Xbox 360 Gears Up for Its Second Holiday Season and Beyond

BARCELONA, Spain, Sept. 28 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- In the city that helped influence the works of artists including Gaudi, Miro and Picasso, Microsoft Corp. (NASDAQ: MSFT) delivered the fine art of gaming at X06 showcasing an extensive, groundbreaking collection of games for the Xbox 360(TM) video game and entertainment system, Games for Windows(R) and Xbox Live(R) Arcade for Xbox 360. For the holiday season and beyond, Microsoft offers amazing experiences for all types of gamers -- ranging from the hard- core gamer with the award-winning "Gears of War(R)" to the gamer interested in a variety of genres with the broad reach title "Viva Pinata(TM)."

Titles for both Xbox 360 and Windows titles announced or shown include these:

   *    "Alan Wake" (Remedy Entertainment). "Alan Wake" is a psychological
        action thriller from Remedy, the legendary and renowned developers
        of highly successful action titles. In this exciting new title
        exclusively for Windows Vista(TM) and Xbox 360, gamers assume the
        role of Alan Wake, a best-selling suspense author who escapes to a
        small town to recover from the mysterious disappearance of his
        fiancee.
   *    BioShock (2K Games). A revolution in the genre that will forever
        change the expectations for first-person shooters, "BioShock" will
        be released exclusively on Xbox 360 and Windows next spring.
   *    "Crossfire" (Eidos, Pivotal Games). This is the new first-person
        shooter from the award-winning developer Pivotal Games. "Crossfire"
        draws its inspiration from a group new to the gaming world: the
        CIA's denied operations Special Activities Division. The action
        focuses on the exploits of two field operatives in an innovative
        approach to the military squad shooter.
   *    "Alone in the Dark" (Atari). The franchise that gave birth to the
        modern survival horror gaming genre, "Alone in the Dark" returns on
        next-generation platforms to deliver an edge-of-the-seat survival
        experience facilitated by state-of-the-art real-time physics and
        unparalleled environmental interaction within a meticulously
        detailed, open game world. Developed by Eden Games, "Alone in the
        Dark" will propel the survival horror genre into the future with the
        new level of available technology that allows for unprecedented
        advances in gameplay and unmatched action-orientated gaming
        experiences in wide-open environments.
   *    "Kane and Lynch: Dead Men" (Eidos, IO Interactive). "Kane & Lynch:
        Dead Men" is a violent and chaotic journey of two men -- a flawed
        mercenary and a medicated psychopath -- and their attitudes toward
        right and wrong. This volatile partnership combined with innovative
        technologies allow for an unparalleled gaming experience.
   *    "Marvel Universe Online" (Cryptic Studios). Microsoft, Marvel
        Entertainment and Cryptic Studios will be bringing Marvel's epic
        world of Super Heroes to life in this highly anticipated massively
        multiplayer online video game. "Marvel Universe Online" will be
        exclusive to Xbox 360 and Windows Vista gamers, and as a cross-
        platform title, it will allow both platforms to experience the world
        together online.
   *    "Shadowrun(TM)" (FASA Studio). FASA Studio, the creative minds
        behind "MechWarrior(R)" and "Crimson Skies(R)," are back with
        "Shadowrun," the new cross-platform multiplayer first-person shooter
        based on the much-beloved role-playing game franchise. Up to 16
        players can battle with a blend of modern weaponry and ancient magic
        for control of this new world through Xbox 360-to-Windows Vista
        online compatibility.
   *    "Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell Double Agent" (Ubisoft). Sam Fisher is
        back, but he's never faced an enemy like this before. This time he
        must infiltrate and destroy a terrorist cell from within. For the
        first time ever, experience the relentless tension and gut-wrenching
        dilemmas of life as a double agent. Lie, sabotage, kill, betray. How
        far will you go to complete your mission?
   *    The next "Splinter Cell" title (Ubisoft). It's official. The only
        place to play the next installment in this series after "Splinter
        Cell Double Agent" is on Xbox 360. The "Splinter Cell" series never
        fails to deliver an incredible, immersive gaming experience that
        takes full advantage of Xbox 360, and this title will be no
        different.
   *    "World Series of Poker(R): Tournament of Champions" (Activision).
        Building on last year's No. 1 poker title and No. 1 brand in poker,
        "World Series of Poker: Tournament of Champions" takes a story-based
        approach as you enter the Circuit as Chris "Jesus" Ferguson's
        protege. You'll test your skill against more top pros than ever
        before as you compete in the premier Circuit Events. Your goal:
        qualify for the winner-take-all, invitation-only Tournament of
        Champions at the Rio Resort in Las Vegas and compete to be the
        World's Best.

  Highly anticipated Windows titles announced or shown include these:

