Microsoft: Kinect titles announced – 17 titles to start.

Microsoft has now officially announced the starting line up for the upcoming Kinect hands free gaming add-on for the XBOX 360. Kinect will start with 17 titles and will have something for everyone. The following comes from the Microsoft Press Release (LINK) http://www.microsoft.com/presspass/press/2010/oct10/10-18MSKinectUSPR.mspx (http://www NULL.microsoft NULL.com/presspass/press/2010/oct10/10-18MSKinectUSPR NULL.mspx) . These are just the 1st games for the series, but the titles for 1st generation Kinect seem interesting (My opinion on that).

With 17 Kinect-enabled titles debuting in November, Kinect for Xbox 360 offers something for gamers (and nongamers) of every stripe.

Family Game Night … With a Kinect Twist

Befriend a playful tiger cub, collect treasures from around the globe or cast a spell in the wizarding world. Whether adopting a new family pet in “Kinectimals” (Frontier Developments Ltd./Microsoft Game Studios), or embarking on a wet and wild rafting trip in “Kinect Adventures” (Good Science Studio/Microsoft Game Studios), Kinect for Xbox 360 is the one gift the whole family will enjoy this holiday season.

•

“Kinect Adventures” (Good Science Studio/Microsoft Game Studios), included with every Kinect sensor, Nov. 4. Float in outer space. Experience the thrill of roaring rapids. Tackle mountaintop obstacle courses. And dive into the deep sea to save a leaky underwater observatory — all from your living room. With “Kinect Adventures,” you are the controller as you jump, dodge and kick your way through exciting adventures set in a variety of exotic locations. “Kinect Adventures” is designed with something for everyone to enjoy and will be available with every Kinect sensor and Kinect bundle sold.

•

“Kinectimals” (Frontier Developments Ltd./Microsoft Game Studios), $49.99 ERP (U.S.)/$59.99 ERP (U.S.) limited collector’s edition, Nov. 4. “Kinectimals” invites children, their parents and animal lovers of all ages to build lasting friendships with some of the world’s most exotic creatures. Just like real pets, your feline cubs will come running when they hear your voice, respond to commands such as “jump,” “roll over” and “play dead,” and purr with joy when you scratch them behind their ears. Limited collector’s editions of the “Kinectimals” game packaged with a 7” plush toy that unlocks a new animal and toy in the game will be available exclusively at Toys “R” Us and GameStop.

•

“Game Party™: In Motion” (Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment), $39.99 ERP (U.S.), Nov. 18. The popular party game value series comes to Kinect for Xbox 360. “Game Party: In Motion” lets players engage in true-to-life motions with 16 games appealing to people of all ability levels, ranging from sports such as Hoop Shoot and Darts to arcade and party games, including Rootbeer Tapper, Table Hockey and more.

•

“Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows — Part 1 The Videogame” (Electronic Arts/EA Bright Light), $49.99 ERP (U.S.), Nov. 16. “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows — Part 1 The Videogame” is the most challenging yet, packed from start to finish with action and combat. Playing as Harry, you are on the run from the opening sequence, fighting for survival on a desperate and dangerous quest to locate and destroy Voldemort’s Horcruxes. And with 22 exclusive Kinect challenges, conjure the weapons of magical warfare where your motions make the magic, only on Xbox 360.

Off the Couch and Into the Gym

Kinect gives you all-new ways to swing, sweat and step up your workout with a range of exclusive dance and fitness games. From martial arts and yoga to a variety of activities in “Your Shape: Fitness Evolved” (Ubisoft) to the iconic personal trainers of “The Biggest Loser Ultimate Workout” (THQ), you’ve never had a living room workout like this before.

•

“Your Shape™: Fitness Evolved” (Ubisoft), $49.99 ERP (U.S.), Nov. 4. With Kinect for Xbox 360 and “Your Shape: Fitness Evolved,” you will experience the most advanced fitness technology available, your way and on your schedule. The advanced feedback system detects when your body is out of alignment and coaches you to correct your form. Personalize your workout, challenge your friends and share your progress while achieving real results.

•

“Dance Central” (MTV Games/Harmonix), $49.99 ERP (U.S.), Nov. 4. From the creators of “Rock Band” comes the next great music experience: “Dance Central,” the first controller-free, body tracking, fully immersive dance video game that helps you take your moves to the next level. Featuring more than 90 routines and 650 dance moves, every routine has authentic choreography for beginners and experts alike to master, alongside a killer soundtrack that spans today’s current pop, hip-hop and R&B artists. You won’t just learn the dance moves — you’ll own the dance floor.

