Yoostar 2 has been in development for more than two and a half years and aims to leverage Kinect's camera and voice recognition technology in a different way than other games we saw at E3. While my hands-on (or is it hands-off?) demo was relatively short and with a build of the game that's still in a pre-alpha state, the potential of the game to provide fun for your friends and family was readily apparent.
For those that don't know, Yoostar 2 is movie karaoke in that players will stand in during scenes from their favorite movies. The developers went to great lengths to get approvals from many of the biggest movie studios and actors that you know and love. I was told by my E3 demoer that it takes approvals from every actor in every scene that they want to use, so you can imagine how lengthy the process was to get the 60 scenes that come with the retail game. As if that wasn't enough, there will be a Yoostar store at launch that will house more than 400 scenes in total.
The list of movies includes Animal House, Terminator, The Matrix, Team America, Godfather, Psycho, Jaws, Beverly Hills Cop and many more. The mechanics are fairly simple: you step up to your system and select "Perform A Scene" with your hand. From there you cycle through a bunch of scenes from the aforementioned movies. I did Terminator's famous "I'll Be Back" scene and things worked pretty well. I was able to step up and align my body properly so I'd be framed properly in the scene. From there I had to read Arnold's dialogue (or I could've selected to be the cop instead) in the scene and shortly thereafter the game spit out a fairly well put together clip. The video and audio quality for my part of the scene still had a ways to go, but there's still plenty of time for the Yoostar developers to tune things now that they're starting to get final Kinect kits sent their way.
There are also photos of movie sets that players can hop into and interact with however they like. Picture one of the green screened skits from Conan O'Brien's old late night show and you'll get the idea. Outside of performing single scenes, Superstar Mode is a career mode where players will need to complete specific challenges to progress. At the end of every scene the game spits out a score and gives you some critiques about your performance. The game will never be mean or condescending to you, instead it'll just politely point out ways to improve your acting skills (or lack thereof).
Probably the coolest aspect of my Yoostar 2 presentation was the social networking abilities of the game. Not only will you be able to upload video clips for other users to rate to Yoostar.com, but you'll also be able to do so on Facebook and Twitter. Here's hoping that the integration is smooth and painless and is as simple as Yoostar 2 itself.
Yoostar 2 is scheduled to ship right around the time of Kinect's launch on November 4, but there's no firm date just yet. Rest assured, we'll bring you more information in the coming months as it becomes available.
Monday, June 28, 2010
Thursday, June 24, 2010
Buy xbox 360 Kinect with great price
Microsoft has been busy over the last year. It was during E3 2009 that Microsoft blew everyone away with what was then dubbed Project Natal. It promised to bring full body motion control to the 360. We’re getting our first real look at the system at E3 today after last night’s theatrical reveal and, well, it’s keeping that promise.
That’s not what’s surprising, though. Project Natal, now called Kinect, was demoed extensively over the last year and most of the media had a chance to play with the early demos. The real surprise today is that Kinect isn’t a Wii clone like it previously seemed. It’s something entirely different that doesn’t target just families or casual gamers. This thing is for real.
There are of course games for little girls (Kinectimals) and groups (Kinect Adventurous & Kinect Sports) that will no doubt be popular at launch. But then there are games for adults as well from Konami, Lucas Arts and Turn 10 Studios, which clearly show that the big boys are fully embracing the next-gen controller system. Yeah, Metal Gear Solid and Star Wars Kinect games in development. How awesome is that?
It gets better, though. Microsoft has worked the Kinect to be an alternative Xbox 360 dashboard interface controller. To log-in, you wave your hand. A swipe of said hand moves the on-screen cursor to make selections and browse through media. Kinect even recognizes voice commands. This could be start of something big and *might* be the closest thing to the fabled Minority Report computer yet.
Microsoft’s taking a lot more forward-thinking approach to motion control than Sony or Nintendo. Not having a controller per se definitely has its drawbacks for gaming, but is far superior for an user interface if done properly. If the Kinect experiment — that’s what it is and don’t think anything different — pans out, Microsoft will be well positioned to take motion control to a whole new level on both the gaming console and computer.
Now my post could be premature because we haven’t actually spent any time with the final hardware. Plus, I am writing this coming off of two high-energy Microsoft press events, but so far Kinect is exceeding my expectations. Microsoft is positioning this add-on to reach a broad spectrum of customers, and while die-hard gamers might find it corny, there seems to besomething for everyone else. But I don’t think I’m alone. The buzz here at E3 is that Microsoft nailed Kinect.
