Kinect - You're the controller

[Ghambit]

Is this thing gonna be part of any kind of Black Friday sale??

[Hawkbit]

Haven't seen it in any ads yet. 

Kotaku is running a summary of all the deals coming up, btw.

[waffel]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KWbLOFGSEDo
 

[OcellotJenkins]

I guess I'm just getting old, but this seems like a bad joke.  I'm shocked so many people are spending money for this thing.  Perhaps there is potential I'm just not seeing.

[HaemishM]

When they are done well, motion controls can be a lot of fun. Unfortunately, that is a rare occurrence.

[tgr]

I would've preferred if he showed something else moving around him, otherwise I'm left wondering if he's just showing a still image of himself.

As to why people buy this, I would assume it's a strong case of "too much money" and "but everyone else has one" whining from the parents' kids. I must be getting old as well, though, because I, too, can't help but think of this as a bit of a gimmick which isn't worth the money. I'd have more faith in a PS3 Move style control system ... for the right type of game. A driving game ain't right.

[Sir T]

There is a move system coming out for the PS3

http://us.playstation.com/ps3/playstation-move/

[KallDrexx]

As to why people buy this, I would assume it's a strong case of "too much money" and "but everyone else has one" whining from the parents' kids. I must be getting old as well, though, because I, too, can't help but think of this as a bit of a gimmick which isn't worth the money. I'd have more faith in a PS3 Move style control system ... for the right type of game. A driving game ain't right.

My girlfriend's roommate (28) bought this because he saw the commercials and thought it looked fun.  Then his friends saw him playing it, had fun and bought one too so they could play multiplayer.  It really isn't just kids buying this, or the fact that everyone else has one.  Adults genuinely enjoy playing it

[Yegolev]

There is a move system coming out for the PS3

http://us.playstation.com/ps3/playstation-move/

Coming out, you say?

[Jeff Kelly]

Yeah, that's what tgr was referring to, playstation move has been released quite some time ago.

What irks me about Kinect, apart from the lack of games that actually support it, is the lack of feedback.

It's nice that this thing can track my movements but for most types of interaction I have at least some physical feedback. If I'm driving I'm actually holding a steering wheel etc.

The controller usually provides the physical feedback and the Wii and Playstation Move systems both use controllers. I tested the driving mini game in Kinect adventures at our local store and you basically pretend that you're holding a wheel which feels odd because you get even less actual physical feedback than with controller based systems.

I can't imagine this working for anything other than pure movement based gameplay (i.e. fitness and dance moves) how would I model shooting a gun or anything similar without the game turning into an elaborate game of charade? With the Wii or Move I at least have some sort of controller as a prop.

[Yegolev]

I agree.  If I can't play a game without being able to scratch my ass, I'm not going to play it.  If I want to make a move to readjust my nuts while playing Kinect Karts (or whatever) I have a choice: either lose the race or have a pinched scrotum.

[tgr]

If the video's correct, then it looks like they'll make sure you can scratch your balls and not crash ... the game'll just drive for you for a few seconds.

Gaming at its very best.

[Azazel]

It's another case of tools for the job, I think. I'm under no illusions that the thing will be of any use beyond fitness/dance/wii sport-style games, just like the wii. MS and Sony are just trying to get their platforms embedded as the mythical "set top box" of the future by selling it to your sister and mum. (TV ads here have a much higher than 50% female-focus). They know they can get us to buy it with a Gran Turismo or Gears of War already, it's not for us..

Really though, if it doesn't appeal, it's going to be easy enough to ignore. within a year, 90% of the titles will be shovelware pumped out by Ubisoft, just like the Wii.

[tgr]

I can definitely see the kinect being used for fitness games, but I'm expecting it to be used for a lot of crap it really shouldn't be used for, just like the pad is currently.

PS Move, however, I think of as a swordfighting/boxing/stuff like that kind of controller. I'm sure there are tons of other things it'd be usable for, but I can't think of it offhand.

[Yegolev]

[UnSub]

Given how handily Nintendo has won this generation of the Console Wars, there is definitely a market for a simplified control system at an affordable price.

And as always, it isn't the first generation of hardware / software that will really grab hold of the possibility of motion controls.

[Kageru]

I saw a major retailer with a kinect demo in the window... shame it was some sort of xbox system error dialog on the screen.

Isn't it about time for the next generation of consoles?

[tgr]

Last I heard, the next generation isn't planned for quite a few years yet.

