This has been one of, if not the funnest games I have played so far for the Kinect. It also marks the first Kinect game that I have completed that offers downloadable content achievements. It was a great game but left me with two sprained ankles for over a week thanks to Track and Field. Here is the review:
GAME: Kinect Sports (with DLC)
REVIEW SCORE: 9/10
The most impressive aspect of this game was the accuracy in which the Kinect sensor was able to track my movements and motions. I have played other titles where my experience was quickly effected by poor sensor control. This is not to say that I had 0 problems throughout my playing, but it was a very fun and fulfilling ride.
The game has 5 different sports to choose from, as well as several mini-games that add new depth and challenge. The sports included in the title are Bowling, Track and Field, Boxing, Table Tennis, and Volley Ball. I found that bowling was probably my favorite of the sports.
Aside from the superb play mechanics, I was also wowed by solid graphics and crisp audio. To add a little something special, the game has incorporated clips from famous songs such as "Just Dance", "We are the Champions", and "Hollaback Girl", as well has many others.
The DLC adds several new achievements totaling 250GS. The best part, the DLC is free! It adds new mini-game variants to the existing pool of games.
Personal note: I almost bowled a perfect game! I was only 1 pin short :(
FITNESS SCORE: 7/10
With so many game types, there is no shortage of exercise. Bowling, Table Tennis, and Boxing do a good job keeping your arms moving, while Track and Field will have you running like a maniac. Remember not to overdo it though. As mentioned above, I did sprain my ankles during Track and Field and had ankle pains for over a week. Be sure to stretch before and after strenuous activities, and be sure to stay hydrated and take breaks when needed.
I was sweating buckets while playing this game.
TIPS AND TRICKS:
-Rare did a great job with creating guides and videos to help us gamers earn the achievements. Check out their guides here.
-The DLC for the game is free of charge. You can download it here.
-For the Track and Field events that require running on the track (Sprint and Hurdles), you can increase your performance by achieving a boost start and boost finish. To get the boost start, get into a crouching position with one leg back (like a real runner). At the third heartbeat, stand up and start running. If you are a little early, you will be penalized with a false start, but you will get a do-over. For the boost finish, put your arms straight out behind you as you near the finish line. This will speed you up and the very end.
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
Monday, January 17, 2011
PROGRESS UPDATE
Well, things have slowed down a bit as I seem to have blown out my ankles playing Track and Field on Kinect Sports. No serious damage I imagine, but it has seriously slowed my progress. I am playing at about 50% of what I am used to.
Anyways, I purchased and started EA Sports Active. In retrospect, I kind of wish I purchased this game when it came out. There is a workout program achievement that takes 9 weeks (real time) to complete and some long distance running/biking achievements that are estimated to take about 70 hours. Definitely my biggest hurdle yet.
I am nearly done with Kinect Sports, but until my ankles heal, I am holding off on finishing it. In the mean time, it will be holding up my Gamefly queue.
I also started Deca Sports Freedom (via Gamefly) and have nearly finished it. I am just missing one hard achievement, one co-op achievement, and a couple of time consuming ones. If there weren't a few sensor issues associated with the game, it would have been a pretty good title.
I still need to get back to Dance Masters and finish getting all my secret ripples. I am hoping to not put it off for too long.
Speaking of putting off, I need to cowboy up and pull the wife in to finish Kinect Adventures. I just need to play each level with a 2nd person.
Other than that, I just need to peck away at Your Shape: Fitness Evolved. I don't think I will be getting much accomplished now that I have Sports Active 2 to fill my fitness niche. It should also be noted that the YourShapeCenter.com site still hasn't offered an event in the Events Section. Hopefully it won't create a permanent 5GS void in my completion conquest.
I was actually hoping to finish my Kinect games in such a fashion that I didn't have so many incomplete games going at once. I will try to wrap a couple of them up in the next week or two.
Anyways, I purchased and started EA Sports Active. In retrospect, I kind of wish I purchased this game when it came out. There is a workout program achievement that takes 9 weeks (real time) to complete and some long distance running/biking achievements that are estimated to take about 70 hours. Definitely my biggest hurdle yet.
