I'd think most Parents are unlikely to find their younger children pining for an exercise game this Christmas, but if this is the case then they can rest assured these are thematically dry workouts which invite about as much prurient interest as an Olympic gymnastics event.
Far more significant is the physical demands the game can make. It is absolutely crucial that all players are sensible in their approach to the game, that they carefully follow instructions given to them and do not attempt to overwork themselves. You may be in the comfort of your living room, but as with any activity, serious injury is a very real threat. In that respect Kinetic is the epitome of a game that requires genuine maturity, regardless of the ESRB Rating.
Gamers must be aware that EyeToy: Kinetic is not a traditional videogame; not even within the quirky EyeToy family. It is a fitness aid for anyone who believes them self to be in need of one, or would like to start a regime for whatever personal reason. Only the individual can decide whether this is something they would like to try or not; all I can affirm is that it does work if you stick to a regular regime (I was hardly piling on the pounds but even my Body Mass Index has decreased since using it) and there is a good range of abilities catered for, with the games never pushing you harder than you can manage, and the non-game exercises (such as Toning, Stretching, Warm-up and Yoga) remaining ultimately optional.
Unfortunately, disregarding the inherent simplicity of the games and their clear, economic visuals, Deaf and Hard of Hearing Gamers are in no way specifically catered for. There are no subtitles to accompany exercise instructions (although one would have to question how useful these would be in some cases) and, even for players with good hearing, the game's insistence on keeping one eye on your personal trainer can be a hindrance at times (if not a hazard).
- Critical News Rundown - May 6, 2008
- Critical News Rundown - April 29, 2008
- Audiosurf – Review - April 21, 2008
