Kinectimals

In closing, though nothing can compare to a real life pet, if your children have been begging for a new furry addition to the family, this game may be a good test to see how long they will stay interested in caring for their new friend.

While those expecting a more traditional gaming experience will be turned off after the novelty wears thin, Kinectimals is perfectly suited for the younger ones in the household, particularly those who can't keep a real pet.

Kinectimals is a Kinect game made right and even though it has been designed for children, the developers have added enough Kinect content to impress even adults.

Like LostWinds, this is a game with style and soul, and it was clearly designed by folks who know how to combine good game design with innovative motion technology.

While it's appeal may be limited for the more mature crowd, it's an easy recommendation for anyone who has young-un's running around the house or someone who is looking for more charm than substance.

Interaction occurs via fun, if quickly repetitive, minigames. [Jan 2011]

Kinectimals is a compelling game for the young and young-at-heart, offering dynamic and impressive levels of interaction. Plus it won't poo in your slippers or die.

Kinectimals is an adventure game for children, but the grown up gamer should take a trip to the island as well. Everything looks very good and plays away nicely. There are a few drawbacks hidden in the menus, but they certainly don't spoil the fun.

This is an interesting proposal of direct and simple fun while caring for a virtual kitten, and although it is mainly for children, anyone who tries it will have a good time for sure.

If you have young children, Kinectimals is a must - it will keep them entertained, and you'll secretly enjoy it too.

As much as the red-blooded manly man who exists inside me (however fleetingly) wants to pigeonhole Kinectimals in the casual-core-for-kids category, I just can't do it. This is because, in the interests of journalistic integrity, I have to admit to having been completely disarmed and won over by the experience of interacting with the cute cuddly, virtual cubs in the game.

It's not as visually brilliant as the best 360 games, but the cats are modelled excellently and purr with personality. The island is bright and colourful and Bumble has the kind of voice the kids love but adults find grating after two minutes.

Let's be clear : Kinectimals won't be able to capture an adult's attention for long, but let's not forget that it's not made for them. But it's easy to pick up and follow, beautiful, and unbeatable when it comes to making a child smile : yes, the magic works. There may be some latency, and indeed sometimes Kinect seems to react in an odd fashion, but the overall experience remains solid. Touching, even. Probably the most immersive and moving pet game to date.

Kinectimals is definitely a game recommended just to show off how clever Kinect can be with a little imagination. For older gamers and adults, there's certainly enough charm to win you over, but perhaps not enough substance to keep you glued to the TV for long periods or after the initial novelty wears off.

The depth from Kinectimals doesn't really come from the games but from the connection between child and fluffy pretend animal. In that regard Frontier has nailed it. It's too simplistic for grown up casual gamers, but youngsters will lap it up.

Kinectimals certainly isn't for everyone, but it's pretty spot-on for its target audience. The intuitive Kinect controls take the pet sim experience to a new immersion-amping level, the lush jungle visuals are an eye-pleasing treat, and the fun narrative and sandbox-like environments add some welcome depth to the feed-pet-brush-play genre.

Still, with its collectible treasure pieces, butterflies, and toys, a plot that puts a fantasy spin on pirates, the ability to hop-in as a challenger during mini-games, and exquisite artistic elements (just look at the map and watch the credits roll), Lemuria is a world you'll be glad to visit for a little quality time with your younger self.

Kinectimals is a great start for Microsoft's more family friendly orientated Kinect catalogue and if this can't entice parents to part with their cash, then nothing will. It's adorable, engaging, fun, and really utilises the full potential of the device.

You can judge Kinectimals all you want, but are you going to be the one who tells the little girl she can't have her own imaginary tiger? Thought not.

With around 20 hours of gameplay, Kinectimals offers plenty to do. You can play with your cub, shop for new items, decorate your house with trinkets found on your adventure, complete challenges, have friends join in to beat your high scores, and more. If you're looking for a rich gameplay experience jam packed with adorable creatures, look no further.

In the end, though, Kinectimals gets more things right than wrong.

Terrific entertainment for kids the right age. [Feb 2011, p.76]

Kinectimals took me by surprise. It's not an amazing game by any means, but rather a cool pet simulator that doesn't dip too far into nausea-inducing cuteness.

Easily the most substantial of the early titles and one that is sure to enthral young players as well as the young at heart.

It is the kind of title that can be enjoyed by a room full of people with just one person playing.

Microsoft virtual pet simulator developed by Frontier, it's an enjoyable minigame collection in a detailed environment full of life.