We have some face time lined up with Kinect in the coming days. Let’s hope that the demos weren’t deceptive and the motion tracking is as good as it seems. If it is, I’ll officially be on the Kinect bandwagon.
Update: Some guy from our hotel just put this sticker on our bathroom mirror. I took a couple of pics before I tore it down.
Wednesday, June 23, 2010
Order Xbox 360 Kinect
Get ready to Kinect to fun entertainment for everyonA we. Microsoft Corp. today capped off a two-day world premiere, complete with celebrities, stunning physical dexterity, and news from a galaxy far, far away, to reveal experiences that will transform living rooms in North America, beginning Nov. 4. Kinect will roll out to the rest of the world thereafter.
Opening with a magical Cirque du Soleil performance on Sunday night attended by Hollywood’s freshest faces, Microsoft gave the transformation of home entertainment a name: Kinect for Xbox 360. Then, kicking off the Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3), Xbox 360 today invited the world to dance, hurdle, soar and make furry friends for life — all through the magic of Kinect — no controller required.
“With ‘Kinectimals’ and ‘Kinect Sports,’ ‘Your Shape: Fitness Evolved’ and ‘Dance Central,’ your living room will become a zoo, a stadium, a fitness room or a dance club. You will be in the center of your entertainment, using the best controller ever made — you,” said Kudo Tsunoda, creative director for Microsoft Game Studios.
Microsoft and LucasArts also announced that they will bring Star Wars® to Kinect in 2011. And, sprinkling a little fairy dust on Xbox 360, Disney will bring its magic to Kinect as well.
“Xbox LIVE is about making it simple to find the entertainment you want, with the friends you care about, wherever you are. Kinect is about making that experience more natural and engaging than ever before,” said Marc Whitten, corporate vice president of Xbox LIVE at Microsoft. “Once you experience your movies, music, sports and games with Xbox LIVE and Kinect, you won’t ever want to go back.”
Using Kinect is as simple as stepping in front of the sensor. It recognizes you, responds to your gestures, listens to your voice, and, best of all, it works with every Xbox 360.1
A Little Less Conversation, a Little More Action
Declaring “the time for talk is over,” Tsunoda unveiled eight hurdling, running, dancing, driving and soaring Kinect games:
| • | “Kinectimals” (Frontier Studio, Microsoft Game Studios). A wide-eyed Bengal Tiger cub cocks its head to the side and playfully peers at you. Memories of your first trip to the zoo come rushing back. “Kinectimals” invites children, their parents and animal lovers of all ages to build lasting friendships with some of the world’s most exotic creatures. Just like real pets, your “Kinectimals” will come running when they hear your voice, respond to commands like “jump,” “roll-over” and “play dead,” and purr with joy when you scratch them behind the ears. |
| • | “Your Shape: Fitness Evolved” (Ubisoft). Get the most out of Kinect with “Your Shape: Fitness Evolved.” Unlike other games, the proprietary Player Projection technology of “Your Shape: Fitness Evolved” puts your body into the game for the ultimate experience. You’ll physically interact with virtual environments in ways you’ve never seen before, and you’ll be captivated by unique and exciting visual effects that respond to your movement and impact. Burn calories your way — choose a personal trainer to help you meet your specific fitness goals, take a yoga or martial arts class, or play fun family-friendly minigames. As you exercise, you’ll receive specific feedback on your every move, thanks to the game’s real-time precise tracking system. You won’t notice how hard you’re working until you see the results! |
| • | “Kinect Joy Ride” (Big Park, Microsoft Game Studios). 3 … 2 … 1 … Go! “Kinect Joy Ride,” the first controller-free racing game, will take you and your friends on the ride of your lives — no drivers license required. “Kinect Joy Ride” reinvents driving and Kart racing by adding massive jumps and full body stunts to the classic Kart racing action. With a host of cool features and game modes you can take off for the ride of your life by yourself, or pick up a co-pilot or team up with your friends and family to take on the world. |
| • | “Kinect Sports” (Rare, Microsoft Game Studios). Turn your living room into a world-class stadium, bowling alley, soccer pitch or arena. With “Kinect Sports” you’re not only the star player, you are the controller — through the magic of Kinect for Xbox 360. See a ball? Kick it. Spike it. Even give it a little top spin. “Kinect Sports” features soccer, beach volleyball, bowling, table tennis, boxing and multiple track and field events. |
| • | “Kinect Adventures” (Microsoft Game Studios). Float in outer space. Experience the thrill of roaring rapids. Tackle mountaintop obstacle courses. And dive into the deep to explore a leaky underwater observatory — all from your living room. With “Kinect Adventures,” you are the controller as you jump, dodge and kick your way through exciting adventures set in a variety of exotic locations. |
