There is a trend that started with the Nintendo Wii adding motion to it's games that is picking up momentum with the addition of the controller free Kinect Sensor for Xbox 360 and the Playstation Move Controller. It's a new era of fun you can add to your games, I absolutely love my Kinect on my Xbox 360, it's great to be able to play a game AND get some exercise at the same time. It's better interaction and more fun, and easy for more people to get involved. I like that the Playstation Move Controller can also be fitted to a gun and played in many of the shooter games on the Playstation 3. People who don't play games won't usually pick up a controller and just start playing with others even if you do have a group, but everybody knows how to move their body.
The motion technology is probably a major factor in the Wii being the best selling console of the current generation of gaming. I think it would be totally a great time to have a few friends over, turn on the Kinect and have a great time playing games. That's one advantage I really like about the Microsoft Kinect for Xbox 360, you don't have to know any controls, you just move around, it's really fun and good for you!
This post is not for one specific game, but for many games that are releasing or have already released in November, 2011 that have at least an element of motion capture or some sort of action to them. They either require a Wii, a Kinect Sensor for Xbox 360 or the Move Controller for the Playstation 3. Some of the titles are also offered on the Nintendo DS or Nintendo 3DS, which I don't consider to be active or motion platforms, just portable.
These suppliers have the hardware/console/add ons you will need to add the element of motion or active gaming to your house:
Amazon:
Wii,
Kinect Sensor for Xbox 360,
Move Controller for Playstation 3
Best Buy:
Wii,
Kinect Sensor for Xbox 360,
Move Controller for Playstation 3
GameStop:
Wii,
Kinect Sensor for Xbox 360,
Move Controller for Playstation 3
Walmart:
Wii,
Kinect Sensor for Xbox 360,
Move Controller for Playstation 3
Released on November 1, 2011
Cabela's Big Game Hunter Hunting Party with Top Shot Sport
You've traveled to the far reaches of the globe, using your skills and field expertise to earn impressive trophies. You've cheated death while in pursuit of the world's most dangerous animals. The thrill of the hunt is what keeps you going. You've got the experience — and the fully stocked trophy room — of a Big Game Hunter. Your latest challenge is a doozy, though. You invited your friends and family over for a Hunting Party, and it looks like Grandma's been practicing her aim.
Bring in the big guns and get ready for the stampede in Cabela's Big Game Hunter Hunting Party. Hook up your Kinect sensor and bring the game to life as you kick, jump, duck and weave around branches and rocks — and take advantage of the full-body gameplay before the charging animals take you out. This bundle pack features the Top Shot Sport peripheral, so you can set your sights on the next level and start blasting away. Invite your friends and family over and see who can be the last one standing in Survival mode, or take down prize trophies and nab powerups to earn the highest score in Hunt. Load your weapon and complete a list of must-have trophies in Arcade mode, but hold your fire and watch your aim in Tags mode, where taking down the wrong trophy will cost you valuable points. Who will you invite to the Party?
Amazon offer:
Xbox 360
Best Buy offer:
Xbox 360
GameStop offer:
Xbox 360
Walmart offer:
Xbox 360
Cabela's Adventure Camp
Deep in the wilderness, the smell of the fresh summer air invigorates you. The morning dew glistens as the sunshine washes over the mountainside. The sound of the river is music to your ears as the birds chirp merrily in the background. The wave runners are ready to go, waiting patiently in the lake. The targets are all set in the archery range. Summer camp? Nope. You look to your left and realize that you're actually in your living room with your family. Dad's ready for fishing, Mom's ready for kayaking, Grandma's ready for some skeet shooting — and you're ready for everything at Adventure Camp.
Enjoy an exciting combination of summer camp and theme park fun right in your own home with Cabela's Adventure Camp. Hook up your Kinect sensor and feel like you're really outside in the sun enjoying Mother Nature's bounty as you engage in full-body gameplay to experience a wide range of outdoor games that include Thrill Hill Biking, Wild River Kayaking, Full Throttle Wave Riding, Skeet Shooting, Castaway Fishing, Archery Arcade, Hogwhacked Bear Hunter Ninja and tons of camp-style competitions (Kinect sensor required, not included or if you are a Playstation 3 gamer PlayStation Move controller and PlayStation Eye camera). When your friends or family are taking their turns, make things a little interesting — create in-game obstacles by making trees or rocks fall, and see if they've got the reflexes to react before it's too late. With an easily accessible pick-up-and-play game style, the whole family can partake in the outdoor fun. Get ready to experience the Adventure of these camp-style games — right from your own living room.
