Kinectimals Now with Bears
© 2011 Microsoft Studios
Featuring jaw-droppingly clear graphics with ten animals (five bears and five large cats), this interactive animal sim lets you explore an island with a realistic looking pet. If you liked last year's edition, you'll like this year's even more. After you choose your pet, you can give it a name using the Kinect's voice recognition abilities (you don't actually hear your recorded voice, but your pet runs over when you say it's name). Other voice commands include “jump,” “roll over” and “play dead," plus you can give the Kinect general yes and no commands, which speeds things along. There are two guides -- Bumble and Lina who tend to talk excessively, giving you advice and tips. The story varies with each pet. If you choose a cat, you'll solve a mystery on the island of Lemuria; bears undertake Fiddler’s Quest on the island of Mira. On both islands, you’ll be able to unlock items and personalize the gameplay experience. These items include special toys that can be unlocked by buying one of the $12 plush toys, that include a special tag. The items can be unlocked by holding a tag up to the "scan stone" at the start of the game. Microsoft now has a deal with select Build-A-Bear Workshop stores, which also use the Microsoft Tag technology. Content includes five cats (Lion, Royal Bengal Tiger, Cheetah, Leopard or Panther) and five bears (Black Bear, Grizzly Bear, Cinnamon Bear, Panda Bear or Polar Bear). There are 10 more animals that can be unlocked. Weaknesses include some clumsy controls and a feeling that you don't always have control over items on the screen. There could be better direct body mapping. Our testers were able to adapt, but there can be frustrations. Note that the voice won't work in all languages; a list can be found at xbox.com/kinectimals. Created by Frontier Developments Ltd. for Microsoft. The game is $50 and there's a $15 “Bear Island” Xbox LIVE downloadable add-on.
$50, Xbox Kinect
Teaches: movement, physical coordination, gross motor movement, lower body movement, following directions
CTR Rating: 82%