Will the Kinect be worth its launch price? It's hard to tell from the games shown so far.
Scott Stein
I started with CNET reviewing laptops in 2009. Now I explore wearable tech, VR/AR, tablets, gaming and future/emerging trends in our changing world. Other obsessions include magic, immersive theater, puzzles, board games, cooking, improv and the New York Jets. My background includes an MFA in theater which I apply to thinking about immersive experiences of the future.
Hereafter to also be remembered as "Skittles: the game" by those who saw the keynote, the demo consisted largely of a little girl playing with a tiger named Skittles. This is Microsoft's virtual pet game: 40 animals, 30 "unique activities," and a lush landscape that looked a little bit like Viva Pinata, but more realistic. Virtual hand motions can pet the animal and interact. This seems to make more sense as a download than as a more expensive disc-based game.
2 of 21 Josh Lowensohn/CNET
Kinectimals
Hereafter to also be remembered as "Skittles: the game" by those who saw the keynote, the demo consisted largely of a little girl playing with a tiger named Skittles. This is Microsoft's virtual pet game: 40 animals, 30 "unique activities," and a lush landscape that looked a little bit like Viva Pinata, but more realistic. Virtual hand motions can pet the animal and interact. This seems to make more sense as a download than as a more expensive disc-based game.
3 of 21 Dan Ackerman/Libe Goad
Kinectimals
Hereafter to also be remembered as "Skittles: the game" by those who saw the keynote, the demo consisted largely of a little girl playing with a tiger named Skittles. This is Microsoft's virtual pet game: 40 animals, 30 "unique activities," and a lush landscape that looked a little bit like Viva Pinata, but more realistic. Virtual hand motions can pet the animal and interact. This seems to make more sense as a download than as a more expensive disc-based game.
4 of 21 Dan Ackerman/Libe Goad
Kinect Sports
A shameless mimic of Wii Sports, Microsoft's will feature soccer, bowling, track and field, ping-pong, boxing and volleyball. The 200-meter hurdle event seemed impressive, but only required running in place. How will other sports work without a controller?
5 of 21 Josh Lowensohn/CNET
Kinect Sports
A shameless mimic of Wii Sports, Microsoft's will feature soccer, bowling, track and field, ping-pong, boxing and volleyball. The 200-meter hurdle event seemed impressive, but only required running in place. How will other sports work without a controller?
6 of 21 Josh Lowensohn/CNET
Kinect Sports
A shameless mimic of Wii Sports, Microsoft's will feature soccer, bowling, track and field, ping-pong, boxing and volleyball. The 200-meter hurdle event seemed impressive, but only required running in place. How will other sports work without a controller?
7 of 21 Josh Lowensohn/CNET
Kinect Joy Ride
Last year's free racing game became this year's Kinect kart racer. Virtual car controls seem like a challenge to do well, but the rest feels like Microsoft's version of Mod Nation Racers.
8 of 21 Josh Lowensohn/CNET
Kinect Adventures!
The demo featured two players cooperatively steering a raft down arcade-like rapids, standing, leaning and jumping to collect coins. That seemed amusing, but who knows what the rest of the game consists of?
9 of 21 Josh Lowensohn/CNET
Kinect Adventures!
The demo featured two players cooperatively steering a raft down arcade-like rapids, standing, leaning and jumping to collect coins. That seemed amusing, but who knows what the rest of the game consists of?
10 of 21 Josh Lowensohn/CNET
Kinect Adventures!
The demo featured two players cooperatively steering a raft down arcade-like rapids, standing, leaning and jumping to collect coins. That seemed amusing, but who knows what the rest of the game consists of?
11 of 21 Josh Lowensohn/CNET
Your Shape
Ubisoft's slick-looking Kinect exercise program had a Minority Report feel and a flashy trailer that didn't explain how workouts would function. The body-sensing technology does seem surprisingly robust.
12 of 21 Josh Lowensohn/CNET
Your Shape
Ubisoft's slick-looking Kinect exercise program had a Minority Report feel and a flashy trailer that didn't explain how workouts would function. The body-sensing technology does seem surprisingly robust.
13 of 21 Josh Lowensohn/CNET
Your Shape
Ubisoft's slick-looking Kinect exercise program had a Minority Report feel and a flashy trailer that didn't explain how workouts would function. The body-sensing technology does seem surprisingly robust.
14 of 21 Josh Lowensohn/CNET
Your Shape
Ubisoft's slick-looking Kinect exercise program had a Minority Report feel and a flashy trailer that didn't explain how workouts would function. The body-sensing technology does seem surprisingly robust.
15 of 21 Josh Lowensohn/CNET
Your Shape
Ubisoft's slick-looking Kinect exercise program had a Minority Report feel and a flashy trailer that didn't explain how workouts would function. The body-sensing technology does seem surprisingly robust.
16 of 21 Dan Ackerman/Libe Goad
Kinect launch lineup
The 15 launch games for Microsoft's Kinect, available on November 4.
17 of 21 Dan Ackerman/Libe Goad
Dance Central
Harmonix announced a new dance game compatible with Rock Band music tracks and using the Kinect. Could this be the next Dance Dance Revolution? Hard to say right now, but Harmonix has a heck of a track record.
18 of 21 Josh Lowensohn/CNET
Dance Central
Harmonix announced a new dance game compatible with Rock Band music tracks and using the Kinect. Could this be the next Dance Dance Revolution? Hard to say right now, but Harmonix has a heck of a track record.
19 of 21 Josh Lowensohn/CNET
Kinect Star Wars
Lucasarts' showcase title seemed dangerously close to being a swordplay arcade game, with stormtroopers and even Darth Vader approaching you and your virtual lightsaber. This might be more of a lightsaber "shooting gallery" than a full-flown action game. Despite the pitch, it wasn't as impressive as it sounds.
20 of 21 Josh Lowensohn/CNET
Kinect Forza
Microsoft offered a glimpse at future Forza connectivity with the Kinect, showing yet another virtual steering-wheel driving game. Our concerns about accuracy in split-second situations remain unassuaged.
21 of 21 Josh Lowensohn/CNET
Kinect Forza
Microsoft offered a glimpse at future Forza connectivity with the Kinect, showing yet another virtual steering-wheel driving game. Our concerns about accuracy in split-second situations remain unassuaged.