| • | “Dance Central” (MTV Games). “Dance Central”™ is the first full-body, controller-free dance video game with fun choreography for beginners and experts. Completely free from any controller and featuring full-body tracking, the magic of Kinect for Xbox 360 allows you to experience real dance with your friends and family. Whether you’re rehearsing in Break It Down! or owning the stage in Perform It, you’ll be introduced to more than 600 moves in the game and more than 90 dance routines all created by professional choreographers. The game features tracks from an amazing mix of pop, hip-hop and R&B artists including Lady Gaga, No Doubt, M.I.A., Bell Biv Devoe, and more. Take your moves to the next level while connecting with the music you love! |
| • | Also coming to Kinect this holiday are titles representing the top names in the gaming industry including interactive fitness product “EA SPORTS Active™ 2” (EA SPORTS), “DECA SPORTS FREEDOM” (Hudson Entertainment), “Dance Masters” (Konami), “Adrenalin Misfits” (Konami), “Zumba Fitness”® (Majesco), “Sonic Free Riders”™ (SEGA), “The Biggest Loser: Ultimate Workout” (THQ), “Motion Sports” (Ubisoft), and “Game Party™: In Motion” (Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment). Further exciting Kinect game experiences will be revealed by publishing partners in the near future. |
Extraordinary Entertainment
Offering so much more than just games, Kinect for Xbox 360 takes your entertainment to the next level. Beginning November 2010, the Kinect Hub puts your favorite movies, TV programs, music and live sports all in one place — completely controller-free.
Jump right into a movie in instant-on HD in 1080p or your favorite college bowl game by simply saying “Xbox, play,” or browse your entire song library with a wave of a hand. Kinect also creates new ways for friends and family to have fun together.
With Video Kinect2, share a smile with distant friends and family as you open a window into living rooms around the world. Providing entertainment for everyone, with the power of Kinect, the Xbox LIVE experience is more intuitive, social and interactive than ever before.
About Xbox 360
Xbox 360 is a premier home entertainment and video game system. This November, with the addition of Kinect Xbox 360 will forever transform social gaming and entertainment with a whole new way to play — no controller required. Xbox 360 is also home to the best and broadest games as well as the largest on-demand library of music, standard- and high-definition movies, TV shows and digital games, all in one place. The entertainment center of the living room, Xbox 360 blends unbeatable content with the leading social network of 25 million Xbox LIVE members to create a limitless entertainment experience that can be shared at home or across the globe. More information about Xbox 360 can be found online at http://www.xbox.com.
About Microsoft
Founded in 1975, Microsoft (Nasdaq “MSFT”) is the worldwide leader in software, services and solutions that help people and businesses realize their full potential.
1 175MB of memory required.
2 Xbox LIVE Gold membership required for Video Kinect.
Follow Kinect on Facebook as we tour the world, transforming how people experience games and entertainment. Visit http://www.facebook.com/xbox for more info.
Note to editors: For more information, news and perspectives from Microsoft, please visit the Microsoft News Center at http://www.microsoft.com/news. Web links, telephone numbers and titles were correct at time of publication, but may have changed. For additional assistance, journalists and analysts may contact Microsoft’s Rapid Response Team or other appropriate contacts listed at http://www.microsoft.com/news/contactpr.mspx.
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
Xbox 360 Slim Unboxing
To my surprise when I got home that evening I had a funny thing, I was hoping that something new Xbox 360 S! I decided to make a short film shows the processing of data * and D show the Xbox 360 compared to the normal of the Elite Console.
Let me make it clear to people that have sent me to the task. %% U201D u201CKinect ready for Xbox 360 S, does not mean that it KINECTS. This means that KINECTS is designed to be operated without an external power supply. For those of you running with the Xbox 360 when purchased KINECTS also a source of additional energy. Xbox 360 owners who do not need. You can easily to Connect KINECTS comfort proposal and to gain power.
Let me make it clear to people that have sent me to the task. %% U201D u201CKinect ready for Xbox 360 S, does not mean that it KINECTS. This means that KINECTS is designed to be operated without an external power supply. For those of you running with the Xbox 360 when purchased KINECTS also a source of additional energy. Xbox 360 owners who do not need. You can easily to Connect KINECTS comfort proposal and to gain power.
