Kinect Sports Rivals

 Xbox One
User Score
5.0

Mixed or average reviews- based on 148 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 55 out of 148
  2. Mixed: 26 out of 148
  3. Negative: 67 out of 148
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  1. StriderKiwi
    Apr 27, 2014
    4
    I actually enjoy many Kinect games, but Sports Rivals was a let down. The avatar creator does not create an accurate player, most of the games are strenuous and some are even rehashes of previous ones. Wake boarding was fun but doesn't always function like it should. Soccer was just a flail-fest and you can pelvic thrust instead of kicking was actually pretty funny. The gun game sucks theI actually enjoy many Kinect games, but Sports Rivals was a let down. The avatar creator does not create an accurate player, most of the games are strenuous and some are even rehashes of previous ones. Wake boarding was fun but doesn't always function like it should. Soccer was just a flail-fest and you can pelvic thrust instead of kicking was actually pretty funny. The gun game sucks the most. You don't even pull the trigger it just auto fires on it's own. Bowling was decent, rock climbing was fun but had some control issues, tennis was alright but also had minor control issues, There are much better Kinect games on the 360 and ultimately this game feels really rushed.… Expand
  2. johnnytuc333
    Apr 22, 2014
    1
    I was looking forward for months for this game, I thought the creation of your own character in the game would be a great thing...the final images that were created were terrible!
    anyway that was a minor blip....the gameplay itself...the talk over guy is awful and annoying and the coach drives you mad stupid gimmicks...
    rock climbing awful what's the point? wake racing graphics and    I was looking forward for months for this game, I thought the creation of your own character in the game would be a great thing...the final images that were created were terrible!
    anyway that was a minor blip....the gameplay itself...the talk over guy is awful and annoying and the coach drives you mad stupid gimmicks...
    rock climbing awful what's the point?
    wake racing graphics and speed are nice but playing it by clenching your hand doesn't feel right its just boring.
    tennis... this is not a patch on the old wii tennis, there's just too many colourful graphical silly stars appearing when the ball is hit, you can't even see the other player well...its just not good.
    bowling... this is the WORST ten pin bowling game ive ever seen on all formats.....its like your bowling at nothing!! there's no control over what your trying to do....awful....
    soccer.....this is the worst attempt at a game i've seen in my computing life...its static and totally unplayable its the sort of game that should have been out 20 years ago! you have to encounter it to see how bad it is..
    shooting...I didn't even try this.......
    it's no surprise that there is NO demo apart from wake racing on xbox site as this would not have sold a single unit...
    where have the creators of this game been?....the whole package is diabolically awful.....
    this is a major let down and the Kinect side of control is terrible....I'm going back to Wii sports......    … Expand
  3. missael
    Jul 30, 2016
    4
    Esperaba mucho mas de esta saga, los originales de X360 son de los pocos que justificaron la compra de Kinect y en su paso a la nueva generación esperaba que este juego y Dance Central fueran los que justificaran kinect.
  4. prismat83
    Apr 9, 2014
    0
    After this games release date was pushed I was expecting much more refinement and much more to the game... alas the games offers far more less than the original Xbox 360 Kinect Sports games aside from the now apparent over exaggerated story in Rivals. Rivals really offers no new look in to the Kinect technology, in fact it feels to have been worsened this is very apparent in the bowling,After this games release date was pushed I was expecting much more refinement and much more to the game... alas the games offers far more less than the original Xbox 360 Kinect Sports games aside from the now apparent over exaggerated story in Rivals. Rivals really offers no new look in to the Kinect technology, in fact it feels to have been worsened this is very apparent in the bowling, to which I was looking forward to the most, rather than the controls being more fluid and realistic they are cumbersome and awkward compared to its predecessor. Shoots requires nothing more than to move your hand in the air and attempt to land on targets, climbing could be interesting if the Kinect were to respond properly to what you were doing. The only piece of the game that feels some what refined if the jet sling as it shows off how Kinect can now see depth, albeit this can also be seen in the simple navigation of the console. Also the game forces you to always face an opponent which can be very slowing and annoying if someone simply wants to practice. The only positive I can take away from the experience is the fact that Microsoft allowed me to return my digital purchase other than that I see nothing that makes this game with spending $60 on, perhaps $20 or $30 for a party novelty game. My recommendation stick with the 360 versions until Microsoft lowers the prices, gives it away as a game for gold, or changes the game entirely.… Expand
  5. Gobertron
    Apr 15, 2014
    7
    Having read all the reviews after purchasing but prior to playing I was worried i'd made a £45 mistake. I though the game would be broken. To my surprise and pleasure the game works OK. Bowling is as great as ever and the introduction of rock climbing is a great addition. I've had some issues with light and when playing with another human but overall its not as bad as some of the reviewsHaving read all the reviews after purchasing but prior to playing I was worried i'd made a £45 mistake. I though the game would be broken. To my surprise and pleasure the game works OK. Bowling is as great as ever and the introduction of rock climbing is a great addition. I've had some issues with light and when playing with another human but overall its not as bad as some of the reviews make out.… Expand
  6. cgreenblatt
    May 1, 2014
    3
    No Random Online Multiplayer matchups? Seriously?
    I agree with everything the critics are saying - much of the content was done better in previous iterations. How does that happen? Bowling was better in the original Kinect Sports released 4 years ago. Tennis was better and smoother in KS2.
    And the lack of Online Multiplayer matches with random opponents is a huge dissapointment. My    No Random Online Multiplayer matchups? Seriously?
    I agree with everything the critics are saying - much of the content was done better in previous iterations. How does that happen? Bowling was better in the original Kinect Sports released 4 years ago. Tennis was better and smoother in KS2.
    And the lack of Online Multiplayer matches with random opponents is a huge dissapointment.
    My thought is this was originally to be a launch release with all the bells and whistles, but due to time constraints (it was pushed back 4 months) it was rushed out as a half-baked game.    … Expand
  7. starsi360
    Apr 14, 2014
    1
    Poor. I bought it because I enjoyed kinect sports 1 on xbox 360, especially the bowling when friends were round. It had character and a bit of humour, plus little touches like when you get a strike it'd play various classic tunes like 'another one bites the dust' or 'jump around' ... I though this would be a development of that but nooooo, they have to turn it into some silly RPG typePoor. I bought it because I enjoyed kinect sports 1 on xbox 360, especially the bowling when friends were round. It had character and a bit of humour, plus little touches like when you get a strike it'd play various classic tunes like 'another one bites the dust' or 'jump around' ... I though this would be a development of that but nooooo, they have to turn it into some silly RPG type game with XP and levelling up, take out all the humour and music so it's just a straight-laced bore fest... The bowling is soulless and depressing, no funky music for celebrating strikes etc... The wake racing is kinda ok but limited in terms of appeal. Fun for 10 minutes or so.... Don't buy this, just play the original instead. Much more character and simple structure... How it should be. RARE, you've been a total let down ever since you started working with Microsoft.… Expand
  8. Mariner24
    May 5, 2014
    10
    I held off on buying this game because of the negative reviews about issues people were having with the kinect not responding well. Many reviews mentioned frustrating glitches. This was not the case for me. I played every sport several times this weekend and never had any problems once I tilted my kinect into the correct position. Great game and a lot of fun.
  9. SchroederRock
    Apr 9, 2014
    7
