Zero Punctuation: Kinect
- Thread starter Yahtzee Croshaw
- Start date
Recommended Videos
I definitely agree that the Kinect is biased against tall people. I'm only 5'8" myself (which is not very short, I know, but is short in comparison to Yahtzee's hulking 6'5" frame) and only after fusing with the back wall of the living room did I (just!) manage for Kinect to read my body -- and even then my feet are usually cut off. Not a problem at first, until the game requires me to move around. I can only imagine the frustration the taller (than me) folk have. I've only ever played Dance Central with the Kinect (because a dancing game is best suited for a full body tracking device, and every other game should have some kind of tangible controller - period) and I can definitely see the advantage that my shorter friends have over taller me in trying to get the game to read my movements. And that's a game that involves a lot of moving -- its a shame that even the games with the simpler movements still won't read a taller person as well.
Clearly Kinect is intended for children. Not even because its a gimmicky motion control system trying to grab the "we-too-are targeting-children-and-families" group that the Wii went after, or that it lacks challenging games that would be more suited for the "we-take-gaming-seriously" type. Basically, if the only people who can use your system best are five feet and under, you're targeting a very specific group of people.
Controllers don't discriminate. Ever. Just saying.
Clearly Kinect is intended for children. Not even because its a gimmicky motion control system trying to grab the "we-too-are targeting-children-and-families" group that the Wii went after, or that it lacks challenging games that would be more suited for the "we-take-gaming-seriously" type. Basically, if the only people who can use your system best are five feet and under, you're targeting a very specific group of people.
Controllers don't discriminate. Ever. Just saying.
This would be pretty cool. And to be honest, Dance Central does feel a lot like DANCING. DDR is obviously stupid (I've never liked it) but DC is damn near addicting. I don't know if you've ever played, but its really the only thing Kinect has going for it (and probably the only truly positive experience I've had with motion controls). Full body tracking makes a difference as oppose to "waggle waggle remote" and "stomp stomp on pad". Those commercials are cheesy, but it really is a fun experience. There's a challenge in nailing the moves and getting perfect scores, but there's also just shameless booty shaking fun to be had with friends. If nothing else, I'm glad the Kinect was made for that ONE game (and its upcoming sequels).geizr said:
After that though, much like you said, motion controls can go fall in a ditch.
one of the reasons I am unlikely to ever own a Kinect.brinvixen said:
I didn't know Yahztee and I were the same height, but I have a fairly small place to begin with. So either way, I'm boned. Either for my height, my inability to afford a place with a large space for Kinect (and I live in a town where real estate is at a premium) or both.
Plus, while I think Yahtzee's using the word "immersion" wrong, I really do enjoy sitting on my couch playing. If I'm REALLY feeling frisky, I break out Rock Band's drums and sit on a stool, instead.
While it's not intended for me (I don't desire to be active while gaming), there's some stuff I'd love to explore, but my height automatically precludes me.
It used to piss me off in arcades, too. Some of the cooler games had height/weight restrictions I couldn't meet.
I honestly think that motion gaming has a place in gaming, the thing is that the technology needed isn't here yet.
And thank you, Yahtzee, for saving me a motherlode of cash. I didn't care for the Kinect when it first came out, I cared even less once I saw its launch lineup, the only vaguely interesting title for it out there is Child of Eden...
So, yeah. Not buying extra hardware I'll barely even use. I've fallen into that trap often enough with my berjillion plastic controllers for music games I'm stuck playing alone.
Excuse me for a moment, I'll go cower in shame and self-loathing. Thank you.
So, yeah. Not buying extra hardware I'll barely even use. I've fallen into that trap often enough with my berjillion plastic controllers for music games I'm stuck playing alone.
Excuse me for a moment, I'll go cower in shame and self-loathing. Thank you.
You should watch Mythbusters, they seem to get good vehicle handling without even being in the car... of course they do it with a remote control...Damn it, I forgot where I was going with this. Mythbusters is awesome I guess...Sentox6 said:
Goodness. I actually laughed. A lot.
It turns out, when he isn't making the exact same jokes/criticisms he makes about every single shooter ever, he's still witty and entertaining!
I'm glad I didn't give up on watching it anymore after all.
It turns out, when he isn't making the exact same jokes/criticisms he makes about every single shooter ever, he's still witty and entertaining!
I'm glad I didn't give up on watching it anymore after all.
Be denied no longer [http://www.escapistmagazine.com/videos/view/zero-punctuation/530-Little-Big-Planet] (seek to 03:01).protogenxl said:
It's from Star Trek: The Next Generation. Deanna Troi is the psychiatric counselor for the Enterprise.cymonsgames said:
Dance Central is almost what you're proposing, but from your post I kind of guess you haven't played it. The only trait missing is having more dance styles than coreography type ones (salsa, tango, etc). I've seen dance moves form that game make it into real life parties, so people some people are actually learning to dance a little better and have better sense of rhythm and coordination just from that game. I don't know how one would go about learning martial arts without destroying your living room in the process, but hey, I'm no desginer.geizr said:
