Live at the Microsoft Pre-TGS press briefing

1:10PM – The show begins with a CGI trailer, after which Takashi Sensui, Microsoft Japan's Xbox division manager takes the stage. He introduces Hironobu Sakaguchi who says that his Unreal Engine 3-powered RPG Lost Odyssey is 95% completed.


1:20PM – Sakaguchi is playing Lost Odyssey, though apparently "playing" is arguable considering the amount of non-interactive cutscenes. The screen shows: "B: Cancel; A: See the Dream." We'll assume he pressed 'A'. Like most UE3 games, Lost Odyssey looks great, but the battle system appears to be quite dated (or traditional depending on which you prefer). Even better: Sakaguchi lost a battle and thus ended the demo.
1:30PM – They show off box art for the game featuring a manga-style painting by Inoue. It will be released on December 6th in Japan, but will not be playable at TGS. Instead, they'll be showing off a new trailer and they'll host another event for the press in November. Sensui is back on stage and says North America will get the game in February 2008, and the rest of Asia in January 2008. He says the game "is already beyond movies."

1:37PM – What's that music ... is that ... Halo? They're showing off the E3 trailer, and we're reminded to prowl for Cortana cosplayers at TGS. There are about 50 Xbox 360 fanboys screaming and shouting at each announcement and trailer, while Sensui explains how great Halo 3 is for the Japanese gamer (something tells me they're not listening). PGR4 is coming to Japan on 10/11 (we already knew that) and Viva Pinata Party Animals is coming in 2007 (we're thrilled, I assure you).

1:42PM – And now the third-party games. Kicking it off with Namco Bandai, showing off a new trailer of Ace Combat 6 (which is an Xbox 360 timed exclusive if you'll recall). Applause. The game will hit Japan on November 1st, and will be playable at TGS (that that, Lost Odyssey!).
1:50PM – Koei is showing off Dynasty Warriors 6, which will launch for PS3 and Xbox 360 at the same time this November, and will also be playable at TGS. They show a trailer for the no-longer exclusive Devil May Cry 4, and say it will be on the Xbox 360 "early next year." It's unclear if the PS3 version has been delayed from its expected Q4 release or if both versions are coming out next year. After the trailer, Sensui calls the game "Devil Maker 4." Hey, don't sweat it, that name makes more sense than "Devil May Cry."

1:55PM – SURPRISE! Ninja Gaiden 2! Our good buddy Tomonobu "Tekken sucks" Itagaki takes the stage and says this is the world premiere of the game. "We, Team Ninja, don't think the last Ninja Gaiden on Xbox was a masterpiece or such." What about Sigma on the PS3? Did you get it right by that point? He continues, "Many compromises there, ten or twenty features we could not implement then. This time, we can finally present those original ideas." It only took what ... four iterations?

The ever humble Itagaki barely squeaks out, "The Xbox 360 is the best game console on the earth and this game is gonna be the best on the console." To prove it, he's showing off some real-time footage of the title. He mentions the leak today (he calls it "the accident") so he's going to show off a new stage.



2:05PM – As you can see (well, you can't, but believe us anyways) the title is jam-packed with gore, handily earning it a Z (that's like an M/AO to us) rating. The screen says, "Rengenge begins 2008" ... in blood. Nice touch. Itagaki says, "Thank you so much. I'm very happy to announce it here today. Thank you." Sensui is back on stage saying, "Sugoi desune!" over and over again. It means "really awesome."

2:10PM – They move onto the broader Microsoft games biz, like Games for Windows. The "platform" now has 250 titles, including Live, in 2007. And a Z-rated platinum collection featuring Dead Rising and Gears of War for about $40 US (what a deal!).


2:20PM – They're showing off new pink and light blue wireless controllers, just like the ones we saw at E3. some ladies are on stage in matching shirts to show off the lovely new controllers. They're also introducing the chatpad for the Japanese market, but there's no release date just yet. The pink and blue controllers will be available on 11/1 or 12/1.

2:25PM – In terms of downloadable contenst, Idol Master is the 3rd best selling game on Live, by numbers sold. For Xbox Live Arcade, they're bringing Rez, Ikaruga, Every Extend Extra Extreme, EXIT, Omega Five, and Trigger Heart Exelica! Wowza!


2:30PM – Square Enix's Kojima Hajime takes the stage to talk about Infinite Undiscovery, the fantasy RPG being developed by Tri-Ace and published by Square Enix. They show a trailer. Hajime is followed by now Kawazu Akitoshi, executive producer for Square Enix's other Xbox 360 bound RPG project, Last Remnant. They show off some real-time footage; unfortunately, the game won't be playable at TGS.

2:45PM – Sensui is back on stage. Says, "The 360 is the most fun, most exciting platform now." They show off a little recap movie for those folks in the audience who may have dozed off for a little bit, and that's it! Sensui says, "See you at TGS!" You bet your behind you will.
1:30PM – They show off box art for the game featuring a manga-style painting by Inoue. It will be released on December 6th in Japan, but will not be playable at TGS. Instead, they'll be showing off a new trailer and they'll host another event for the press in November. Sensui is back on stage and says North America will get the game in February 2008, and the rest of Asia in January 2008. He says the game "is already beyond movies."

1:37PM – What's that music ... is that ... Halo? They're showing off the E3 trailer, and we're reminded to prowl for Cortana cosplayers at TGS. There are about 50 Xbox 360 fanboys screaming and shouting at each announcement and trailer, while Sensui explains how great Halo 3 is for the Japanese gamer (something tells me they're not listening). PGR4 is coming to Japan on 10/11 (we already knew that) and Viva Pinata Party Animals is coming in 2007 (we're thrilled, I assure you).

1:42PM – And now the third-party games. Kicking it off with Namco Bandai, showing off a new trailer of Ace Combat 6 (which is an Xbox 360 timed exclusive if you'll recall). Applause. The game will hit Japan on November 1st, and will be playable at TGS (that that, Lost Odyssey!).
1:50PM – Koei is showing off Dynasty Warriors 6, which will launch for PS3 and Xbox 360 at the same time this November, and will also be playable at TGS. They show a trailer for the no-longer exclusive Devil May Cry 4, and say it will be on the Xbox 360 "early next year." It's unclear if the PS3 version has been delayed from its expected Q4 release or if both versions are coming out next year. After the trailer, Sensui calls the game "Devil Maker 4." Hey, don't sweat it, that name makes more sense than "Devil May Cry."

1:55PM – SURPRISE! Ninja Gaiden 2! Our good buddy Tomonobu "Tekken sucks" Itagaki takes the stage and says this is the world premiere of the game. "We, Team Ninja, don't think the last Ninja Gaiden on Xbox was a masterpiece or such." What about Sigma on the PS3? Did you get it right by that point? He continues, "Many compromises there, ten or twenty features we could not implement then. This time, we can finally present those original ideas." It only took what ... four iterations?

The ever humble Itagaki barely squeaks out, "The Xbox 360 is the best game console on the earth and this game is gonna be the best on the console." To prove it, he's showing off some real-time footage of the title. He mentions the leak today (he calls it "the accident") so he's going to show off a new stage.



2:05PM – As you can see (well, you can't, but believe us anyways) the title is jam-packed with gore, handily earning it a Z (that's like an M/AO to us) rating. The screen says, "Rengenge begins 2008" ... in blood. Nice touch. Itagaki says, "Thank you so much. I'm very happy to announce it here today. Thank you." Sensui is back on stage saying, "Sugoi desune!" over and over again. It means "really awesome."

2:10PM – They move onto the broader Microsoft games biz, like Games for Windows. The "platform" now has 250 titles, including Live, in 2007. And a Z-rated platinum collection featuring Dead Rising and Gears of War for about $40 US (what a deal!).


2:20PM – They're showing off new pink and light blue wireless controllers, just like the ones we saw at E3. some ladies are on stage in matching shirts to show off the lovely new controllers. They're also introducing the chatpad for the Japanese market, but there's no release date just yet. The pink and blue controllers will be available on 11/1 or 12/1.

