Introduction

Earlier this week Microsoft held its annual "Gamestock" convention, a showcase for all of its upcoming game titles. This year's Gamestock was the biggest ever, drawing international gaming press all the way from Japan, Germany, Denmark, Korea, and Taiwan.

It's no surprise that these journalists came from far and wide to see Microsoft's 2001 offerings - MS will unveil its X-Box console later this year, and Gamestock was the first opportunity many of us had to play the upcoming X-Box games, including the much anticipated Halo.

Yes, Halo was actually playable! We have gameplay impressions of it, plus all the other games at the show. Use the handy navigation menu below to pick out what you want to see first. If you're the skittish type, the drop down menu at right will allow you to jump you around to whatever catches your fancy.

Editor's note: some games have a full page treatment, while others share a page. Whenever you see a '/' don't confuse it for the title of one game. Two games, two descriptions.

2001 PC Lineup

• Sigma - More original ideas from the folks who brought you Homeworld.
• MechCommander 2 - We're still drooling over this Battletech RTS.
• Dungeon Siege/Zoo Tycoon - Chris Taylor's upcoming action RPG / A zoo management game in the spirit of Rollercoaster Tycoon and Theme Park.
• Flight Sim 2002/Train Simulator - You sim fanatics get updated graphics in FS2002, and real world trains to play with in Train Simulator.

X-Box Lineup

• Halo - Does this game really need an introduction?
• Munch's Oddysee - This platform title was arguably the best game at the show.
• Project Gotham/Azurik - Holy car racing, Batman! Actually, it's not what it sounds like / Most fun we've had with a quarterstaff since Heretic 2.
• Amped/NFL Fever 2002 - Sports games make a showing with this snowboarding title and the return of the Fever football franchise.
• Fuzion Frenzy/Nightcaster - Four player party game action / "Harry Potter meets Robotron."