Xbox have recently announced the launch of their new control system called Kinect (formally known as Project Natal)…and you should care because, in my view, the Kinect is the next must have device!
If you are a gamer, a partner of gamer or have children who game, then you really need to know about the Kinect. The reason is not because the Kinect represents the next generation in gaming, which it does, but because at some point in the next twelve months you will be pestered by your children (or partner) to go and buy a Kinect and it’s a name that is already kicking around the gaming world!
What is Kinect?
Well, because I am clearly ‘hip’ and ‘hanging with the cool kids’, a couple of days ago I got to try Dance Central, in LA, in front of a lot of other Xbox guests (I would like to add that my husband and the Funky Professor did the BEST dance routine to ‘Funky Town’ that I’ve ever witnessed!). Dance Central is a dancing game that doesn’t require a dance mat. Genius!
Kinect is a system in which you are able to control the Xbox without a controller. In fact, YOU are the controller.
The small (ish) device attaches to your Xbox via a USB connector and sits next to your TV. Then, using some magical software, that was clearly written by very powerful wizards, the device recognises you and your body’s movement. If you lift your arm, the computer will know and reacts accordingly. Now, this is not a trick or gimmick, I even got to try the controller (at the launch in Los Angeles!), played some games, and cynical old me can report that the Kinect really is responsive to your movement. It even has face and voice recognition ability, though I didn’t see this demonstrated. The video below will help show more…
Games
The launch is set for November (just in time for Christmas!). The Xbox staff I spoke to (at the launch in LA, have I said that already?) know of fifteen games that are set to be released with the controller. However, developers have been working on games for the past few years and more are certain to appear!
15 launch titles for Kinect have been announced:
- Adrenalin Misfits
- Dance Central
- Dance Masters
- Deca Sports Freedom
- EA Sports Active 2.0
- Game Party In Motion
- Kinect Adventures
- Kinect Joy Ride - (you get to steer a car using you arms like you’re holding a steering wheel!)
- Kinect Sports
- Kinectimals - (Littlest can’t wait for this one. I think it’ll be bigger than Nintendogs)
- Motion Sports
- Sonic Free Riders
- The Biggest Loser: Ultimate Workout
- Your Shape: Fitness Evolved
- Zumba Party
TBA 2011
- EA Sports Grand Slam Tennis
- UFC Trainer
- Star Wars game
- Michael Jackson The Game
I would just like to draw your attention to the Star Wars game!!! (yes, 3 exclamation marks!) This looked very cool indeed. In fact, at the huge Cirque Du Soleil launch (which was stunning) the video of the Star War game drew a geeky gasp of delight from the audience (you get to fight Darth Vader!!!).
Wii Killer!
We all love the Wii, after all it re-invented gaming and established itself as the number one family/party console. However, after experiencing the Kinect and reading of PlayStation’s response, I am left feeling that the Wii could be on the verge of being eclipsed.
Microsoft have made it clear that the Kinect will be used to bring Xbox to the family. You may already have children who enjoy Xbox’s hard core gaming. You may have already seen how games like Rock Band can bring the Xbox experience to a new level. Add to this the new Xbox Slim, which is faster, more powerful and has an inbuilt Wi-Fi receiver, and the Kinect controlled Xbox is set to push the gaming experience to a whole new level.
I’m sure that this blog post reads as super slushy, but I was blown away by the whole Kinect experience. I’m crossing my fingers for a singing game at some point…
As I’ve said the Kinect launch is set for November and I honestly think this could well be the Christmas present to have for 2010 and that, my lovely blog friends, fills me with panic! I think I’ll pre-order now…
{ 10 comments… read them below or add one }
I read about this over at DJ’s and I have to say that it sounds amazing!! Glad you had a great time
C x
Twitter: @Mrs_B33
An amazing experience! x
Ah, so we might end up getting an X Box after all…our Eldest has been hankering after an X Box for ages and we’ve refused on the grounds that the existing games are really too adult in tone (all war, war, war…) but this is a major improvement! Now, maybe I shouldn’t let him know about it (although no doubt it’ll be the talk of the playground very soon)
Glad you all had such a nice break…psst…you couldn’t wangle a little visit to Malta for me….
Twitter: @lovelytreez
I’d hold out for the XBox slim and Kinect in November (in time for Christmas!). The range of games is amazing and your Eldest would be very up-to-date with modern technology. Although I would also say that there are a number of child-friendly Xbox games that do not involve games. Littlest really enjoys a Pinata game. x
Hey dude, I’m also one of the cool cats too!! One of the pupils at school today said ‘Aww, Miss you are WAY cool!’. Think my street cred has gone up a few notchs!
Great review btw, very geeky
Twitter: @notsupermum
You are a cool born leader Missy! And yes, I am a geek!
x
Kinectimals was my favourite! No street cred (or coordination), me.
Twitter: @djkirkby
I loved it too, but tthe dance game has stolen my heart! x
Think I know what my husband will want for Christmas! He likes the Wii, but he’s always been an Xbox boy, so the graphics disappointed him, but this looks great. (And no controller, which is great for me since I’m terrible at the buttons!) Glad you had a blast in LA.
He’ll love it. I fear it’ll be the ‘toy to have’ this year
x