TGS brings Kinect to the core

Microsoft’s Tokyo Game Show press event has finally delivered what all the pre-release hype until now has failed to – a range of upcoming titles that will very much place Kinect at the centre of the hardcore games sector.

In total five new games were revealed, including both exciting looking new IP and the return of classic franchises.

Suda 51’s cult development studio Grasshopper Manufacture is currently working on Codename D, a game where players must fight for their life in what’s called an evil amusement park”.

Then there’s the long-awaited return of one of gaming’s most loved hardcore franchises – Panzer Dragoon. Developed by Grounding, Project Draco doesn’t carry the Dragoon name but Yukio Fatatsugi’s game is very much in the same style. It’s a 3D flying shooter that will use Kinect to allow players to care and bond with their dragon before taking to the skies and unleashing hell.

There’s also the return of Capcom’s Steel Battalion, a title being jointly developed by From Software. Called Steel Battalion Heavy Armour, the game is set in Manhatten circa 2082 in a world where nearly all modern technology has been lost.

Adding to the lineup are NanaOn-Sha’s Haunt, a family friendly survival horror title set in a haunted house that is being developed by Parappa the Rapper and Vib Ribbon creator Masaya Matsuura, and Sega’s Rise of Nightmares which promises a far tenser horror experience.

Microsoft has never been more committed to Japanese developers, the heart of innovative gameplay, thrilling stories and iconic heroes,” Microsoft Game Studios’ corporate VP Phil Spencer stated.

To date, Japanese games have already grossed more than $2 billion on Xbox 360 and today’s announcements signal tremendous opportunities for Japanese developers to deliver the future of gaming with Kinect.”

Microsoft’s general manager for Home & Entertainment Takashi Sensui added: This is the biggest year in our history with controller-free entertainment, the best blockbuster games, movies, television, music and sports all coming to Xbox 360. With the talent of the best creators from Japan, we’re able to bring even more fresh and unexpected experiences to millions of people around the world.”