiden 2 on June 3 is going to be AMAZING!!!

And I have to say that the game called Left 4 Dead is going to be one of the BEST of the year!!!

Im so excited for the line up for 2008, as Krogan listed.

Gears of War 2

Halo Wars

Grand Theft Auto 4: With exclusive episodes

Ninja Gaiden 2

Fable 2

Too Human

Left 4 Dead

But i think out of all the games, Im most looking forward to Fable 2. Yes all the games look AMAZING and yes i will be buying them all but im most looking forward to Fable.

so wait Kroganato, what about delay, oh wait i know its MS so they don't lie right ?

cause they aren't ps3 and too bad your only fan of MS XBOX !!!!

Hmm that make more sense so i should shut up because his arguement wouldn't go anywhere !

OMG blacktiger, just leave Krogan alone okay. he's just excited about the lineup, As we all are. Its an amzaing lineup of new great games. So fucking leave him alone and let him share he's excitment with the rest of us.

Response to The Ow In Wow8:

First, I would like to take the time to issue an Official "Thank You," for defending me. I think that there are many other intelligent people on this website who are proud of you for taking the time to do that.

Second, the Xbox 360 has built an excellent reputation for getting products released on time. Let's not forget that the Xbox 360 version of Grand Theft Auto 4 was ready to go in time for Christmas.

The only reason it was delayed was because of the problems with the Playstation 3 version, and the contract says that no version can be released prior to the PS3 version. That is unfortunate, because the Xbox 360 version of Grand Theft Auto 4 is quite a bit better than the Playstation 3 version, and it was ready to go a LOT sooner!



Finally, it really is a shame that the person named blacktiger is so miserable that the Playstation 3 has failed that he actually wants the most anticipated game of the holiday season to be delayed!

The Ow In Wow8 is 100% correct when he says that EVERYONE else is EXCITED and HAPPY about the surprise announcement of Gears of War 2!!! It just about knocked me off of my seat when I read that it was going to be released this November!



And when I told a friend of mine, I said, "I've got some big news for ya." He said, "How big; Hulk big, or Juggernaut big...or just Collusus big?"

I said, "More like Unicron BIG!!!"

He said WOW!!!...

I then asked him if he was sitting down, and he said yes.

I then said, "Gears of War 2 was Officially announced as a surprise move today, and it will be released THIS NOVEMBER!!!"

He said, "WHAT!" and then said, "I didn't even know Gears of War 2 was going to come out this year at all; I hadn't heard anything about it."

Then he started telling all of his co-workers, and he said that EVERYONE was giving each other high-fives!

Gears of War 2 is AWESOME...Cliffy B looked AMAZING when he unveiled it, and the trailer was INCREDIBLE!

blacktiger, I am Officially inviting you to play the game with us! You can be in our circle of fun if you want!

Wow, Cliffy crouch must be soar, i kid i kid. Let be realistic about the line-up the only sure hit is Gears 2 and GTA4 the rest of those game may or may not be , no way this this line-up compare to 2007s. Ow - why are you defending a grow man, he says silly things let him take the heat for it, fanboyism should be stomped at all cost.

Also this is not big news! anyone who follows the game industry(or has friend in it i'm looking at you krogan)should have expected this with unnatural certainty(i would be big if it wasn't announced).

sour crouch from krogan....get it.

captkey3s: Okay so you honestly think the only for sure hits are gears2 and GTA4 huh? well keep thinking that but im sorry to say you are way way off.

Ninja Gaiden was a hit for the xbox, ya it was hard at times but none the less it was a competitor. The second one will just the same.

Fable 2...you know as well as i do Fable was a great game. Now when it comes to RPG's they are at the bottom of my list's of games to play, But fable is an amazing game that in my mind changed RPG's and how there played. Watching videos for Fable 2...i cant help but just get goosebumps, Fable 2 looks absolutly amazing and i know you will play it...RPG fan or not. When your done playing it i look forward to all the great comments you will have for it.

Halo Wars...with the name 'HALO'...HIT!!! doesn't matter if it was the worst game in the world...the name 'HALO' SALES!

Ya know what, im going to end there cause if your not getting the hint that Gears2 and GTA4 are not going to be the only 'HITS'...Honestly give up and throw whatever system/systems you have away, your hopeless.

I defend my friend Krogan, cause im so sick and tired of you worless people picking on him. He's a good person who likes to share he's opinon...oh and he gets excited when good games are announced, I do the same and i did the same just read the top. So how about insted of attacking him for getting excited, Attack me! cause he did nothing wrong but say he's EXCITED!

The line up for this year...Is fantastic, all great games and all will be hits in there on way. Theres something for everyone in the line up for 2008.

So how about you stop being such a sour crouch(your words), Stop ruining the great news and just shut up! Get your Pre-Orders ready! cause good games are coming out...whether captkey3s likes it or not!!

Worthless not Worless

Response to The Ow in Wow8:

Once again, I would like to take the time to thank you.

I also point out that I agree with you 100%.

I was glad to see that you reminded captkey3s that Ninja Gaiden 2 is an absolutely guaranteed success...it will be rated higher and sell better than Devil May Cry 4.

Fable 2 is a sequel to a game that was AWESOME.

See, here is the difference between the sequel to Fable and the sequel to Killzone.

Fable was an AWESOME game, and people actually WANT a sequel, because the original Fable game DESERVES a sequel.

But Killzone is a game that was rated very poorly and does NOT DESERVE a sequel. Like the song says, "Killzone one sucked bee-fore, so what makes you think we want it more."

Well, in that same way, "Fable one, and Ninja Gaiden one, and Gears of War one, were AWESOME, and we want them a LOT MORE, because they all "won" and were winners."

The song isn't as catchy because it doesn't rhyme, but it doesn't matter because those Xbox 360 games are GUARANTEED blockbusters!

Left 4 Dead is also a game that is getting a LOT of attention. Left 4 Dead is from the same company that brought us Orange Box. Left 4 Dead is receiving the same amount of hype that games like Orange Box did. It will be released as a console exclusive for the Xbox 360. Left 4 Dead really has me excited!!!



Last Year the Xbox 360 had the following games that received Game of the Year awards:

Halo 3

Bioshock

Orange Box

Mass Effect

Call of Duty 4

Forza Motorsport 2



And Xbox 360 has Call of Duty 2, which was Game of the Year in 2005.

Plus the re-launch of Oblivion: Game of the Year Edition is superior on the Xbox 360. And Orange Box was obviously better on the Xbox 360. Call of Duty 4's performance was similar on both systems, but the Xbox 360 obviously has the BIG advantage, because there are SO MANY more people to play online with.



In 2008, history suggests that we will see the following games nominated for Game of the Year:

Gears of War 2

Halo Wars

Ninja Gaiden 2

Grand Theft Auto 4 - with Custom Episodes

Rainbow Six Vegas 2

Fable 2

Alan Wake

Left 4 Dead

...and others that are not yet announced.

...and while other companies are charging $39.99 for demos, games like Forza Motorsport 2 will have all sorts of new tracks and new cars released an inexpensive add-ons, so that new games don't even need to be purchased.

Sony showed too much too soon, this is how thunder is stolen