Two years ago Microsoft revealed Codename Kingdoms, a partnership with Crysis developers Crytek. Eventually revealed to be called Ryse, it was a Kinect-powered brawler set during the fall of Rome. It looked pretty cool.

More importantly, however, it was an attempt to convince the core that Microsoft’s motion controller is good for more than just casual games.

Trouble is, since its official announcement the game has all but disappeared, an absence made even more conspicuous by Ryse’s failure to turn up at this year’s E3.  So what’s going on?

Speaking in L.A. this week, Microsoft Studios’ corporate VP Phil Spencer shed a little light on the situation, revealing the current state of the game. Sounds like Crytek are struggling to get Ryse finished.

"We're just not at a point right now to show the game, and instead of... We're still working with Crytek, we're still extremely committed to the relationship, but we want to make sure that we're putting our best foot forward every time we show the game,” said Spencer.

"You'll see more about that game, no doubt.” 

We will, but it would seem that when Ryse returns it may have undergone something of a transformation. When quizzed on whether it remains Kinect-only, Spencer could only say, "Kinect will be part of the game, absolutely." Hardly the most convincing statement.

So it looks like we’ll have to turn our attentions elsewhere to justify our Kinect purchases. For now at least. Steel Battalion, anyone?

[via Joystiq]