I am nearly done with Kinect Sports, but until my ankles heal, I am holding off on finishing it. In the mean time, it will be holding up my Gamefly queue.
I also started Deca Sports Freedom (via Gamefly) and have nearly finished it. I am just missing one hard achievement, one co-op achievement, and a couple of time consuming ones. If there weren't a few sensor issues associated with the game, it would have been a pretty good title.
I still need to get back to Dance Masters and finish getting all my secret ripples. I am hoping to not put it off for too long.
Speaking of putting off, I need to cowboy up and pull the wife in to finish Kinect Adventures. I just need to play each level with a 2nd person.
Other than that, I just need to peck away at Your Shape: Fitness Evolved. I don't think I will be getting much accomplished now that I have Sports Active 2 to fill my fitness niche. It should also be noted that the YourShapeCenter.com site still hasn't offered an event in the Events Section. Hopefully it won't create a permanent 5GS void in my completion conquest.
I was actually hoping to finish my Kinect games in such a fashion that I didn't have so many incomplete games going at once. I will try to wrap a couple of them up in the next week or two.
Saturday, January 1, 2011
GAME COMPLETED #4: FIGHTERS UNCAGED
This game is proof that fighting games can work for the Kinect. The game is not that difficult to earn all 1000GS, but requires a decent amount of grinding. If you have the time and patience and an understanding of the game mechanics, this game is a fun and achievable 100%.
GAME: Fighters Uncaged
REVIEW SCORE: 6/10
Prior to playing this title, I took time to look up some of the online reviews. The reviews for this game seem to be bad to an undeserving level. I get the impression that players were expecting a full motion, 1:1, real time fighting experience. This is not what this game is about. Unlike fighting games like Mortal Kombat and Street Fighter that focus on fast paced fighting action, Fighters Uncaged works more along the lines of Punch-Out where the fighting focuses more on strategic blocks, dodges and counters. If you were start a match on Fighters Uncaged and flail your fists and feet around like a real street fight, you would most likely lose quickly. If you plan on seriously playing this title and enjoying it to its full potential, it is essential that you play through the tutorials and training sessions to get an idea of how the game works and how the moves are properly executed.
The Kinect sensor works extremely well for this title as long as you have the proper settings and play space. Unfortunately, this game loses a lot of respect due to horrendous character design and cringing dialogue. There also isn't really a lot of play features. There is no multiplayer, and you pretty much keep fighting the same opponents over and over again, attempting to increase your score.
You progress through the game by winning 'Crowns'. Crowns are awarded for beating opponents as quickly as you can while taking as little damage as possible. The better your scores, the more crowns you receive. Once you receive enough crowns, you move up to the next 'league'. Each league increases in difficulty, and offers new fighters to face. Eventually, you beat the game, so to speak, and enter the "Open League". At this point, you just fight opponents to earn as many crowns as you can, which reflect your leaderboard score.
I was happy to learn that I earned a spot on the top 10 in the worldwide leaderboards without even really trying. I could have improved my score, but after reaching 1000GS, I was happy to send it back to Gamefly.
FITNESS SCORE: 5/10
This game isn't really fast paced or strenuous, but seems to work parts of you body that aren't really offered in other Kinect titles. Whereas most Kinect titles focus on leg work, Fighters Uncaged focuses heavily on arms and abs. I didn't realize that Fighters worked my abs until I was sore the next day. The game requires you to lean back while your feet are planted firmly in order to dodge oncoming attacks. This motion acts like a reverse sit up, and really works your ab muscles.
TIPS AND TRICKS:
-There is no point in going out of your way for the 20 win achievements until you reach the Open League. The 20 wins and 20 Open League wins achievements stack, so you will save time by waiting.
-Pay attention to the tips section before each opponent. They will offer you strategies on beating the opponent in the quickest and most efficient way.
-There is an "Advice" section in the tutorials that explain how and when to do the Combos that are required for the combo achievements.
-The best way to ensure that combos will work is to completely deplete the opponent's Zen gauge (the meter on the right side of the screen). If their gauge is empty, they will more likely fall victim to combos. You can deplete this bar by dodging and countering. Also, Super Strikes do a great deal to deplete it. Specifically, use the low hook Super Strike to take out half of the opponent's Zen gauge.
