[Gowans]

Here's a thread to highlight the reviews in one place and for critical discussion (positive & negative) as they come in for the platform and it's games.

MS Embargo ends on US Launch 12 AM Eastern/9 PM Pacific November 4th. (TONIGHT)

Post em as they come...



The Kintec Hardware Reviews:
- IGN - 7.5
- GameInformer - 8.0
- CVG - 8.8
- Destructoid
- Kotaku
- Engadet - 6/10
- NY Times
- Shacknews
- Arstechnica - Skip for now
- Wired - 7
- StrategyInformer - 9
- CNet - 7


The Kintect Software Reviews:


Kinect Adventures (Microsoft Game Studios)
Metacritic Link
- IGN - 6.5
- GameInformer - 7.5
- GameTrailers - 6.6
- Eurogamer - 6
- CVG - 6.3
- Destructoid - 6
- Kotaku


Kinectimals (Frontier Studio/Microsoft Game Studios)
Metacritic Link
- IGN - 7.0
- GameInformer - 8.0
- GameTrailers - 8.5
- Joystiq - 4/5
- Eurogamer - 7
- Kotaku


Kinect Joy Ride (Big Park/Microsoft Game Studios)
Metacritic Link
- IGN - 6.0
- GameInformer - 7.0
- Joystiq - 2.5/5
- Eurogamer - 5
- CVG - 5.3
- Videogamer.com - 6


Kinect Sports (Rare/Microsoft Game Studios)
Metacritic Link
- IGN - 8.0
- GameInformer - 8.0
- GameInformer - 5.75
- GameTrailers - 6.4
- Joystiq - 4/5
- Eurogamer - 7
- CVG - 7.9
- Destructoid - 6.5
- Kotaku


Dance Central (MTV Games)
Metacritic Link
- IGN - 8.0
- GameInformer - 8.75
- Joystiq - 4/5
- 1Up - A-
- Eurogamer - 8
- Videogamer.com - 8
- Destructoid - 8
- Kotakul


Your Shape: Fitness Evolved (Ubisoft)
Metacritic Link
- Joystiq - 3/5
- Destructoid - 8
- Kotaku Your Shape Fitness Evolved


Dance Masters (Konami) (Dance Dance Evolution in Europe)
Metacritic Link


Adrenalin Misfits (Konami) (Crossboard 7 in Europe)
Metacritic Link


Zumba Fitness (Majesco)
Metacritic Link


Sonic Free Riders (Sega)
Metacritic Link
- IGN Review - 7.5


The Biggest Loser: Ultimate Workout (THQ)
Metacritic Link


Fighters Uncaged (Ubisoft)
Metacritic Link
- Eurogamer - 2


MotionSports (Ubisoft)
Metacritic Link


Game Party: In Motion (Warner Bros.)
Metacritic Link

[expy]

This should go into the OT even if it isn't positive.

[PopcornMegaphone]

I'm pleased the Sonic review didn't mention any lag.

[derFeef]

I'm pleased the Sonic review didn't mention any lag.

I think it´s important to differentiate the hardware and the software. I also think this game is one of the few where you would not notice lag if there is one.

[Gowans]

This should go into the OT even if it isn't positive.

Agreed but their are some guidelines for the OT that may dismiss some discussion that might be valuable.

This type of thread is nothing new, been done a few times in GAF for high profile releases.

[Snuggler]

Yeah, the OT should be for GAF impressions and discussions and this is good for media reviews. There will be a lot to talk about so two threads makes sense.

[PopcornMegaphone]

I think it´s important to differentiate the hardware and the software. I also think this game is one of the few where you would not notice lag if there is one.

Well, once Kinect launches it's all about software in terms of lag.

Admittedly I've never played a Sonic Free Riders game, but I don't understand why you wouldn't notice lag in a game like this.

edit - yeah, it would make sense to lock this, but I think major titles like Dance Central should have their own thread.

[PSGames]

And here we go. People can't stand to have a Kinect thread without any trolling allowed.

[Empty]

when does microsoft's embargo for kinect reviews end?

[Snuggler]

when does microsoft's embargo for kinect reviews end?

should be midnight EST since that'll be the dawn of 11/04 aka launch day

[DevelopmentArrested]

should be midnight EST since that'll be the dawn of 11/02 aka launch day

i thought 11/04 was launch day
so embargo is thursday.

[Gowans]

when does microsoft's embargo for kinect reviews end?

US release date I think, Midnight the 4th.


Anyway I was surprised by that IGN review the Giant Bomb Quicklook made this look like 100% shit.

[Snuggler]

i thought 11/04 was launch day

sorry had the wrong number, forgot it wasn't a Tuesday release

[Kagari]

And here we go. People can't stand to have a Kinect thread without any trolling allowed.

And yet posts like these are just as bad.

The thread will stay open so people curious can check the scores without having to sift through the main thread.

[Seanspeed]

The review of the Sonic game says its not 'pick-up' friendly, which is exactly what the target Kinect audience is going to expect. Its great that game is kinda good if you put some time into it to learn, but they're really gonna have do better than this if they expect Kinect to be attractive to any sort of audience.

[PopcornMegaphone]

The review of the Sonic game says its not 'pick-up' friendly, which is exactly what the target Kinect audience is going to expect. Its great that game is kinda good if you put some time into it to learn, but they're really gonna have do better than this if they expect Kinect to be attractive to any sort of audience.

I agree.

Hah, Sega.

[PSGames]

And yet posts like these are just as bad. The thread will stay open so people curious can check the scores without having to sift through the main thread.

I'm all for a reviews thread but the OP's reasoning for creating this thread wasn't to be informative. He created it because "the OT is staying pretty positive". When in fact there have been tons of negative comments made in the OT just no trolling which is how it should be.

[godhandiscen]

I like this thread because there is way too much info in the OT. The OT has discussions on technology, room setup, shipping & sales, contest & promotions, game features, interviews, etc. This thread will at least serve to document which are the best launch games according to media reviews.

[Rhindle]

As the OT is staying pretty positive here's a thread to highlight the reviews and for critical discussion (positive & negative) as they come in for the platform and it's games.

not sure if serious

[Garjon]

This should go into the OT even if it isn't positive.

It's pretty standard for any big games or gaming devices to get a review thread.

What are the review embargo dates for the other Kinect games? Are there any more exclusive reviews comig up?

[lawblob]

Is Dance Central a launch game?

[lupinko]

Is Dance Central a launch game?

Yes, I believe so.

[gogojira]

I had no idea Kinect launched on Thursday, that's disappointing. I've been looking forward to reading lots of reviews tonight, but I bet we'll only get a couple.

I really want to know how Kinect Sports is going to do. Ah well, couple more days I suppose.

[fernoca]

Is Dance Central a launch game?

Yep.
There's a demo of it on Kinect Adventures in case you want to try it first.

[Brandon F]

- IGN: Sonic Riders Video Review - 7.5 .

Hmm...about 4 points higher than my guess it would have scored.

[Tony Rocky Horror]

"Feeling soar? Take a break"

Uhh.. what? :lol

[REV 09]

The review of the Sonic game says its not 'pick-up' friendly, which is exactly what the target Kinect audience is going to expect. Its great that game is kinda good if you put some time into it to learn, but they're really gonna have do better than this if they expect Kinect to be attractive to any sort of audience.

The reviewer also said that this is the most fun that he has had with the series.

[Majine]

"Feeling soar? Take a break" Uhh.. what? :lol

Atleast it doesn't halt the game in any way, and you can probably turn it off as you can with friend login notes.

[DevelopmentArrested]

The reviewer also said that this is the most fun that he has had with the series.

that's like talking about the tallest midget in the room.

[qwerty2k]

is anyone actually surprised at the sonic score? i mean they have it as an exclusive review...probably in agreement to score it highly.

(just realised that my avatar is probably going to do me no favours in this thread, i don't have a 360 but my brother-in-law does and im very excited to checkout kinect fwiw)

[Shiggy]

Don't want to make the game look worse than it is, but is it just me or does it look frustrating to control? It looks to me as if the game doesn't really react to the movements of the player.

[chubigans]

So here are my predictions:

Dance Central
IGN: 9.5
Gamespot: 9.0
1up: A
"Breathes new life into a stalling genre."


