GAME COMPLETED #1: KINECTIMALS

Alright! Kinect has been out a little over a week, but I finally completed my first game. Anyways, with each new game I complete, I will release a post like this one, which will include a review as well as tips and tricks for the game. Here we Go:

GAME: Kinectimals

REVIEW SCORE: 7/10

I found this game to be quite entertaining. I was not a fan of the flying lemur, but then again, I am not in the age group the game was directed.

The graphics were stunning and sound effects were quite well done. The game allowed a variety of different play styles that keep things interesting, as well as show off a lot of the potential that Kinect has to offer.

The gameplay is quite simple, but features such as hidden objects, customizable house, item shop and contest medals really offer replay value.

One major flaw in the game in my opinion, is the user interface dealing with multiplayer. After completing a contest, the game will inform you that a new player can join in to compete. The second player can step in and signal the swap player. However, the in-game messaging does not inform you upon switching that the second player must have an active Kinectimals save file. This wouldn't be so much of a problem, but once the swap is unsuccessful, the game kicks you back to the main menu, prematurely ending your game.

Nothing a patch can't fix I suppose.

FITNESS SCORE: 3/10

This rating is strictly informative. It reflects how well I felt the game incorporates the fitness aspect of motion gaming. It in no way affects the overall rating as stated above. It is basically just here for people who are interested in this type of thing.

Anyways, the rating is low for two reasons. First of all, 90% of the game is spent standing and using minimal physical effort to play with your cub. Second, the game includes obstacle courses that can be vigorous when going for gold medals.

Now, you may be thinking that the second point contradicts the low fitness score. However, since most of the game is not very active, it feels quite awkward to be thrown into a course where you find yourself running in place, jumping, running some more, weaving left and right, jumping, running, jumping, etc.

Then you go back to standing around. The sudden exertion leaves me more sore than an hour long session of Kinect Adventures. So, my advice to you is to stop and stretch before any of the obstacle contests, as it exponentially more strenuous than the rest of the game.

TIPS AND TRICKS:

-The achievement for getting the ultimate jump is accumulated. Every time you jump while in 'Trick Mode', your cub's jump gets a little bit higher. Eventually, your cub will do a slow motion super jump and unlock the achievement.

-When going for the decorating achievements, it is sometimes hard to tell which theme certain decorations belong to. Oddly enough, generic looking decorations such as floor and beams belong to certain themes. To help you out, listen carefully after selecting any decoration. There will be a short sound byte that follows the selection. The sound byte varies depending on the theme. For instance, all 'Music' themed decorations are signaled by an electric guitar sound when selected.

-In the obstacle courses, the hardest obstacle is arguably the slalom poles. To make it easier, began weaving before your cub actually reaches the poles. When you see the word "Slalom Pole" at the bottom of the screen, it is a good time to stop running in place, and start weaving left and right.