Xbox 720 launching with Ryse, new Forza - Report

Multiple sources with knowledge of Microsoft's plans have told The Verge that the Xbox 720's launch lineup includes an updated version of Crytek's Kinect game Ryse and a new "super life-like" Forza game.

Ryse was announced during the 2010 Electronic Entertainment Expo for Xbox 360 as "Codename Kingdoms." The Roman-themed action game was later renamed Ryse, but never made it to market, despite Microsoft confirming it was not canceled.

The Verge's sources suggest Crytek and Microsoft Studios have rewritten the game to leverage the Xbox 720, reportedly set for a launch later this year. These people described Ryse as Microsoft's next "Gears of War / Halo mega launch title."

Ryse is just one of the Xbox 720's launch titles, the source said, adding that a "super life-like" Forza title, a zombie game, and a family game set on an island with Pixar-style graphics are also part of Microsoft's launch plans. The family game is rumored to use Kinect to scan a player's body to create a virtual character within the game world.

These four games are just a "small selection" of the next Xbox's launch titles, the sources said. First-person shooter games from third-parties will reportedly make up a healthy contingent of Xbox 720 launch titles.

Lastly, The Verge's sources suggest Microsoft is planning to update Xbox Live for the Xbox 720. One such revision will be dropping Microsoft Points in favor of real-world currency, the sources said. Microsoft is rumored to announce the Xbox 720 during an event on May 21 before more details are shared at the 2013 Electronic Entertainment Expo in early June.

A Microsoft representative told GameSpot, "We do not comment on rumors or speculation. We are always thinking about what is next for our platform, but we don't have anything further to share at this time."