Kinect - Gen. Info & Discussion

and Cheapy finally bought his kinect cause of Child of Eden
from twitter "Damn, you Amazon 1-click. See you later today, Kinect. I'm putting you in the closet until Child of Eden gets here."
 
Child of Eden is awesome, but it won't convert anyone who wasn't a fan of Rez. If you haven't played that game, try the demo and imagine waving your arms and you have Child of Eden.
 
I really want to get Child of Eden. I'm not convinced I'd want to buy anything else from kmart within 45 days, so their gaming coupon deal doesn't work for me. I may just buy it from Amazon. EDIT: realized that if I ordered from amazon today it would probably arrive while I'm on vacation. Darn. I could put out for Amazon Prime, but that's so much money just to get faster shipping. Hmm.
 
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[quote name='crunchewy']I really want to get Child of Eden. I'm not convinced I'd want to buy anything else from kmart within 45 days, so their gaming coupon deal doesn't work for me. I may just buy it from Amazon. EDIT: realized that if I ordered from amazon today it would probably arrive while I'm on vacation. Darn. I could put out for Amazon Prime, but that's so much money just to get faster shipping. Hmm.[/QUOTE]

$15 coupon is great for getting cheap XBL points.
 
I'm keeping my Kinect. Later on if I decide I wanna get it, i'll have to go through the process of getting it again and the price might vary so might as well keep it anyway. Got mine for $100 brand new @ launch completed but you can get them cheaper now on cl. I'd like to try child of eden though and some future titles look promising. Also like using it for video services like netflix, espn and more then there's kinect labs which is free and I make use of it too.
 
I noticed (yesterday for me) that when starting Netflix there was an update, I thought it was the full Kinect support update. It only went to the usual recommended movies for you for Kinect support. So I used the controller to start a different movie that was not in the recommended movies and I started the movie.

Well, here comes the bathroom break.. The Kinect was still on so I said the typical "Xbox Pause" command. IT WORKED! I don't recall it working with any movie/s, I thought it was with only the recommended movies for you section? I was able to fast forward and everything else as well..

So it seems to work pretty good, but a remote is still needed to select a movie.
 
Yep, after the newest update, normal netflix will make use of voice commands when movies are playing, but outside of playing movies you are in normal netflix where no voice or hand movements work. Sorta a hybrid system until the new dash comes out I guess.
 
Too bad about Disneyland Kinect -- it was one of the cooler sounding new Kinect games but instead of bothering to recreate the rides or using a variation on them, they did this --

"The only things missing are the actual rides, which have been replaced with what appears to be a series of nearly identical minigames."

I mean, why even bother... :(

http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/14/disneyland-adventures-preview-virtual-imagineering/
 
[quote name='exileinoblivion']Does anyone know if there is a way to calibrate range on the kinect? Forza 4's headtracking has my interest piqued but kinect doesn't seem to pick me up from the couch. I've got a wide open area with the recommended distance from the kinect but my couch is only about 3 ft away from that so it's kind of a bummer if I'm going to miss out on some of these kinect integrations into real games.[/QUOTE]

I hate to bring this back up but does anyone know if it's possible to do this? I would really prefer to be sitting on my couch to play children of eden when I get it but as of now my kinect just won't recognize me from there which honestly is not far at all from the "recommended" distance they told me to stand at to play from.
 
[quote name='js1']I noticed (yesterday for me) that when starting Netflix there was an update, I thought it was the full Kinect support update. It only went to the usual recommended movies for you for Kinect support. So I used the controller to start a different movie that was not in the recommended movies and I started the movie.

Well, here comes the bathroom break.. The Kinect was still on so I said the typical "Xbox Pause" command. IT WORKED! I don't recall it working with any movie/s, I thought it was with only the recommended movies for you section? I was able to fast forward and everything else as well..

So it seems to work pretty good, but a remote is still needed to select a movie.[/QUOTE]

I don't think the update for netflix had anything to do with kinect - I've been voice controlling everything I've watched on Kinect since the spring update.
 
[quote name='exileinoblivion']I hate to bring this back up but does anyone know if it's possible to do this? I would really prefer to be sitting on my couch to play children of eden when I get it but as of now my kinect just won't recognize me from there which honestly is not far at all from the "recommended" distance they told me to stand at to play from.[/QUOTE]

Don't think so. Also, Child of Eden is a lot harder sitting. This is probably because I have the Kinect calibrated with me standing, but I'm not willing to re-calibrate it every time I play.
 
[quote name='phantomfriar2002']Too bad about Disneyland Kinect -- it was one of the cooler sounding new Kinect games but instead of bothering to recreate the rides or using a variation on them, they did this --

"The only things missing are the actual rides, which have been replaced with what appears to be a series of nearly identical minigames."