2:25PM – In terms of downloadable contenst, Idol Master is the 3rd best selling game on Live, by numbers sold. For Xbox Live Arcade, they're bringing Rez, Ikaruga, Every Extend Extra Extreme, EXIT, Omega Five, and Trigger Heart Exelica! Wowza!


2:30PM – Square Enix's Kojima Hajime takes the stage to talk about Infinite Undiscovery, the fantasy RPG being developed by Tri-Ace and published by Square Enix. They show a trailer. Hajime is followed by now Kawazu Akitoshi, executive producer for Square Enix's other Xbox 360 bound RPG project, Last Remnant. They show off some real-time footage; unfortunately, the game won't be playable at TGS.

2:45PM – Sensui is back on stage. Says, "The 360 is the most fun, most exciting platform now." They show off a little recap movie for those folks in the audience who may have dozed off for a little bit, and that's it! Sensui says, "See you at TGS!" You bet your behind you will.










Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
Count Noobula @ Sep 12th 2007 12:26AM
95% complete? Where's the other 5%. Just kidding, that's cool. I guess they just need to polish it up then.
Rususeruru @ Sep 12th 2007 12:53AM
CREDITS OF COURSE! haha
Vexorg @ Sep 12th 2007 1:30AM
They still need to tighten up the graphics on level 3.
HaleysComet @ Sep 12th 2007 12:27AM
Damn I really want to sleep but I'm sorta hoping a big announcement is going to be made soon...
Please release in the next 30 mins...k? THANKS!
jorojoserojas @ Sep 12th 2007 12:40AM
I know how you feel, but I also need to stay up to see what all the fuss was about on the countdown to "Brutally Fun" in a little bit.
Count Noobula @ Sep 12th 2007 12:31AM
I know why they are doing their press conference now, or "pre-conference" is that once the actual game show hits, most of japan won't pay attention to the 360. Good move Microsoft.
Anyways, I hope they announce Ninja Gaiden 2, and make it exclusive, though I doubt it will be exclusive with the PS3 having gotten Sigma.
jorojoserojas @ Sep 12th 2007 1:05AM
Published by Microsoft...
Can't get much more exclusive than that.
hvnlysoldr (NDF - Wind Ring) @ Sep 12th 2007 12:37AM
Man I wish Nintendo had Space World or attended TGS.
(in b4 Fernando haters)
Crono (NDF - Fire Ring) @ Sep 12th 2007 9:12AM
Totally, I miss the all nintendo show.
SYN @ Sep 12th 2007 12:42AM
95% done, and still 5 months away?
Aex @ Sep 12th 2007 12:51AM
Perhaps you just missed the part where it said, Released in Japan on Dec. 6...
Tho, another possibility is you are just really bad at math...
Forest @ Sep 12th 2007 12:43AM
please say MGS4 is coming to 360
mike @ Sep 12th 2007 12:46AM
Japanese people dont know what their missing by passing on the xbox and halo 3. Except for those 50 screeming fans heh.
Jonah Falcon @ Sep 12th 2007 12:53AM
1Up has the first Ninja Gaiden 2 interview:
http://www.1up.com/do/blogEntry?bId=8378909&publicUserId=1002411
MED @ Sep 12th 2007 12:54AM
TGS seems to come faster every year.
Jonah Falcon @ Sep 12th 2007 12:57AM
1Up's exclusive Ninja Gaiden 2 preview:
http://www.1up.com/do/previewPage?cId=3162734
That's the link I *meant* to post.
Arturo @ Sep 12th 2007 12:58AM
I wonder if they'll have those do!do!do! guys with a new song lol.
Jonah Falcon @ Sep 12th 2007 12:59AM
Ninja Gaiden 2 preview.
Not sure this took the first time:
http://www.1up.com/do/previewPage?cId=3162734
This is the link I meant to post.
Jonah Falcon @ Sep 12th 2007 12:59AM
