The Xbox Kinect: A New Level of Entertainment With Body Movement

The Wii will no longer be the only console offering motion-sensored entertainment. In a few months, Microsoft will be releasing the Xbox Kinect. This is a device that will turn any Xbox 360 into a revolutionary gaming machine. Instead of interacting with a remote or a controller, players will play Kinect games with their own body movement.

Never in the history of video gaming has there ever been a device capable of such a feat. Even Nintendo’s Power Pad, (which allowed players to run or jump in video games), cannot compare because it still needed a special mat. The same is also the case with Dance, Dance Revolution, a more recent game using similar technology. With the Kinect, no controllers are needed because a built-in camera records your body in action. These movements are then translated into the game, making you become one with your character.

What you do in real life they will do virtually in the game.  This can even include smiling or speaking, as the Xbox Kinect has the ability to interpret speech and facial expressions.

To use the Kinect, you will have to install it as an add-on to an existing Xbox 360.  Newer 360s are an exception, as they are considered “Kinect-Ready.”  This means installation is immediate.  As soon as you take the Kinect out of its packaging, it is ready to play.  Combine this with some of the other features of the new 360, (like Wi-Fi and a large hard drive), and you will be set for any type of gaming.  Whether you want to play online or store a gaming file, the new Xbox 360 will accommodate all of your needs. 

It should also be noted that regardless of what type of 360 you have, the Kinect can also be used with Xbox Live.  Voice recognition will allow gamers to speak commands into the system.  For menu navigation, they can simply wave their hands.  They can even use the Kinect to initiate live chat sessions with other gamers.  Known as Video Kinect, this technology works differently from existing web cam filming.  Through its unique “Autozoom Focus” feature, the Kinect will follow you around as you are talking.  So, if you get up from your seat, the other user will still be able to see you.  Traditional web cams require you to sit in front of the camera in order to continue the conversation.  If you get up, the other user will see an empty chair. 

If you want a preview of the Kinect in action, keep an eye out on MTV or Nickelodeon as both recently had specials showcasing the new device.  Alternatively, you can simply wait until November, when you can see the Kinect on display in stores.  You can even take it home if you have 175 megabytes of memory and $150. 

Now, if you are like some gamers, you might wonder if a new system is worth that much money.  After all, most new systems do not even come with that many games.  The Kinect is no exception.  In fact, there will only be eight Kinect games available upon the system’s release.  However, these games are so spectacular, that they are worth trying out now.  Just take a look for yourself, as the sections below will provide a brief description of what you can expect out of these games.

1. Sonic Free Riders

This Kinect game allows you to travel through the Sonic universe on a skateboard.  To achieve this, you must jump and move your legs in a manner that imitates real-life skateboarding.  Also, depending on which character you choose, you may have additional movements available.  For instance, if you play as Knuckles, you can punch the air to clear obstacles.

2. Zumba Fitness

Zumba Fitness will allow you to conduct an intense workout under the guidance of  Tanya Bardsley and other renowned fitness instructors.  They will have you dance your way through 30 workouts.  When you have mastered that, you can move to the intermediate or advanced routine. 

3. Kinect Adventures

Kinect Adventures really shows the power of the Xbox Kinect.  It will allow you to travel through lush, exotic environments with a group of friends.  Together, you will have to jump, duck or dodge over obstacles to complete a course.  If you are successful, you can take a picture of the scene or win a special statue.  Both can be shared with other gamers on the Xbox Live network.

4. Fitness Evolved

5. Kinect Joy Ride

Kinect Joy Ride is the first driving game that does not require a wheel or a controller.  You use your hands to imitate driving movement.  To perform a spin, you twist your body.  This will help you avoid any obstacles that might be in your path.  If you need to go faster, you can grab a power-up and/or pump your hands to accelerate the vehicle.

6.  Kinect Sports

If you thought Wii Sports was spectacular, wait until you see Kinect Sports.  It will allow you to play a variety of sports games with just your body.  For example, if you want to play soccer, you would kick your foot to move the ball into the goal.  The boxing game would be played by you punching your fists.  The list goes on, with each game operating off of a different set of movements.

Things get even more interesting if you play with friends.  Using the voice recognition feature, you can act as a virtual coach or call out different plays. 

7. Dance Central

Unlike DDR in its current state, Dance Central will allow players to bop to the beat with their entire body.  In the meantime, they will learn real choreography for a variety of genres.  If they need additional help learning a move, they can use the game’s “Break it Down” feature to conduct a routine in smaller steps.

8. Kinectimals

When it comes to Kinect games, this one is the most unique as it offers a more passive form of entertainment.  Your goal in Kinectimals is to raise a virtual pet on a tropical island.  The Kinect technology is used in the process as you can use your hand to simulate petting or feeding.  You can also use your voice to call the animal’s name.  Then, when your pet is ready, you can use your body to move them through a special obstacle course.

In summary, the Xbox Kinect is poised to change video gaming forever.  This does not necessarily mean that gamers will completely forgo the Wii or the upcoming Playstation Move.  True, both technologies require a remote, but for some gamers this is preferable. Ultimately, it will depend on your own individual preferences.  If you want to play with a remote the options are out there.  The same will also be true for those that want full-body gaming.