Saturday, June 19, 2010
Xbox 360 Slim With Kinect Preview
Today, the new XBox 360 formerly known as “Project Natal” is now officially named Kinect by Microsoft was introduced as Microsoft kicked off the annual Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3) conference in Las Vegas. The newKinect for XBox 360 is simply so amazing, aside from this one being controller free, it is also voice command capable.
Here are the upgrades made with the XBox Kinect:
- Touch-sensitive power and eject controls
- Optical audio output
- HDMI
- Five USB ports
- Built-in 802.11n WIFI
- Significantly smaller power supply
- Quiet operation with only one large fan on the side
- Easy transfer operation to the new 250 gig
- $299
Kinect is not only great for video games, with the video connect you can now easily connect with your love ones and friends using Microsoft live messenger. You can chat with them, watch movies or play games or watch the superbowl and other big games from ESPN together even if you are miles away from each other. No headsets, controllers, keyboards needed, just you and them connecting live and chatting right at the comfort of your own living rooms.
The new XBox Kinect has also created the Kinectimals which is great for kids of all ages. You can have your own virtual pet by choosing from the different kinds of animals around the globe. You can pet as much as 40 animals.
For those who want to stay fit but don’t have time for gym, Kinect has created its own Your Shape: Fitness Evolved where you are free to play and choose your type of workout. It scans your body movement and follows all your moves. You can even choose your own fitness coach.
Got 2 left feet? No worries now, because with the new Kinect, it makes dancing more easy for you. Learn to dance with “Dance Central” by Harmonix. You can dance to any hip hop, rnb or pop, songs by lady gaga, beyonce and more.
With the new Microsoft XBox 360 Kinect, you can easily turn your living room into dance floor, petting zoo, game zone and lots more.
So watch out for the new XBox Kinect coming out November 4, 2010 in Northern America. But during the E3 Xbox conference Senior VP for interactive entertainment Don Matrick said that the New Xbox slim will be available in stores later this week. Its much slimmer, controller free. Also tomorrow, don’t miss as the Xbox made entertainment history through a stunning Cirque du Soleil production, experience the event yourself in a 30-minute, commercial-free special broadcast on MTV Tuesday, June 15, 2010 at 3:30 pm ET/PT, and on Nick at Nite, mtvU, MTV Hits, and Logo at 9 pm ET/PT.
To learn more about the XBox 360 Kinect, visit the XBox official website, you may also join in XBox via facebook for quick updates.
Kinect Preview
In case you hadn't heard, Microsoft is putting out this controller-free gaming peripheral called Kinect. The company has announced a set of games that it has planned as the Kinect launch lineup. One of those games wasn't mentioned during the Microsoft press conference, nor has it been talked about in the past, but I just spent a good half of an hour putting it through its paces. The game is called Adrenalin Misfits and it's on the way from Konami.
Adrenalin Misfits is a pretty standard downhill extreme sports game, only you don't get to use a controller. Instead it will be a true test of physical prowess as your entire body can affect what happens on your TV. In order to be the best at Adrenalin Misfits -- and online leaderboards will track exactly who is the best -- you'll have to get up off of your couch and go through the motions.
s a downhill racer, Adrenalin Misfits tasks you with racing down rivers or snow covered mountains on a board. Different modes that I played include straight racing, flag slalom, and jumping for distance. You can play with a friend locally, but the short development cycle prevented any sort of online head-to-head competition. The modes themselves are pretty standard. It's how you play them that makes Adrenalin Misfits unique.
Lean toward the screen and you'll speed up. Bend your torso forward and you'll begin to turn. Hop and flip which way you're facing and you can switch from goofy to normal stance. Take a jump off of a cliff and you can hold out your arms to start gliding, or wave them in circles to start doing flips. Time a crouch properly as you land and you'll earn a speed boost while the screen tints fiery red.
As you might imagine, Adrenalin Misfits looks like it targets that "family fun" category of videogames. The racing contestants that you play as are characters like a dragon with a fire tail named Flame or a crazy looking amphibian called Pester. They've got 'tude, but they aren't really a major part of the game aside from window dressing. And the backgrounds are bright and colorful and full of detail.
As a children's game, Adrenalin Misfits seems sure to please. Though I'm sure I looked like a fool hopping around on the mini-stage in the midst of Konami's E3 booth, I instantly had a flood of childhood memories rush to the forefront while playing. Memories of old SEGA arcade games that featured oversized skateboards or giant bikes to pedal came racing back, and it now seems certain that the same sorts of memories will be made with this younger generation as they jump around using motion controllers like the Xbox Kinect.