Of course, the cache didn't clear the first time and I end up double-posting. Someone delete one of these superfluous comments. (sigh)
Jonah Falcon @ Sep 12th 2007 1:02AM
Tomonobu "What I Really Want to Do is Porn" Itagaki
Mr Khan @ Sep 12th 2007 6:30PM
No, its Tomonobu "Pizza Face" Itagaki
jorojoserojas @ Sep 12th 2007 1:02AM
Published by Microsoft? Wow...
Jonah Falcon @ Sep 12th 2007 1:16AM
So, no PS3 version, right? :p
yohannefletcher @ Sep 12th 2007 1:04AM
This just in.
There is a Ninja Gaiden 2 trailer on XBOX Live right now, the marketplace has been updated with a 'Bringing it Home: Toky Game Show' link as well
jorojoserojas @ Sep 12th 2007 1:11AM
Thanks for the tip! Downloading now...
jorojoserojas @ Sep 12th 2007 1:18AM
The teaser looks awesome...
Now, gameplay please!
GamerG @ Sep 12th 2007 1:22AM
Itagaki sure knows how to judge a console
Jonah Falcon @ Sep 12th 2007 1:31AM
And feel up female coworkers. :p
dsub @ Sep 12th 2007 1:34AM
and make the greatest game ever made.
dsub @ Sep 12th 2007 1:33AM
Okay. Let's step back and think about this. Ninja Gaiden Sigma comes to PS3 to give PS3 owners a little taste of the fantastic game that is Ninja Gaiden. Then microsoft makes Ninja Gaiden 2 a 360 exclusive to lure the fans of the game into buying a 360.
Sounds like a plan to me.
Count Noobula @ Sep 12th 2007 1:40AM
Personally, I think Team Ninja made Sigma for the PS3 to get their engine ready for Ninja Gaiden 2 for the 360. I think they believed it would piss off fans of the series if they released sigma for the 360. Fans would just yell out "give us NG2 already!"
Thank you M$ for making this exclusive. PS3 fanboys can keep MGS4 for all I care now.
Jonah Falcon @ Sep 12th 2007 1:35AM
MICROSOFT IS BUNDLING PC VERSIONS OF GEARS OF WAR AND DEAD RISING FOR $40 USD IN JAPAN?!?!?!?!?!
DaMan09 @ Sep 12th 2007 1:39AM
Thats what play-asia is for!
Cabal @ Sep 12th 2007 1:38AM
Rez FTW!
Rob @ Sep 12th 2007 1:41AM
Rez and Ikaruga? Holy shit, North America please!
BPM @ Sep 12th 2007 1:44AM
Seconded.
Although I already own Ikaruga on GameCube, this is still a great thing for XBLA.
Rob @ Sep 12th 2007 1:59AM
no final fantasy :(
Intellectualdiot @ Sep 12th 2007 2:01AM
Damn. Killer XBLA list. Gimme. Gimme now.
Jonah Falcon @ Sep 12th 2007 2:18AM
But two new Square Enix RPGs.
Jonah Falcon @ Sep 12th 2007 2:03AM
Itagaki really does look like one of the undead. "I'll swallow your soul!"
Jonah Falcon @ Sep 12th 2007 2:03AM
Anyone notice a PS2 game is headed to XBLA?
Cabal @ Sep 12th 2007 2:15AM
Yeah, Rez. Although, it originally was a Dreamcast game, but only the PS2 version made it to the States.
mietha CAG @ Sep 12th 2007 2:34AM
Holy shit, Rez and Ikaruga? That shit BETTER come to the US.
VampireHunter Z @ Sep 12th 2007 2:50AM
Jeez, Team Ninja not holding back with the blood this time. Hopefully the difficulty is preserved.
ALH @ Sep 12th 2007 4:54AM
REZ!? HOLY SHIT
jodyanthony.com @ Sep 12th 2007 8:12AM
fuck yes to infinite undiscovery. i know nothing about the game other than it's by tri-Ace, and that alone makes me want it bad.
jodyanthony.com @ Sep 12th 2007 8:13AM
fuck yes to infinite undiscovery. i know nothing about the game other than it's by tri-Ace, and that alone makes me want it bad.
jodyanthony.com @ Sep 12th 2007 8:16AM
fuck yes to infinite undiscovery. i know nothing about the game other than it's by tri-Ace, and that alone makes me want it bad.
Liqwid @ Sep 12th 2007 9:10AM
O rly?
Liqwid @ Sep 12th 2007 9:10AM
O rly?