Developed by Rare and published by Microsoft, Kinect Sports Rivals is expected to greatly enhance the experience of home users through the use of the Xbox One’s Kinect (as the name suggests). Microsoft revealed that the game will be launching on the 8th of April in the US, New Zealand and Australia, and on the 11th of April in Europe. The game will feature 3 teams – The Wolf Clan, The Eagle Legion and The Viper Network – and six sports, mainly mountain climbing, sharpshooting, jet ski racing, bowling, soccer and tennis.
Kinect Sports Rivals aims not only to bring content for the Kinect, but will also serve as severe competition to Nindendo’s Wii system. The game seems to be really well made, and the sports available are certainly fun and diverse. The sensor does a much better job than in the past, and reacts well to user movement. When booting up the game, Kinect Sports Rivals will scan players through the Kinect sensor and render a cartoonish avatar on the spot. In addition, it’s one of the few Xbox One titles to be rendered in full 1080p.
The teams each come with individual challenges and traits, bringing some new diversity to the series. Based on the fact that the game was delayed from its initial launch window, there’s every indication that it’s properly polished this time. Kinect Sports Rivals will definitely put your body to work, as you’ll have to make use of your arms, feet and entire body to be successful. This is the flagship title for the 2.0 Kinect, and a lot is riding on it for Microsoft. Pre-orders are now available for the game, so if you want to spend some quality time with your friends and family, you should consider picking it up.