Xbox 360 partners with leading Japanese publishers to bring their greatest games to fans around the world.

TOKYO, Oct. 9 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Against the backdrop of one of the world's largest video games events, Tokyo Game Show 2008, Microsoft Corp. today unveiled a blockbuster portfolio of games for Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system from many of the world's most renowned developers. The lineup, which features a variety of high-profile titles coming this holiday season as well as in 2009 and beyond, was headlined by 'Halo 3: Recon,' an exciting new chapter in the legendary 'Halo' franchise from acclaimed developer Bungie, as well as the announcement of 'TEKKEN 6' coming to Xbox 360, which brings the 'TEKKEN' franchise from Namco Bandai Games to Xbox 360 for the first time in history.

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During his keynote address, John Schappert, Microsoft's corporate vice president of LIVE, Software and Studios showcased the best blockbusters Japan has to offer from the most popular genres. Cementing the reputation of Xbox 360 as the premier home for great storytelling and the industry's best role-playing games (RPGs), Schappert provided an exclusive look at the widely anticipated 'Star Ocean(R): THE LAST HOPE(TM)' and 'THE LAST REMNANT(TM)' from developer Square Enix. Action-adventure fans were also given a new look at the latest trailer for 'RESIDENT EVIL 5,' slated to launch on Xbox 360 in March 2009. Finally, Schappert thrilled the capacity crowd by announcing that fighting franchise 'TEKKEN 6' would be launching on Xbox 360 for the first time, releasing worldwide in 2009.

'Xbox 360 continues to be the destination of choice for the best and broadest games from the world's biggest and best developers,' Schappert said. 'With the latest incarnations of the 'Halo' universe, as well as global hits like 'TEKKEN 6,' we continue to deliver on our commitment to provide the caliber of entertainment and games that capture the imagination of people across the globe.'

A New Look at the 'Halo' Universe

To the delight of devoted fans across the world, Microsoft debuted 'Halo 3: Recon,' developed exclusively for Xbox 360 by acclaimed developer Bungie. 'Halo 3: Recon' is a new chapter in the 'Halo' saga that lets gamers experience events leading up to the epic story told in 'Halo 3' through the eyes of a new hero in the 'Halo' universe. The stand-alone expansion, set to release in fall 2009, extends the award-winning 'Halo 3' experience with hours of new campaign excursions and multiplayer gameplay. In addition, attendees were given an all-new glimpse of the Xbox 360 exclusive strategy game 'Halo Wars' from Ensemble Studios. By showing campaign mode for the first time, the live demo provided viewers with a thrilling taste of the revolutionary gameplay and new perspective of the 'Halo' universe. Players will be able to enjoy the full experience when 'Halo Wars' hits retailers in early 2009.

Japanese Developers Gain Worldwide Momentum

By partnering with the best and brightest Japanese developers and publishers, Microsoft is committed not only to providing an unparalleled gaming experience on Xbox 360 to Japan, but also to helping Japanese games reach new audiences worldwide.