Amazon offer:
Wii,
Xbox 360,
Playstation 3
Best Buy offer:
Wii,
Xbox 360,
Playstation 3
GameStop offer:
Wii,
Xbox 360,
Playstation 3
Walmart offer:
Wii,
Xbox 360,
Playstation 3
Raving Rabbids: Alive & Kicking
Just imagine this — you're sitting on your couch, lost in the action-packed excitement of your latest video game, when you see a pillow move out of the corner of your eye. Then a cabinet opens and closes, and then a little white critter emerges from under the floorboard. You've been warned for years that they could be real, you thought they were just imaginary. But now the invasion has started and is flooding your home with zany, crazy and wacky creatures. The Raving Rabbids are real — and they're in your living room with the power of the Kinect. Will you be able to stop the invasion before it's too late?
Fire up your Kinect and get ready to fend off the threat of the hilarious and crazy critters in Raving Rabbids: Alive & Kicking. Watch as the Rabbids climb out of the floor and interact with you in fun-filled mini games with the power of augmented reality. Use the controller-free motions of the Kinect to slap, jump, roll, dance, sing and burp freely to stop the Rabbids invasion. Grab up to three friends to play through customizable game modes simultaneously. Unlock tons of Rabbids-themed access from T-shirts to costumes and transform your Xbox Avatar. Don't call an exterminator to rid your home of these Rabbids — hop off the couch and get into the action with Kinect.
Amazon offer:
Xbox 360: Order Rabbids: Alive & Kicking and receive 5 Amazon-exclusive
unlockable levels of mini-game mayhem! The code will be emailed within two days after your order ships. Offer valid when shipped and sold by Amazon.com. Amazon reserves the right to change or terminate this promotion at any time. Offer is valid on all pre-orders.
Best Buy offer:
Xbox 360
GameStop offer:
Xbox 360
Walmart offer:
Xbox 360
Released November 8, 2011
The Black Eyed Peas Experience
You've bought all of their records and learned all the lyrics to each of their chart-topping hits. Now, you can invite The Black Eyed Peas into your living room for a dance party. Show off your best moves as you dance to your favorite hits from your favorite band.
Get ready for a dance party like never before with The Black Eyed Peas Experience. Enjoy chart-topping hits from your favorite band while showing off your best moves. Join the fun and indulge in an exciting dance party right in your own living room.
Amazon offer:
Wii,
Xbox 360
Best Buy offer:
Limited Edition Wii,
Limited Edition Xbox 360: Limited Edition features exclusive tracks, "Light Up The Night" and "Someday" from the hit album, The Beginning
- Enjoy a dance party from the comfort of your living room
- Listen to your favorite chart-topping hits
- Show off your best moves
GameStop offer:
Wii,
Xbox 360
Walmart offer:
Wii
SpongeBob's Surf & Skate Roadtrip
SpongeBob and his very best Bikini Bottom pal, Patrick, just got back from a bodacious boarding trip. With mondo waves, winding waterways and righteous ramps left behind with the sand and surf, it's no wonder SpongeBob and Patrick want to share their crazy roadtrip memories with you. As SpongeBob gets the slideshow ready and Patrick pops some popcorn, ask yourself one question — are you ready to relive the adventure and put your awesome boarding skills to the test?
For the first time ever, step into the square pants of SpongeBob in SpongeBob's Surf & Skate Roadtrip. In Story mode, you'll relive their roadtrip to the beach and experience fantastic, arcade-style gameplay. Move on to Challenge mode to visit a never-before-seen world with your best pal, Patrick. Explore augmented reality through your Kinect sensor when you move your hand through the water to make a splash. Go head-to-head with a friend in two-player split-screen gameplay that gives you a chance to show off awesome tricks and mind-blowing stunts. With seven challenges to face and 12 sublime environments to discover, you'll have to stay on top of your game — and the board — to prove you're the best boarder around.
Amazon offer:
Nintendo DS,
Xbox 360
Best Buy offer: Nintendo DS,
Xbox 360
Deepak Chopra's Leela
With rush-hour traffic, hectic work schedules, filled-up social calendars and getting the kids ready for school, finding time to center yourself can be tough.Deepak Chopra's Leela provides a unique interactive experience that helps you achieve a peaceful and focused flow state through relaxation, mediation techniques and the ancient theory of chakras. Created in collaboration with world-renowned expert on mind-body healing, Deepak Chopra, Leela aims to help you develop a healthier, harmonious and more balanced life.
Harness the power of the Kinect and immerse yourself in relaxation and meditation with Deepak Chopra's Leela. Sanskrit for "pastime," "sport" or "play",Leela combines physical activity with deep meditation for an immersive experience on your Xbox 360. Develop a flow state by focusing your attention on specific parts of your body to relax through seven movements. Rejuvenate your inner peace through Stillness Meditation, allowing the Kinect to measure your breathing and provide gentle feedback and encouragement. Create your own personal mandala and share it on Facebook. Achieve inner peace through an immersive experience filled with brilliant landscapes and captivating audio.
Amazon offer:
Wii,
Xbox 360
Best Buy offer:
Wii,
Xbox 360
GameStop offer:
Wii,
Xbox 360
Walmart offer:
Wii,
Xbox 360
Self Defense Training Camp
Forget about paying for expensive instructors. Don't worry about being late to classes filled with other people. Now, you can learn the secrets of Self Defenseright in your own living room. Power up your Kinect sensor and empower yourself with strength, knowledge and confidence.
Turn your living room into your own personal Self-Defense Training Camp. Using the power of your Kinect sensor, Training Camp teaches you proven Self-Defense skills while letting you break a sweat and get in your daily workout. Through a range of drills, fun mini games that can sharpen your reflexes and intense workouts featuring martial arts and kickboxing routines, you'll soon learn the secrets to escaping dangerous situations.
Amazon offer:
Xbox 360
Best Buy offer:
Xbox 360
GameStop offer:
Xbox 360
Walmart offer:
Xbox 360
Released November 15, 2011
Kinect Disneyland Adventures
Your spirit soars as you step through the gates and into the most magical place you've ever experienced. Mickey Mouse greets you and gives you an autograph, and then you get a hug from your very favorite Disney princess. As you make your way to your favorite attraction, you can see Peter Pan is going to need your help defeating Captain Hook, so you draw your sword and prepare for battle. At night, the fireworks display lights up the sky with brilliant blues and pretty purples and all your favorite characters march by in the parade. Get ready for a magical adventure you can have right in your own living room.
Create magical memories without ever leaving home with Kinect: Disneyland Adventures. Explore the park and visit your favorite attractions at your own pace. Interact with your favorite characters and get autographs from them or accept quests. As you move throughout the park you can collect Disney-themed items, rewards and Xbox 360 achievements, discovering new locations and experiences. Enjoy a themed parade of all your favorite characters, or watch the sky light up with one of the majestic fireworks displays. Partner up with a family member or friend for fun and friendly cooperative play.
Amazon offer:
Xbox 360: Order Kinect Disneyland Adventures and get a $10 Amazon credit good toward the purchase of items shipped and sold by Amazon.com (certain exclusions apply, including Kindle books, MP3s, Gift Cards, and video rentals and downloads). The promotional code will be e-mailed within two days after the product ships. This offer will be extended to pre-orders. Offer valid when shipped and sold by Amazon.com, while supplies last. Limit one per customer. Amazon reserves the right to change or terminate this promotion at any time.
Best Buy offer:
Xbox360
GameStop offer:
Xbox 360
Walmart offer:
Xbox 360
Alvin and the Chipmunks: Chip Wrecked
Do you have a little squeak in your voice? That's all the better when you take the stage and entertain the masses as one-third of everyone's favorite tree-dwelling trio, Alvin and the Chipmunks. Al and the crew are setting sail for a fur-raising adventure in the tropics in Chip Wrecked, and you're invited along for the singing and dancing extravaganza. Take the stage, break it down and feel the excitement of the roaring crowd of adoring fans and learn what it's like to be a legend. If you have an ear for harmony and the itch to hop to the beat, you'll fit right in as you become one of the star members of the Chipmunks or the sassy Chipettes.
In Alvin and the Chipmunks: Chip Wrecked, the big-screen adventure pops to life in your living room, bringing you from a Jungle Tree House to a Tiki Club and all the way to the International Music Award Stage. Take a walk in these tiny idols' paws in Story mode, where you'll follow them in an all-new, wacky ride across the seas and get sneak peeks of cutscenes from the popular movie. Show that you're a 'munk with funk as you perform up to 50 killer dance moves and make fireworks go off at the sound of your sweet, squeaky voice as you sing 30 Alvin and the Chipmunks hits. That signature high-pitched croon becomes yours when you Alvin-ize your voice through your Kinect. You may be a pint-sized performer, but with Al and the gang, you're sure to become a megastar 'munk.
Amazon offer:
Wii,
Nintendo DS,
Xbox 360
Best Buy offer:
Wii,
Nintendo DS,
Xbox 360
Victorious: Time to Shine
Now, you can jump right into the world of your favorite Nickelodeon live action comedy series using your Kinect sensor. Experience life as a new student in Hollywood Arts High School, and interact with your favorite cast members as you become the star of your own production. Sing and dance on stage, and act in your own music video to a hit song from the show — it's your Time to Shine.
Victorious: Time to Shine thrusts you into the elite world of Hollywood Arts High School, where you'll take on the role of a new student. Create your own Hollywood Arts performance, and act, play air instruments, sing, dance and star in music videos for hit songs from the TV series, Victorious. Feel like you're really hanging with Tori and other characters as you hear voiceovers from the real cast. Enjoy exciting activities, dynamic mini games, and listen to hit songs from the show, like "Freak the Freak Out" and "Beggin' On Your Knees." Gather your friends and see if you can create show-stopping music videos using full body motion tracking with the Kinect sensor (not included). Class is in session, and it's the new student's Time to Shine.
Amazon offer:
Xbox 360
Best Buy offer:
Xbox 360
GameStop offer:
Xbox 360
Walmart offer:
Xbox 360
Released November 22, 2011
Jillian Michaels' Fitness Adventure
There is no sound but the padding of your feet hammering at the jungle floor, the pounding of your heart as your energy swells, the whisper of the breeze rustling the branches above you. Sweat glistens on your skin and your muscles are alive and radiating with exhilaration. You never thought your body could handle this much intensity. You never imagined you could be this strong. You've stepped up to the ultimate challenge of physical endurance and mental concentration. You've expanded your limits and achieved your goals. You will never be the same.
Your Kinect experience will never be the same either, as Jillian Michaels, for the first time, teams up with the intelligent, controller-free system to bring you the ultimate workout — right in your living room. The world-renowned fitness guru has hand-selected muscle-targeting circuits and an intense Parkour-style routine to fit your lifestyle and give your body the optimal challenge. Set in a lush, jungle temple environment, Jillian Michaels' Fitness Adventure leads you through body-improving exercises while thrusting you into the excitement of a mission-based adventure. Keep your body guessing with a freestyle mix of proactive and reactive running, jumping and climbing as you make your way through the exotic landscape, or create your own routine targeted toward your body, selecting from 10 of Jillian's most effective exercise circuits. Even integrate your own fitness equipment for more variation. Stay on track and stay accountable throughout your self-improvement journey with a progress-tracking calendar, calories-burned counter and a social network that lets you share your performance with friends. Climb to the top of the leaderboards, and you could even earn recognition from Jillian herself with a salute on her Facebook page. Are you ready to take your body on the ultimate Adventure?
Amazon offer:
Xbox 360
Best Buy offer:
Xbox 360
GameStop offer:
Xbox 360
Walmart offer:
Xbox 360