The Kinect accessory for the Xbox 360 has had a modest year since last year's E3 conference. Looks like that is all about to change.
Kinect to Everything
In their 2011 E3 press conference, Microsoft opened the flood gates and showcased over a dozen exciting games that will be coming out for the Kinect. This includes several upcoming EA games, including Tiger Woods, Madden, FIFA, Sims Pets, and one more unannounced game. The popular indie PC game, Minecraft, will also get a version made especially for the Kinect, which will give a neat twist to the game.
There is a strong family appeal coming out from Microsoft this year, with kid-friendly games like Disneyland Kinect Adventure and Sesame Street: Once Upon a Monster leading the way. Disneyland Kinect Adventure will feature a virtual copy of Disneyland, including many rides, for you to explore. Kinect Star Wars is an on-rails Kinect game that lets you use your light saber to take down enemies as your Jedi character runs forward automatically. Other titles include Kinect Fun Labs, Kinect Sports Season 2, and Dance Central 2.
Meanwhile, on the Core Gaming Side...
The Kinect has been tossed into several upcoming "hardcore" games as well, mainly utilizing the voice command feature of the accessory. However, Fable: The Journey will be another on-rail game that uses the Kinect as a controller and the upcoming Ghost Recon game will have a Minority Report style gunsmith mode that lets you wave your hands in the air to customize your weapon.
Finally, we have Halo announcements. Microsoft saved the best for last, as Halo 4 was announced at the end of the press conference, revealing the return of Master Chief, along with an anniversary version of the original Halo: Combat Evolved that came out ten years ago. The anniversary edition will feature updated HD graphics and other improvements.
