First Kinect experience @ Kinect loft

By Hélène Debaisieux on 21 September 2010 in New (ways of using) Media | Comments Off

I was invited to test Kinect, this brand-new “data storage device” added to the traditional Xbox 360. This peripherical sensor cap picks up movements, images and sounds to create a simple and instinctive game.  Kinect will only be available in Belgium the 10^th of November. I had the chance to test it, here are my first impressions!

First step: the games

The games automatically offered in the package, “Kinect Adventures”, are simple and entertaining. They consist in different obstacle races in various contexts (on rail, in space…).

Some other games will be already available with the game console:

• Sport with Kinect Sports
• Racing with Kinect Joy Ride
• Dance with Dance Central
• Animals caring with Kinectimals
• Fitness with Your shape

These are games for all tastes and ages even if they are designed to satisfy a wide public. By now, only casual games are available, non-casuals are announced by Microsoft.

The “Kinectimals” game is the most impressive to see; your hands are reproduced around the animal to enable you to caress it. The digital translation of the movement still remains slow-moving. For example: when running, only the movements of the knees are detected.

Second step: the impressions and the context

Although only two gamers are allowed,  the interaction between both players can be done in the middle of the game.

The most positive aspect of this Microsoft game is the instinctive prospect (from a right-handed point of view): the menu is on the left side of the screen while the selection stands on your right. The selection is made either when the right-hand is not moving for a while, either when the right-hand is moving from away from you to close to your body.

At the end of the game, some pictures are exposed on the screen, making the game a personal experience.

Piece of advice for your first test: Do not be afraid of being ridiculous and a little bit tired at the end ;-)

Watch the video below or click if you want to see more pictures and videos.

Tags: Kinect, Microsoft, Xbox360