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Living Statue, Obstacle Course revealed for Project Natal - Report

Microsoft to debut motion-control software lineup next week at E3, including new dancing, gauntlet-running games; "about a dozen" third-party games also on tap.

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Revealed at the Electronic Entertainment Expo in 2009, Microsoft's Project Natal motion-sensing technology has garnered a great deal of hype in the year that has ensued. Rumors of the technology and its power have swept through the Internet. However, Microsoft has been extremely tight-lipped as to what it plans to do with the equipment. That said, with this year's annual trade show descending upon Los Angeles next week, the veil of secrecy that has fogged enthusiasts is about to lift.

Natal to include dancing, obstacle course games.
Natal to include dancing, obstacle course games.

According to a Los Angeles Times report, Microsoft is planning to unveil a smorgasbord of both first- and third-party motion-sensing titles for its upcoming Project Natal technology at E3 next week. The report states that four "tech demos" were shown to a room of game writers at the Microsoft campus in Washington State. And though the company wouldn't confirm which titles will launch with the technology, it strongly hinted at what's to come.

New today are the titles Living Statue and Obstacle Course. Living Statue lets players record their avatars dancing and singing and also lets users e-mail the footage to friends. Obstacle Course is just as its name suggests. In this title, players will "pull, dodge, and jump" through levels the LA Times characterized as inspired by "summer camp."

The report also states that "about a dozen" third-party Natal games will debut at next week's show, though publishers and developers attached to said projects were not specified.

Previously, River Rush, a boxing title, and a soccer game were revealed by screenwriter James Gunn in a blog post following a Los Angeles press event. And at E3 2009, Microsoft revealed Ricochet, a game in which players are tasked with blocking a bombardment of soccer-like balls. Also at the show, the company debuted Paint Party, a game where players can select paint colors with their voice and draw or splash them onto a canvas.

According to Microsoft Saudi's Entertainment and Devices marketing manager, Project Natal will ship worldwide in October. It's likely Microsoft will speak at length about the technology at its briefing on June 14. GameSpot will be at the show, and to stay current, check out GameSpot's complete coverage of E3 2010.

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