    Kinect Sports Rivals is a noticeable step up from the Xbox 360's version of Kinect Sports. Though it doesn't always come off without a hitch, Kinect Sports is one of the best showcases for what the Kinect can do yet still doesn't quite take full advantage of the updated sensors capabilities. With some updates to help improve tracking input this will be the must-have game for the youngerKinect Sports Rivals is a noticeable step up from the Xbox 360's version of Kinect Sports. Though it doesn't always come off without a hitch, Kinect Sports is one of the best showcases for what the Kinect can do yet still doesn't quite take full advantage of the updated sensors capabilities. With some updates to help improve tracking input this will be the must-have game for the younger and active crowds. Only core gamers that expect seriousness and mature-tailored fun will allow themselves to be disappointed. It's not perfect but it can be fun. Most of the problems outside of a bit of cheese in the dialogue can be sorted through updates.… Expand
  10. koyukon
    Apr 18, 2014
    8
    I didn't like it so much at first, but it's really grown on me once I figured it out. The user interface could have been a lot better. A lot of things just arent very obvious at the start. Like multiplayer, level select, shopping and equipping could have been closer. On my first couple of days, it was difficult on some levels like the tracking on shooting was abit shaky, wave racing wasI didn't like it so much at first, but it's really grown on me once I figured it out. The user interface could have been a lot better. A lot of things just arent very obvious at the start. Like multiplayer, level select, shopping and equipping could have been closer. On my first couple of days, it was difficult on some levels like the tracking on shooting was abit shaky, wave racing was difficult, soccer didn't make a lot of sense. But I've since learned to make my movements more readable as well as learned how to play better. Now I really look forward to playing it daily and that's quite surprising. Now I see reviews that were quick to judge the game. You really have to give it a few days, do the story and the game will open up after that and you can play as you please (you could do that anytime, but the amount of tabs open is potentially overwhelming). The tracking is really good 85-90 percent of the time. The theme music is catchy. The graphics are refreshing. I love all the sports, but rock climbing especially. Really this is about a 7/10 game for the things that could have been a lot better.. But since I'm really enjoying it, I'll give it 8/10.… Expand
  11. DirtyLilHamster
    Apr 9, 2014
    10
    This game brings out the kid in everyone. It is very fun and you'd have to be a seriously depressed individual to not find some joy within this game. If you are competent enough to set up the kinect then you won't have any issues with the motion controls. You don't have to teach your friends, family, etc how to play with you as it is as easy as standing in front of your TV and moving likeThis game brings out the kid in everyone. It is very fun and you'd have to be a seriously depressed individual to not find some joy within this game. If you are competent enough to set up the kinect then you won't have any issues with the motion controls. You don't have to teach your friends, family, etc how to play with you as it is as easy as standing in front of your TV and moving like you would normally playing the sport. The career takes you through the basics of the 6 sports: Tennis, Jet Skiing (Wake racing), Soccer, Rock Climbing, Target shooting, and Bowling. The game asks you to choose between 3 groups along the way: Eagle, Viper, or Wolf Pack. I found the Viper team really annoying every time they were on the screen so I choose the Wolf Pack which has a cute blonde. All 6 of the sports within this games have their own merits and work fluidly with your body's movement. There are at least 6 different courses for each of the 6 sports and they get harder in difficulty. Also if you keep playing a level that will get more and more difficult as you level up so dies the difficulty to keep you challenged. I keep playing friends in the different Jet Skiing and rock climbing levels and they always feel different with differing time of day (night). Name 1 game where you are scanned into it as the main character on screen and can move with your actually body... There is nothing else like it! I've played this with people that never liked playing video games in the past yet will ask me if I want to play Kinect Sports Rivals again and again! (Great drinking game but make sure to move the furniture out of the way when playing soccer or you'll be sorry).… Expand
  12. DowntownArtist
    Apr 8, 2014
    10
    This game is amazing. It offers you pure fun and family entertainment. This is the best Kinnect Sports ever made. It includes an amazing face building technology and brand new modes that will make you sweat.

    It's a must have!
  13. TheNickage
    Apr 12, 2014
    2
    This game is just a feeble attempt by MS to prove that their Kinect isn't a gimmick. (Which it is.) There is almost no variety, and the detection is lousy. Everything this game does, there is another that does it better. Honestly, you'd be far better of playing Wii Sports/Resort. The jet sling is interesting, as the sensor can see depth now. Unless you're a HUGE fan of motion gaming, skipThis game is just a feeble attempt by MS to prove that their Kinect isn't a gimmick. (Which it is.) There is almost no variety, and the detection is lousy. Everything this game does, there is another that does it better. Honestly, you'd be far better of playing Wii Sports/Resort. The jet sling is interesting, as the sensor can see depth now. Unless you're a HUGE fan of motion gaming, skip this one. It's a waste of time, and money. The family aspect was fun for the first couple games, but the novelty wears off, really fast. I'm the only gamer in my family, but I could get everyone to play Wii Sports for hours.. This was boring after 45 minutes.… Expand
  14. MetaGuy321
    Apr 14, 2014
    0
    There is a reason this game is being universally panned... It's horrible. Microsoft needs to focus on it's core strength and roots. That is, bringing an open source, modifiable, customizable OS to as many computers as possible. They're aren't good at this gaming stuff.
  15. HANN1BAL-L3CTER
    Apr 9, 2014
    10
    Kinect Sports Rivals is amazing. There are a few hiccups, but the overall experience is amazing. I highly recommend the game for anyone interested in a fun Kinect game that is great for parties and just overall fun. I thoroughly enjoy the game.
  16. AkimboTitan
    Apr 8, 2014
    9
    This game is great fun in parties or big family groups, and offers all the laughs and fun you can expect when a camera generates an athletic cartoon version of yourself in game! The game types are very good (though i'm not a fan of the shooting), and the beautiful sunny environments, and events happening in the background, always give the spectators some nice scenery to look at. The KinectThis game is great fun in parties or big family groups, and offers all the laughs and fun you can expect when a camera generates an athletic cartoon version of yourself in game! The game types are very good (though i'm not a fan of the shooting), and the beautiful sunny environments, and events happening in the background, always give the spectators some nice scenery to look at. The Kinect actually works very well in this game. It has picked up every movement of mine without fail. A recommendation to younger family audiences, as well as older parties looking for a laugh. Great game.… Expand
  17. ryanyang
    Apr 9, 2014
    9
    This game is fun, and provides some exercise for lazy players. Yeah, you can play this game with your family members and friends. However, I think it costs too much for this game, I was expecting the price of this game is around 35.
  18. simpleandhonest
    Apr 24, 2014
    8
    was a positive experience, almost all games track very well besides soccer. tennis however looks dodgy but tracks the motion well and connects (even with the dodge on screen movements). Shooting, jet skiing, bowling and rock climbing are clearly the stars of the show, make sure your not too close, even if it says you're at the right distance, give yourself another half a metre or a metre,was a positive experience, almost all games track very well besides soccer. tennis however looks dodgy but tracks the motion well and connects (even with the dodge on screen movements). Shooting, jet skiing, bowling and rock climbing are clearly the stars of the show, make sure your not too close, even if it says you're at the right distance, give yourself another half a metre or a metre, as it WILL ruin your experience (probably what a lot of people in this section are going through and not knowing).… Expand
  19. RegTom
    Apr 18, 2014
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. My kids and I have overwhelmingly enjoyed this game so far. Great break from the zombies and bloodshed in all the new titles. The team elements with Viper/Wolf/Eagle disappear after the tutorial (we hoped they would stay around longer actually) but do provide you with some very good accessory upgrades for multiplayer if you finish the storyline.… Expand
  20. griffey546
    Sep 10, 2014
    7
    The game is extremely fun to play with your family, although it is not as good as the older kinect games, it still servers a fun next gen kinect experience. What people seem to forget is that the game is a family game, not some run and gun call of duty game. The game would be a lot better if you had the choice to at least use a customizable xbox avatar, or your own personal avatar forThe game is extremely fun to play with your family, although it is not as good as the older kinect games, it still servers a fun next gen kinect experience. What people seem to forget is that the game is a family game, not some run and gun call of duty game. The game would be a lot better if you had the choice to at least use a customizable xbox avatar, or your own personal avatar for your xbl account.… Expand
  21. Dyce23
    Apr 17, 2014
    9
    There are some people that need to understand that kinect is here to say and it is aimed at a younger and more casual audience. As soon as they realise that and stop giving games a negative rating just because its not aimed at a core player then more people will just get on with actually playing! Now that's out of the way I can honestly say that I enjoy all types of games. First personThere are some people that need to understand that kinect is here to say and it is aimed at a younger and more casual audience. As soon as they realise that and stop giving games a negative rating just because its not aimed at a core player then more people will just get on with actually playing! Now that's out of the way I can honestly say that I enjoy all types of games. First person shooters a a favor mine and then you get a game like this. It has totally taken me by surprise. Its not perfect but the fun you can have make the imperfections perfectly and allows a great gaming experience to come across. I would highly recommend this game to anyone who just wants to have a laugh and enjoy themselves. Microsoft have set the bar with the use of kinect in this game. Its light-years ahead of what the xbox 360 has to offer. I'm not sayin that the first kinect is rubbish because it is not. The new one is just far better than the original. It picks your movements up very well in this game and enables you to stop moving about and trying to get your body in the right place. You just turn on the game and then start playing. The music, graph is and new champions are help to set the mood of the game. Yes its fun but it really makes you want to WIN for some reason. Lol... I have to say this games works very well for the audience that it is aimed towards and I would strongly recommend it to all of my friends. Happy playing!!!… Expand
  22. leaguehead
    Aug 26, 2014
    5
    Good luck drawing in the buyers for the next kinect sports game. The game is generally cool to play, except the shooting one. It is lamer than lame for this day and age. It's almost like the nintendo wii sports shooting game. The whole game lacks variety.
    This could have been way better but seemed rushed. Maybe because it was new, I'm not sure but fingers crossed for better multi-sports games.
  23. lukek85
    Oct 16, 2014
    6
    Not a bad game, but disappointing if compared with its two previous iterations. Some sports are quite fun, but I don't feel that "I wanna play this now!!!" thing. Hoping to see better Kinect games in the future.
  24. Prezident
    Sep 23, 2014
    10
    This game is amazing! great game to spend time together and the best active game now) Cool sports and very-very similar avatars! Kinect in this game works amaising!
  25. Cirias
    Feb 19, 2015
    9
    I don't really understand the negative feeling towards this game. I picked this up on sale, but having played it for a while, I would have easily paid full price.

