I enlisted in the U.S Army back in December and am scheduled to ship out tomorrow. Although I have been working hard on my goal of reaching 100% gamerscore in all Kinect titles, I have not been able to give it the attention I would have hoped. This is mainly due to my concentrating on physical endurance and taking online courses for Army knowledge.
I have had some success, as TrueAchievements.com has released Kinect leaderboards on their site, and I am excited to say I have taken the lead in many of them.
I should be gone anywhere from 3 to 6 months without internet connectivity. In addition, there is no telling when I will next have access to an Xbox 360, a Kinect, or my Gamertag.
I would like to thank anyone and everyone who has visited my site.
See you soon!
Saturday, May 12, 2012
Thursday, January 26, 2012
GAME COMPLETED #21: WIPEOUT IN THE ZONE
Wipeout in the Zone is a video game based on the hit t.v game show. It offers the same quirky comedy as the show as well as the voice talent from the show's hosts.
GAME: Wipeout In the Zone
REVIEW SCORE: 7/10
Wipeout In the Zone gives gamers the chance to run through obstacle courses similar to those seen on the hit television show. Be advised however, this game requires some of the most vigorous exercise available for the Kinect.
The game is not only pretty fun, but quite humorous as well. The hosts use the same witty banter that makes the show extra entertaining. And of course, all the wiping outs and face plants that keep the viewers tuned in.
The game utilizes a combination of running in place and various physical actions to make your way from start to finish. Aside from the physical demands, there is a bit of problem solving skill required to maximize your efficiency.
FITNESS SCORE: 10/10
I can say without a doubt that this was the most physically demanding Kinect game I have played. You are required to run in place almost constantly and jump, duck, dodge your way to victory.
I would recommend plenty of stretching before and after each workout and staying hydrated throughout. Also be sure to pace out your gameplay and try not to get carried away.
TIPS AND TRICKS:
-There are a few multiplayer achievements in the game. All of these can be done solo, but with multiple controllers.
-Some achievements require you play as certain characters. These characters may need to be unlocked by completing some of the shows.
GAME: Wipeout In the Zone
REVIEW SCORE: 7/10
Wipeout In the Zone gives gamers the chance to run through obstacle courses similar to those seen on the hit television show. Be advised however, this game requires some of the most vigorous exercise available for the Kinect.
The game is not only pretty fun, but quite humorous as well. The hosts use the same witty banter that makes the show extra entertaining. And of course, all the wiping outs and face plants that keep the viewers tuned in.
The game utilizes a combination of running in place and various physical actions to make your way from start to finish. Aside from the physical demands, there is a bit of problem solving skill required to maximize your efficiency.
FITNESS SCORE: 10/10
I can say without a doubt that this was the most physically demanding Kinect game I have played. You are required to run in place almost constantly and jump, duck, dodge your way to victory.
I would recommend plenty of stretching before and after each workout and staying hydrated throughout. Also be sure to pace out your gameplay and try not to get carried away.
TIPS AND TRICKS:
-There are a few multiplayer achievements in the game. All of these can be done solo, but with multiple controllers.
-Some achievements require you play as certain characters. These characters may need to be unlocked by completing some of the shows.
Tuesday, January 24, 2012
GAME COMPLETED #20: THE GUNSTRINGER
The Gunstringer is a platform shooter game by Twisted Pixel where you play as a zombie cowboy puppet. Awesome, right?
The game uses a lock and shoot game style like Panzer Dragoon, or other rail shooters.
GAME: The Gunstringer
REVIEW SCORE: 9/10
The Gunstringer is hands down one of my favorite Kinect titles to date. It is fun, it is funny, and it does a great job utilizing the Kinect peripheral.
Like other Twisted Pixel games, the programers integrated live action film segments into their game (Other Twisted Pixel works include: Comic Jumper, The Maw, and the 'Splosion Man series). The game is also riddled with humorous references and homages to both games and film.
As far as gameplay goes, Gunstringer provides a very natural feel to its Kinect controls. Basically, you act as a puppeteer controlling the stringed hero. This is one of the few games that you can play on the Kinect while sitting down.
The game has a lot to offer in way of bonus material. By playing the game and earning money, you can unlock videos, game art, bonus game modes, and music. Also, there has recently been a DLC release that adds achievements and extra gunslinger fun.
FITNESS SCORE: 1/10
As mentioned above, this game offers players the option of sitting down while playing. All actions are performed using arms and wrists. Although it doesn't offer much of a workout, this game would be ideal for gamers transitioning to the Xbox 360 Kinect.
TIPS AND TRICKS:
-Most achievements in this game are awarded by simply progressing through the story mode.
-If you are going for "Strings of Steele" achievement, you will certainly want to practice the dragon boss on stage 3-3. This boss is insanely hard at first, but once you get the patterns down and practice, you should be good.
-When going for god medals, you should plan on not getting hit. Even though the harder mode allows for better scoring opportunities, you lose too much score when hit. I would recommend playing on default and practicing stages until you can play through wile getting hit an minimal number of times.
The game uses a lock and shoot game style like Panzer Dragoon, or other rail shooters.
GAME: The Gunstringer
REVIEW SCORE: 9/10
The Gunstringer is hands down one of my favorite Kinect titles to date. It is fun, it is funny, and it does a great job utilizing the Kinect peripheral.
Like other Twisted Pixel games, the programers integrated live action film segments into their game (Other Twisted Pixel works include: Comic Jumper, The Maw, and the 'Splosion Man series). The game is also riddled with humorous references and homages to both games and film.
As far as gameplay goes, Gunstringer provides a very natural feel to its Kinect controls. Basically, you act as a puppeteer controlling the stringed hero. This is one of the few games that you can play on the Kinect while sitting down.
The game has a lot to offer in way of bonus material. By playing the game and earning money, you can unlock videos, game art, bonus game modes, and music. Also, there has recently been a DLC release that adds achievements and extra gunslinger fun.
FITNESS SCORE: 1/10
As mentioned above, this game offers players the option of sitting down while playing. All actions are performed using arms and wrists. Although it doesn't offer much of a workout, this game would be ideal for gamers transitioning to the Xbox 360 Kinect.
TIPS AND TRICKS:
-Most achievements in this game are awarded by simply progressing through the story mode.
-If you are going for "Strings of Steele" achievement, you will certainly want to practice the dragon boss on stage 3-3. This boss is insanely hard at first, but once you get the patterns down and practice, you should be good.
-When going for god medals, you should plan on not getting hit. Even though the harder mode allows for better scoring opportunities, you lose too much score when hit. I would recommend playing on default and practicing stages until you can play through wile getting hit an minimal number of times.
Sunday, January 22, 2012
GAME COMPLETED #19: DANCE MASTERS
Dance Masters is a dance game for the Kinect that works similarly to Dance Dance Revolution games in the way of scoring.
It plays differently from most Kinect dance games, but it offers a breath of fresh air.
GAME: Dance Masters
REVIEW SCORE: 8/10
Aside from the different play style, one of the biggest differences between Dance Masters and other Kinect dancing games is the selection of music. Whereas other games offer a collection of Western hits and popular dance songs, Dance Masters offers a variety of J-pop and Para Para style dance songs that may be unfamiliar to most Western games who haven't played a DDR game.
Also, Dance Masters doesn't have a practice more or "break it down" style option to help learn routines. However, you are given a choice on playing an easier difficulty and simply match a handful of moves, or play a harder difficulty and learning the routine on your own, step by step.
The game didn't seem to get a lot of advertising or press attention during the Kinect launch, so it kind of fell under the radar. It seems many gamers were expecting something more similar the super popular "Dance Central". It is certainly an entirely different gaming experience, so I would highly recommend trying out the Demo on the Xbox Live Marketplace to see if it is something you would enjoy.
