There’s something magical about Microsoft’s Kinect add-on for the Xbox 360, which transforms your body into a games controller and kicks off a new revolution in video game technology.

- SMH

In trying to win over the public Microsoft is trying to get as many people in using the Kinect as possible (what is Kinect?). After some of our work, it’s time for the more established press to report on the phenomenon. Founded in 1841, the Sydney Morning Hareld (SMH) now has had a hands on with Microsoft’s Xbox 360 Kinect, and tried to see whether or not Kinect adds value (read: FUN!) to our gaming experience! Read on to find some of the highlights of what they had to say.

Please find a video with some impressions of the SMH at the bottom of this article.

Kinect’s Responsiveness

I was worried about reports of significant lag in picking up player movements but in my limited tests this week, lag was non-existent.

- SMH

Other news on the discussion or whether or not the Xbox Kinect has lag here.

Dance Central

It’s an extremely entertaining experience that’s sure to be a multiplayer hit. I didn’t notice any lag in the on-screen characters picking up my movements and was surprised at the fine detail required to perform the moves “flawlessly”. There are over 600 different dance moves to learn and a practice mode for beginners lets you master each one before putting them into action.

Dance Central: [news] [gameplay] [order]

Your Shape: Fitness Evolved

It’s far, far more advanced than Wii Fit as the Kinect censor allows your every body movement and pose to be intricately monitored. [...] I predict this will be one of the top-selling titles released for Kinect.

- SMH

Your Shape: Fitness Evolved: [news] [gameplay] [order]

Kinectimals

This is “Tamagotchi” for a new generation.

- SMH

More on Kinectimals here, video below

Order Kinectimals!

Kinect Sports

Sport is an obvious killer app for motion-sensitive gaming. In the Kinect iteration, players can try their hand at bowling, boxing, track and field (hurdles, sprint, javelin, long jump and discus), ping pong, volleyball and soccer.

Kinect Sports: [news] [gameplay] [order]

Kinect Joyride

Hardcore gamers may find the controls too simplistic as you lose that precise control of the car, but I had a blast.

Kinect Joyride: [news] [gameplay] [order]

Kinect Adventures

Bundled with the Kinect package, this one is designed to give you a taste of what Kinect can do. There are about 20 mini-games to be played. It’s far more fun in multiplayer mode.

Kinect Adventures: [news] [gameplay] [order]

Conclusions

Verdict: I can’t wait

The Sony PlayStation Move is a big step up from the Wii but Kinect takes motion-sensitive gaming to a whole new level. It’s surprisingly liberating to be free at last from controllers and if you’re up for breaking into a sweat and looking a little foolish, you’ll have a blast.

For serious gamers, it’s no substitute for the traditional control pad experience but if you’re just up for a bit of fun and, especially if you have friends over, Kinect won’t disappoint.

- SMH

After reading all the above, and checking out the impressions in various gameplay videos, what is your verdict up until now? And what’s your verdict on a roundup like this, does it add value to your experience on our website? Looking forward to your suggestions!

Thanks for sharing, Sydney Morning Harold.

Video of their endeavors

Enjoyed this overview? Then you may also enjoy the reports of our Xbox Kinect experiences here and here.

Want to buy Xbox Kinect, or one of the games discussed above, then be sure to visit our your local webshop to make your purchase!