GAME: Fighters Uncaged
REVIEW SCORE: 6/10
Prior to playing this title, I took time to look up some of the online reviews. The reviews for this game seem to be bad to an undeserving level. I get the impression that players were expecting a full motion, 1:1, real time fighting experience. This is not what this game is about. Unlike fighting games like Mortal Kombat and Street Fighter that focus on fast paced fighting action, Fighters Uncaged works more along the lines of Punch-Out where the fighting focuses more on strategic blocks, dodges and counters. If you were start a match on Fighters Uncaged and flail your fists and feet around like a real street fight, you would most likely lose quickly. If you plan on seriously playing this title and enjoying it to its full potential, it is essential that you play through the tutorials and training sessions to get an idea of how the game works and how the moves are properly executed.
The Kinect sensor works extremely well for this title as long as you have the proper settings and play space. Unfortunately, this game loses a lot of respect due to horrendous character design and cringing dialogue. There also isn't really a lot of play features. There is no multiplayer, and you pretty much keep fighting the same opponents over and over again, attempting to increase your score.
You progress through the game by winning 'Crowns'. Crowns are awarded for beating opponents as quickly as you can while taking as little damage as possible. The better your scores, the more crowns you receive. Once you receive enough crowns, you move up to the next 'league'. Each league increases in difficulty, and offers new fighters to face. Eventually, you beat the game, so to speak, and enter the "Open League". At this point, you just fight opponents to earn as many crowns as you can, which reflect your leaderboard score.
I was happy to learn that I earned a spot on the top 10 in the worldwide leaderboards without even really trying. I could have improved my score, but after reaching 1000GS, I was happy to send it back to Gamefly.
FITNESS SCORE: 5/10
This game isn't really fast paced or strenuous, but seems to work parts of you body that aren't really offered in other Kinect titles. Whereas most Kinect titles focus on leg work, Fighters Uncaged focuses heavily on arms and abs. I didn't realize that Fighters worked my abs until I was sore the next day. The game requires you to lean back while your feet are planted firmly in order to dodge oncoming attacks. This motion acts like a reverse sit up, and really works your ab muscles.
TIPS AND TRICKS:
-There is no point in going out of your way for the 20 win achievements until you reach the Open League. The 20 wins and 20 Open League wins achievements stack, so you will save time by waiting.
-Pay attention to the tips section before each opponent. They will offer you strategies on beating the opponent in the quickest and most efficient way.
-There is an "Advice" section in the tutorials that explain how and when to do the Combos that are required for the combo achievements.
-The best way to ensure that combos will work is to completely deplete the opponent's Zen gauge (the meter on the right side of the screen). If their gauge is empty, they will more likely fall victim to combos. You can deplete this bar by dodging and countering. Also, Super Strikes do a great deal to deplete it. Specifically, use the low hook Super Strike to take out half of the opponent's Zen gauge.
Thursday, December 30, 2010
PROGRESS UPDATE
I have made some significant progress this past week.
First of all, I was able to complete Fighters Uncaged. This was quite entertaining and better than the reviews would give it credit for. The achievements in this game are more time consuming than difficult, but still require a decent understanding of the games mechanics to unlock. I should have a review/tips and tricks post up later this week.
I also downloaded the free DLC for Dance Masters. It includes an additional level difficulty (Master). The great news here is that the new difficulty includes 5 additional secret ripple per song (150 total). These additional secret ripples do in fact count towards the secret ripple achievements. This means that you won't have to find every single secret ripple on Stealth (which is a pain).
Finally, I received Kinect Sports in the mail today via Gamefly. The game is quite entertaining and superior in its production value to other Kinect titles. I am having a blast with it so far. It may pose a handful of difficult achievements which I am dreading yet looking forward to.
First of all, I was able to complete Fighters Uncaged. This was quite entertaining and better than the reviews would give it credit for. The achievements in this game are more time consuming than difficult, but still require a decent understanding of the games mechanics to unlock. I should have a review/tips and tricks post up later this week.