   *    "Age of Conan: Hyborian Adventures" (Eidos/Funcom). Offering two
        gameplay options, "Age of Conan: Hyborian Adventures" lets gamers
        choose between an online action-RPG with a deep, story-driven
        single-player experience or a massive and brutal multiplayer
        endgame, bringing to life the ultimate representation of the "Age of
        Conan."
   *    "Halo 2" for Windows Vista (Bungie Studios). The battle lands on
        Windows Vista as the epic storyline unfolds with Master Chief
        standing as the only thing between the relentless alien Covenant and
        the destruction of all humankind. In addition, the "Halo" community
        can now create an unlimited supply of exciting multiplayer levels
        thanks to the exclusive "Halo 2" for Windows Vista Map Editor.
   *    "Hellgate(TM): London" (NAMCO BANDAI Games). "Hellgate: London" is
        the first original title from premier developer Flagship Studios,
        whose team hails from such blockbusters as the Diablo, StarCraft and
        WarCraft series. Set in the near future, "Hellgate: London"
        introduces a world devastated by a demon invasion. Players are
        thrust into a desolate city scorched by hellfire where the survivors
        meld science and sorcery to gain a foothold against the minions of
        darkness and save the bloodline of humanity.
   *    "Rail Simulator" (EA). Coming to Europe. Release the brakes and
        drive contemporary and historical locomotives along four real-life
        routes, all re-created in stunning detail. This massively
        anticipated simulator lets you take the controls to drive in
        challenging scenarios or to your own timetable on the route of your
        choice. Indulge your creative skills by crafting your own routes,
        content and scenarios to play or exchange with other players. Your
        journey begins here!
   *    "The Lord of the Rings Online(TM): Shadows of Angmar(TM)" (Midway).
        "The Lord of the Rings Online: Shadows of Angmar" lets players join
        in an epic adventure -- exploring a massive online world while
        defending the lands of Middle-earth from the Dark Lord Sauron.
        Players of all levels will explore incredibly detailed realms and
        join familiar characters in an evolving and persistent re-creation
        of J.R.R. Tolkien's beloved world. Gamers can adventure solo or
        choose from thousands of players online to forge their own
        fellowships. "LOTRO" is co-published by Turbine and Midway in North
        America and Codemasters Online Gaming in Europe.

  Xbox Live Arcade

Yesterday, in a surprise unveiling, one of the greatest games of the 3-D era premiered on Xbox Live Arcade: "DOOM(R)" (id Software) is now available for 800 points. The game brings legendary DOOM mayhem to gamers, who for the first time ever can relive the classic demon-blasting fragfest in both single- player and two-to-four player cooperative and deathmatch modes over Xbox Live. Also, a new, multititle relationship with Codemasters was announced, with the first title being the classic, fast-action soccer game, "Sensible World of Soccer."

Xbox Live Arcade titles playing on the X06 show floor include frenzied music puzzle game "Lumines Live!(TM)" (Q? Entertainment Inc.), classic side- scrolling action shooter "Contra" (Konami), an original action shoot 'em up "Heavy Weapon: Atomic Tank" (PopCap Games), space-shooter "Gyruss" (Konami), arcade fighting favorite "Ultimate Mortal Kombat 3" (Midway), the multiplayer brawler "Small Arms" (Gastronaut Studios), the all-time coin-op classic "Defender" (Midway), the futuristic street-racing action game "Street Trace: NYC" (Gaia Industries), innovative action combat "Assault Heroes" (Vivendi Universal Games), and the frenetic shooter "Mutant Storm Empire" (Pom-Pom Games).

About Xbox 360

Xbox 360 is the most powerful video game and entertainment system, delivering the best games, the next generation of the premier Xbox Live online gaming network and unique digital entertainment experiences that revolve around gamers. Xbox 360 is expected to have a catalog of 160 high-definition games by the end of 2006 and to be available in nearly 40 countries by the end of 2007. More information can be found online at http://www.xbox.com/xbox360.

About Games for Windows

Microsoft(R) Windows is the most popular operating system in the world for games, delivering the widest range of titles, the most gaming hardware choices, and advanced gaming technology for players of all types. With Windows as the cornerstone, the Games for Windows platform offers publishers and gamers the most enjoyable and innovative gaming experiences available on a PC. More information can be found online at http://www.gamesforwindows.com/.

About Xbox Live

Xbox Live is the first and only unified online entertainment network seamlessly integrated throughout the entire console experience, making it easy for people to find the friends, games and entertainment they want from the moment they power on their Xbox 360 system. Xbox Live connects millions of members across 24 countries to enjoy hundreds of multiplayer games, downloadable games via Xbox Live Arcade, free and premium playable game demos, music videos, and movie trailers, as well as new game levels, characters and vehicles for all their favorite retail games. More information can be found online at http://www.xbox.com/en-us/live.

About Microsoft Game Studios

Microsoft Game Studios is a leading worldwide publisher and developer of games for the Xbox and Xbox 360 video game systems, the Windows operating system and online platforms. Comprising a network of top developers, Microsoft Game Studios is committed to creating innovative and diverse games for Windows (http://www.microsoft.com/games), including such franchises as "Age of Empires," "Flight Simulator" and "Zoo Tycoon;" Xbox and Xbox 360 (http://www.xbox.com/), including such games as the upcoming "Gears of War" and franchises such as "Halo," "Fable," "Project Gotham Racing" and "Forza Motorsport"; and MSN(R) Games (http://www.games.msn.com/), the official games channel for the MSN network and home to such hits as "Bejeweled" and "Hexic(R)."

About Microsoft

Founded in 1975, Microsoft is the worldwide leader in software, services and solutions that help people and businesses realize their full potential.

NOTE: Microsoft, Xbox, Xbox 360, Windows, Xbox Live, Gears of War, Viva Pinata, Age of Empires, Zoo Tycoon, Crackdown, Fable, Forza Motorsport, Halo, Project Gotham Racing, Banjo-Kazooie, Windows Vista, Shadowrun, MechWarrior, Crimson Skies, MSN and Hexic are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Microsoft Corp. or Rare Ltd. in the United States and/or other countries.

Rare Ltd. is a subsidiary of Microsoft Corp.

"The Lord of the Rings Online," "Shadows of Angmar," "Middle-earth," "The Lord of the Rings," and the names of the characters, events, items and places therein are trademarks or registered trademarks of The Saul Zaentz Company d/b/a Tolkien Enterprises under license to Turbine Inc. Turbine and the Turbine logo are trademarks or registered trademarks of Turbine Inc. in the United States and/or other jurisdictions.

The names of actual companies and products mentioned herein may be the trademarks of their respective owners.