E3 2010: Kinect to be released on November 4; Launch lineup revealed @ Gaming Target

Written by John Scalzo on June 14, 2010

News: Xbox 360's controller-free motion control system is dated but not priced.

Microsoft has used their E3 2010 Media Briefing to announced that Kinect (formerly Project Natal) will be available on November 4. No price was announced yet, but Microsoft has revealed 15 games that will be launching alongside it:

Kinectimals (Frontier Studio, Microsoft Game Studios) - A wide-eyed Bengal Tiger cub cocks its head to the side and playfully peers at you. Memories of your first trip to the zoo come rushing back. "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 "Kinectimals" will come running when they hear your voice, respond to commands like "jump," "roll-over" and "play dead," and purr with joy when you scratch them behind the ears.

Your Shape: Fitness Evolved (Ubisoft) - Get the most out of Kinect with "Your Shape: Fitness Evolved." Unlike other games, the proprietary Player Projection technology of "Your Shape: Fitness Evolved" puts your body into the game for the ultimate experience. You'll physically interact with virtual environments in ways you've never seen before, and you'll be captivated by unique and exciting visual effects that respond to your movement and impact. Burn calories your way Ч choose a personal trainer to help you meet your specific fitness goals, take a yoga or martial arts class, or play fun family-friendly minigames. As you exercise, you'll receive specific feedback on your every move, thanks to the game's real-time precise tracking system. You won't notice how hard you're working until you see the results!

Kinect Joy Ride (Big Park, Microsoft Game Studios) - 3 ... 2 ... 1 ... Go! "Kinect Joy Ride," the first controller-free racing game, will take you and your friends on the ride of your lives Ч no drivers license required. "Kinect Joy Ride" reinvents driving and Kart racing by adding massive jumps and full body stunts to the classic Kart racing action. With a host of cool features and game modes you can take off for the ride of your life by yourself, or pick up a co-pilot or team up with your friends and family to take on the world.

Editor's Note: Joy Ride was previously announced as an Xbox Live Arcade game. It's cuurently unknown if its Kinect tune up has also upgraded it to a full retail title.

Kinect Sports (Rare, Microsoft Game Studios) - Turn your living room into a world-class stadium, bowling alley, soccer pitch or arena. With "Kinect Sports" you're not only the star player, you are the controller Ч through the magic of Kinect for Xbox 360. See a ball? Kick it. Spike it. Even give it a little top spin. "Kinect Sports" features soccer, beach volleyball, bowling, table tennis, boxing and multiple track and field events.

Kinect Adventures (Microsoft Game Studios) - Float in outer space. Experience the thrill of roaring rapids. Tackle mountaintop obstacle courses. And dive into the deep to explore a leaky underwater observatory Ч 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.

Dance Central (MTV Games) - "Dance Central" is the first full-body, controller-free dance video game with fun choreography for beginners and experts. Completely free from any controller and featuring full-body tracking, the magic of Kinect for Xbox 360 allows you to experience real dance with your friends and family. Whether you're rehearsing in Break It Down! or owning the stage in Perform It, you'll be introduced to more than 600 moves in the game and more than 90 dance routines all created by professional choreographers. The game features tracks from an amazing mix of pop, hip-hop and R&B artists including Lady Gaga, No Doubt, M.I.A., Bell Biv Devoe, and more. Take your moves to the next level while connecting with the music you love!

Other launch titles include:

EA Sports Active 2 (EA Sports)

Deca Sports Freedom (Hudson Entertainment)

Dance Masters (Konami)

Adrenalin Misfits (Konami)

Zumba Fitness (Majesco)

Sonic Free Riders (Sega)

The Biggest Loser: Ultimate Workout (THQ)

Motion Sports (Ubisoft)

Game Party: In Motion (Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment)