Move aside, Kinect is here.
November 20, 2010 Leave a comment
I cannot resist the temptation of the new Xbox 360 KINECT. In less than 4 weeks after the launch of PlayStation 3 “MOVE”, Xbox Kinect is on its way to dominate the gaming industry with the world’s first “controller-free gesture gaming” experience! When I first watched the Kinect commercial (aka “Project Natal”) on Youtube last year, I was skeptical about its promises. It looked “too-good-to-be-true”. Gesture gaming without any controller – that just sound so far fetched and unreal.
Being the infamous gadget freak of the group, I decided to take a leap of faith and bought Kinect last night. (I was really unsure about this purchase but I must really try it and live to “tell the experience”!) The verdict? Kinect delivers its promises! THIS IS THE BEST MOTION GAMING EXPERIENCE EVER! This is Minority Report Gaming!
Setting up the camera (to the existing console) is a breeze. (I have the 1st generation Xbox 360 and the connection works perfectly!) The Kinect Camera is certainly more high-tech than the PS3 Move Camera. Throughout the game-play, the camera automatically adjust its height and angle to detect the player’s presence. Unlike the PS3 Move which detects only the “light-bulb”, the Kinect Camera detects more points on the player’s body (head, hand, elbow, knee, feet, waist). This allows more actions and fun in the game-play. For example, we have to lift our knees high at rapid speed in order to run fast in a race. It is indeed a different gaming experience compared to Wii and Move. To enjoy the perfect game experience, make sure you have at least 3m space in front of the TV.
One of the best benefits of having a controller-free device is I no longer need to worry about “accidental-flying objects” in the house. (Elkan flew my Move controller across the hall last week!). This also saves me a lot of money. I do not need to buy extra controllers for my friends to play. (And no broken TV screen to replace)
The introductory games are superbly entertaining, exciting and ADDICTIVE! The controller-free gesture game-play is responsively smooth and intuitive. In no time, The entire family (Harshad, Tracy, Felicia and Elkan) was breaking world records in track and field. Elkan was dancing to his favourite Lady Gaga dance track – and it was so contagious that it got Harshad and Tracy partying with him! This is another great reason to buy Kinect. You see your old friends doing all the dramatic poses, shaking all their limbs/butts to win the game. Just watching the players is hilarious and highly entertaining! Not to mention that this is a great way to burn calories! (Just make sure no one is video-taping you when you are playing Kinect! Anyway, Kinect does its own video recording/playback of you in action! So..guess there is no way to escape.)
2010 is indeed the breakthrough year for personal entertainment devices! From Apple iPAD/iPhone 4 to PS3 Move and now to Xbox Kinect! Clearly, Kinect is the big winner in this category. Move and Wii have lots to catch up. If you are thinking about buying one of these wireless gesture gaming devices this Christmas, you can’t be wrong choosing Kinect.
12 years away from home - Singapore. Writing my stories here for my lovely mum & dad, friends and most importantly, for my wife & son back home. A self-confessed gadget freak, a spontaneous prankster on the outside and a warm loving heart inside. Enjoying a happy life with loving families, friends plus a dream job. Realising mum’s motto – “Exceed Yourself Every Day”. Always believing that “Simplicity is Beauty”.
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