So cool, it almost hurts
Kinect
I’m not really one to talk, but something that really grinds my gears is taking a word and misspelling it. I mean, Kinect K-inect, can Microsoft not basic grammar grasp? I’m also not too enamored with the concept of having to get on my feet to play computer games. One of the major reasons that I took up this hobby was because I had finally managed to furrow a comfortable spot for myself on the couch. Therefore, with Kinect being both misspelt and energetic, I was not expecting much.
There were several launch titles available to play, including Kinect Adventures and Sports, but I had a go on Joy Ride, the once free XBLA game that we are now expected to pay for. Joy Ride played like Mario Kart, but with none of the magic and a frontal lobotomy thrown in. The graphics were HD Wii; shiny yet uninspiring, and I have yet to fall in love with my Avatar – which means I don’t love myself, but I’ll leave that talk to Freud. You control the onscreen vehicle by mimicking the grasp on a steering wheel; pretending to move left or right will move your car in that direction. You can pick up Mario Kart like weapons by reaching out with your hand, and pushing both hands forwards at once will lead to a boost.
All this is well and good in theory, but in practice it felt heavy and on the same level of embarrassment as when your Mum gets out the baby photos. The game felt unresponsive to me, although this may have been the set up at the venue, but I got the impression the slight lag will make it into the home version too. All the titles on offer were uninspiring and a little patronizing in my opinion. Do we really need more Mii rip offs, but this time in HD? I am yet to be impressed with Kinect (or its asking price).