One thing I was pleasantly surprised with was how well the menus work without a controller. When I stepped up to the kiosk all I had to do was wave at the screen and it recognized that I was ready to play. A handy on-screen box would then show an image of you and guide you towards the proper foot and body placement to get things started. From there, you just raise your hand to get started or skip a cutscene. Adjusting which mode you wanted to play works similarly, with a wave to the left or right to change your options, and then an outstretched palm held for a few seconds to make a selection.
Adrenalin Misfits doesn't have a set release date just yet. Konami is targeting the Kinect launch window but isn't ready to say that it will be a game available on the same day as the motion-controller from Microsoft.
Adrenalin Misfits is a pretty standard downhill extreme sports game, only you don't get to use a controller. Instead it will be a true test of physical prowess as your entire body can affect what happens on your TV. In order to be the best at Adrenalin Misfits -- and online leaderboards will track exactly who is the best -- you'll have to get up off of your couch and go through the motions.
s a downhill racer, Adrenalin Misfits tasks you with racing down rivers or snow covered mountains on a board. Different modes that I played include straight racing, flag slalom, and jumping for distance. You can play with a friend locally, but the short development cycle prevented any sort of online head-to-head competition. The modes themselves are pretty standard. It's how you play them that makes Adrenalin Misfits unique.
Lean toward the screen and you'll speed up. Bend your torso forward and you'll begin to turn. Hop and flip which way you're facing and you can switch from goofy to normal stance. Take a jump off of a cliff and you can hold out your arms to start gliding, or wave them in circles to start doing flips. Time a crouch properly as you land and you'll earn a speed boost while the screen tints fiery red.
As you might imagine, Adrenalin Misfits looks like it targets that "family fun" category of videogames. The racing contestants that you play as are characters like a dragon with a fire tail named Flame or a crazy looking amphibian called Pester. They've got 'tude, but they aren't really a major part of the game aside from window dressing. And the backgrounds are bright and colorful and full of detail.
As a children's game, Adrenalin Misfits seems sure to please. Though I'm sure I looked like a fool hopping around on the mini-stage in the midst of Konami's E3 booth, I instantly had a flood of childhood memories rush to the forefront while playing. Memories of old SEGA arcade games that featured oversized skateboards or giant bikes to pedal came racing back, and it now seems certain that the same sorts of memories will be made with this younger generation as they jump around using motion controllers like the Xbox Kinect.
One thing I was pleasantly surprised with was how well the menus work without a controller. When I stepped up to the kiosk all I had to do was wave at the screen and it recognized that I was ready to play. A handy on-screen box would then show an image of you and guide you towards the proper foot and body placement to get things started. From there, you just raise your hand to get started or skip a cutscene. Adjusting which mode you wanted to play works similarly, with a wave to the left or right to change your options, and then an outstretched palm held for a few seconds to make a selection.
Adrenalin Misfits doesn't have a set release date just yet. Konami is targeting the Kinect launch window but isn't ready to say that it will be a game available on the same day as the motion-controller from Microsoft.
Xbox 360 Kinect Sports
When Microsoft's ontroller-free gaming and entertainment experience arrives for Xbox 360 later this year, one of the launch games looks set to be Kinect Sports, a Wii Sports type title that gives you the opportunity to turn your living room into a world-class stadium, bowling alley, football pitch or track-and-field arena.
With Kinect Sports you’re not only the star player, you are the controller — through the magic of Kinect for Xbox 360. “Kinect Sports” features football (penalties,) beach volleyball, bowling, table tennis, track and field, and boxing.
Designed to be simple, intuitive and instantly fun, Kinect Sports is being billed as a party game and the first full-body, controller-free sports game. It will feature a variety of challenges and game modes for solo, cooperative and competitive play with levels to encourage and challenge players of all ages and skill sets.
Sports Party mode allows you to compete against a friend, rally a whole room full of players into teams, with everyone jumping in and out to catch a breath, or bring your team to victory.
With any luck, this will make Wii Sports seem so 2006.
With Kinect Sports you’re not only the star player, you are the controller — through the magic of Kinect for Xbox 360. “Kinect Sports” features football (penalties,) beach volleyball, bowling, table tennis, track and field, and boxing.
Designed to be simple, intuitive and instantly fun, Kinect Sports is being billed as a party game and the first full-body, controller-free sports game. It will feature a variety of challenges and game modes for solo, cooperative and competitive play with levels to encourage and challenge players of all ages and skill sets.
Sports Party mode allows you to compete against a friend, rally a whole room full of players into teams, with everyone jumping in and out to catch a breath, or bring your team to victory.
With any luck, this will make Wii Sports seem so 2006.
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