Microsoft shows new EA Sports, Halo 4, Gears, Fable and Splinter Cell

With the start of the Microsoft E3 press conference, the news and information has started to roll in. Several studios from Ubisoft, EA, Microsoft and Epic have unveiled their latest projects, specifically slated for the Xbox 360.

Halo 4

Microsoft led off with their biggest known IP, Halo 4. The new live-action and in-game trailer showcased some rather familiar ground for the series. The normal Covenant aliens were already present, but were quickly dispatched by a new, orange glowing enemy. Series protagonist Master Chief took on several new types of enemies, hinted to be Forerunner.

The trailer was the first showcase of the single-player campaign, one that hints at the relationship between the AI Cortana and the Master Chief.

Splinter Cell: Blacklist

Following the success of Conviction, Splinter Cell has returned to the limelight, this time reflecting more of what the franchise used to be in earlier iterations. The new title, Splinter Cell: Blacklist, will host a range of features, many of them working with the Kinect.

The new game takes a more realistic approach for story, with the demo taking place near the Iran/Iraq border. Terrorists from around the globe are joining forces to create a 'Blacklist' that is set on targeting the United States in a series of attacks.

'Splinter Cell: Blacklist is the most ambitious Splinter Cell yet," says Ubisoft Montreal. They ended the demo by announcing a launch window of spring 2013.

EA Sports with FIFA 13 and Madden 13

EA Sports took the time to reveal this year's latest features for their two biggest franchises. Much of the showcase was focused not on gameplay, but on Kinect connectivity and voice command applications. The team even brought out NFL legend Joe Montana, who proceeded to use his voice to select individual players. The official release dates for each game are set for August later this year.

Fable: The Journey

While not showcased on the screen, the new Fable title did show off a few moves and magic abilities that will be offered in game. No further information was detailed outside of the brief trailer.

Gears of War Judgment

The prequel to the original series had a quick video that showed off the humans fighting against the Locust hordes. Series mainstay Baird was shown in chains, detailing a probable criminal history prior to the events of Emergence Day.

The big news from is that the launch window has been set at some time next year.

Forza Horizon

A new title under the Forza name shows new night racing, street racing and more vehicle damage. This could very well be a shot at an open world racing title under the Xbox-exclusive franchise.

Gamers can look forward to the new racing title October 23, 2012.

Tomb Raider

Crystal Dynamics took to the stage to show off the new re-brand of Tomb Raider. The in-game trailer showed off a good portion of the fighting mechanics as well as AI responses to character movements. A very destructible cover system coupled with a rather interesting weapons system made for a rather gorgeous looking trailer.

Crystal Dynamics made the point to say that the first piece of downloadable content for the game would be offered to the Xbox 360 first. The team hopes to launch some time in 2013.

Resident Evil 6

Capcom showcased an all new trailer for Capcom's most ambitious game ever. The trailer showed a devastated city filled with zombies in every location. Series big shot Leon Kennedy diplays off an all new cover system, new shooting techniques and new melee moves that play well into the core of the franchise.

Also displayed was a rather interesting new take on quick time events, in which timed button presses affected how things played out. Gamers will no longer simply mash the button to make the story progress.

While the regular zombies were everywhere, the trailer did show Leon taking fire from a helicopter with several large guns. As to who those enemies are remains to be seen, but series fans should expect some involvement from the nefarious Umbrella Corporation.

Resident Evil 6 is still on track for a October 2, 2012.

South Park: The Stick of Truth

South Park series creators Matt Stone and Trey Parker took the time to discuss more of their project working alongside the team at Obsidian. The new game will take a very literal approach to making the game look at much like the show as possible. Parker and Stone are working heavily with the development team to ensure that the game has the feel of South Park.

The new game from Obsidian is set to launch March 5, 2013

Dance Central 3

Microsoft had been touting the inclusion of a Grammy award winning artist, and that turned out to be Usher, who ran through the stage with a song and dance routine. The new game will bring more artist input, more songs and more focus on dancing moves from yesteryear.

Call of Duty: Black Ops 2

Treyarch is back with a direct sequel to Black Ops, which was set in the Cold War. The new game, which is already showing a future run by drone warfare, gave gamers a glimpse at a war-torn Los Angeles. The new game showed off new drone capabilities, new gear and guns, as well as a story that sees most of the G20 leaders killed in a surprise attack. Vehicle game play has returned and will be expanded upon this title; the trailer showcased the lead controlling an upgraded F-35 while hovering above the streets of the City of Angels.

Treyarch has confirmed that much of the DLC will be on a timed exclusive for the Xbox 360, as per previous titles in the series.