I also downloaded the free DLC for Dance Masters. It includes an additional level difficulty (Master). The great news here is that the new difficulty includes 5 additional secret ripple per song (150 total). These additional secret ripples do in fact count towards the secret ripple achievements. This means that you won't have to find every single secret ripple on Stealth (which is a pain).
Finally, I received Kinect Sports in the mail today via Gamefly. The game is quite entertaining and superior in its production value to other Kinect titles. I am having a blast with it so far. It may pose a handful of difficult achievements which I am dreading yet looking forward to.
Wednesday, December 15, 2010
GAME COMPLETED #3: GAME PARTY: IN MOTION
This game is the easiest 1000GS I have played thus far for the Kinect and certainly one of the easiest 1000GS on any Xbox 360 title I have played. However, it is also the worst Kinect title I have played and one of the worst 360 games I have had the misfortune of playing.
GAME: Game Party: In Motion
REVIEW SCORE: 3/10
The concept is very appealing. You have Skeeball, Whack-a-mole, Air Hockey, Bean Bag toss, Darts, Billiards, etc. I was super excited when I saw this game available for the Kinect. Unfortunately, the excitement lasted for about 3 minutes after booting up the game.
The problem isn't the game's contents, but the game's execution. The game controls are a jumbled mess. Nothing works as it should. I have spent enough hours on my Kinect to know that my sensor is set up and working fine and that I have proper play space. The problems that this game encounters reach far beyond these rational mishaps.
First of all, most games require throwing of some sort. I have done my fair share of throwing in Kinectimals to know that Kinect can handle throwing. Game Party: In motion in particular however, does not. You can make a throwing gesture with no result, only to have you avatar make a feeble throw as you bring your hand back for another attempt. It all feels very random.
Multiplayer was a complete disaster. The game seems to have an extremely hard time telling who is playing. It isn't even so much a Kinect ID issue, as the game even forgets which profiles are signed in. During a 30 minute multiplayer session, my wife and I had to sign in and receive facial recognitions over a dozen times. The game would constantly tell us that we were not in the play space although we clearly were. Which is confirmed by the fact that the game clears us moments later without us even having to move.
I would love to see a game of this variety arrive on Kinect and work properly. I can't help but to feel that this particular title was rushed in order hit shelves by the time Kinect launched.
With any luck, the game will see a patch that can make this game enjoyable.
FITNESS SCORE: 2/10
To be honest, the games involved in this title don't really focus on activities that would be associated with fitness. What you will see here is mostly stepping from side to side and a lifting of an arm. Ironically, you probably get more of a workout due to the game not working properly, as you find yourself flailing around in hopes of getting the game to react the way you want it to.
TIPS AND TRICKS:
-The game is extremely glitchy when it comes to achievements. This is due largely to the fact that the game tends to forget who is playing. You have to make sure when you are in an activity that the game recognizes you by your profile (as opposed to "Player 1"). If you are signed into an event as "Player 1" and meet an achievement requirement, it will not unlock. In addition, you may find it glitched from unlocking when you do get signed in. To avoid these complications, use Kinect ID to recognize you. It should cause the game associate you with your profile before the start of each match. If you do find yourself having glitched an achievement, try to clear the cache on your console (see xbox.com for tips on clearing cache).
-For many of the perfection achievements, you may want to play with a second person. It is certainly possible to get the achievements in single player, but it is hard to reach perfection when the controls are far from it.
GAME: Game Party: In Motion
REVIEW SCORE: 3/10
The concept is very appealing. You have Skeeball, Whack-a-mole, Air Hockey, Bean Bag toss, Darts, Billiards, etc. I was super excited when I saw this game available for the Kinect. Unfortunately, the excitement lasted for about 3 minutes after booting up the game.
The problem isn't the game's contents, but the game's execution. The game controls are a jumbled mess. Nothing works as it should. I have spent enough hours on my Kinect to know that my sensor is set up and working fine and that I have proper play space. The problems that this game encounters reach far beyond these rational mishaps.