FITNESS SCORE: 5/10
Unlike other dance styles that focus on legs and lower body, Dance Masters uses a lot of Para Para style dancing (if you are unfamiliar with the style, check out Youtube videos to get an idea) which focuses a lot on arm movements and hand gestures. This creates a fun style of dancing that might be new to most gamers, but doesn't offer quite the same workout as other dance styles.
There is certainly a lot of movement required if you plan on getting into the game, and I recommend staying hydrated.
TIPS AND TRICKS:
-Secret ripples are hidden beats that are located in each song for each of the difficulties (Except Easy). In order to find them, you must activate parallel universe (filling up the gauge in the lower right corner and then holding your right hand out 45 degrees) and follow the dance steps exactly in attempts to hit an invisible target. The target is prompted by a chime that sounds just prior to the secret ripple (please note that there are no chimes in Stealth Mode).
-You can download an extra difficulty from the Xbox Live Marketplace for free. This extra difficulty provides 5 extra secret ripples per song, and helps ease the task of reaching some of the later Secret Ripple achievements.
It plays differently from most Kinect dance games, but it offers a breath of fresh air.
GAME: Dance Masters
REVIEW SCORE: 8/10
Aside from the different play style, one of the biggest differences between Dance Masters and other Kinect dancing games is the selection of music. Whereas other games offer a collection of Western hits and popular dance songs, Dance Masters offers a variety of J-pop and Para Para style dance songs that may be unfamiliar to most Western games who haven't played a DDR game.
Also, Dance Masters doesn't have a practice more or "break it down" style option to help learn routines. However, you are given a choice on playing an easier difficulty and simply match a handful of moves, or play a harder difficulty and learning the routine on your own, step by step.
The game didn't seem to get a lot of advertising or press attention during the Kinect launch, so it kind of fell under the radar. It seems many gamers were expecting something more similar the super popular "Dance Central". It is certainly an entirely different gaming experience, so I would highly recommend trying out the Demo on the Xbox Live Marketplace to see if it is something you would enjoy.
FITNESS SCORE: 5/10
Unlike other dance styles that focus on legs and lower body, Dance Masters uses a lot of Para Para style dancing (if you are unfamiliar with the style, check out Youtube videos to get an idea) which focuses a lot on arm movements and hand gestures. This creates a fun style of dancing that might be new to most gamers, but doesn't offer quite the same workout as other dance styles.
There is certainly a lot of movement required if you plan on getting into the game, and I recommend staying hydrated.
TIPS AND TRICKS:
-Secret ripples are hidden beats that are located in each song for each of the difficulties (Except Easy). In order to find them, you must activate parallel universe (filling up the gauge in the lower right corner and then holding your right hand out 45 degrees) and follow the dance steps exactly in attempts to hit an invisible target. The target is prompted by a chime that sounds just prior to the secret ripple (please note that there are no chimes in Stealth Mode).
-You can download an extra difficulty from the Xbox Live Marketplace for free. This extra difficulty provides 5 extra secret ripples per song, and helps ease the task of reaching some of the later Secret Ripple achievements.
Monday, October 24, 2011
TEMPORARILY DOWN
I am still working strong on reaching 100% on all Kinect titles. Unfortunately, I won't be able to update my progress to this site for a while. My laptop got fried and am without a computer at the moment. I do have a smartphone with internet that I use for messaging and checking my e-mails, but it is too much of a hassle to update a blog on a slide out keypad. Thanks for reading, and I hope to get my computer situation fixed soon.
Saturday, September 3, 2011
GAME COMPLETED #18: FANTASTIC PETS with DLC
Fantastic Pets is a virtual pet game similar to Kinect launch title, Kinectimals. The game allows you to play, wash, groom, train and customize your pets. Pets range from real animals such as cats, dogs, horses and lizards, to fantastic pets such as dragons, unicorns and flying felines.