I mean, why even bother... :(

http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/14/disneyland-adventures-preview-virtual-imagineering/[/QUOTE]

Yeah, that's pretty much what the video looked like during the presentation. Cool Disney shell covering typical mini-games.
 
[quote name='thrustbucket']I don't think the update for netflix had anything to do with kinect - I've been voice controlling everything I've watched on Kinect since the spring update.[/QUOTE]

Really? I have tried in the past and the only thing I could control were the recommended for you movie/shows..
 
[quote name='exileinoblivion']I hate to bring this back up but does anyone know if it's possible to do this? I would really prefer to be sitting on my couch to play children of eden when I get it but as of now my kinect just won't recognize me from there which honestly is not far at all from the "recommended" distance they told me to stand at to play from.[/QUOTE]

I don't know about Child of Eden, but the video somebody posted of Forza 4 showed a guy sitting in a driving seat and using the head tracking. Also, I'm pretty sure I read that an update was going to bring the ability to play kinect while sitting - that's also coming for Avatar Chat or whatever it's called, so that will be in Kinect Fun Labs soonish. So I think it's a matter of the next system update bringing improved recognition, including when sitting, but I don't know if that will do any good for existing games, unless they were updated for it.
 
I think that would depend on the game. For Forza 4, for example, I can't imagine that it would make any difference. They only thing they are tracking is your head, so as long as it isn't getting confused it should track just as well, sitting or standing. The main advantage to such an improvement would be for use with movies, ESPN, etc. Right now it's hit or miss when I'm sitting, mostly miss. It's like it doesn't even see me.
 
The Giant Bomb quick look on Child of Eden is the closest I've gotten so far to wanting to get a Kinect. It actually does look like it's more entertaining with Kinect than the standard controller.
 
[quote name='KaneRobot']The Giant Bomb quick look on Child of Eden is the closest I've gotten so far to wanting to get a Kinect. It actually does look like it's more entertaining with Kinect than the standard controller.[/QUOTE]

I have it. It is.
 
I just put in an order with in-store pickup at TRU for Child of Eden @ $39.99+tax. I gave up on waiting for Amazon to price match. It will be a Fathers Day gift for me. I can't wait! :)
 
Not much chat about Wipeout, but I did get it and played for the first time last night. If you are a fan of the show, it's worth buying. Here are some quick thoughts:

- Interface is clean and responsive
- Controls are solid, there is a hint of lag, but you get used to it quickly. Once you know how the game works, you get the hang of it. Some of the controls aren't second nature, so this is one time where you should read the manual.
- Follows the exact same flow as the show, including replays and intros with humor from the hosts....and Jill Wagner....nice. :)
- Full avatar integration, including licensed gear. I was rockin the big balls in my Mass Effect armor, ha!
- Each "episode" lasts about 15 minutes, so you can play a short time and hop out.
- The game will make you sweat! Look, I"m not exactly "physically fit" (not a complete fatty, tho) and it whooped my butt after two episodes and one practice run.

All in all, for $35, I enjoy it and I'll keep it. I also like how they've incorporated multiplayer. While you are playing, other players can throw stuff at your character using standard controllers.
 
[quote name='eastx']Yes, your post was indeed a mistake. :cool:[/QUOTE]

screenshot20110617at750.png
 
[quote name='Chris in Cali']
screenshot20110617at750.png
[/QUOTE]

At least now you're making sense instead of coming across like you're trollin'. But his preference is an outlier opinion as the great majority of critical reviews (as well as impressions here and in the Toys R Us deal thread) praise Kinect control as the way to go.
 
[quote name='chubbyninja1319']Not much chat about Wipeout, but I did get it and played for the first time last night. If you are a fan of the show, it's worth buying. Here are some quick thoughts:

- Interface is clean and responsive
- Controls are solid, there is a hint of lag, but you get used to it quickly. Once you know how the game works, you get the hang of it. Some of the controls aren't second nature, so this is one time where you should read the manual.
- Follows the exact same flow as the show, including replays and intros with humor from the hosts....and Jill Wagner....nice. :)
- Full avatar integration, including licensed gear. I was rockin the big balls in my Mass Effect armor, ha!
- Each "episode" lasts about 15 minutes, so you can play a short time and hop out.
- The game will make you sweat! Look, I"m not exactly "physically fit" (not a complete fatty, tho) and it whooped my butt after two episodes and one practice run.

