Microsoft Kinect
The basics
Previously known as Project Natal, Microsoft Kinect is a motion-sensing camera for Xbox 360 that detects body movement, before replicating it on screen. The result is a controller-free gaming experience using physical gestures and movements.
The good
This game-changing piece of kit of does away with the need for controllers, and feels gloriously futuristic as you move your entire body to control your Kinect games. The kit sits under your TV, and almost always works without a hitch. After installing a software update for your Xbox and a quick calibration, you’re ready to rock.
The Kinect will scan you and quickly recognise your every move with no apparent lag and the gameplay feels completely natural and intuitive, whether it’s a virtual steering wheel or a martial arts title.
There are 19 games good to go from Kinect launch, so there’s enough choice for everyone. They’re a bit more simplistic than usual Xbox titles, echoing Wii games and revolving around motions like running on the spot, or steering in Kinect Joy Ride. Kinectimals is unbelievably cute, Kinect Sports is hilariously good family fun and Dance Central is one of the games of the year for party fun.
The bad
For the seasoned Xboxer, used to Halo and Mass Effect 2, Kinect titles may feel a little flimsy, but then it’s targeting a different market.
It’s also not a super-slick design – the unit is a foot wide and several inches deep. But it's just about as subtle as it could be for the size.
You’ll also have to have a decent amount of room to flail around in front of your TV.
The bottom line
For the price, Microsoft Kinect will transform your Xbox from a serious gaming hub into a console capable of delivering spades of family fun. And there’s still so much potential in the sensing tech that we’re sure to see even more greatness in the future.
User comments (51)
Leave a comment
This comment has been removed.
This comment is awaiting moderation.
This comment is awaiting moderation.
This comment is awaiting moderation.
This comment is awaiting moderation.
This comment is awaiting moderation.
This comment is awaiting moderation.
This comment is awaiting moderation.
This comment is awaiting moderation.
Paul02 September 2010
Believe me, when you try the Kinect out for real you will be AMAZED!!!! It blows the Wii out of the water, and the Sony Move and is nothing at all like the Eye Toy. This is an awesome must have piece of kit!
Report as inappropriateMoro29 September 2010
Kinect is great i've tried it out in Convent Gardens, wonderful piece of tech, must have gadget for christmas kicks the sony move thing right off the shelves, and plus there is a fighting game and a first person shooter just check on youtube.
Report as inappropriateThis comment is awaiting moderation.
This comment is awaiting moderation.
This comment is awaiting moderation.
This comment is awaiting moderation.
This comment is awaiting moderation.
This comment is awaiting moderation.
This comment is awaiting moderation.
This comment is awaiting moderation.
This comment is awaiting moderation.
This comment is awaiting moderation.
This comment has been removed.
This comment has been removed.
This comment is awaiting moderation.
This comment is awaiting moderation.
This comment is awaiting moderation.
This comment is awaiting moderation.
This comment is awaiting moderation.
This comment is awaiting moderation.
This comment is awaiting moderation.
This comment is awaiting moderation.
This comment is awaiting moderation.
This comment is awaiting moderation.
Anonymous05 January 2011
play station move sucks. I have kinect and it is amazing
Report as inappropriateThis comment is awaiting moderation.
This comment has been removed.
Anonymous17 January 2011
Speech recognition is amazing. You don't need to program it at all.
Report as inappropriateThis comment is awaiting moderation.
This comment is awaiting moderation.
This comment is awaiting moderation.
This comment is awaiting moderation.
This comment is awaiting moderation.
This comment is awaiting moderation.
This comment has been removed.
This comment is awaiting moderation.
This comment is awaiting moderation.
This comment is awaiting moderation.
This comment is awaiting moderation.
This comment is awaiting moderation.
This comment is awaiting moderation.
This comment is awaiting moderation.
Join Channel 5
Creating an account is free, will only take a few moments and will allow you to enjoy the full benefits of 5FWD and Channel 5:
Leave a comment