If like me you have an XBOX 360® and a young child who wants to play on it all the time, you may worry that they're spending too long playing on the console (especially considering the kind of weather we're having just lately) rather than playing something more active, then worry no more. Nothing can replace jumping and running around outside in the garden, but with the Kinect™, it's the next best thing.With the Kinect's drop in price from £130, when it was launched in 2010, now down to £99 on amazon.co.uk, it's the ideal opportunity with over 18 million units sold since it's release (and also holds the Guinness World Record for being the "fastest selling consumer electronics device") to see what all the fuss is about!
Upon opening the box, it's so easy to set-up with an easy 'Quick Set Up Guide' even my technophobe mum couldn't fail. One of the myths is that you need the size of a football pitch for your play area - you only need 6ft for single player or another 2ft for a maximum of two players. Once you've plugged in, mounted the sensor and cleared a space it's time to insert the disc that came with the sensor. This will take you through an on-screen guide necessary to calibrate the sensor with your distance and playing area using your hand as the cursor. It also recognises your voice and face so it can pick you out in the room and determine who you are!
Now it's time to play! Our Kinect came with the 'Kinect Adventures' game, but may differ depending on your package. Using yourself as the controller, you journey through exotic locations, jumping, kicking and dodging through fun obsacle courses. If you think you felt silly playing this game, you can be reminded as it captures your picture in the 'Photo Moments'. It will definitely get your 'heart pounding' as it advertises and you'll most certainly break into a sweat, which has got to be good for you right?The only slight drawbacks that I can find with the Kinect™ are whereas the Wii and Playstation Move have four player modes, the Kinect™ only has two (but lets face it, how often do you play with three others) and that it's aimed more towards children rather than hardcore gamers. But if it keeps my child happy and fit on rainy days and cold nights, I can't argue with that. Additionally the Wii console is getting very dated and with the Playstation Move you having to hold a big lollipop, the Kinect™ is quite simply unique and the best!