Kinect Star Wars Review

Game Reviewed: Kinect Star Wars

Release Date: April 3rd, 2012

Developer: Terminal Reality/LucasArts

Publisher: Microsoft

Platform: [Reviewed: Xbox 360], PlayStation 3

Genre: Action

Rated: T for Teen

Terminal Reality has finally completed and delivered to everyone’s doorstep Kinect Star Wars. Last year at the Kinect Edition of Microsoft’s E3 Press Conference was when we first caught a glimpse of this amazing adventure from LucasArts being introduced to console. The title alone is enough to make any true fan of the series preorder, stand out overnight, and rush to stores in their favorite costumes, from Jedi’s to little R2’s. However, when the smoke cleared, where did this Kinect Game line up?

Though it’s rated T for Teen, you can consider this game for the entire family, considering you don’t mind a few saber fights taking place between your living room and another galaxy. Depending on the age of the fan, more importantly the commitment and loyalty to Star Wars, you may either enjoy all the new aspects of gameplay or straight kick in your television and Frisbee the disc.

Along with a story mode, Kinect Star Wars has a few mini games. KSW does a good job with voice recognition, using the see it, say it to guide you through the menus, which is slowly becoming the consistent must have for all Kinect titles. With that in mind, you are able to slide across with the motion sensor or voice activate through 5 game choices.

Jedi Master: Dark Side Rising is proof of the Star Wars potential. Everyone will more than likely be quite eager to jump straight into action, but you must learn how to use a light saber and defend yourself first. You, a Padawan, are trained by a Jedi Master during the time of the Clone Wars. From training, you are untimely thrown into an unexpected conflict, beginning your journey.

Controls are quite simple as they somewhat relate to Twisted Pixel’s Gunstringer. Your right hand controls hand movements and the light saber. Holding your hands together will obviously allow you to fully grip your saber, feeling like a real Padawan in the heat of a battle. Your left hand is the force, allowing you to control and manipulate objects. The light saber affects are only semi-compliant. When I tried deflecting, I found myself in a fight, gliding toward each enemy one at a time. Also at times, I couldn’t tell if it was training or in an actual story.

The downside is the amount of gameplay you experience with your player. Dark Side Rising should be considered more of a movie remake with you as the new addition, but not the main character. There is simply way too many cutscences throughout the story to where it literally feels a bit more cinematic than anything else.

Other modes like the Dance Central mini mode, Galactic Dance Off, was by far the most confusing feature in Kinect Star Wars. Some Star Wars-like remakes and current hits like Bruno Mars – “Just the Way You Are”, make up this repetitive and tasteless feature. During songs, you can earn points and stars to unlock more songs and difficulty along the way. I’m quite sure that the intentions were to make this an entertaining piece where fans could dance off using their favorite Star Wars characters , but it just doesn’t work.

Podracing however was enjoyable. The racing atmosphere creates a lasting impression as you can choose a quick race or jump into a mini story entitled Destiny. Duels of Fate is another disappointment. Here is where you have the chance of skipping stories and jump right into the action using your light saber. The battle though is a complete letdown. It’s repetitive sequences where you battle and run; battle and run, battle and finish. The mode feels scripted to where you can’t perform, have, nor create any unique moments.

Graphics are at times sketchy, and other times, fairly decent. It feels too close to Wii graphics and outline plays off the cartoon series, which loses credibility. Not to say is isn’t fun to look at, just for a game of this caliber, you’d expect more.

Overall, you’re looking at a very repetitive game that will be a better choice once in bargain bins. Kids will definitely see more enjoyment than the older fan base. As stated earlier, Dark Side Rising will give you a fun experience, but the unprecedented amount of cutscenes and forced controls will leave you with an unwelcome impression. Either way, may the force be with you.

The Scores

Gameplay: 3/5

Visuals: 2.5/5

Audio: 3/5

Controls: 3/5

Value: 2/5

Overall Rating: 2.5/5