[ffc]

In the 5 years since Nintendo paradigm shifted paradigms and shifts with the siren's call of immersion in exchange for simpler controls, the best showcase of motion controls has been refining Wii Sports into Wii Sports Resort.  Kinect won't be any different considering its target:



When I first danced played Kinect with a bunch of people I was smiling even harder than the mom in that picture but upon my second playing the novelty was gone and I felt like the comatose child on the couch.  Had I bought one I would have kicked myself harder than I did for my MotionPlus purchase.  I am eager to hear if anyone is still dancing next month.

[Yegolev]

[ajax34i]

Kinect + 120Hz flatscreen 3D technology = you can actually grab and interact with the objects popping out of the screen at you.  Although, it would still be sports and/or dancing games.

EDIT:  DOH, Yegolev got me with a picture.

[Yegolev]

VisualStudioTroll 2010 Edition.

[naum]

Got to play with this a little and see others play last weekend.

Looks neat, some of the games are lot of fun, but still in vein of Wii, even if it's remote-less.

OTOH, proceeding through some of the menus to get into "a game" seemed to be a game in itself. Wave your hand around, stop when it lands on the right circle, hold that position for 3+ seconds, etc.… repeated ad nauseam.

[KallDrexx]

http://www.engadget.com/2010/12/09/kinect-finally-fulfills-its-minority-report-destiny-video/

Apparently the kinect is able to recognize fingers, it's just that the current selection of games don't utilize it to that detail and only track limbs.

[Morat20]

My wife wants this for Christmas, plus -- and I quote -- 'That dance game'.

Is there more than one dance game? :) If so, which one is the good one, and not the crap one?

[Cyrrex]

The one made by Harmonix is the good one.  Dance Central, I guess.

[Slayerik]

I hope this isn't a Bloodworth, but I got a kick out of this (especially after having some chicks try FPSes at a LAN party, it's right on)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i0Xu6EN6mlQ&feature=related

[tgr]

I hope this isn't a Bloodworth, but I got a kick out of this (especially after having some chicks try FPSes at a LAN party, it's right on)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i0Xu6EN6mlQ&feature=related

Oh god no.

[Phire]

When I first danced played Kinect with a bunch of people I was smiling even harder than the mom in that picture but upon my second playing the novelty was gone and I felt like the comatose child on the couch.  Had I bought one I would have kicked myself harder than I did for my MotionPlus purchase.  I am eager to hear if anyone is still dancing next month.

I haven't played mine in a while but I think that is more because I have to re-arrange furniture in my room which isn't really practical since I play other games/watch movies all the time and would constantly have to move my couch. Can't wait till I move into my new place where I have more room to play.

[NiX]

I haven't played mine in a while but I think that is more because I have to re-arrange furniture in my room which isn't really practical since I play other games/watch movies all the time and would constantly have to move my couch. Can't wait till I move into my new place where I have more room to play.

I didn't notice you posted this, read it and thought "I'm sure that's what Phire is waiting for." I know you far too well.

[Mrbloodworth]

I heard a rumor that you need a new Kinect ready Xbox to use this thing, this can't be true can it?

[MuffinMan]

I think the new Xboxes have an AUX port to plug the kinect into but if you have an older model you can just use an AC adapter.

[Mrbloodworth]

That makes more sense, thanks. However it did sound plausible, it is MS after all :)

[CmdrSlack]

We just got one. It has instructions for two different types of 360s. Mine has the useless cardslots on the front and whatnot. The sensor plugs into the USB port on the back of the machine. If you have the wifi dongle, it comes with a cable to let you plug both things into that spot or something. I have my Xbox wired into the network, so it's not an issue for me.

We started with the Kinect Adventures game. We also bought the Your Shape Fitness game. We're waiting for the kid to go to bed before we bust out that one. The Xbox Adventures games are pretty fun. Odds are that we'll use family-provided Xmas money to get Dance Central. Kinectimals is hopefully coming via Gamefly. I'd like to let the kid try it out before dropping full price for a game on it.

The Adventures minigames are fun, although the control seemed a bit off. This could be because we have the sensor beneath our TV, and not mounted on top (should not be an issue per the manual). My guess is that it's because we're not used to the motions corresponding to the action on the screen. It could also be the fact that our daughter was playing too. The rafting game is a bit sluggish on the steering. The other games seem to be more responsive. Once the 4 year old is crashed and we can try the other games on their own, we'll see.

I may also try swapping from tracksuit pants to shorts and see if that helps. 

So far a nifty dongle and worth the money, if only because it gets el kiddo playing games besides Katamari and playing with us instead of asking for help.

[Ghambit]

I just picked this up from Walmart.com for x-mas.  Fyi, it's the only retailer that allows a choosable bundle w/o having to search fruitlessly for the basic sensor (which are out of stock).