14 DAY TRIAL // Slowly but surely, Microsoft is showing off the library of compatible games for the new Kinect motion-tracking system. Rumors have been circulating in the last weeks of a new Sonic Riders title developed by Sega and a dance one developed by Harmonix. Microsoft revealed a slew of games that would be available at launch for the new motion controller during the Kinect event this morning.
The Kinectimals, Joyride, Kinect Sports, Kinect Adventures, Dance Central and Disney and Star Wars titles have been officially announced by Microsoft, as reported by USA Today. Kinectimals will let one train and play with 20 different virtual pets, like cats, lions, a cheetah and even a tiger.
Joyride is a racing game that will allow players to control their vehicles with their hands positioned as if they were holding an imaginary steering wheel. Jumps and tricks will be executed by moving one's body in an appropriate way and speed boosts will be achieved by pulling the steering wheel towards the body and then pushing it back.
Kinect Sports, as it was expected, is a Wii Sports clone that allows Kinect owners to engage in six different sporting activities alone or with their friends. They will be able to box, play beach volleyball, football, table tennis and take part in athletic events like running or throwing discs. Kinect Adventures is a kind of extension to Kinect Sports and will allow up to four players to do river-rafting and pass through obstacle courses.
MTV Games is also developing Dance Central to bring the So You Think You Can Dance show to the virtual world and let Xbox 360 owners experience how it is like to take part in the contest. Microsoft also has games that will feature Star Wars and Disney Characters and that are being made in collaboration with LucasArts and Disney Interactive in the works. These titles clearly show that Microsoft wants to take on the Wii with this new peripheral and broaden the 360's audience.