Xbox 720 Games: Ryse, New Forza Launch Titles for System

The next-gen Xbox is expected to be released sometime later this year, and several sources familiar with Microsoft's launch plans have indicated that the company will have two new launch titles to go with the system.

According to an article in The Verge, the next-gen Xbox will receive an updated version of the Crytek-developed Kinect game Ryse, and a brand-new Forza racing game for the system. While many gamers are familiar with the Forza series, some may be confused as to what exactly Ryse is. The game was announced at the 2010 E3 convention under the name Codename Kingdoms, which was later changed to the current title. The game disappeared however, but was not cancelled, and it appears that the game will be updated to take advantage of the next-gen Xbox's improved hardware and upgraded Kinect camera.

In addition to these two games, the sources also indicated several other launch titles set to be announced eventually, such as a zombie game, and a family friendly title are also in the works. Finally the sources also revealed that Microsoft may be changing Xbox Live in some way, though the only specific change mentioned was the removal of Microsoft points in favor of using real-life currency like the PlayStation Network currently uses.

The games mentioned are expected by Microsoft to lead the charge for the next-gen Xbox, with Ryse in particular singled out as the company's attempt at a "Gears of War / Halo mega launch title." With so little known about the game, however, it is hard to speculate on how the game will fair, especially with other blockbuster titles potentially being available, such as the heavily rumored Assassin's Creed 4: Black Flag port.