Kinect is coming! And with it is the promise of 15 launch titles. Here is a bit of info and some screenshots from two of those titles, brought to us from Gamescom.Remember last month when Lindsey told us how many arms and legs Kinect would cost us? Many of us were skeptical. I, for one, said I wouldn’t buy it until I saw what kind of games would be developed. Well, all the way from Cologne, Germany, we get details on two of the expected launch titles: Kinect Adventures and Kinect Joy Ride.
Swallowing my distaste for comparisons of this nature, I have to say that the description of Kinect Adventures reads like the instruction manual to Wii Play. One of the niftier functions looks like a leveling system. Players will be able to increase their skill from Cadet to Expert Adventurer. The game claims 20 different adventures over four difficulty levels. Plus, two “challenge modes.” If players pre-order the 4GB Kinect Bundle which includes Kinect Adventures, they can gain exclusive access to even more levels.
Players will be able to “Float in outer space. Experience the thrill of roaring rapids. Tackle mountaintop obstacle courses. And dive into the deep to save a leaky underwater observatory.” All from the comfort of their living room. Microsoft lets players be the controller as they jump, dodge and kick their way through exciting adventures set in a variety of exotic locations.
Also available is competitive and cooperative online play via XBox LIVE. Kinect Adventures makes use of Kinects built-in camera to capture “Photo Moments” of players tackling adventures. On top of achievements earned, players can also create live videos called “Living Statues” as a reward for an adventure well done.
It’s important to note that all this information is still subject to change before the game releases sometime in November.
Also coming from Cologne is a few screenshots for Kinect Joy Ride. “The first controller-free racing game.” The game combines wild kart racing excitement with the “effortless fun of full-body gaming possible only with Kinect for Xbox 360.”
