Family Games for Kinect

Family game night has traditionally been a sedate activity. Parents and children would sit around a table, roll a pair of dice and push plastic pieces around a board. Sometimes they would shuffle and deal a deck of cards for a hand of slap-jack or rummy. Now game night can be active, fun and perhaps even a little silly. The XBox 360 Kinect system has several games that are ideal for the family who likes to play together.

Kinect “Sports” is designed for the family of athletes or would-be athletes. Choosing from six major sports anyone can play like Olympians or professionals. Pairs can compete in beach volleyball, or bowling. Table tennis can be a solo or team sport and future track stars can take on events from the 200 meter hurdle to the pole vault. One can even choose to take on one’s favorite soccer team and knock in a winning goal. No one has to worry about the game being called on account of the weather.

For those not quite ready for professional competition, Kinetics also offers”The Biggest Loser: Ultimate Workout” or “Your Shape: Fitness Evolved.” “The Biggest Loser” is based upon the popular television series. Jillian, Bob and Allison provide encouragement and advice on healthier living. “Your Shape: Fitness Evolved” lets one choose between taking a class, getting a coach or playing familiar gym games. It is possible with this title to think one is back in high school and maybe even forget one is burning calories at all.

Sonic is back with a Kinect title that looks fun for all of his fans. Ride Sonic’s hoverboard as a character from his universe or create a unique avatar in “Sonic Free Riders”. Explore multiple scenes and meet difficult challenges using no controller but one’s own body. Swing arms to gain speed or pick up items. Challenge friends and family to multiplayer games or take a solo trek through Sonic’s world. This is a great game to challenge generations of gamers to share a common love.

For those who prefer a less futuristic setting, Kinect releases “Adventures.” Twenty different puzzles await a novice challenger. These will require the player to duck, dive, jump and dodge through and past obstacles on the way to becoming an expert adventurer. Tapping into everyone’s inner archeologist, this game encourages one to shoot rapids and climb mountains on the way to trophies and awards. One can play alone or in pairs.

“Kinectimals” is a game that allows the player to choose a pet from twenty different species. Train, feed and care for the animal and it will follow one all over the gaming island. Cubs grow up and learn to run obstacle courses and overcome challenges by the expertise of the player’s guiding hand. Find treasure and watch as new lands become available. This game should be popular with young children.

Several titles encourage dance moves. Some are designed for exercise, others for fun. “Zumba Fitness” sounds like an exercise video, but allows anyone in the family to groove to Latin and international rhythms. One can take lessons in the steps or just follow an inner beat. “Dance Central” uses more contemporary music, but mild language causes it to be rated for teens so be careful before playing it with little ones.

Sometimes the family needs a shorter diversion, something that allows for players to switch out and take turns, especially during barbecues or parties. Kinect has a title for that situation as well. “Game Party: In Motion” has sixteen different mini games that remind one of parties from years gone by. From horseshoes to darts, teams can challenge each other to matches and tournaments without anyone worrying about sharp objects being thrown in the house. The XBox Kinect system even takes up less space than table hockey.

For the family tired of sitting around a table, the XBox Kinect gaming system has titles to get every generation on their feet and having fun. Memories will be made as old games become new and sedentary people learn to move in new ways to control their on screen avatars. Through Xbox Live even families living apart can play together and feel the distance dissolve.

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