Microsoft kicked off E3 this morning with their press conference, live from Los Angeles. While a large portion of the show focused on new Kinect titles – and how the motion-sensing device will play a role in more traditional hardcore games – we did get a first look at some of the biggest games on the slate for this year, 2012, and beyond. Not the least of which, Microsoft has announced that "Halo 4" is in the works.
Like every year, the conference featured a ton of new gameplay trailers; let's start off with the highly anticipated next entry in the "Modern Warfare" franchise.
"Modern Warfare 3"
The conference started with an all-new "Modern Warfare 3" gameplay trailer. Swimming silently underwater off the shores of Manhattan, you're placed in the role of an operative infiltrating an enemy submarine. Once an explosive charge is placed, it's a swim to the surface where you'll have to overtake various enemy sailors. It appears that the purpose of the mission is to gain control of the sub's onboard missiles, essentially using their (it's unclear exactly who the sub belongs to) own weapons against them. It may not feature much in the way of revealing any major story points, but the non-stop action looks exactly like what we've come to expect from the series.
"Tomb Raider"
Last week, we showed you a new teaser trailer that while looking gorgeous, consisted primarily of cutscenes. During the press conference, Crystal Dynamics showed off a first look at what we can expect to see in Lara's new title. The demo started with Lara hanging upside down from a cave roof, swinging herself ever closer to a fire in an attempt to burn her restraints. A long fall leads to Lara impaling herself – quite gruesomely – through the gut with a small stick. Man, she certainly gets beaten up a lot in this game. While the new "Tomb Raider" focuses on a younger, more inexperienced Lara, did anyone else notice she didn't have much trouble making those 20-foot jumps?
"Gears of War 3"
Watch the video here.
What's a Microsoft press conference without some "Gears of War 3?" Epic Games' Cliff Bleszinski took the stage to play some campaign co-op with none other than rap legend Ice-T. The portion of the campaign played on stage showcased a battle between the COGs and a huge, infected sea creature. The giant, Kraken-like monster is definitely on par with what we've come to expect from "Gears," and Fenix's crew eventually finds a mech-suit to assist in taking the behemoth out. I particularly enjoyed the moments where co-op was certainly a factor, with Fenix ducking behind his armored companion in order to take shelter between shots to the boss' vulnerable eyes.
"Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary Edition"
Watch the video here.
Though rumors of a "Halo: Combat Evolved" re-release have swirled for some time now, the game has officially been announced with a November 15 street date. This isn't simply just a re-release, though. The upcoming anniversary edition is receiving an HD remaster, and based on the footage shown, is looking great. Also included are seven multiplayer maps, and my personal favorite way to play "Halo," campaign co-op.
"Halo 4"
Watch the video here.
Remember how "Halo 3" was supposed to wrap up the original "Halo" trilogy? Remember how we weren't supposed to see Master Chief anymore? Well, that's apparently out the window. Microsoft closed out the press conference this morning with their biggest announcement of the show: "Halo 4." According to Microsoft, this is just the beginning of an all-new trilogy. The trailer was definitely a teaser, but we did get to see the Chief's heart start back up, being called back into action. He floats through a destroyed ship, and – well, that's it. The game is due out by the end of 2012, and like many of you, I can't wait to play a new "Halo" game starring Master Chief.
While "Halo 4" may the biggest announcement of the show so far, we're just getting started. Multiple press conferences will take place throughout today, including Sony's big event this evening, and tomorrow we'll get our first look at Nintendo's brand new console. Keep your browser locked right here, as we bring you all the latest coverage from E3 2011.