Kinect Review Round-Up

Kinect is finally here! Microsoft's latest piece of hardware had us running and jumping in front of our TVs in order to provide reviews of the launch lineup so you know which games to pick up and which ones to absolutely stay away from. If you're headed to the store to pick up a sensor, here's a good primer on what you can expect from Kinect games and hardware.

Kinect Hardware Review
"Kinect is an impressive piece of technology that has a high ceiling for growth. Even though the controller-free experience takes getting used to, it’s a bold step into the future worth taking a closer look at before brushing it off as just another gimmick."

Kinect Adventures
"Kinect Adventures is exactly the kind of all-in, jump around experience that Microsoft must have envisioned for its Kinect peripheral. As a pack-in title, it does a brilliant job of demonstrating what the tech can do."

Kinect Joy Ride
"In the right modes, Joy Ride pumps out excitement. In the less desirable avenues of play, it only brings frustration due to its inability to deliver a full video game racing experience. A close approximation to racing in a market loaded with great racing experiences like Burnout, Project Gotham, and Forza just doesn’t cut it."

Kinect Sports
"Kinect Sports isn’t the first game to bite Wii Sports’ style, but it's one of the few to best it in execution. All of the sports here control naturally and intuitively with very few duds in the mix. The collection features a variety of straight sports replications and a few fun minigame twists as well."

Kinectimals
"With around 20 hours of gameplay, Kinectimals offers plenty to do. You can play with your cub, shop for new items, decorate your house with trinkets found on your adventure, complete challenges, have friends join in to beat your high scores, and more. If you’re looking for a rich gameplay experience jam packed with adorable creatures, look no further."

Dance Central
"With Dance Central, Harmonix has set the bar for the future of dance games. Investing hours in a game that rewards you for some degree of athleticism and coordination is not only an incredible workout, but ultimately makes you feel like a better dancer in the end. Dance Central shines among Kinect’s otherwise bleak launch lineup and is undoubtedly a step in the right direction for the hardware."

Sonic Free Riders
"The latest attempt, Sonic Free Riders, uses Microsoft’s Kinect technology, placing you in the Sonic universe as you zip around a limited number of courses – or at least try to. Spotty body detection turns what could have been a unique racing experience into a flaming wreck."

The Biggest Loser Ultimate Workout
"When The Biggest Loser made its video game debut on the Wii, it offered a suitable workout experience, but was overshadowed by the likes of best-selling titles Wii Fit and EA Sports Active. Now, with impressive utilization of Kinect’s full-body motion detection capabilities, The Biggest Loser Ultimate Workout takes fitness a step further with customizable workouts and robust health features that make it a worthy competitor."

Fighters Uncaged
"If you’re looking for a true fighting experience with Kinect, you’re better off just getting into a real-life boxing match with a friend in front of your TV. With spotty controls, boring gameplay, and surprising lack of local multiplayer, Fighters Uncaged is one fight you’re better off walking away from."