GAME: Fantastic Pets (with DLC)
REVIEW SCORE: 5/10
This game will always stand in the shadow of Kinectimals in the Kinect virtual pet department. However, even though Fantastic Pets doesn't have quite the production value as Kinectimals, it does include several features and activities that make it a fun game in it's own rights.
The game offers a larger variety of pets than Kinectimals (which only has different breeds of exotic cats). Fantastic Pets lets you choose from cats, dogs, lizards and horses. Not only that, but it offers unique customization that allows the player to add wings, tails, horns and other outrageous enhancements.
Each day, you can enter your pet into the Talent show and win medals and gems. The medals allow you to level up your trainer rank to earn achievements. The gems are used to unlock different mini-games and other add-ons.
The downside however is that it almost requires you to play consistently day to day in order to progress, although the entertainment value of the game will wane long before you are finished. Since talent shows can only be completed once per day, you will have to return several times a week if you plan on mastering your Trainer Ranks. Also, some of the achievements and awards in the game require you to play upwards of 14 days consecutively.
FITNESS SCORE: 3/10
Most of the activity in the game revolves around hand motions such as brushing your pet, throwing a ball or swinging your arms around to interact with virtual pinatas (you read that right).
There are a couple of activities that require you to run in place or move from side to side, but game difficulty (or lack thereof) or the minimal requirements demanded by the game don't allow for that strenuous of a gaming session.
TIPS AND TRICKS:
- If you cannot play the game consecutively in order to earn certain achievements or in-game awards, you can always go to your Xbox console settings and change the date and time in order to trick the game into letting you continue progress. If you are connected to the internet however, you will have to unplug your connection. Otherwise, Xbox Live will auto correct your date.
- Once you have purchased everything in the game (mini-games and Atlas locations), you should be able to purchase any missing in-game awards at 1000 gems a piece. You simply view your award collection and select an award you have yet to achieve. If you have met the proper requirements, there should be an option to purchase the award. This will help you get the final collection achievement, as winning the Bubble Dodge game without getting hit is nearly impossible.
GAME: Fantastic Pets (with DLC)
REVIEW SCORE: 5/10
This game will always stand in the shadow of Kinectimals in the Kinect virtual pet department. However, even though Fantastic Pets doesn't have quite the production value as Kinectimals, it does include several features and activities that make it a fun game in it's own rights.
The game offers a larger variety of pets than Kinectimals (which only has different breeds of exotic cats). Fantastic Pets lets you choose from cats, dogs, lizards and horses. Not only that, but it offers unique customization that allows the player to add wings, tails, horns and other outrageous enhancements.
Each day, you can enter your pet into the Talent show and win medals and gems. The medals allow you to level up your trainer rank to earn achievements. The gems are used to unlock different mini-games and other add-ons.
The downside however is that it almost requires you to play consistently day to day in order to progress, although the entertainment value of the game will wane long before you are finished. Since talent shows can only be completed once per day, you will have to return several times a week if you plan on mastering your Trainer Ranks. Also, some of the achievements and awards in the game require you to play upwards of 14 days consecutively.
FITNESS SCORE: 3/10
Most of the activity in the game revolves around hand motions such as brushing your pet, throwing a ball or swinging your arms around to interact with virtual pinatas (you read that right).
There are a couple of activities that require you to run in place or move from side to side, but game difficulty (or lack thereof) or the minimal requirements demanded by the game don't allow for that strenuous of a gaming session.
TIPS AND TRICKS:
- If you cannot play the game consecutively in order to earn certain achievements or in-game awards, you can always go to your Xbox console settings and change the date and time in order to trick the game into letting you continue progress. If you are connected to the internet however, you will have to unplug your connection. Otherwise, Xbox Live will auto correct your date.
- Once you have purchased everything in the game (mini-games and Atlas locations), you should be able to purchase any missing in-game awards at 1000 gems a piece. You simply view your award collection and select an award you have yet to achieve. If you have met the proper requirements, there should be an option to purchase the award. This will help you get the final collection achievement, as winning the Bubble Dodge game without getting hit is nearly impossible.
