Microsoft confirms Q4 software line-up

Microsoft has confirmed its software line-up for the Christmas period, promising a bumper crop of games for the Xbox 360 and Windows PC.

Retailers and consumers alike will be able to get their hands on a wealth of next-generation titles, with 360-exclusive Gears of War leading the charge in Europe on November 17th.

Other titles ready for the holiday season include the third outing for Activision's number one 360 title Call of Duty, as well as fan favourite Dead or Alive: Xtreme 2 from Tecmo.

Younger gamers are catered for with the Xbox 360 version of Cars, a game that has performed very well for publisher THQ, while new Rare title Viva Piñata will hit retail with cross-media promotions due to the animated series showing on 4Kids TV, as well as the promise of licensed merchandise in 2007.

Sports fans will have plenty of choice with the next-gen exclusive FIFA 2007 joining NBA Live 07, NBA 2K7 and NHL 07 in stores, while Konami's Pro Evolution Soccer 6 and Tiger Woods PGA Tour 07 are both updated for the Christmas season.

EA's phenomenally successful racing franchise returns with Need for Speed Carbon, and the third-party publisher will also be releasing movie tie-in Superman Returns: The Videogame.

Other favourite franchises to appear before year end include Tony Hawk's Project 8 from Activision and Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six Vegas from Ubisoft.

Showing a continued support for PC gaming, Microsoft will also release expansion packs Age of Empires III: The WarChiefs and Zoo Tycoon 2: Marine Mania, while brand new titles Neverwinter Nights 2 and Flight Simulator X are also confirmed for release this year.