The Xbox Preview Guide: Part One
The confirmed games are few and far between, but they're an impressive lot.
March 2, 2001
Yeah, yeah yeah. We've heard all the cleverly disguised marketing slogans from Sony and Nintendo that you guys think are fanboy mantras against the man bringing your favorite hobby down. You think 'ole Bill and the gang doesn't know enough about what makes you console gamers tick. Well, just to help you get a clue that the Xbox is for real, we're launching the Ultimate Xbox Preview Guide, which is designed to give you the most comprehensive look on the web at games headed to the most advanced gaming machine ever created.
We'll be starting with our list of 100% confirmed titles for the system, and in later updates will be adding a rumors section, as well as games we think have a good shot at hitting the system before all is said and done. Keep in mind that this list does not represent a complete list of titles in development. Not only is it likely that we missed one or two titles, but there are several games we know of that we're not allowed to reveal just yet. Expect regular updates to the list, and be sure to check out extended coverage of each title by clicking the links provided in the game's corresponding fact file so that you can be the most educated Xbox fanatic on your block!
Oddworld: Munch's Oddysee
Developer: Oddworld Inhabitants
Publisher: Microsoft
Genre: Adventure
The Buzz: One of the most anticipated games across any platform, Microsoft shocked the world when they confirmed that Munch was no longer coming to PlayStation 2, and now this Xbox exclusive looks to be one of the crown jewels of the console's launch period. Unbelievable visuals met with classic Oddworld gameplay should make for one spectacular title.
Shrek
Developer: Sandbox Studios
Publisher: TDK MediaActive/Dreamworks
Genre: Platform
The Buzz: Based on the upcoming movie of the same name, this potential launch title ought to be a looker, as it incorporates actual visuals from the digitally animated fairy tale. Few details are available, but you can expect Shrek to gather some attention from platform-driven adventure enthusiast.
Wiggles
Developer: Innonics
Publisher: TBA
Genre: Strategy
The Buzz: A virtual pet sim with a plot and mission-based objectives, Wiggles is an odd little title, which should send strategy fans into fits of hamster raising glee. One part Creatures, one part The Sims, and one part dwarven fantasy, this game is more than a bit odd, and nothing short of interesting.
Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 2x
Developer: Neversoft
Publisher: Activision
Genre: Sports
The Buzz: Microsoft nabbed a big fish in this semi-sequel to one of 2000's most popular franchises. Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 2x promises to take full advantage of the Xbox's hardware capabilities, most notably a new Online tournament mode and other multi-player options. If Activision is smart, we could also be looking at things like drastically improved visuals, use of the built-in hard drive for larger player-created maps, online High Score Boards, and other cool additions like the ability to upload and trade character and map data. We'll see what makes the cut soon enough, but regardless of new featurss, this should be the best Tony Hawk yet.
1906: An Anarctic Odyssey
Developer: Darkworks
Publisher: TBA
Genre: Adventure
The Buzz: Darkworks, the same crew who is currently preparing the resurrection of the Alone in the Dark series for PC, is also plotting to release another adventure title, and they're not beating around the bush on their intent to bring it to Xbox. We'll have to wait and see if a Publisher is as enthused about the idea as they are, but this game of artic exploration and adventure seems to have a little something for everyone, so we'll keep our fingers crossed.
Halo
Developer: Bungie
Publisher: Microsoft
Genre: FPS
The Buzz: Expected to make its Xbox debut at Gamestock 2001, this highly touted FPS title from Bungie is expected to change the face of action gaming with this Xbox-exclusive. This probably the best looking game we have ever seen, and the fact that it will be all about advanced AI, vehicle use, and more Online multi-player options than you can shake a stick at get us more than a little excited.
Crash Bandicoot X
Developer: Universal
Publisher: Konami
Genre: Platformer
The Buzz: A former calling card of Sony's console efforts is a platform exclusive no more, as Konami and Universal announced last September that everyone's favorite Bandicoot would make his way to the Xbox. Early screens of the PS2 version show a great deal of promise, and with the added power the Xbox brings to the table, we've got high hopes for this one.
Metal Gear X
Developer: Konami
Publisher: Konami
Genre: Action
The Buzz: While the exact identity of this highly touted special agent remains a mystery, one thing is for sure: The Metal Gear franchise is coming to Xbox. While some claim it is a ramped up version of the original, many insiders say that that this is merely Sony propaganda, and that MGS2 is a lock for the Box. Then again, we're also hearing that this title may be a completely new adventure for our man Solid Snake. Only time will tell..
Malice
Developer: Argonaut
Publisher: TBA (Microsoft?)
Genre: Platformer
The Buzz: One of the lead dog's for Microsoft's pack of exclusive Xbox titles, Malice comes from the minds at Argonaut, who are out for a little revenge after Sega (as well as many a console gamer) didn't live up to expectations on their last outing, Red Dog, these guys have a plan to make their upcoming platformer impossible to ignore.
New Legends
Developer: Infinite Machine
Publisher: THQ
Genre: Action
The Buzz: What would a system launch be without a post-apocalyptic kung-fu action adventure title from the creators of Jedi Knight? Completely worthless, of course, so THQ has teamed up with Infinite Machine to bring us one of the most interesting Xbox titles on the list.
Fate
Developer: Epix Interactive Studios
Publisher: TBA
Genre: RPG
The Buzz: considering the fact that the Xbox is the first console with a built-in hard drive, an online RPG like Fate was bound to crop up. Seeking to bring the importance of social standing and community to the MMORPG world, as well as bring back some of the classic elements of the Final Fantasy world. The only downer? We won't se it 'till 2002. Whaaa!
Mutant Chronicles: Warzone Online
Developer: Paradox Entertainment
Publisher: TBA
Genre: Strategy
The Buzz: Delving a little bit deeper into virgin console gaming territory, Paradox Entertainment is hard at work, preparing to bring an RTS experience unlike any other to console gaming, and they're basing this online beastie on the popular Mutant Chronicles universe.
Title Defense
Developer: Climax
Publisher: Climax
Genre: Sports
The Buzz: While Knockout Kings on the PS2 is already laying claim to the next-gen boxing battle, Climax believes that the fight has yet to start, and is aiming to bring a boxing sim to the Xbox that will make it more than a mere contender. We haven't heard much out of these guys since their unvieling last year, but chances are, they'll come out swinging.
Dragon's Lair 3D
Developer: Dragonstone Software
Publisher: TBA
Genre: Action
The Buzz: Since cell-shading is slowly but surely becoming all the rage with the kids, it's no wonder that one of gaming's earliest animated classics is getting a 3-D makeover. Blue Byte Software hopes to bring the title to Xbox at or around the launch of the system, so get your chain mail ready.
Grand Theft Auto 3
Developer: DMA Design
Publisher: Rockstar Games
Genre: Action
The Buzz: One of the PlayStation most chaotic hours is now making its way to next generation consoles, but this time around, DMA has opted to ditch the dated top-down perspective and ready to rock in full 3-D in this gorgeous car-jacking sim.
Armada 2: Exodus
Developer: Metro3D
Publisher: Metro3D
Genre: Action RPG
The Buzz: The sequel to one of 1999's most underrated titles is currently being retooled for next-gen consoles, and according to sources at Metro3D, the Xbox SKU will be leading the way, as the company attempts to make the most of the system's online capabilities for this co-operative space shooter with heavy character development features.
The Matrix
Developer: Shiny
Publisher: Interplay
Genre: Action
The Buzz: In an interesting turn of events, the movie which was inspired in large part by video games is now headed back to the roots from whence it came, with Shiny at the helm. Interplay is being pretty quiet about what to expect from this title, but awesome visuals, intense action, and bad voice acting are a safe bet. Well, unless they replace Keanu, that is.
Silent Space
Developer: Crytek Studios
Publisher: TBA
Genre: Strategy
The Buzz: In keeping with the Xbox tradition of saying almost nothing with regards to upcoming titles, indy developer Crytek Studios is currently at work on an epic space strategy in the vien of Homeworld with apparently impressive visuals. Outside that, your guess is as good as ours.
Robin Hood: Defender of the Crown
Developer: Cinemaware, Inc.
Publisher: TBA
Genre: Action Strategy
The Buzz: After a long slumber, the crew at Cinemaware have returned to the land of the living to resurrect a classic of their own, and in Robin Hood, the hope to bring to the Xbox an action-driven strategy game for the ages, as player will attempt to thwart evil and reunite England. Smashing!
Druid King
Developer: Sidhe Interactive
Publisher: TBA
Genre: Adventure
The Buzz: They say it's not so much whether you win or lose, but how you play the game, and this upcoming adventure title from Sidhe Interactive puts you in the shoes of an ancient Frenchy named Vercingetorix who is out to uproot Caesar. Little else is known about the game, but like that slacker kid in the back of the class, we'll be keeping an eye on this one.
Jurassic Park 3
Developer: Savage Entertainment
Publisher: TBA
Genre: Adventure
The Buzz: Konami is supporting the Xbox in a big way, and part of this support includes another license in their considerable Universal stable, Jurassic Park 3. Savage Entertainment is currently hard at work on the action adventure title based on the upcoming feature film of the same name, and expect big things from their "fierce" Sabertooth engine. Grrr.
The Thing
Developer: Universal
Publisher: Konami
Genre: Action
The Buzz: While most movie-licenses go bust in a big way, Konami and Universal are hoping that this classic horror flick can bring new life to the Survival Horror genre, an dpossibly escape the movie-game curse. Little is known about the game itself at this point, but details should surface in the near future.
MS Hockey
Developer: Microsoft
Publisher: Microsoft
Genre: Sports
The Buzz: Though there's nothing official at this point, you can pretty much count on the big M unveiling a topshelf hockey product as part of their 1st party sports line-up. With their expectations for EA's products, you can bet they will be pushing the envelope with a full features set and unprecedented online functionality.
Did we miss your game? Then make sure to email us.
-- Staff, IGN Xbox
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March 2, 2001 - Headlines
Xbox FAQ
Updated 03/02/2001
Legend Entertainment Interview
We talk with Legend Entertainment's Andy Taylor about Xbox development.
Peripheral Deal #1
Mad Catz makes a peripheral licensing agreement with Microsoft.
Peripheral Deal #2
InterAct also makes a deal with Microsoft. Some sort of NDA lifted today or something?