Kinect Adventures
IGN: 8.0
Gamespot: 8.5
1up: B+
"Fun for the kids, and you might end up catching the bug yourself."


Kinect Sports
IGN: 7.5
Gamespot: 7.0
1up: C+
"The lesser of the sports brands on all three systems, Kinect Sports still provides a good amount of fun."


Deca (insert name)
IGN: 4.0
Gamespot: 3.0
1up: D

[GavinGT]

The very first Kinect game review and it's from IGN? This score is meaningless.

[TheOddOne]

Kinect Sports IGN: 9.4 Gamespot: 9.4 1up: A- "RARE IS BACK BITCHES"

Sorry, Nintex I had to do it.

[REV 09]

that's like talking about the tallest midget in the room.

Except that it was a positive review, but you can be negative.

[JordanLMiller]

The very first Kinect game review and it's from IGN? This score is meaningless.

I have a feeling most of these Kinect reviews are going to be meaningless. I don't have much faith that any gaming journalist has figured out how to properly review casual games yet since they can barely handle reviewing traditional ones...

[PopcornMegaphone]

is anyone actually surprised at the sonic score? i mean they have it as an exclusive review...probably in agreement to score it highly. (just realised that my avatar is probably going to do me no favours in this thread, i don't have a 360 but my brother-in-law does and im very excited to checkout kinect fwiw)

Lol you're making a conspiracy out of a 7.5?

[[Nintex]]

Sorry, Nintex I had to do it.

I approve

[REMEMBER CITADEL]

The very first Kinect game review and it's from IGN? This score is meaningless.

I agree, IGN is not very reliable. On the other hand, if the score was negative, I bet the thread would already be drowning in lulz.

[GavinGT]

Lol you're making a conspiracy out of a 7.5?

7.5 seems like the lowest score they could give a game without sacrificing future exclusivity deals.

[piratepwnsninja]

Lol you're making a conspiracy out of a 7.5?

It's a Kinect game, of course a score like 7.5 constitutes a conspiracy.

My son will be happy get to get this for Christmas. This for the son, Kinectimals LE for the daughter. Fun times.

[[Nintex]]

7.5 seems like the lowest score they could give a game without sacrificing future exclusivity deals.

Because people are lining up for exclusivity deals of Sonic Team games right? :lol

[CrunchinJelly]

7.5 seems like the lowest score they could give a game without sacrificing future exclusivity deals.

It's Sega.

I'm sure IGN would be gutted about missing out on the Stormrise 2 exclusive.

[GavinGT]

Because people are lining up for exclusivity deals of Sonic Team games right? :lol

I don't know, Sonic fans and IGN visitors probably overlap pretty well on the Venn diagram.

[PopcornMegaphone]

I'd love to be a fly on the wall in a meeting where Team Sonic demands a 7.5 for rights to an exclusive early review.

[chubigans]

I'd love to be a fly on the wall in a meeting where Team Sonic demands a 7.5 for rights to an exclusive early review.

"Here's the exclusive. We want a good review."
"Ok."


Disclaimer: I don't actually believe this. :p

[GavinGT]

I'd love to be a fly on the wall in a meeting where Team Sonic demands a 7.5 for rights to an exclusive early review.

I'm not saying they demanded it, I'm saying IGN might be intentionally lenient with certain scores to encourage publishers to give them exclusive review rights. They know IGN will pad the score, so they go to them first.

[PopcornMegaphone]

I'm not saying they demanded it, I'm saying IGN might be intentionally lenient with certain scores to encourage publishers to give them exclusive review rights. They know IGN will pad the score, so they go to them first.

Giving a 7.5 is an interesting way to encourage publishers.

[DevelopmentArrested]

Except that it was a positive review, but you can be negative.

the sonic series has been terrible for a long time, saying that it's the most fun he's had isn't really all that of a compliment. don't take offense, i'm glad he enjoyed Riders.

[GavinGT]

Giving a 7.5 is an interesting way to encourage publishers.

I'm not saying it's a conspiracy. I'm saying publishers want to come to IGN with these exclusive first-review deals because they tend to be lenient with those scores.