There are whispers of a revolution that is about to hit the gaming industry. The audience stands in eager anticipation for the first tidal wave of this phenomenal experience to hit them. All are wondering if the excitement generated by new cutting edge, space age technology will leave them feeling weak with desire or strong with exhilaration. If you are wondering where this gobbledygook is leading, I am talking about the Microsoft Kinect.
What was earlier known as “Project Natal” has been re-christened “Microsoft Kinect.” Whatever Shakespeare’s opinions may be on the relevance, or rather, the irrelevance of a name, I personally believe that Project Natal sounded a lot cooler than Kinect. The latter reminds of a theory dealing with Kinetic energy at school. But anyway, since I can contribute very little in changing the name of this product, I will add in ways that I can, which is telling you more about this product that has many a gaming enthusiasts sitting in animated suspense on the edge of their seats.
Kinect is Microsoft’s well aimed punch at Nintendo Wii, which replaced the traditional gamepad with a motion sensing controller. As you can guess, Nintendo Wii began to fly off the shelves like hot cakes and people buying it were not limited to hardcore gamers. There were those who simply wished to experience motion sensor gaming, eventually getting hooked to the pastime. With Kinect, Microsoft has gone one step ahead and eliminated the controller altogether. What that means is that Kinect uses cameras and microphones which help you interact with the system through your spoken commands, gestures, and other objects. So, the general idea is that the Kinect will help the system recognize your body movements and your avatar in the game will respond accordingly.
For instance, in the racing game, “Joyride,” Kinect allows you to control your car through various gestures executed by your hand and body. You can rotate an imaginary steering wheel and change imaginary gears and watch as the car responds to the movement of your body! In Kinect Sports that includes boxing, beach volleyball, bowling, soccer and table tennis, you have to use your entire body to play the game. And, in Kinect Adventures, you can go off on your own perilous journeys accompanied by four friends. In your living room you will be able to complete and obstacle course or go river rafting, completing the course by jumping, swaying and executing other full-body movements. Sounds awesome, doesn’t it?
If Microsoft Kinect is able to deliver all that it has promised its audience, it won’t be long before we begin including “Kinecting” as a form of exercise. After all, you are in for one hell of a physically exerting video gaming experience!