Enough of the April Fools mania, letÂ’s now go down to business. Xbox 360 has revealed a list of new titles set for release this April, and I have made a short preview as well as the exact release date for all those Xbox 360 loyalists out there (wink, wink).

First off the list is Battlefield 2: Modern Combat, a game based on the blockbuster online multiplayer war Battlefield franchise. Developed by Digital Illusions, gamers will be included in the battle to another realm of modern-war. Players from the United States, China and the Middle East Coalition will all be represented in harrowing 24-player battles. Tanks, choppers and more than 30 military vehicles can be utilized by the player including full access to more than 70 kinds of weapons such as heat-seeking missiles, laser-designated bombs and other modern military hardware. This title will see the light of videostores this coming April 11.

Lara Croft is not to be outdone by mere soldiers with their toy tanks; she is also set to invade Xbox 360 consoles on April 11 with the latest installment Tomb Raider: Legend. Frontlining the game are new character animations and control schemes that goes along well with the natural character design and level details for the most immersive chapter in the series. Lara comes toting modern devices such as a magnetic grappling device, binoculars, frag grenades, personal lighting device and communications equipment for her all-new adventure.

A week after those two titles, Final Fantasy XI will hit video retailerÂ’s shelves. Players from around the world control the fate of the world of Vana'diel as they take missions to defend its nations and people. Customizable characters allow players to tailor physical attributes and skills to suit individual tastes. Adventures span over 100 different areas such as mountains, deserts, oceans, castles and dungeons. Environments take on a life of their own as time and weather constantly change.

Virtual World Cup kicks off at April 24 via FIFA 2006: Road to FIFA World Cup. Players will be able to experience an enhanced gameplay engine that delivers extremely responsive controls and greater level of depth. New physics and animations mean that players will now react more realistically to every tackle, shot or pass of the ball. High-definition technology brings you details of the players that are accurately recreated in fine medium Xbox 360Â’s technology truly brings to life 80,000 chanting fans in a stadium and immerses you in the emotional intensity of FIFA World Cup football.

April is a good month for sports, believe it or not even for gamers. Proof enough is Major League Baseball 2K6 that ships out on the same date as FIFA 2006: Road to FIFA World Cup. The 2K6 edition “sports” innovative features such as a new movement system and realistic player collisions on the infield and outfield to take the virtual baseball experience to the next level. Broadcast elements boasts of flashback replays and an exceptional player morale system that aims to unfold the drama like never before in a baseball video game.

I donÂ’t know about you, but IÂ’m salivating buckets here...