Five (almost) reasons why Kinect is still worthwhile
It’s been two years now and, with a lot of therapy, we can talk about the Xbox One launch without too much twitching. And Phil Spencer has fixed all of those mistakes; in just two years, he and his team have taken our favourite black-and-green-themed console further than might have been expected.
One thing we are sad about, though, is the diminished role of Kinect. We know why it had to become an option, Phil, we get it, we really do. But… somewhere in a parallel universe (where lots of things ARE better, trust me, I have been there) Kinect is flourishing. Here are five (almost) reasons why.
Dance Central Spotlight
When Kinect gets it right, it REALLY feels good. Dance Central Spotlight REALLY gets it right. Fun alone, better with friends – dancing along side you and commentating from the wings – Dance Central Spotlight shows off the tech and the gameplay potential better than any other title.
If you have a Kinect but haven’t cut a rug yet, give it a go, you won’t be disappointed, we’re sure. There’s a free demo available. (Yes, this is much better than Just Dance. Look, it just is, okay?)
Fantasia: Music Evolved
If you have ever wanted to be Mickey Mouse in the classic animated feature Fantasia, this is your chance. Putting you at the centre of the orchestra (using both classical and contemporary pieces) Fantasia: Music Evolved uses the Kinect to track your movements not just to see if you are in time with the music, but allowing you to conduct, too, altering the musical phrasing, beats and rhythms to match your movement. And it’s beautiful, too.
Unfortunately, there’s no demo and the game is now available only as part of a pricey bundle. A shame, as every Kinect owner should have the chance to try this out. Definitely worth picking up pre-owned for around a tenner, if you can.
Voice recognition in FIFA
For those of us who consider kicking an inflated pigs bladder around a wet field a religious experience, the digital equivalent doesn’t get more realistic than FIFA. Add in the ability to change tactics and strategies on the fly simply by shouting them at the TV in a panicky voice only adds to the realism. Related: Getting yellow carded for swearing. Smashing!
Living in the Future
When Paul Reiser video-calls Sigourney Weaver in Aliens, we all thought the idea of video calling was ridiculous. Get dressed to answer the phone? Seems like a hassle. Now we’re Skyping and Facetiming all over the place. And whilst waving our arms around Minority Report-style still feels daft (and thanks to NXOE is no longer a part of Xbox navigation) asking your Xbox to do things using only your voice still feels really good. “Xbox, watch BBC1 Scotland.” “Xbox, take a screen shot.” Brilliant.
Backwards Compatibility?
Xbox Head of Important Stuff Mike Ybarra has publicly said Xbox 360 Kinect games will not be coming to the Backwards Compatibility catalogue, ever. The technologies in Kinect 1.0 and Kinect 2.0 are just too different.
But they said this about Backwards Compatibility itself two years ago… so maybe, just maybe, some of the best Kinect Experiences might find their way to the Xbox One. Missing out on Kinect Sports (massively better than Kinect Sports Rivals), Child of Eden (a Kinect-optional game that is actually BETTER using Kinect), and Kinectimals on Microsoft’s flagship console is a terrible waste.
Well, we can dream… this is a Kinect-filled parallel universe, after all.
Are you a fan of Kinect? Or are you dancing ’round the funeral pyre? Let us know in the comments.