•

“The Biggest Loser Ultimate Workout” (THQ), $49.99 ERP (U.S.), Nov. 4. Based on the hit television show, “The Biggest Loser Ultimate Workout” comes to Kinect offering the ultimate workout experience. Complete your fitness program using the interactive motion control sensors providing real-time feedback. From a body analyzer and recipes to personalized tips and a video diary to track your journey, “The Biggest Loser Ultimate Workout” fitness game has it all to drop the weight and change your life.

•

“DanceMasters” (Konami), $49.99 ERP (U.S.), Nov. 4. The pioneer of the franchise that started the dance game craze, Konami introduces a brand new way to experience music and rhythm. The next generation in full-body dancing is finally here.

•

“EA SPORTS Active 2” (EA SPORTS), $99.95 ERP (U.S.), Nov. 16. “EA SPORTS Active 2” with Total Body Tracking will combine motion tracking from Kinect and heart rate data from the included wireless heart rate monitor to provide true fitness results. Users will be able to track and share their workout data online through automatic uploading from their online connected Xbox 360 consoles to their personalized EA SPORTS Active profile.

•

“Zumba Fitness®” (Majesco), $49.99 ERP (U.S.), Nov. 18. Join the party with “Zumba Fitness,” a one-of-a-kind, dance fitness workout set to sexy, high-energy Latin and international music. Find your rhythm and let go as “Zumba” instructor fan favorites Gina Grant, Tanya Beardsley and “Zumba” creator, Beto, guide you through 30 routines that will work you into a sweat and make you forget you’re even exercising.

Co-Op or Compete? The Choice Is Yours

Step onto the field with the first generation of sports games that turn your whole body into the controller. Want to play soccer? With Kinect, you use your feet — not your thumbs! Hone your skills solo, or compete with friends at home and afar over Xbox LIVE. Beach volleyball, boxing, skiing and more — Kinect offers something for athletes of every stripe.

•

“Kinect Sports” (Rare/Microsoft Game Studios), $49.99 ERP (U.S.), Nov. 4. The first full-body, controller-free sports game that lets you physically compete with friends over Xbox LIVE, “Kinect Sports” is so real, you will almost feel the wind in your hair as you fly over hurdles and the sand in your toes as you set, bump and spike your way to volleyball victory. With six full sports — Soccer, Beach Volleyball, Track & Field, Boxing, Bowling and Table Tennis — “Kinect Sports” is the only title with a Team vs. Team mode, allowing the whole family to play in a fast-paced tournament style competition.

•

“MotionSports™” (Ubisoft) — $49.99 ERP(U.S.) — Nov. 4. Grab your friends and rush the living room, it is time to catapult into the wide world of “MotionSports.” Race down the slopes of a Super G slalom, score a mind-blowing penalty kick, duck-and-run your way to a game-winning touchdown, or throw punches at the champ as you test your skills in more than 40 awesome sports challenges. The “MotionSports” live in-game commentary will follow your hits and misses, as you compete to go from local hero to a global sports phenomenon.

•

“DECA SPORTS FREEDOM” (Hudson Entertainment), Price TBA, Holiday 2010.Hudson Entertainment is taking sports to the next level with 10 sporting events you play using your own body in “DECA SPORTS FREEDOM.” No controller necessary — just move yourself as if you were playing the sport in real life. Spin, throw and smash your way to victory across all of the included events: tennis, boxing, archery, paintball, beach volleyball, dodge ball, kendo, mogul skiing, snowboard cross, and even figure skating.

Thrills, Spills and All-Out Action

Get your adrenaline fix with new, controller-free ways to race and rumble. Kinect removes the barrier between you and your games, delivering action and excitement like nothing you’ve experienced before.

•

“Kinect Joy Ride” (Big Park/Microsoft Game Studios), $49.99 ERP(U.S.), Nov. 4. “Kinect Joy Ride,” the first controller-free racing game, will take you and your friends on the ride of your lives — no driver’s license required. “Kinect Joy Ride” combines wild kart-racing excitement with the effortless fun of full-body gaming possible only with Kinect for Xbox 360. Go solo or compete with up to eight players over Xbox LIVE to take on the world.²

•

“ADRENALIN MISFITS” (Konami), $49.99 ERP(U.S.), Nov. 4.“Adrenalin Misfits” thrusts gamers into unbelievable fantasy worlds with exciting, sideways-stance boarding battles in amazing environments. It’s not just a race, it’s a battle!

•

“Fighters Uncaged” (Ubisoft), $49.99 ERP(U.S.), Nov. 4. Charge head-first into the vicious world of illegal free-fighting tournaments, where you will use every muscle in your body to battle your way to the top. Forced into a secret tournament, Simon must use what he learned from his father, an ex-boxing champ, as he faces off against violent combatants who will brutally unleash a range of mixed martial arts attacks to take him down. No guns. No blades. Your body is the deadly weapon.

•

“SONIC FREE RIDERS™” (SEGA), $49.95 ERP (U.S.), Nov. 4. Sonic is speeding onto Kinect for Xbox 360 in an action-packed experience unlike any other. Become your favorite character as you jump on your board and compete in adrenaline-fueled races against tough competition. For the first time use full-motion body control to twist and turn your way through a range of stunning courses.

Amazing Entertainment, Unbelievable Value

So much more than just games, Kinect brings entertainment to life in magical new ways, offering controller-free TV, movies, music and sports and connecting family and friends from coast to coast with video chat from the comfort of the living room. With Xbox LIVE, jump right into a movie in instant-on 1080p high-definition simply by saying “Xbox, play,” or thumb through millions of songs from Zune with just a wave of your hand. You can even literally reach out and freeze the frame on that game-changing touchdown or three-pointer with ESPN on Xbox LIVE. With cutting-edge experiences for movie buffs, music lovers, sports gurus and gamers alike, Kinect and Xbox 360 bring the living room of the future home this holiday.³ For more information, visit http://www.kinectholiday.com (http://www NULL.kinectholiday NULL.com).

Follow Kinect on Facebook as we tour the world, transforming how people experience games and entertainment. More information is available at http://www.facebook.com/xbox (http://www NULL.facebook NULL.com/xbox).

**Keep in mind that retailers are already warning of possible shortages for the holiday season, so if this is a must have Holiday gift it is highly recommended you start now, by getting yourself on a reservations or waiting list for the Kinect.

SALE ALERT: XBOX360 (Arcade Edition) on Sale at Target for $129.99 and Target will give you a $30 Gift Card making the total price $99

This one started on Sunday and goes until July 10th (or until they run out). You can get the XBOX360 Arcade Edition (which means that it doesn’t include things like the external hard drive in the package) for $129 dollars, and with your purchase Target will give you a $30 dollar Target gift card, making the deal actually only $99 dollars.

The XBOX360 Arcade Edition is usually about $199 dollars, but with the newer “Slim” version coming out in a few weeks, I guess Target is trying to make some shelf space by clearing out this “Original” version of the XBOX360.

You can find the weekly ad at (LINK) http://weeklyad.target.com/target/default.aspx?action=entryflash&ref=sc_iw_l_0_1 (http://weeklyad NULL.target NULL.com/target/default NULL.aspx?action=entryflash&ref=sc_iw_l_0_1)

(From 1st Hand Experience) You can but the XBOX Arcade Bundle and then buy a “USED” external Hard Drive for about $30 and other accessories at various prices from places like Microcenter (LINK) http://www.microcenter.com/single_product_results.phtml?product_id=0328969 (http://www NULL.microcenter NULL.com/single_product_results NULL.phtml?product_id=0328969) or http://www.microcenter.com/single_product_results.phtml?product_id=0315001 (http://www NULL.microcenter NULL.com/single_product_results NULL.phtml?product_id=0315001)

And More: (Soapbox) There isn’t always truth in advertising and Dell customer service/support has “NO CLUE”

(Notice: This post is entirely based on what just happened to me while attempting to discuss an order I placed Online with Dell, all the information posted is based on my experience)

My son has been wanting an XBox360 for a while now because it has a number of games that are Xbox only games that he wants to play. He has worked very hard in school and at home (doing everything asked of him), to show me that he deserves to get his Xbox. So for his birthday (after seeing how hard he has tried) I started looking around the net to order him an Xbox, and found the best deal from the Dell Website. (I have screenshot of the page from Dell’s site, I also found the discount coupon code 65G7RQ11J?M2LH from the dealnews site ( http://dealnews.com/Xbox-360-Arcade-Console-for-170-free-shipping/309111.html (http://dealnews NULL.com/Xbox-360-Arcade-Console-for-170-free-shipping/309111 NULL.html) ) which brought the price to $169 dollars).

The Dell page for the 360 Arcade bundle seemed to me to be a little lacking in formation, but this is Dell, this isn’t some person I’ve never met on an e-Bay auction, this is Dell one of the biggest players in the computer and technology markets so I didn’t make much of it. Additionally, prior to making my order, I saw the posting on Microsoft’s own 360 website concerning the XBox360 arcade edition ( http://www.xbox.com/en-US/hardware/x/xbox360arcadesystem/ ) which told me that the 360 arcade bundle came with a 5 game CD (Pac-Man, Uno, etc……). Even though the information was lacking on the website, Dell posted a picture that shows the console, cable, controller, memory card, and arcade CD and its Dell so that what I should get, or so I figured. WRONG!!!!!!!

So there I was and I placed the order online with dell. Received the order and waited for my son’s Birthday which is today. He was so happy when he unwrapped his gift and saw it had gotten his wish. Then we started opening the box and in that’s when the fun began.

In the box was the Xbox console, a wireless controller, the power supply, and the cable to the TV. That it. So where was the memory card and the game (Check out what they show on the Dell picture)

So I called Dell, and that’s where the “fun” part of my story comes in. My calls started at 9:30a (EST) and as of 1:30p (EST), I have now been so frustrated and given up to the point where I will just go to my local store (probably GameStop) and buy a used edition of each. That’s not where my problem is, because if it was just about the $10 or $15 that the 2 missing pieces would cost, I guess this post would have never even occurred. Its about principle and the fact that I called Dell (Using both the 800-999-3355 and the 800-624-9897 numbers) and started with customer support (after a 20 min hold time) who said they couldn’t help me because this was not their issue (using those words) and sent me to customer care who told me that …………….ding ding ding. Wait they could have told me something after I explained what was up but suddenly I was disconnected and all i got was a loud tone. (**I’m not saying I was hung up on but lets see if someone sees a pattern). So I called back (again 15 min waiting) until I got to customer support and they sent me to customer care who then said that the Xbox comes with only what they sent. I explained that what I received isn’t on what is showing on the ding ding ding ding ding…wait again I didn’t get to finish what I was explaining because the same loud tone, and again I’m disconnected). So I called again, this time, I called customer care directly because I was able to find that number (the 3355 one) on-line. This time (30 min wait) I was told that they have no one of knowing what was supposed to be in the package and that I need to speak to the sales department, they transferred me to sales to confirm what’s on the order. Sales gets on the line and starts asking me if i want to start a new order, of which I explained the story to them and they said they could tell me what was in the package and was told that yes a game and memory card comes with the package…..when I then asked to get back to customer ding ding ding ding (lets see is there a pattern here or what……) , again I’m disconnected with the same loud tone as before. So I now call customer care back and get back to the same person as before (at least she gave me her extension) and told her that sales said that yes I should have gotten a game, I am now told that what they need to do is order me a new system, for $199 dollars I may add because they had no way of adding the discount code I used online. Then I would go back to a different department that would then arrange a return of the system I just got and that I would then get a refund from Dell in a few weeks, The refund of course would be for what I paid on the 1st one, which was less than $199 dollars. When I questioned as to why I would have to pay 2x’s (in my opinion at least) and if this was just a game issue why they couldn’t just send me the missing pieces, ding ding ding ding…..I again get that loud tone and I’m disconnected. I was going to ask her if I would actually get that I expected if I bothered to jump thru that many hoops since sales said I should but customer care wasn’t sure, but with it “disconnecting” again, I was never even able to ask.

So with that, my son has been able to enjoy his xbox360, due to the fact that a friend from work was nice enough to let me have some of his 360 games this week (after I told him we were getting the Xbox for my son), so that my son would be able to enjoy a few games while we built his collection. So to Andrew I say thanks, and to Dell I say, (well I can’t say what I really want) NO THANKS!.

And to you, who read my posts, I just have this caution, even if the site your on is as big a Dell, pay very close attention to orders online, you may not always get what you are expecting. A good thing to do is look at the customer rating comment which I didn’t do, as I now see from Dell’s own site that I am not the only one who was expecting something that he didn’t get.

(End of the soapbox for now)

Tech Geek and More

Technology Explained for All

Category Archives: Xbox360

Microsoft: Kinect titles announced – 17 titles to start.

SALE ALERT: XBOX360 (Arcade Edition) on Sale at Target for $129.99 and Target will give you a $30 Gift Card making the total price $99

And More: (Soapbox) There isn’t always truth in advertising and Dell customer service/support has “NO CLUE”