First of all, most games require throwing of some sort. I have done my fair share of throwing in Kinectimals to know that Kinect can handle throwing. Game Party: In motion in particular however, does not. You can make a throwing gesture with no result, only to have you avatar make a feeble throw as you bring your hand back for another attempt. It all feels very random.
Multiplayer was a complete disaster. The game seems to have an extremely hard time telling who is playing. It isn't even so much a Kinect ID issue, as the game even forgets which profiles are signed in. During a 30 minute multiplayer session, my wife and I had to sign in and receive facial recognitions over a dozen times. The game would constantly tell us that we were not in the play space although we clearly were. Which is confirmed by the fact that the game clears us moments later without us even having to move.
I would love to see a game of this variety arrive on Kinect and work properly. I can't help but to feel that this particular title was rushed in order hit shelves by the time Kinect launched.
With any luck, the game will see a patch that can make this game enjoyable.
FITNESS SCORE: 2/10
To be honest, the games involved in this title don't really focus on activities that would be associated with fitness. What you will see here is mostly stepping from side to side and a lifting of an arm. Ironically, you probably get more of a workout due to the game not working properly, as you find yourself flailing around in hopes of getting the game to react the way you want it to.
TIPS AND TRICKS:
-The game is extremely glitchy when it comes to achievements. This is due largely to the fact that the game tends to forget who is playing. You have to make sure when you are in an activity that the game recognizes you by your profile (as opposed to "Player 1"). If you are signed into an event as "Player 1" and meet an achievement requirement, it will not unlock. In addition, you may find it glitched from unlocking when you do get signed in. To avoid these complications, use Kinect ID to recognize you. It should cause the game associate you with your profile before the start of each match. If you do find yourself having glitched an achievement, try to clear the cache on your console (see xbox.com for tips on clearing cache).
-For many of the perfection achievements, you may want to play with a second person. It is certainly possible to get the achievements in single player, but it is hard to reach perfection when the controls are far from it.
Monday, December 13, 2010
PROGRESS UPDATE
This week I have been focusing heavily on Dance Masters. I am faring much better in this game than I had originally thought I would. All I am missing now are a handful of achievements for discovering Secret Ripples (hidden objects scattered throughout the songs in the game) which will probably be more time consuming than difficult, and one achievement that I am not really sure how to unlock, although it is supposed to be easy. I just need the proper info i suppose.
Other than that, i started Game Party: In Motion, which is by far the worst game I have played thus far on the Kinect. It is a easy 1000GS, but I need my wife to stand in for a couple of achievements that are too hard to do in single player (well, not really too hard in the sense of difficulty, but in the sense that the motion detecting is crap on some of this game).
I am also pecking away at the calorie achievements in Your Shape: Fitness Evolved. I can net about 200 calories every 20-30 minutes. I know that I can pump up my in-game weight to help speed the progress along, but I plan on keeping the integrity for this game as I am interested in the fitness aspect. No rush to get this done.
In other news, I have upgraded my Gamefly account to the 2-disc plan. It doesn't look like Dance Masters will keep me occupied as long as I had planned, and it seems to take about 3 days to get a new game from Gamefly once it is shipped. Next on my Gamefly queue is Kinect Joyride.
Other than that, i started Game Party: In Motion, which is by far the worst game I have played thus far on the Kinect. It is a easy 1000GS, but I need my wife to stand in for a couple of achievements that are too hard to do in single player (well, not really too hard in the sense of difficulty, but in the sense that the motion detecting is crap on some of this game).
I am also pecking away at the calorie achievements in Your Shape: Fitness Evolved. I can net about 200 calories every 20-30 minutes. I know that I can pump up my in-game weight to help speed the progress along, but I plan on keeping the integrity for this game as I am interested in the fitness aspect. No rush to get this done.
In other news, I have upgraded my Gamefly account to the 2-disc plan. It doesn't look like Dance Masters will keep me occupied as long as I had planned, and it seems to take about 3 days to get a new game from Gamefly once it is shipped. Next on my Gamefly queue is Kinect Joyride.
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
GAME COMPLETED #2: DANCE CENTRAL
This is by far one of the proudest 1000GS I have earned on my Gamercard. As of now, it appears that only a dozen or so people have completed this feat (Reference: mygamercard.net). I found the game to be very enjoyable, and easily the best Kinect game I have played thus far.