All in all, for $35, I enjoy it and I'll keep it. I also like how they've incorporated multiplayer. While you are playing, other players can throw stuff at your character using standard controllers.[/QUOTE]

Rented this from Family Video yesterday, just played my first session today.

I'm also not particularly on the fit side, either. So, much like you, game kinda kicked my ass a bit. It's still pretty fun, but I'm going to wait for a price drop to buy it.

I haven't particularly noticed lag much on my end. Did you install the game to the HDD?
 
I was really hoping that Kinect + CoE would be a home run, but I have several issues:


  • The action of waving and pushing just isn't that compelling to me. I didn't find it added very much to the experience.
  • Kinect is not as accurate as a controller. This is a shooting game and a challenging one at that and I think I need all the help I can get to clear the levels. I find myself fighting the camera from time to time.
  • Child of Eden is an audio/visual feast. Your television and home theater sound is not designed to be experienced standing up. I feel like I can appreciate the graphics and audio better sitting down.
  • If you have someone watching you play, standing in front of them waving your arms might be distracting.
 
[quote name='Regian']Rented this from Family Video yesterday, just played my first session today.

I'm also not particularly on the fit side, either. So, much like you, game kinda kicked my ass a bit. It's still pretty fun, but I'm going to wait for a price drop to buy it.

I haven't particularly noticed lag much on my end. Did you install the game to the HDD?[/QUOTE]

I did install to the HDD. Runs smooth with short load times. My 5 year old daughter played last night and we had fun. Being able to raise your hands to skip is a God-send, it's just like when people can swim to the next obstacle in the show, and it avoids mega-frustration if you are having a hard time with a particular obstacle.
 
[quote name='CheapyD']

Kinect is not as accurate as a controller. This is a shooting game and a challenging one at that and I think I need all the help I can get to clear the levels. I find myself fighting the camera from time to time.

[/QUOTE]

This is the one thing I worry about. The review's I've read kind of glossed over this bit, so it's good to get a hands-on. Thanks, Cheapy!
 
[quote name='chubbyninja1319']Not much chat about Wipeout, but I did get it and played for the first time last night. If you are a fan of the show, it's worth buying. Here are some quick thoughts:

- Interface is clean and responsive
- Controls are solid, there is a hint of lag, but you get used to it quickly. Once you know how the game works, you get the hang of it. Some of the controls aren't second nature, so this is one time where you should read the manual.
- Follows the exact same flow as the show, including replays and intros with humor from the hosts....and Jill Wagner....nice. :)
- Full avatar integration, including licensed gear. I was rockin the big balls in my Mass Effect armor, ha!
- Each "episode" lasts about 15 minutes, so you can play a short time and hop out.
- The game will make you sweat! Look, I"m not exactly "physically fit" (not a complete fatty, tho) and it whooped my butt after two episodes and one practice run.

All in all, for $35, I enjoy it and I'll keep it. I also like how they've incorporated multiplayer. While you are playing, other players can throw stuff at your character using standard controllers.[/QUOTE]

Sounds fun, my wife would love it. Where is it for $35?
 
I've done a little research, and in the Achievement community, people are saying Children of Eden is easier with a controller. This is mainly due to the vibration helping your shots stay in rhythm (which affects your score). But from a fun perspective, a lot of people still think it's more fun with Kinect. My copy ships from TRU on Monday, so I'll post my impressions when it arrives in a week or so.
 
Just finished Child of Eden using both Kinect and a standard controller. If you are looking for a prettier version of Rez, go with the controller. If you already have a Kinect, this is as close to a "core" must-have game as I've played. It's fun either way you play it.

Having said that, I'd have a hard time recommending anyone to go out and buy it right now. I know it's length has been discussed ad nauseam but it bears repeating. I got it for $30 at Kmart and I still feel like I paid too much. It feels like a downloadable game in a retail box. I hope The Gunstringer isn't the same deal.
 
I only had time to play the first level (twice - once failed) of Child of Eden and only with Kinect, but it plays awesome with Kinect. The accuracy is impressive. I wonder if Cheapy might need to calibrate his Kinect for his environment? I certainly had no issues with the control at all. It is fast and responsive - much more so then any past Kinect game - and I really can't imagine that it's better or more accurate with a controller, but I've never been very good at first person shooters with a controller either.

I do like aiming with my hands, and pushing forward to the beat to shoot. That's very cool. Plus it's kind of a rhythm game and so when you're standing up you tend to move to that beat better, not worse. Also the sound is great and my stereo system doesn't seem to be so localized that it's better sitting down. That seems pretty weird. Are Cheapy's speakers pointed down toward the floor? Maybe he means he plays it through TV speakers, which I can't attest to one way or the other as I pumped it through my stereo and will always do that, however I don't recall my TV speakers sounding any better or worse whether standing up or sitting down. Admittedly I haven't checked that closely.

