Konami announced that both DanceEvolution and CrossBoard 7 will be released alongside Microsoft's Xbox 360 motion-sensor technology on Kinect, at launch on November 10th, while Hudson Soft's Sports Island Freedom title will follow two weeks later.
All three games have been created to make full use of the Kinect system’s full motion-control capabilities, with DanceEvolution challenging the player to follow on-screen routines and perfectly timing their movements to match those of the game’s dancers. Played using movements of the whole body DanceEvolution is a true dancing experience, which is awarded the Japan Game Awards 2010 "Future Division" at the Tokyo Game Show 2010 last September. This award is presented to as-yet unreleased titles, and are voted by gaming fans for the most anticipated games.
CrossBoard 7 uses the player’s movements to steer their on-screen creature who is barreling down a series of hazard-strewn courses. The player’s jumps and movements are instantly reflected on-screen, with the player totally responsible for the timings of each stunt or turn.
November 25th’s Sports Island Freedom offers ten new sporting events designed to make varied use of the Kinect add-on. Players compete in specially-devised games of Tennis, Boxing, Archery, Paint Ball, Beach Volleyball, Dodge Ball, Kendo, Mogul Skiing, Snowboard Cross and Figure Skating – each of which enjoys a bespoke control system that uses the player’s movements to guide their on-screen alter ego.
“Kinect offers a new way to experience games, and I’m happy that KONAMI can offer three games in November,” commented Martin Schneider, European Marketing & PR Director for Konami Digital Entertainment GmbH. “These products combine the fun of playing games with the new interactivity of Kinect, and offer a new experience. I hope that everyone interested in gaming and technology embraces this new way to enjoy games.”
DanceEvolution and CrossBoard 7 will both accompany Kinect at launch on November 10th. Sports Island Freedom will be available on November 25th.
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