    The game is presented really well. Menus are easy to navigate (using controller or gestures), the voice-overs (David Tennant) are fantastic, and each sport has its own hub, complete with updating challenges and tutorials.    I don't really understand the negative feeling towards this game. I picked this up on sale, but having played it for a while, I would have easily paid full price.

    The game is presented really well. Menus are easy to navigate (using controller or gestures), the voice-overs (David Tennant) are fantastic, and each sport has its own hub, complete with updating challenges and tutorials.

    When you first enter the game, you are subjected to a full body and facial scan by Kinect. It's a really fun and innovate way to ease you into the game and it's fun to see how accurately the game re-creates you as your in-game avatar. I wore glasses when I started the scan, but I removed them for the face scan, thinking the game wouldn't notice. Once the scan was finished, David Tennant then cheerily states: "Oh, you can pop your glasses back on now!"

    This is technology that needs to be pushed and it's a shame the Xbox community aren't as keen on it as Microsoft wanted.

    As for the sports, they are fantastic. So much better than what I expected, having read some reviews.

    Tennis is a particular highlight. You can play just about any stroke and the game will pick it up. It's not just a mini-game where you have to time your shots - the way you move and the way you swing your racket all have an impact. Because your avatar follows your every movement, it makes victory taunts after winning a game particularly fun.

    Rock Climbing is my second favourite. You actually have to reach for the individual hand-holds, and the game picks up your movements with surprising accuracy. Plus, you can grab opponents' legs and fling them off the wall, if you're the competitive sort.

    Jet Skiing is a solid sport, too. It was included in the demo, so I'm not as fresh going into this one.

    Soccer and Bowling are both great, too. The Target Shooting is my only issue with the game. I was expecting to be able to squeeze the trigger of the gun, but instead it's just an aiming game.

    I agree that live multiplayer would have been fun, but on the other hand it means you're never stuck waiting for matchmaking to get into a game. You compete against avatars and stats, which I didn't see any problem with.

    I still thrust my arms into the air in victory and fall to my knees in defeat every time I play. For someone whose generation witnessed the advent of 3D graphics (and had our minds blown), the sheer joy of watching my movements replicated in the game, using a piece of technology that sits in my living room, is more than enough to warrant getting this game.

    Don't believe the negativity. This game is seriously impressive. What a shame that Rare were not recognised for their accomplishment.    … Expand
  26. PoliceWolf
    Mar 7, 2015
    7
    Over all the game is just ok. The game play is fun but it gets very repetitive after a short while. The ability to create your own charters and the way the Kinect scans your face are some awesome. Unfortunately, it doesn't capitalize on that as the controls can be very frustrating; especially during the rock climbing events.
  27. Watty9923
    Apr 5, 2015
    3
    I did have fun with this game especially the tennis but their was no incentive to keep playing. It could have been better if the rivals aspect was treated with more care. My friends didn't even know that I had beat them in challenges. This game contributed to the death of kinect games
  28. CenkAlp
    Jan 2, 2018
    6
    Hikaye = 0
    Oynanış = 5
    Grafikler = 5
    Sesler = 5
    Keyif = 8
    Atmosfer = 6
    Süre = 5
  29. JinntheMGTOW
    Jan 16, 2019
    0
    I've not played this game, just watched YouTuber's gameplay videos. Yes, In short.....
    .
    .
    .
    .
    .
    Garbage. Yes, I just wonder they did not set 'Backwards Comparability' on Previous Kinect Sports 1&2 games.
  30. mixerszop12
    Mar 5, 2021
    0
    Too much bugs
    Our rivals are cheating(shorter distance in water race) and some things just don't have any sence in real sport

Awards & Rankings

72
#72 Best Xbox One Game of 2014
36
#36 Most Discussed Xbox One Game of 2014
36
#36 Most Shared Xbox One Game of 2014

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
60

Mixed or average reviews - based on 53 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 9 out of 53
  2. Mixed: 36 out of 53
  3. Negative: 8 out of 53
  1. GamingTrend
    Jul 4, 2014
    30
    Kinect Sports Rivals answers the question “What has Rare been up to?”. Sadly, the game falls short of the mark on almost every category, with the biggest hit being on fun. With three of the six included events ranging from unpleasant to unplayable, you get dragged through dialogue I’d never, ever want to hear again.
    Read full review
  2. Hyper Magazine
    Jun 7, 2014
    40
    Alright, maybe it won't enslave humanity. But there's no good reason to buy and play Rivals. [Issue#249, p.60]
  3. Telegraph
    May 5, 2014
    50
    Those looking for a breezy party game to show off their new machine will find a game with flaws and frustrations that cannot be ignored.
    Read full review
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