Kinecting us with Video Games- The Kinect and Kinect Adventures

Went a bit out of order with these last two posts (my bad). I wanted to first introduce th Kinect and the game that comes with it. The Kinnect is a motion system (much like the Wii motes, and Playstation Move) for the Xbox 360. It sits on top of the TV (or whatever you want to put it on) and the camera (and other complicated technology that I don't understand) reads your movements and imputs it into the game. The main difference between this motion system and the other motion systems (mentioned above) is that you can do things on other parts of your body besides your arms. So far I have seen this system play dancing games, fighting games and mini games and it does it somewhat well. The only problem with the Kinect system itself is you need a well lit room, about 10 feet of space and minimal background movement (which are possible but not all the time). Okay now onto the game it comes with Kinect Adventures

Kinect adventures is basically a multi-player motion-game, mini-game, party-game game. (try saying that three times fast) You can work together with up to two people or just play by yourself. The games include guiding a raft down a river (trying to collect as many points as possible), using your hands and feet to stop a tank from leaking, and trying to catch floating water in space (all sound kinda weird but they are somewhat entertaining).
Overall I give this game a 6/10 for the initial amazement and fun. Once again this is one of those mini-game party-game games, so it does get old kinda quick and playing alone isn't that fun.
The Kinect comes either in a bundle with the Xbox 360 system (around $300) or by itself and with the game (about $150). If you have an Xbox or want an Xbox this is a definite must, since the Kinect has a bright future.

Dance Like Theres No Tomorrow - Dance Central

One of the most interesting new features of video games is their interactivity (meaning how can I immerse myself in the game even more) With the Wiimote and Playstation Move (the motion system for the Nintendo Wii and Playstation 3) you can accurately represent actions of the hands and some of you probably think "What thats it? What about the rest of me?" Well the new motion system for the Xbox 360, the Kinnect, lets all of your actions (more or less) be put into the game. Since it is somewhat new there aren't that many games and those that are out there are not too good. Specifically just for this blog and for no other reason (if you believe me your crazy) I tried the Kinnect system and one of the games that got the biggest hype (at least enough to burst my bubble of a life) Dance Central.

Dance games in the past have been stepping on a panel at a specific time specified on the screen (it was fun, but got old after the initial "Wow what a way to play!" wore off) For Dance central you are given a character on screen that shows you specific dance actions that you have to try to replicate (you are also given a side bar that specifies move names and shows what dance moves will be coming up). Every action you take is rated (such as perfect, good, or bad). Every motion and position of your limbs is taken into account so in order to do well you have to immerse yourself in the game and try your hardest. (meaning you can't be lazy thinking if you only move your arms you will do okay). I was surprised myself by how well the game can track specific movements, and the music you dance to is versatile so everyone can find something that they like. So like most dance exercise games it can get old but there is a solution, there is download content for this game (meaning you can go through the online store and purchase new songs and dance routines SO IT NEVER GETS OLD! (until thy give up on the game, and unfortunately there are additional costs, but it can be worth it)
So your getting excited (at least you should be) and wondering costs and my rating. Well as you can see it is for the Xbox 360 and it costs about $50, but it is worth it, if you still don't like the price then wait a couple months or look for sales. Overall I give this game a 7/10 for making an intriguing game, that immerses you and lets you have fun dancing, (and exercising and trust me it is a good work out).

The Beginning of Virtual Sports (The Better Ones) - Wii Sports and Wii Sports Resort

One of the genres getting an update is the sports genre. Sports games are typically you controlling the movements of a person through your controller (boring) and some still do (not my kinda game but you may like it). Now though, with the new motion technology, sports games can be a lot more interactive. I will start with the first of the interactive sports pages Wii sports, and since it is so similar I will also include Wii Sports Resort

As the name implies you play different sports games, using the motion control of the Wiimote. You can play Tennis, Bowling Archery, Basketball, and more. This is one of the types of games that you can play with family and friends (and by yourself but its not as fun). Using the motion controller you simulate the actions you would normally do when playing the sport in real life (ex. throwing a basket ball, swinging a tennis racket, etc.) This is the type of game that will impress you with its accuracy and amazing attention to detail when simulating actions, but it is also the type of game that you cant play for too long (because it gets old).
I am only mentioning this game because there are not many games in the sports genre that I do play. Also this game comes free with the Wii console if you buy it new (look to Gamestop if your interested in getting a used system and trying to save money, but consider if it s worth it) so i don't need to mention it, but I just wanted to throw the sports genre out there. (hahaha get it?)
I would give this game a 6/10 for the initial amazement, and family fun.

It Ain't Party Time Without A Party Game - Wario Ware Smooth Moves

When you think of a party (at least some type of parties) you must think of party games. Well ever since the development and use of motion controlers (ex. The Wiimote, the PS3 motion controller, and the Xbox 360 Kinnect) video game are easier and more fun to play at parties. Obviously they have to be multiplayer, but there are many other features a good party game needs, such as easy use, and a broad audience it appeals to. One of the older games and first of the better party games out there (i think) is the game Wario Ware Smooth Moves

Wario Ware Smooth Moves, follows the story of Wario and the other citizens in his world, as they deal with their problems, but you help them, by doing mini games classified under different poses you make while holding the Wiimote. Though it sounds strange (and trust me IT IS STRANGE) its very fun and comical. Having it at a party or family gathering makes it very funny and everyone can enjoy that.
Like the picture shows this game is for the Nintendo Wii. Since it is old, finding it may prove difficult, and the price will range from $20-$50. Overall i give this game a 8/10, because i had a blast playing it, and i still play it whenever I'm with family or friends.

Not Just Fun and Games - Wii Fit

In this day and age the number of genres and combinations of genres is almost limitless and still growing (obviously I'm exaggerating a bit). But one of the genres I thought would be the weirdest is the exercise games. In the older days exercise games were limited usually only to dance games. They were simple, you press a button with your foot as the indicator tells you to (trying not to go into too much detail). This day there are additional accessories you add to your home system to exercise. One of the most known and first to bring it to the home consoles was Wii Fit

With the Wii fit you do exercise games categorized under calorie burner, yoga, strength training and balance. It sounds a bit weird, but it really does get you moving. The games are fun, and you can record your progress and record improvements.

As the name implies it is for the Wii system. The only problem was that Wii Fit accessory and game cost about $100, and unless you keep yourself to it and want to do it, it can end up being a waste of money. Overall I give it a 7/10 mostly because it was able to draw me in and keep me for a while, but at the same time after running out of things to do, i stopped playing.