Carnival Games: MSMD is a collection of carnival style games that can be played in your own home. This series was made popular on the Nintendo Wii with its motion style gaming.
GAME: Carnival Games: Monkey See Monkey Do (with DLC)
REVIEW SCORE: 5/10
The most important factor in this game is that is pretty fun. There are several carnival style game that you might have played in real life growing up, and now you can relive them in your own living room. Games include Balloon darts, lucky wheel spin, skee ball, basket ball shoot, home run derby, and many, many more.
If the initial games aren't enough, the game offers a couple of DLC packs with additional game variants.
The Kinect sensor didn't seem to give me much trouble, but some of the different game variants seem to be somewhat luck based (as real carnival games would be), which can be frustrating in some instances.
There are some downsides as well. The Carnival guy and his pet monkey keep you constantly annoyed with puns and constant hijinks that become distracting from the gameplay. Also, there are handful of games that aren't very fun that bring down the overall quality for this title.
FITNESS SCORE: 2/10
Most games in this compilation require little physical activity. Mostly just gestures such as throwing your arms, leaning your body side to side, and other slight motions.
TIPS AND TRICKS:
-The fastest way to collect tickets is to play the "Spin the Wheel" game. Although it costs 25 tickets to play, it has the highest potential payout. In addition, if you spin on one of the 'skulls' and lose the round, you can press the Guide button on your xbox controller to pause the game. From here, you can unpause, and choose to restart the match. You will not lose any tickets this way.
-In order to win all prizes in the game, you must purchase all prizes from the stores as well as score high enough on each minigame to unlock a special prize. Once you unlock the special prizes from each minigame, you can earn 25 tickets by repeating the high score.
-If you buy the Barker items from the Barker store, each one will unlock an avatar item as well.
Sunday, August 7, 2011
Wednesday, July 27, 2011
GAME COMPLETED #15: BRUNSWICK PRO BOWLING
Brunswick Bowling is realistic style bowling game for the Kinect. From the physics of the ball to the official Brunswick accessories and the quirky scoreboard animations, the game offers an authentic bowling experience.
GAME: Brunswick Pro Bowling
REVIEW SCORE: 4/10
The biggest issue with the game is repetition. The game tries to add various modes and game styles to promote the play value, but what you are really getting are slight variations of the same thing. The only interesting game mode is called "Spares" where you are challenged with splits and other difficult set ups and challenged to complete the spare.
By winning events and leagues, you earn cash to spend at the Brunswick Pro Shop. Here, you can update your look and upgrade your stats via shirts, shoes, writs guards and bowling balls.
FITNESS SCORE: 1/10
As you may imagine, the only activity taking place here is the repeated motion of swinging your are back and forth. At least in real bowling weight of the ball adds to strain.
TIPS AND TRICKS:
- Since each frame is pretty much identical to any other, you can actually set yourself up to throw strikes almost every time by learning where to stand and how to throw. I would stand just slightly to the left and throw my hand (righty) straight up. I was able to bowl a 300 in this title after perfecting my motions.
- In the shop, you can view each locked item to find out how to unlock it. This will help you figure out which modes and approaches are needed to unlock the various achievements associated with purchasing various accessories.
- When playing in tournaments or leagues, you can quit out of the match if it looks like you are going to lose. This is useful if you are trying to earn various achievements or unlock progress by finishing high during certain matches.
GAME: Brunswick Pro Bowling
REVIEW SCORE: 4/10
The biggest issue with the game is repetition. The game tries to add various modes and game styles to promote the play value, but what you are really getting are slight variations of the same thing. The only interesting game mode is called "Spares" where you are challenged with splits and other difficult set ups and challenged to complete the spare.
By winning events and leagues, you earn cash to spend at the Brunswick Pro Shop. Here, you can update your look and upgrade your stats via shirts, shoes, writs guards and bowling balls.
FITNESS SCORE: 1/10
As you may imagine, the only activity taking place here is the repeated motion of swinging your are back and forth. At least in real bowling weight of the ball adds to strain.
TIPS AND TRICKS:
- Since each frame is pretty much identical to any other, you can actually set yourself up to throw strikes almost every time by learning where to stand and how to throw. I would stand just slightly to the left and throw my hand (righty) straight up. I was able to bowl a 300 in this title after perfecting my motions.
- In the shop, you can view each locked item to find out how to unlock it. This will help you figure out which modes and approaches are needed to unlock the various achievements associated with purchasing various accessories.
- When playing in tournaments or leagues, you can quit out of the match if it looks like you are going to lose. This is useful if you are trying to earn various achievements or unlock progress by finishing high during certain matches.
GAME COMPLETED #14: YOUR SHAPE: FITNESS EVOLVED WITH DLC
Your Shape: Fitness Evolved is an exercise and fitness game presented by UbiSoft. It focuses heavily on following on screen prompts as well as audio cues to help lead you through fitness routines.
GAME: Your Shape: Fitness Evolved (With DLC)
REVIEW SCORE: 8/10
One of the most intriguing things about this game is the user interface. Instead of the floating hand cursors that are utilized in most Kinect titles, Your Shape: FE uses a projected image of yourself that acts as the controller. You can use your feet to select panels on the ground that activate certain actions. You also use your hands to choose menu options. Your projected image also allows for more accuracy during exercises than you may get while using a cartoony avatar as other Kinect games offer.
In addition to the fitness classes offered by this title, there are various gym games that offers extra fun. Gym games include block punching, light stepping, block balancing, and hula hoops.
The game offers several DLC packs, a few of which add additional achievements to the game (1 DLC is free!). The DLC classes add extra variety to the already existing exercises.
Fitness Score: 10/10
It is no surprise that this title receives a high fitness score, seeing as the game is a fitness oriented title. The game allows varying degrees of activity based on your fitness level. Just remember to stretch before playing and take breaks as needed.
Tips and Tricks:
-Although I don't recommend it, you can change your weight in-game to help increase calorie burning efficiency (for achievements). The higher the weight, the faster the calories are burned.
-Visit Yourshapecenter.com to view your progress as well as unlock certain achievements.
- The DLC exercises count towards your calorie count. So, if you are going for the full gamerscore for this title, it would benefit you to play all DLC programs so you can accumulate calories to work towards your calorie milestone achievements.
GAME: Your Shape: Fitness Evolved (With DLC)
REVIEW SCORE: 8/10
One of the most intriguing things about this game is the user interface. Instead of the floating hand cursors that are utilized in most Kinect titles, Your Shape: FE uses a projected image of yourself that acts as the controller. You can use your feet to select panels on the ground that activate certain actions. You also use your hands to choose menu options. Your projected image also allows for more accuracy during exercises than you may get while using a cartoony avatar as other Kinect games offer.
In addition to the fitness classes offered by this title, there are various gym games that offers extra fun. Gym games include block punching, light stepping, block balancing, and hula hoops.
The game offers several DLC packs, a few of which add additional achievements to the game (1 DLC is free!). The DLC classes add extra variety to the already existing exercises.
Fitness Score: 10/10
It is no surprise that this title receives a high fitness score, seeing as the game is a fitness oriented title. The game allows varying degrees of activity based on your fitness level. Just remember to stretch before playing and take breaks as needed.
Tips and Tricks:
-Although I don't recommend it, you can change your weight in-game to help increase calorie burning efficiency (for achievements). The higher the weight, the faster the calories are burned.
-Visit Yourshapecenter.com to view your progress as well as unlock certain achievements.
- The DLC exercises count towards your calorie count. So, if you are going for the full gamerscore for this title, it would benefit you to play all DLC programs so you can accumulate calories to work towards your calorie milestone achievements.
Wednesday, June 8, 2011
GAME COMPLETED #10-13: KINECT FUN LABS
Kinect Fun Labs is a newly added dashboard app that offers Kinect controlled "Gadgets" that you download. So far, all of the gadgets are free. I was surprised to see that they offered gamerscore. At only 50G a game, they are an oddity among the general gamerscore guidelines.
Since these games are more of apps than games, I am just going to lump them together with a little info on each.
GAME: Kinect Me
This gadget uses the Kinect sensor to scan your head and body to create an avatar that resembles you. It is a very interesting concept and presents promise to future Kinect applications and software. Add backgrounds and a voice recording and send it to all of your friends via Kinectshare.
GAME: Googly Eyes
This gadget allows you to scan an item (virtually any item that fits in the scan box) and makes a virtual rendering of the object onto your screen. What next? What else, throw some googly eyes on that bad boy and we have ourselves a party. Plus, there is a very catchy theme song!
GAME: Build A Buddy
This gadget is probably the most interesting of the bunch. It uses the same scan technology as the other gadgets, but does an outstanding job of producing 3D renderings of your scanned objects. The goal of this gadget is to scan a "buddy" (preferably a stuffed animal) and then use in-game options to give your buddy personality and and a voice (using a robotized voice of you, the player).
GAME: Bobble Head
This is a very simple gadget in which you model your mug for a bobble head. Simply scan your face, choose from the different costumes and customizations and BAM!, virtual bobble head of you!
Since these games are more of apps than games, I am just going to lump them together with a little info on each.
GAME: Kinect Me
This gadget uses the Kinect sensor to scan your head and body to create an avatar that resembles you. It is a very interesting concept and presents promise to future Kinect applications and software. Add backgrounds and a voice recording and send it to all of your friends via Kinectshare.
GAME: Googly Eyes
This gadget allows you to scan an item (virtually any item that fits in the scan box) and makes a virtual rendering of the object onto your screen. What next? What else, throw some googly eyes on that bad boy and we have ourselves a party. Plus, there is a very catchy theme song!
GAME: Build A Buddy
This gadget is probably the most interesting of the bunch. It uses the same scan technology as the other gadgets, but does an outstanding job of producing 3D renderings of your scanned objects. The goal of this gadget is to scan a "buddy" (preferably a stuffed animal) and then use in-game options to give your buddy personality and and a voice (using a robotized voice of you, the player).
GAME: Bobble Head
This is a very simple gadget in which you model your mug for a bobble head. Simply scan your face, choose from the different costumes and customizations and BAM!, virtual bobble head of you!
GAME COMPLETED #9: SONIC FREE RIDERS
Sonic Free Riders is a racing style game that uses boards and bikes to compete with various characters of the Sonic the Hedgehog universe. Despite many horrible reviews I have seen on this title, I was pleasantly surprised.
GAME: Sonic Free Riders
REVIEW SCORE: 7/10
The biggest beef that most people seem to have with Sonic Free Riders is the controls. Granted, the menu system could have easily been presented in a different, more friendly interface, I still did not have all that many problems with it.
As long as you play the tutorial stages and have a proper Kinect setup, you should have no problems playing Sonic Free Riders.
The game offers many different play variants including race, battle, coin collector, time trials, and more. There are even a couple of co-op modes available (local co-op only).
One downside to the game is the repetitiveness. The game offers 16 stages, but it is really just 8 stages with two stage variants. You then play the different modes across these levels.
There is a Grand Prix mode that offers a story line, but it doesn't really offer anything intriguing. It is a nice way to dabble with many of the different game play variants and unlock new characters.
FITNESS SCORE: 3/10
Unlike other Kinect titles, there is very little moving involved with this title. The board and bike mechanics require mostly leaning and ducking. Almost all of the activity involved comes from the jumping. If you get really enthusiastic, you can add 360 spins to your jumps for added points in the game.
TIPS AND TRICKS:
-Play through Grand Prix mode first. This will unlock new modes, which will unlock new characters.
-For the gear and gear part collector achievements, you should go for the gear part collector one first. Once you purchase the last gear part and see the achievement unlock, turn off your xbox or use the guide button to exit to the dashboard. This will let you keep the achievement as well as all the coins you spent in the store (you will likely never use most of the gear parts offered).
-In addition to the achievements, there are a few Xbox Awards you can unlock for this game. Place 1st on every course with Sonic, place 1st on every course with Jet, place first on every course with E-10000, and watch the credits (beat the final section of Grand Prix mode).
GAME: Sonic Free Riders
REVIEW SCORE: 7/10
The biggest beef that most people seem to have with Sonic Free Riders is the controls. Granted, the menu system could have easily been presented in a different, more friendly interface, I still did not have all that many problems with it.
As long as you play the tutorial stages and have a proper Kinect setup, you should have no problems playing Sonic Free Riders.
The game offers many different play variants including race, battle, coin collector, time trials, and more. There are even a couple of co-op modes available (local co-op only).
One downside to the game is the repetitiveness. The game offers 16 stages, but it is really just 8 stages with two stage variants. You then play the different modes across these levels.
There is a Grand Prix mode that offers a story line, but it doesn't really offer anything intriguing. It is a nice way to dabble with many of the different game play variants and unlock new characters.
FITNESS SCORE: 3/10
Unlike other Kinect titles, there is very little moving involved with this title. The board and bike mechanics require mostly leaning and ducking. Almost all of the activity involved comes from the jumping. If you get really enthusiastic, you can add 360 spins to your jumps for added points in the game.
TIPS AND TRICKS:
-Play through Grand Prix mode first. This will unlock new modes, which will unlock new characters.
-For the gear and gear part collector achievements, you should go for the gear part collector one first. Once you purchase the last gear part and see the achievement unlock, turn off your xbox or use the guide button to exit to the dashboard. This will let you keep the achievement as well as all the coins you spent in the store (you will likely never use most of the gear parts offered).
-In addition to the achievements, there are a few Xbox Awards you can unlock for this game. Place 1st on every course with Sonic, place 1st on every course with Jet, place first on every course with E-10000, and watch the credits (beat the final section of Grand Prix mode).
Wednesday, May 11, 2011
PROGRESS UPDATE
Alright, after a couple of shaky months were I have been neglecting my Kinect, I am back on board.
To help re-spark my passion for 100% Kinect, I sent back a couple of the games that I had out from Gamefly (Dance Paradise, which I was greatly disappointed, and Kinect Joy Ride, which I enjoyed but couldn't find the time or energy to finish at this point).
In their place I got two new titles, Body and Brain Connection and Sonic Free Riders.
I have had tons of fun with B and B Connection and have almost finished it. I just have some co-op stuff to do and the time sensitive achievements (which I will legitimately wait out). I highly recommend this title.
The other game, Sonic Free Riders, was a bit of a surprise. I have heard nothing but horror stories about the game and its Kinect controls. However, I have been playing an hour or so into it and I am having little to no issues.
It may be due to my superior Kinect placement and setup, or just do to the fact that I have much more experience with the Kinect device and I am able to readily adjust to the game.
I also purchased Michael Jackson: The Experience when it launched on April 12th. Concerning my previous post about the leaderboard achievement, it is in fact a local leaderboard issue.
MJ: The Experience is a pretty fun dance game that resembles Dance Central in gameplay, and Dance Masters in presentation. I have had fun with it thus far.
It seems that I won't have the game completed until September at the earliest as there is an achievement for playing the game on MJ's birthday. Yes, I could disconnect from Live and change my console settings to get it early, but for the sake of sportsmanship, I will decline.
That about sums up this month in Kinect progress. Until next time....
To help re-spark my passion for 100% Kinect, I sent back a couple of the games that I had out from Gamefly (Dance Paradise, which I was greatly disappointed, and Kinect Joy Ride, which I enjoyed but couldn't find the time or energy to finish at this point).
In their place I got two new titles, Body and Brain Connection and Sonic Free Riders.
