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.
Thursday, January 26, 2012
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.
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