In an attempt to make the Microsoft Kinect this holiday season’s must-buy gadget, Microsoft has unveiled five new games created by Japanese developers. Details are still a little vague at the moment, and it doesn’t look like any will actually ship with the Kinect when launched.
New Kinect Games Overview
Haunt – This is a survival horror game from NanaOn-Sha and Masaya Matsuura, the creators of Parappa the Rapper. Unlike their previous music-based games, Haunt delves into the eerie and suspenseful world of horror. Players can expect a chilling atmosphere and engaging gameplay that leverages the Kinect’s motion-sensing capabilities to immerse them in a haunted environment. The game promises to deliver a unique experience where players must navigate through a haunted house, solving puzzles and avoiding ghosts.
Steel Battalion Heavy Armor – This is the sequel to Capcom’s Steel Battalion, the Xbox game that famously required a $200 controller. In this new iteration, players will pilot massive mechs in a dystopian future. The Kinect’s motion controls will be used to simulate the complex cockpit controls, offering a more immersive experience without the need for an expensive peripheral. The game aims to combine traditional controller inputs with Kinect gestures to create a seamless and intuitive control scheme.
codename D – From Grasshopper Manufacture, the developer of Killer 7 and No More Heroes, comes this mysterious title. Very little is known about codename D, but the short trailer shows a protagonist wielding a flaming baseball bat and making people’s heads explode. The game appears to be an action-packed thriller with a dark and edgy aesthetic. Grasshopper Manufacture is known for its unique and often bizarre game designs, so fans can expect something truly original and possibly groundbreaking.
Project Draco – Developed by the Grounding team, this new title features an intriguing mix of creatures and includes dragon riding, as seen in the brief trailer. While no gameplay was shown, the concept suggests a fantasy adventure where players can bond with and ride dragons. The Kinect’s motion controls could be used to simulate the experience of flying and battling from the back of a dragon, offering a fresh take on the action-adventure genre.
Rise of Nightmares – Another survival horror game, this time from Sega. While details are scarce, it is expected to launch in 2011. The game will likely utilize the Kinect’s motion-sensing technology to create an immersive horror experience, where players must physically interact with their environment to survive. This could include actions like opening doors, fighting off enemies, and solving puzzles, all through natural body movements.
Anticipation and Future Announcements
Even though Microsoft has unveiled these new titles, let’s hope they release a little more detail very soon. The anticipation for these games is high, especially given the pedigree of the developers involved. Each game promises to bring something unique to the Kinect platform, showcasing the potential of motion-sensing technology in various genres.
The Kinect has always been marketed as a device that can revolutionize how we play games, and these new titles could be the key to fulfilling that promise. From the horror-filled corridors of Haunt and Rise of Nightmares to the high-octane mech battles of Steel Battalion Heavy Armor, the diverse range of games aims to appeal to a wide audience. Codename D and Project Draco add further variety, with their unique concepts and potential for innovative gameplay.
As we await more information, it’s clear that Microsoft is committed to expanding the Kinect’s library with high-quality, exclusive titles. These games could very well make the Kinect a must-have accessory for Xbox owners this holiday season.
Via Engadget
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