GAME: Dance Central
REVIEW SCORE: 9/10
The concept is simple, but executed phenomenally. The game has varying difficulties and dance types that cater to anybody. The tutorials are excellent at teaching you how to play the game, and the execution is flawless. There is also a fairly wide variety of music that is sure to satisfy most music lovers. This game makes being active very fun, and quite addicting.
The game doesn't really need to rely heaving on graphics, as it is a dance game, but it still is able to deliver stunning visuals. The game portrays dance moves as specific as possible, as to teach them to utmost accuracy. And believe me, the game will hold you to it a lot of times when scoring you.
The sounds and music are great, as to be expected for a music game. I am not a fan of all the songs/genres, but I am aware of my biases.
I was a little disappointed in the lack of proper multiplayer. I am generally more a single player kind of guy, but I felt this game would have benefited greatly from multiplayer option. The game does offer a local multiplayer "Dance Battle", but it is essentially two people taking turns dancing to the same routine.
FITNESS SCORE: 7/10
The game really had me moving around and sweating. The game isn't advertised as a fitness game, nor is it really designed as such. However, you will be getting a lot of lower body exercise. I would find myself sore in the legs and feet from day to day. Be sure to wear socks tough! I found out the hard way when I got blisters on my feet.
TIPS AND TRICKS:
- The game is a little buggy as of now. If you are going for achievements, be sure to first play through the game on Easy. The game only registers your highest ranked performance on the Song List data. The game ranks "Hard" performances higher than it ranks "Medium" performances, and so forth. Makes sense, but achievements that focus on stats specifically focus on your highest ranked performance. For instance, there is an achievement for getting 5 stars on a song with flashcards off. For the achievement to unlock, you not only need to get 5 stars on a song with flashcards off, but the posted score would have to be your highest ranked performance. If you played a song on "Hard", you would have to get 5 stars on "Hard" without flashcards to get the achievement, as any progress made on "Easy" or "Medium" wouldn't be accepted. Hopefully there will be a patch.
GAME: Dance Central
REVIEW SCORE: 9/10
The concept is simple, but executed phenomenally. The game has varying difficulties and dance types that cater to anybody. The tutorials are excellent at teaching you how to play the game, and the execution is flawless. There is also a fairly wide variety of music that is sure to satisfy most music lovers. This game makes being active very fun, and quite addicting.
The game doesn't really need to rely heaving on graphics, as it is a dance game, but it still is able to deliver stunning visuals. The game portrays dance moves as specific as possible, as to teach them to utmost accuracy. And believe me, the game will hold you to it a lot of times when scoring you.
The sounds and music are great, as to be expected for a music game. I am not a fan of all the songs/genres, but I am aware of my biases.
I was a little disappointed in the lack of proper multiplayer. I am generally more a single player kind of guy, but I felt this game would have benefited greatly from multiplayer option. The game does offer a local multiplayer "Dance Battle", but it is essentially two people taking turns dancing to the same routine.
FITNESS SCORE: 7/10
The game really had me moving around and sweating. The game isn't advertised as a fitness game, nor is it really designed as such. However, you will be getting a lot of lower body exercise. I would find myself sore in the legs and feet from day to day. Be sure to wear socks tough! I found out the hard way when I got blisters on my feet.
TIPS AND TRICKS:
- The game is a little buggy as of now. If you are going for achievements, be sure to first play through the game on Easy. The game only registers your highest ranked performance on the Song List data. The game ranks "Hard" performances higher than it ranks "Medium" performances, and so forth. Makes sense, but achievements that focus on stats specifically focus on your highest ranked performance. For instance, there is an achievement for getting 5 stars on a song with flashcards off. For the achievement to unlock, you not only need to get 5 stars on a song with flashcards off, but the posted score would have to be your highest ranked performance. If you played a song on "Hard", you would have to get 5 stars on "Hard" without flashcards to get the achievement, as any progress made on "Easy" or "Medium" wouldn't be accepted. Hopefully there will be a patch.
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