by Rachel Knowles

Created on: December 02, 2010

The new gaming revolution of 2010 is undoubtedly the Xbox 360 Kinect. For the first time, it is possible to play games without the use of controllers. But is it just another gaming gadget or is it worth buying this Christmas?

Controller-less gaming

The Xbox 360 Kinect takes gaming one step further than any other console and allows completely hands-free gaming. Using a motion sensor, it tracks whole body movement and creates a digital skeleton based on depth data so that it can distinguish the player from the surrounding objects. The game player actually becomes the controller for the game. This is revolutionary new technology providing a new level of experience and there is nothing currently available on other consoles that compares to it.

Whole body gaming

Because the player becomes the controller, playing on an Xbox 360 Kinect involves the whole body. It is not just about hand and wrist movements; all the player’s actions are reflected on the television screen. For example, this may involve the player actually jumping in order to negotiate obstacles in a game. It is definitely not something that can be used from the couch and provides physical exercise as well as entertainment. This is a great way to tire out the children whilst they have fun, especially during the winter when taking exercise outside is more difficult.

Fun

The Kinect uses the motion sensor to capture the player’s movements and put them in the game, bringing games to life in a new way. But the Kinect is most fun when two people play together. Having fun watching each other performing difficult manoeuvres, hitting invisible balls or jumping over invisible obstacles in order to win is what the Xbox 360 Kinect is all about.

Variety

There are a number of different games designed to work with the Kinect which provide different gaming experiences. Games like Kinect Sports get you participating in various activities including soccer and boxing whilst Dance Central is the first controller-free, body tracking dance video game. Kinect Adventures allows the player to navigate through the rapids or negotiate the obstacle course by performing various actions which are reflected on the screen. There are also several games that offer fitness workouts, using the Kinect to monitor the player’s progress.

Other features

As well as monitoring movement, the Kinect is capable of facial recognition. Using cameras, it records information about a player’s features and it is then able to automatically log a player in when they play next time. It is also capable of voice recognition – great for controlling movies from the sofa.

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