Kinect Launch Game Review Round-up: The Best & The Rest

Microsoft’s Kinect for Xbox 360 launched on November 4, 2010 in North America. Over the next couple of weeks, the new device will be making its way to retailers worldwide. In order to prepare gamers everywhere for the upcoming holiday shopping rush, we’ve put together a list of the best and worst Kinect launch software. After all, it’s important that the gift-makers in your life don’t make a terrible mistake.

The Best:

Kinect Sports – Naturally, Microsoft needed to create a great sporting title to compete with Nintendo's Wii Sports, Wii Sports Resort, and Sony’s Sports Champions. As such, Microsoft Game Studios tapped one of their top developers, Rare, to get the job done right. Kinect Sports features several compelling sports offerings such as track & field (made up of the 100M dash, long jump, discus and javelin throws), soccer, bowling, boxing, table tennis, and volleyball. Boxing, table tennis, and bowling, in particular, are truly awesome gaming experiences. What’s more, Kinect Sports will make gamers extremely active without even realizing it; this is a great way to burn off extra holiday calories.

Kinectimals – This is more than just a run-of-the-mill pet simulator. Kinectimals is a truly engaging, deep, 20+ hour adventure. The gorgeous visuals and wonderful interactivity between the player and great cat cubs is something truly special that shines in spite of the lackluster mini-games on offer. This is the perfect game for youngsters to sit back and get into after they’ve spent their energy reserves jumping around in Kinect Sports.

Dance Central – The music game geniuses over at Harmonix have fashioned an amazing launch game for Kinect in Dance Central. Not only does the game feature quality dance music from yesterday and today, it does a masterful job tracking motion and grading players on their performance. What’s more, the varied choreography and multiple difficulty settings will go a long way toward actually teaching gamers how to cut a rug. This game is best if you’re into dancing, but it’s a must-have party game, so it’s probably worth the investment regardless.

DanceMasters – Sure, this is another dance game heading the list, but it actually plays quite differently than Dance Central. Rather than learning how to dance, DanceMasters challenges players to game their way to dancing greatness. What would you expect from the creators of Dance Dance Revolution? This game is far more frantic than Dance Central, bringing the dance-game core to their knees as they attempt to get AAA ratings. A totally new, truly challenging dance experience for fans of the DDR franchise.

Your Shape: Fitness Evolved – Most Kinect launch titles will go a long way toward getting you in shape, but Ubisoft’s Your Shape: Fitness Evolved is a serious workout regimen developed by top fitness talent to get you off the couch and into the great physical condition. From tai chi and yoga to sparring and bun- and arm-busting routines, this is an excellent title to meet your fitness goals.

The Biggest Loser: Ultimate Workout – Similar in many respects to Ubisoft’s Your Shape: Fitness Evolved, The Biggest Loser: Ultimate Workout distinguishes itself by creating a tailored workout regimen for you through body scanning. Also, features such as video diaries, calorie counters, food consumption logs, and healthy food recipes combine to make for a comprehensive fitness program.

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