The Xbox Kinect: Rendering Controllers Obsolete - Kays

UK gaming enthusiasts can look forward to some very exciting technology being released locally in the near future. Microsoft’s add-on for their popular Xbox platform, the Kinect, is set to change the way console games are played forever. Kays reviews this new platform’s capabilities.

Microsoft is on the verge of releasing its brand new console add-on, the Xbox Kinect. The Kinect will be available to the UK public on 10 November and looks set to transform the way video games are played. Kays provides a sneak preview of what can be expected... Using participants’ body movements instead of traditional controllers to perform onscreen commands, this console add-on is bound to provide families across the UK with hours of entertainment this winter.

Some of the early games available offer gamers the opportunity to use their bodies to steer cars, shoot bad guys and even fight opponents in games especially designed for the Xbox Kinect. For users to familiarise themselves with the new system’s controls and capabilities they will receive an accompanying disc entitled Kinect Adventures. This game will demonstrate what the Kinect is capable of through a variety of activities.
Complete an obstacle course on a mountaintop, go white water rafting, float in outer space or go deep sea diving to get a thorough idea of what the Xbox Kinect can do.

The new Xbox Kinect will also remember users’ faces and voices to allow easy logging in and out of the Xbox Live network. However, the Xbox Kinect does more than leave controllers to gather dust. It allows users to browse their Xbox consoles’ libraries, menus and media using simple hand movements.

The Xbox Kinect launch in the UK is sure to enjoy a lot of attention and undergo severe scrutiny by gamers and critics alike. However, one thing that is certain is that it will be one of the best selling Christmas gifts this year.