Microsoft reveals new Xbox 360 games at E3

The Microsoft press conference at E3 2009 offered a detailed glimpse into the Xbox 360's videogame lineup for the rest of 2009 and into 2010. Things started off with a giant Beatles: Rock Band introduction, climaxing with Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr appearing on stage.

Tony Hawk then helped show off the new skateboard controller to be used with Tony Hawk Ride, a new game that abandons the conventional control scheme. Players can use the board to kick, turn and do grab tricks.

Next, Infinity Ward premiered a snow-covered level of the highly anticipated Modern Warfare 2 (see: Call of Duty), with dazzling graphics and intense action.

A very brief combat scene from Final Fantasy XIII was on display, officially removing console exclusivity from the PS3. This debut wrapped up the multiplatform games that are going to be available for the Xbox 360. In a refreshing change of pace, it was announced that all games shown off from here on out will be available exclusively on the Xbox 360.

Kicking off these titles was the downloadable (DLC) game Shadow Complex from Gears of War developer Epic Games -- an action/exploration game very much in the vein of the original Metroid and Castlevania series.

Joy Ride will let you race as your Xbox Live avatar with friends online. The free DLC title looks a good deal like Mario Kart -- you'll be able to purchase additional tracks for use with friends as well.

The follow up to the open-world, over-the-top crime-fighting title Crackdown has gotten a sequel -- Crackdown 2, logically enough. Zombie apocalypse fans will be happy to hear that Left4Dead 2 will see the light of day this November.

After some delays in production, we were treated to an impressive session of Splinter Cell: Conviction, which offers a unique storytelling mechanic. Sam Fisher is now on his own, hell-bent on revenging the murder of his daughter.

Quite a long time was then spent on Forza Motorsport 3, the latest iteration of the critically acclaimed racing simulator. There are plenty of new social aspects of the title, including brand new ways to customise your racing experience and virtual representation.

If you were clamouring for a Halo presence at the Microsoft press conference, developer Bungie certainly delivered. Not only did we get to see game play footage from the September-bound Halo: ODST title, the company announced yet another new game, Halo Reach. It's still unclear what Reach will be about, having only seen a teaser-trailer.

Another title shrouded in delays and production hiccups found itself back in the spotlight. The sci-fi action thriller Alan Wake will be making its way to the 360 next spring. A few minutes of very promising -- and creepy -- game play would make it seem that this is well worth the wait.

Finally, after rumours of Metal Gear Solid coming to the Xbox 360, it was announced that perhaps the most coveted of all Sony franchises would be coming to Xbox 360. Metal Gear Solid Rising is a brand-new title, featuring the series regular Raiden. This was especially shocking, since it was expected that the announcement would just be a Metal Gear Solid 4 port.