Over the last few weeks, we've documented just about everything you'll ever want to know about Microsoft's latest piece of gaming hardware, the recently launched Xbox 360. We've told you all about the system's cutting-edge multimedia capabilities, the tremendous Xbox Live support, as well as the games that were available at launch. Of course, this is just the beginning of the console's life cycle, so we figured that now would be as good a time as any to check out what's in store for the future of the system. Over the next few days, we'll be taking a look at some of the games that you can expect to see in 2006 and beyond. Although most of these titles have been officially announced, we don't really know all that much about them, a fact that isn't about to stop us from speculating. So, without further ado, let's take a look into the Xbox 360's future.



Our Editors' Xbox 360 Wishlists!

Will: While I was happy with many of the launch games for the system, there was no doubt in my mind that Microsoft was playing it safe this time around. Too safe, if you ask me. Sure, PC ports and slightly enhanced versions of current-gen games are nice and everything, but where was the innovation? Even the games that weren't sequels or HD-updates (stuff like Kameo and Condemned), didn't offer much in the way of originality.

Ultimately, I'd like to see some genre-busting games on the system. Say what you will about Sony, but it's obvious that they aren't afraid to take risks. Will we ever see a game like Katamari Damacy on the Xbox 360? Will alternative-input games like Guitar Hero or Donkey Konga make a splash? It would be easy for Microsoft to pump out shooters and sports games galore, but they are going to have start producing titles that appeal to more than just people like me if they want to gain ground on the big S.

Phil: I have to admit that I'm not overly excited about the 360's launch lineup. Since I'm not a huge fan of first person shooters or sports and racing games, there's precious little left for me to get into on the system. I will openly admit that my favorite 360 launch title is the Xbox Live Arcade game, Geometry Wars. Of course, I was just as unenthused about the Xbox's launch lineup, and now there are a ton games that I love on it.

What I'd really like to see on the 360 is more support from Japanese developers. I want to see more stuff from companies like Capcom and Konami gracing the system (Mega Man 360? Why not?). Maybe someone can convince Sega to make another Jet Set Radio or Panzer Dragoon game for the 360. Just for fun, I'd also like to see Bungie piss everybody off by halting development of Halo 3 to concentrate on Oni 2.

Miguel: You've heard it before: it's only a matter of time before a flood of real-deal massively-multiplayer games hit consoles. For a number of reasons (mainly, its fortuitous early launch, and its amazingly integrated online service), I'm willing to bet my sizable and diverse investment portfolio on the 360 will be the system that'll see the most.

I don't want to see the same old stuff I'm playing on PC, though. Unless someone comes up with a way to cram a keyboard's functionality onto an Xbox controller, I'll take "classical" MMOs on my PC, thank you. Rather, I'd prefer to see MMOs that have been designed for the console from the ground up. Developers, please take the Planetside idea, and run with it. But don't limit it to FPS's. Go nuts. Give me games where I can drive cars, shoot lasers, dance with people, and play guitars in a single world. But better yet, make it mean something. There's nothing lamer than throwing together a bunch of self-contained mini-games, and lumping them into single, formless, soulless whole. I would hate that to be what console MMOs end up being like.

Also, Diablo 3 wouldn't hurt.

Sluggo: My wish list for the Xbox 360 is that... I could actually find one to buy! I've been noodling around with a spare 360 controller on my PC, but other than that, every day that goes by without being able to buy a 360 just makes it easier for me -- and many others -- to hold off and wait for the PS3. What's the point of having all these MTV specials and slick commercials promoting a system no one can buy? Hopefully this is a short-term shortage and stores will have them before the holidays are over.

Justin: What I'm most looking forward to on 360 aren't necessarily new games and popular franchises. I'm trying to think outside the box here, people, so bear with me. First, I'm hoping to see more backwards-compatible titles. It'd be really nice to be able to retire my big brick of an Xbox in a closet. But, from what I hear, it's a super pain in the butt for developers to essentially remake their games to work on 360. Another thing I'd like to see are downloadable Achievements. This little extra is taking off like nobody's business, and games like NBA 2K5 need to add a lot more to their grocery list (plus, I'm just plain addicted to boosting my score).

I'd also just like to see some originality and uniqueness in upcoming titles, as well as publishers taking risks with the next generation. I know it's getting more expensive to make games, but I hope we don't see a huge dip in the creativity of upcoming titles just because companies don't want to take a chance on a original title not being a huge hit. At least Xbox Live Arcade makes it possible to develop more niche, wacky titles and market them to gamers for a price where they're more likely to give them a shot.



Well, it looks like that's all for our feature on the future of gaming on the Xbox 360. We hope you enjoyed reading it, and here's hoping that you learned a little something in the process. Be sure to keep coming back, as we'll be bringing you a lot more info on these games in the coming months!