Microsoft’s motion-sensing Jedi game features lightsaber battles, Podracing and even its own dancing mode. Dominic Sacco feels the force
[INFO]
Released: April 3rd
Formats: 360
Publisher: Microsoft/LucasArts
Developer: Terminal Reality
Distributor: Gem
Contact: 01279 822800
REMEMBER the song ‘YMCA’ by The Village People? You can dance along to it in Kinect Star Wars, but the lyrics have been changed from “it’s fun to stay at the YMCA” to “it’s great to be in the Empire today”.
This should give a clear indication of the game’s feel and the demographics it’s targeting. This is not a Force Unleashedor a Rogue Squadrongame for the hardened player. It’s a fun, family-friendly affair with a mixture of modes to provide something for everyone. But gamers need not worry – the Dance Central-style Galactic Dance Off mode isn’t the new Kinect title’s only focus.
In Jedi Destiny, players can do what every Star Warsfan has dreamed of – wield a lightsaber and use the force in Jedi combat. The Xbox 360 Kinect sensor even allows them to move their arms to pilot Speeder Bikes and fire space turrets.
Then there’s Duels of Fate, where gamers can take part in one-on-one lightsaber battles with dark side icons such as Count Dooku and Darth Vader.
In the Jedi Destiny mode, players can do what every Star Wars fan has dreamed of – wield a lightsaber. Glenn Gregory, Microsoft
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Other modes include Podracing, where players can race at high speed across the canyons of Tatooine, and Rancor Rampage, where they take control of a monster as they stomp, roar, grab and throw ant-sized enemies at their will. They can also destroy Star Warslocations.
The game is also fully playable in 3D for those who own 3D TVs.
KINECTING PLAYERS Kinect Star Wars lets users take part in co-operative, competitive and duel modes, with a second player able to take part in the action instantly.
“This is a game for anybody that is a Star Warsfan,” says senior product manager Glenn Gregory. “It’s not The Old Republic, it’s not a game for core gamers that want to experience that kind of thing. It’s a great experience for people who love Star Warslike myself who want to share it with their families.
“When you look at the Jedi in Episode 1, they are not just waving their wrists around. There’s full body combat, lightsabers, force powers and they are jumping and being acrobatic. And that is really a fun thing to do with Kinect.”
R2-D2 CONSOLE
Microsoft has developed a special Xbox 360 to accompany the release of Kinect Star Wars, which bleeps like R2-D2 when the disc tray opens. It comes with a gold C3PO-style controller, 320GB hard drive, white Kinect sensor, poster, C3PO dance mode DLC, plus a copy of Kinect Star Warsand Kinect Adventures. It’s priced at around £350.