As far as the vibration, my understanding is that you can put up to 4 controllers in your pockets (cargo pants would work) and you'll get that even with Kinect. Go into the settings and you can turn vibration on for up to 4 controllers. I seem to recall reading a while back that they had made a belt to hold the controllers, but I don't know/doubt if that ever came to fruition. I've got some baggy-ish shorts that I'm going to try two controllers with next time.

EDIT: actually I did have a couple moments of control issue when my wife walked beside me and toward the screen. That seemed to trip it up for a second.

Also, I'm wondering if people who've played it (with Kinect) like the default control setting more (use left hand for the tracer) or the alternate control (clap hands to change weapons, meaning you can use the same hand for both)? I only tried the default. I'll try the other one tonight. I'm, presuming that clapping to change would be slower, but if you're especially non-ambidextrous, you might prefer it anyway. Also a note - at first I thought they meant you could use both hands simultaneously, but actually you can't. It's one or the other so need to put your right arm down while raising your left and vice-versa. This is because you can only use one weapon at a time.
 
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[quote name='crunchewy']
EDIT: actually I did have a couple moments of control issue when my wife walked beside me and toward the screen. That seemed to trip it up for a second.
[/QUOTE]


I've found having a wagging dog tail near you destroys kinect ability to tell where your hands are, lol.
 
Another thing I like in CoE is that I think they sped up the confirmation circle, or whatever you want to call it, for selecting things from menus. Perhaps because it's more accurate? In any case, navigating the menus is pretty quick. You aren't doing a lot of menu navigation anyway, but every little speedup helps a bit.

One minor criticism is I think the opening video you get when starting a new game is a bit too long and tedious. I mean it's completely silly, so they should have made it really short IMHO. I wasn't sure if I could skip it or not, but I wish I could have. At least you only have to watch it once at the beginning.
 
I'm getting a Kinect this week.
Is there a must have game for it yet? I'm a fan of Mizuguchi so I'm obviously strongly considering Child of Eden, but I dunno what else is worth getting besides Dance Central, which I'm going to borrow from my bro.
I'm most looking forward to Steel Battalion and Project Draco, but those are a ways away.
 
Kinect Sports is good too. You should certainly get Child of Eden. And you might as well download Kinect Fun Labs since it's free and entertaining, as long as you take it for what it is - a collection of gadgets/toys that use Kinect.

I'm looking forward to diving back into Child of Eden now that I'm back from vacation, but I might not get a chance to play until this weekend.
 
Kinect Sports 2 isn't that far off though... I'd personally wait on it unless you're just dying to have more games quickly.
 
So below is the link for the metacritc of UFC personal trainer.

http://www.metacritic.com/game/xbox...er-the-ultimate-fitness-system/critic-reviews


It appears that on launch day people were having reports of the game freezing and running very slowly. This might be caused with the game trying to connect to the Ubisoft server and having issues, so the suggested fix was to disconnect from live when playing.

A lot of the reviews seem to say the game works pretty well, but a lot of player reviews say the game is a buggy mess (likely due to them being connected to live). I should be able to try this out later today. I'm curious how it will be.

*Edit*
So I tried it out with being disconnected from live and I didn't see any freezing or slowdowns. The interface and kinect sensing seem better than Yourshape. They incorporate a warm up and cooldown/stretching with every workout (neither use kinect). The mitts training is very cool. The heavy bag, speed bag, and tire flip are functional, but very basic compared to the mitts. Only issue I had were with it was recognizing jumping jacks. Trainer talks a lot and have a very limited vocabulary.

Initial impressions are that it's pretty good. Would have to use it a lot more to evaluate the actual workouts.
 
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Just got Child of Eden at best buy....side note.....bought Wipeout + COE, going to take wipeout back to TRu with that receipt, which translates into me getting COE for roughly $13.

Anyway, count me in with the masses that really digs Child of Eden! Very fluid, EXCELLENT kinect controls, good music and very engrossing game. For me, it's not the kind of game I'll sit and play for hours on end, but will putz with a couple days a week for a couple months. Havent' tried the controller yet, but that's not really why I bought it.
 
I picked up UFC. I wasn't a big fan of your shape, so I'm hoping this is more interesting.

I'm looking for something fun on my rest days from the gym.
 
Does anyone have the Kinect Sports Calorie Challenge Pack? It's on sale this week and I'm trying to decide if I should buy it. What does it actually add to the game? Is it just some characters to play single player with or does it add any new games/variants? Anything?
 
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