Kinect Sports Impressions

When Nintendo introduced motion controllers to the console world in 2006, it used a sports compilation to make it easy to understand and fun to play with its new device. Microsoft is looking to duplicate the worldwide success of Wii Sports when its camera controller, the Kinect, comes out this November. In Kinect Sports, developed by Rare, you take your avatar through a series of athletic events, competing in both solo and head-to-head challenges to prove your physical prowess.

Seven events were announced at today's press conference, but only one of those was demonstrated live on stage. Hurdles showcased the Kinect's ability to transcribe a player's real-world motions into in-game actions and also showed off the ease of two-player competitions. A second person need only step in front of the camera to enable a split-screen mode, which should make it easy for two trash-talking virtual runners to prove who the better athlete is in no time flat. The actions of the avatars mimic their real-life counterparts, running down the track while the players pump their arms and churn their legs.

Of course, there's more than just running in the wild and crazy world of hurdle competitions. When players come to a hurdle blocking their path in the middle of the race, they need to perform a jump, which causes their avatar to get airborne as well. Or, at least that's what happens when you time your movement correctly. During the demonstration, one of the players mistimed his leap, and the delayed reaction caused his poor avatar to crash into the metal hurdle. The loud crash announced his mistake to everyone watching, and his frustrated shouts afterward made it seem like he was part of a catastrophic accident. Luckily, no one was hurt, though his pride sure took a beating.

If you get tired of crashing into those pesky hurdles, there are a few other sports to test your mettle in, though none of them were talked about in depth. The requisite bowling is one of the featured sports, and the brief clip showed how an amateur bowler can bounce his 10-pound ball down the polished lane. Soccer doesn't mirror what you'll see in World Cup matches, but you can kick a ball and goals will be scored. Javelin shows off the evolution that has taken place in competitions where you throw pointed sticks long distances. Ping Pong is played from a behind-the-back view and lets you show off your mad English skills. Beach volleyball looks to capitalize on Misty May's success in the last Olympics with some two-on-two action. And finally, boxing gives you a first-person perspective in which to pummel your in-game opponent. No word on how your real-life opponent will react if you accidentally sock him.

There are very few other details about Kinect Sports at this time. You'll be able to build your avatar into a superstar, though it's unclear if that involves improving attributes or not, and there are nice presentation touches, such as fireworks before races and Chariots of Fire blaring when the victor is crowned. For more information, keep your eyes locked on to GameSpot. Kinect Sports is expected to launch alongside Kinect this November.