by Chris Leyton

Following leaked screenshots and information, Microsoft decides its finally time to unveil its cards...

Microsoft's Gamer's Day event might have had more leaks than a rusty bucket, but it seems the conference is finally underway with confirmation of the 2008 line-up being exhibited at the show.

Confirming the previously leaked appearance of Viva Pinata: Trouble in Paradise and Banjo Kazooie: Nuts and Bolts, the event will also feature Fable 2, Too Human, Ninja Gaidne 2, and one or two other surprises.

Viva Pinata: Trouble in Paradise promises to build upon the gameplay of the sleeper hit. In an effort to help Pinata Central rebuild its database of piñatas, players have to send piñatas at full candiosity to parties across the world. Featuring over 100 new and existing species, Trouble in Paradise offers a co-op experience across Xbox Live, Xbox Live Vision support, and an all-new "Just For Fun" option to jump straight into the game.

The subject of much scrutiny since its unveiling back at X'06, Banjo Kazooie: Nuts and Bolts marks the return of the much-loved duo. Confirming Rare's claims to TVG that Banjo 3 is anything but a racer, the game promises to expand the platformer genre with the ability to invent and build imaginative vehicles to complete missions through the varied terrains. Through exploration, hidden secrets, and solving puzzles, players will continuously find new ways to customise and improve their contraptions.

Offering a game world 10 times the size of the original Fable, the sequel introduces a host of exciting new features, including a first-of-its-kind Xbox Live Arcade experience, a "genre-stretching" multiplayer component, and a newly unveiled magic system.