We are getting down to just a couple of months now before both the Playstation MOVE and the Xbox Kinect are released and while I am really looking forward to seeing how both systems work with their respective set of games for each console, the kinect xbox games hold more intrigue for me. Sure I am interested in how the PS3 makes Heavy Rain work with a motion control device, but the MOVE controllers are so much like the Wii controllers I think I have a pretty good idea how they will function. I AM interested in how sensitive they are. Will they be better than the Wii with the MotionPlus add-on?
For both the MOVE and the Kinect I really have my doubts on whether they will ultimately be able to appeal to the hardcore gaming and modding crowd. This is especially so with regard to the Kinect. Are 16 – 30 year olds going to hop and jump and run around their living rooms playing Gear of War? Errr… I am not so sure. And even if the games work flawlessly, have best in class effects and graphics, and win tons of awards I just don’t see how the Kinect is going to bridge the divide with these types of gamers. Is there a way to look cool playing any Xbox Kinect 360 game let alone trying to do so playing Halo?
If nothing else I will be waiting on the edge of my seat to see how the game makers and Microsoft approach the task and deliver. I am sure they know what I know instinctively and have some ideas on making the twitch gamers happy. And ultimately the question of whether we see games for the hardcore crowd depends on whether the Kinect or the MOVE find success this holiday season and going forward. If either or both flop with their initial bevy of games, I really doubt we will be seeing a more sophisticated game lineup in the future.