Sunday, August 7, 2011
GAME COMPLETED #17: KUNG FU PANDA 2
Kung Fu Panda 2 for Kinect is based on the film of the same name. Kinect allows you to control Po, the kung fu panda, throughout many adventures and minigames.
GAME: Kung Fu Panda 2
REVIEW SCORE: 6/10
One major downfall to this game is lack of time it takes to complete. The game offers a Story mode campaign, but don't expect to spend more than two hours on it before the game is finished.
Fortunately, the game is packed with various mini-games. This is where the real fun can be found. There is a target aiming game that may very well offer the best use of aiming that the Kinect has ever offered. There is even a Noodle minigame where you have to prepare noodles and serve them to hungry customers. For you older gamers, the gameplay is similar to the classic game 'Diner Dash'.
In fact, almost all the minigames focus heavily on scoring and combos to give them a feel of classic arcade gaming.
The sounds and voices are well done, even if they couldn't get the original voice cast to support this title. You won't find the talents of Jack Black or Jackie Chan, but James Hong does reprise his role of Mr. Ping. (For those who don't know of James Hong, he deserved an Oscar for his role as Lo Pan in "Big Trouble in Little China".
Fitness Score: 4/10
Like many Kinect titles aimed at younger audiences, the gameplay is focused more on energetic styles that require a decent bit of movement. The Noodle minigame oddly requires to most vigorous use of motion controls. The activity offered by this title does not really require any strenuous workouts, but keeps you constantly moving to the point where you may break a sweat.
TIPS AND TRICKS:
-If you are going for full gamerscore, you should play through the Story mode first. This will unlock the minigames required for a large percentage of the achievements.
-There is really no need to focus on the achievements for collecting steel, iron or gold. If you play through all the minigames and try to earn Gold medals, you should have collected enough by the end of the game to earn all of these.
-For the achievements oriented around defeating X number of enemies, I highly suggest playing through the Story mode first, and then going for Gold medals on all minigames. By this time, if you are missing any of the enemy defeating achievements, you can replay the various Arena minigames to finish them off.
GAME: Kung Fu Panda 2
REVIEW SCORE: 6/10
One major downfall to this game is lack of time it takes to complete. The game offers a Story mode campaign, but don't expect to spend more than two hours on it before the game is finished.
Fortunately, the game is packed with various mini-games. This is where the real fun can be found. There is a target aiming game that may very well offer the best use of aiming that the Kinect has ever offered. There is even a Noodle minigame where you have to prepare noodles and serve them to hungry customers. For you older gamers, the gameplay is similar to the classic game 'Diner Dash'.
In fact, almost all the minigames focus heavily on scoring and combos to give them a feel of classic arcade gaming.
The sounds and voices are well done, even if they couldn't get the original voice cast to support this title. You won't find the talents of Jack Black or Jackie Chan, but James Hong does reprise his role of Mr. Ping. (For those who don't know of James Hong, he deserved an Oscar for his role as Lo Pan in "Big Trouble in Little China".
Fitness Score: 4/10
Like many Kinect titles aimed at younger audiences, the gameplay is focused more on energetic styles that require a decent bit of movement. The Noodle minigame oddly requires to most vigorous use of motion controls. The activity offered by this title does not really require any strenuous workouts, but keeps you constantly moving to the point where you may break a sweat.
TIPS AND TRICKS:
-If you are going for full gamerscore, you should play through the Story mode first. This will unlock the minigames required for a large percentage of the achievements.
-There is really no need to focus on the achievements for collecting steel, iron or gold. If you play through all the minigames and try to earn Gold medals, you should have collected enough by the end of the game to earn all of these.
-For the achievements oriented around defeating X number of enemies, I highly suggest playing through the Story mode first, and then going for Gold medals on all minigames. By this time, if you are missing any of the enemy defeating achievements, you can replay the various Arena minigames to finish them off.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)