Kinect Sports is the obligatory sports package for Microsoft's new motion-sensing device. Feeling athletic?

'Kinect Sports' will obviously be matched up with 'Wii Sports,' the game that started the whole motion controlled sports craze. While 'Kinect Sports' shares some similarities and even some similar events with 'Wii Sports,' the package is a little different, mainly because of the freedom to move your arms and feet to play the game. Running is something you can't do in the Wii package or even Sony's 'Sports Champions,' so in this respect 'Kinect Sports' has a leg up on the competition. This also makes 'Kinect Sports' a real athletic styled experience that is more physically demanding. While the game might be a little shallow, its fun, particularly in groups.

'Kinect Sports' has six different sporting events that can be played against another players, by yourself, or in a group setting via the 'Sports Party' mode. In basics, that is it, go for bragging rights and rank up your character. 'Kinect Sports' is a social styled game and isn't overly thrilling when played solo. Unfortunately this is nature of Kinect, so you'll want to have some freinds over for this one.

Broken down into different events you can play each event co-operatively or competitively. The optional team based events are 'Beach Volleyball' and 'Soccer,' which impertinently the weakest events in the package. The simple problem here is mobility, both sports are movement heavy and since you cannot manually move your character in both events, the events feel underwelming. To advance in the game, movement is handled automatically, although 'Soccer' gives a little more freedom with the option to pick a direction you want to move. Both events can be perplexing when played with a friend and isn't as near as fluid as the real sport. If I had to pick the better of the two it would be 'Volleyball' selection, although the other selections in the package are far more interesting and better produced.

Jumping right into the best events in 'Kinect Sports' we have 'Track and Field,' which includes several different events under it's heading including Hurdles, Sprinting, Discus Throw, Javelin, and Long Jump. Each event is faithful to the “real” events and has a good competitive spirit. The music also does its part making each event feel more outstanding with slow-motion replays and the always giggle worthy 'Chariots of Fire' theme.

'Boxing' and 'Table Tennis' are up next. Two games that are extremely fun to face off against another live player. The 'Boxing' for the most part works as good as the 'Wii Sports' version with an extra cool "getting up" feature that has you hitting stars to get up from a knockdown. The tracking isn't always perfect and depending on your punching speed and both players activity the sensor can get muddled. Still you can't fault the unabandonend fun of punching your friends in the face, but its not perfect. Still, expect some laughingly good times here.

'Table Tennis' takes a little more skill then 'Boxing.' However just like 'Boxing' there are some response issues. The main issue for 'Table Tennis' is how the game uses depth. It's a little odd and no matter how many games you play, you will never be 100% sure if you are right on the money with the hitting with most shots feeling lucky. This is because it is hard to judge the distance of the ball and exactly where your paddle is located over the table. It would have been nice if you could walk around the table like you can circle your pet in 'Kinectamals.' 'Table Tennis' isn't bad, its just a little short of our expectations.

'Bowling' might be the most accurate game in 'Kinect Sports.' I found the 'Bowling' to be precise, stacking up as good, if not better then the controller version in 'Wii Sports.' Grabbing the ball and throwing it is simple and feels like the real deal. In another nice touch the visuals are embellished with some cool “slow motion” - “heavy breathing” spots when you're getting close to slamming down a turkey! 'Bowling' is also the only event that really holds up in single play mainly because bowling is a solo type game.

'Kinect Sports' showcases what Kinect can do in a sports setting. While its not a perfect package there is some fun to be had here in social gatherings. Some refinement is definitely needed, but hey, this is the first round. If a substitute Kinect version of 'Wii Sports' sounds interesting then by all means pick up 'Kinect Sports.'

A good example of Kinect can do in a sports setting Bowling and track and field are well done Can bring out the competitive spirit Even more fun in a social setting Is more physically demanding then other sports games Some events feel broken with the lack of movement Co-op events can be a little confusing As a whole, not overly impressive Novelty wears off after a while Quote: "If a substitute Kinect version of 'Wii Sports' sounds interesting then by all means pick up 'Kinect Sports.'" Reviewed by DowntownJimmy | 11.22.10

Similar Games: MotionSports Adrenaline (5.6) | Kinectimals (6.8) | Kinect Adventures (7.0)