Xbox 360 Taking MMO’s back to the Console
The Xbox 360 has many upcoming MMO’s (massive multiplayer online) titles, but as it stands right now All Points Bulletin and Huxley, an MMO first person shooter, looks to be the only ones with a possibility of coming out in 2007. Microsoft decided to abuse its current live system by pushing for another four MMO’s: CrimeCraft, Marvel Universe Online, Stargate Worlds, and The Secret World, which release dates are all to be announced. I believe this is to try to remind the world, as an advertising scheme, that the Xbox 360 is the only console with an effective and reliable live system as of right now.
All Point Bulletin is from the creators of Grand Theft Auto, and is promising to be a very fast paced game with lots of guns and cars. The game takes on a unique perspective, working in gangs and territory wars in a MMO environment. However, the game also arose some concerns about the Xbox 360 interface in an MMO setting. Though the microphone and speaker headset will almost definitely be used, some are still pushing for the keyboard and mouse that MMO gamers are used to.
The MMO’s skipped the last generation of consoles, staying on the PC, much to my despair. Many users prefer a mouse and a keypad to a controller, thinking that in an MMO, where typing and communication is so important, a console user would be left behind in the dust if an MMO were to be released on console and PC at the same time. Though Microsoft failed to advertise the fact the Xbox 360 has a limited USB keyboard support, as to replace the virtual keyboard Microsoft built into the console, there is hope that when the MMO’s are released Microsoft will also release them with a wireless mouse and keyboard, to go along with its wireless controller.
There are already other 3rd Party adapters that allow the Xbox 360 to run a mouse and keyboard, and even a PS2 controller for the Sony lovers. One of which is the XFPS, produced by XCM, which runs for about 80 dollars online, or 90 dollars for the*PRO* version. (See below)
Though I have never owned one myself, I personally think they look awesome, and regardless of what Microsoft produces, I will probably buy one just for fun.
Also, check out this teaser for the new game All Points Bulletin: