Microsoft’s E3 Keynote Rundown

So Mircosoft have done their keynote, and I couldn’t bloody watch it due to a poor net connection (that’s only good for online gaming for some reason). But here’s the rundown on what was annouced and what’s to look forward to from Microsoft.

Project ‘Natal’

So the new Wii-esq technology for Xbox 360, Project Natal has managed to take a step further in that they’ve made is it recognize the user without a controller; what they are doing, what facial expressions they are making, and even who they are (auto-sign-in people)! Its even got it’s own Minority Report style GUI browsing using your hands. All looks very impressive; something to out step the Wii. Must say that was very unexpected…

Xbox 360 finally gets Metal Gear Solid!

Xbox 360 owners can now rejoice in that Metal Gear Solid Rising is coming out for Xbox 360. Starting everybodies favorite Raiden… ninja Raiden mind you! Nothing much is know, but I’m presuming it’s exclusive for the Xbox 360. It should be a “completely new metal gear experience“.

Two timed exclusive map packs for Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2

They’ve seal  a deal that will allow Xbox 360 owners only to have two map packs for Modern Warfare 2 for a limtied time period; so Playstation 3 owners will get these map packs, but not for the set time period.

Live.fm on Xbox 360

People will be able to listen to music on Last.fm through their Xbox 360 now; hopefully this will allow custom in-game music as you could do with MP3 file? We’ll see later this year.

Halo 3: ODST to come with multiplay beta code for Halo: Reach

Halo 3: ODST (a stand-alone expansion pack much for Halo 3) is being released on September 22 – not sure on location-wise, but will update once known – and will include a multiplayer beta code for the next installment of Halo, Halo: Reach. Not sure about anything on Halo: Reach yet other than it will be out autumn 2010, but will let you know.

Teaming up with Facebook and Twitter

Facebook and Twitter will now be available through the Xbox 360 as an additional service. Facebook service will pretty much be an add-on for Facebook to show off various aspects of your gaming. The Twitter service will tweet what you’re up-to. Both these services can be viewed through the Xbox 360.

Xbox Live Video Marketplace will now become Zune Marketplace

So, nothing too exciting from this one. Live Video Marketplace now becomes Zune Marketplace, sharing content from the Zune Marketplace with Xbox 360 owners on Live. It will allow access to 1080p content and will (I’m guessing) connect with the Zune HD allowing you to sync your Xbox 360 with it. This also links in with Sky being on the Xbox 360.

Various Exclusive Game Announcements

 - Shadow Complex (Xbox Live Arcade from Epic)
 - Joy Ride (Xbox live Arcade from Big Park)
 - Left 4 Dead 2 (out November 17th)
 - Crackdown 2
 - Splinter Cell: Conviction (out in the autumn)
 - Forza Motorsport 3
 - Alan Wake (out in Spring 2010) 

Hope I covered it all, if I’ve missed something that covers the keynote exclusively then please say and I’ll tag it on.

Related posts:

1. Sony’s E3 Keynote Rundown
2. Metal Gear Solid Rising Not A 360 Exclusive?
3. Surprised News on Metal Gear Solid Rising
4. Nintendo’s E3 Keynote Rundown
5. Metal Gear Solid for the PSP