I have had tons of fun with B and B Connection and have almost finished it. I just have some co-op stuff to do and the time sensitive achievements (which I will legitimately wait out). I highly recommend this title.
The other game, Sonic Free Riders, was a bit of a surprise. I have heard nothing but horror stories about the game and its Kinect controls. However, I have been playing an hour or so into it and I am having little to no issues.
It may be due to my superior Kinect placement and setup, or just do to the fact that I have much more experience with the Kinect device and I am able to readily adjust to the game.
I also purchased Michael Jackson: The Experience when it launched on April 12th. Concerning my previous post about the leaderboard achievement, it is in fact a local leaderboard issue.
MJ: The Experience is a pretty fun dance game that resembles Dance Central in gameplay, and Dance Masters in presentation. I have had fun with it thus far.
It seems that I won't have the game completed until September at the earliest as there is an achievement for playing the game on MJ's birthday. Yes, I could disconnect from Live and change my console settings to get it early, but for the sake of sportsmanship, I will decline.
That about sums up this month in Kinect progress. Until next time....
Monday, March 21, 2011
PROGRESS UPDATE
It has been a while since the last update, mostly because I haven't had much to update. I have played my Kinect very little over the last few weeks. This is due to a few reasons.
First, there was a bit unanticipated activity on my Gamefly account. I have the 3 disc plan, but I was sent 4 games. Of these four, I got Dead Rising 2, which was at the bottom of my queue, and Marvel vs Capcom 3, which I didn't think would get shipped as early as it did. Naturally I wanted to play MvC3 as it had just came out, and Dead Rising 2 soon beckoned to me as well.
Outside of gaming, I have had a busy few weeks at work. I am no longer a security guard (budget issues), but I did move into a customer service department and have since been promoted three times (at this rate, I will own the place by the end of Summer, lol). So I naturally been pretty preoccupied with that.
The little that I have been playing on Kinect has been on Kinect Joy Ride. I am making pretty solid progress. There are a few achievements that will have me fine pointing my techniques to unlock, but I feel that the last achievement I get will be the 10 hours of play achievement.
I also have Dance Paradise out as well. I haven't played much of it, but to be honest, I am not really enjoying it.
The only other important thing to note is that the Michael Jackson Experience game will be out next month and there is an achievement for it that may bother me. There seems to be an achievement for reaching a #1 score on a leaderboard. This may simply be for getting a #1 score in an in-game, local leaderboard. Also, it may have weekly leaderboards as well, which would simplify things. However, if there is only lifetime leaderboards, I will have the get the game on day 1 and make some serious score to have any hopes of netting the achievement.
I will update whenever I know more.
First, there was a bit unanticipated activity on my Gamefly account. I have the 3 disc plan, but I was sent 4 games. Of these four, I got Dead Rising 2, which was at the bottom of my queue, and Marvel vs Capcom 3, which I didn't think would get shipped as early as it did. Naturally I wanted to play MvC3 as it had just came out, and Dead Rising 2 soon beckoned to me as well.
Outside of gaming, I have had a busy few weeks at work. I am no longer a security guard (budget issues), but I did move into a customer service department and have since been promoted three times (at this rate, I will own the place by the end of Summer, lol). So I naturally been pretty preoccupied with that.
The little that I have been playing on Kinect has been on Kinect Joy Ride. I am making pretty solid progress. There are a few achievements that will have me fine pointing my techniques to unlock, but I feel that the last achievement I get will be the 10 hours of play achievement.
I also have Dance Paradise out as well. I haven't played much of it, but to be honest, I am not really enjoying it.
The only other important thing to note is that the Michael Jackson Experience game will be out next month and there is an achievement for it that may bother me. There seems to be an achievement for reaching a #1 score on a leaderboard. This may simply be for getting a #1 score in an in-game, local leaderboard. Also, it may have weekly leaderboards as well, which would simplify things. However, if there is only lifetime leaderboards, I will have the get the game on day 1 and make some serious score to have any hopes of netting the achievement.
I will update whenever I know more.
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