The Gamer Report is not here to spread rumors, but if I absolutely have to spread a rumor, I think this one would be it. I get excited just thinking about this being true. For those who have not played Black on the original Xbox or have never even heard of the game before, Black was the one game that was developed at the end of the original Xbox’s lifespan that was the closest an FPS came to looking “next gen.” I remember renting this game with my best friend and hooking it up the Xbox to a projector and we played this game straight through. We didn’t want to put it down. This game was surprisingly a joy to play. There were destructible environments and it felt satisfying when shooting an enemy. The explosions were the most realistic I had seen yet and the game itself also received pretty good reviews. It is only a matter of time before they make a sequel right? I can only assume.
The developers of this game, surprisingly, is Criterion. Criterion is usually known for perfecting a car racing franchise called Burnout. Ever heard of it? Yea, a lot of people have. But not as many have heard about Black for some reason. It really flew below the radar as everyone was gearing up for the next generation of gaming. Microsoft added Black as a downloadable Xbox original title on the Xbox Live Marketplace not too long ago. Is there a reason why they chose Black instead of another FPS? Was this their plan all along, to introduce Black to new Xbox Live users in anticipation that a Black sequel would eventually be developed? This is all speculation. This is not news, I am just telling you what I am thinking. I have nothing to gain for repeating this rumor. But Criterion and EA know they have a great opportunity on their hands to expand the Black universe. Add multi-player, create better AI and make the next game longer with a better storyline and you have yourself some major competition in the Call of Duty and Halo arena. I for one, cannot validate this rumor but I will continue living my life thinking it is indeed true. I don’t see how it can’t be. Then again, this rumor has already been shot down by Criterion earlier this year. But then again-again, (yea I just made that up) Burnout Paradise has been released now. So what is Criterion up to, huh?
More on this rumor…
Even More…
Criterion recruiting devs to work on sequel…
Black sequel coming in 2009?
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