In my last post I provided you with a list of the top 15 fitness themed PlayStation Move games for Christmas. Today I’m going to be continuing with the theme of fitness themed motion sensing video games but focussing on the Kinect.
The Kinect is the most technologically advanced motion sensing platform by far. Unlike the PlayStation Move and the Nintendo Wii, it requires no controller and allows users to take control of the games using just their bodies. Not only is this great fun but it’s also an excellent way for gamers to stay active as they enjoy their favourite pastime – playing video games. So if you’re looking for a Christmas present for someone who owns an Xbox 360 with the Kinect Sensor, check out this list of the Top 15 Fitness Themed Kinect Games For Christmas and see if you can find a perfect present for them.
1) Dr Kawashima’s Brain & Body Exercises
Dr Kawashima’s Brain & Body Exercises is a fitness game with a twist. Unlike, all the other fitness titles on the Kinect which focus on physical fitness, this game aims to boost player’s mental fitness through 20 simple but challenging mini-games. The mini-games were developed under the supervision of the renowned Japanese neuroscientist Dr. Ryuta Kawashima and test all areas of player’s mental fitness including logic, maths, memory, physical co-ordination and reflexes.
The game itself is suitable for all ages and skill levels. It also has full single player and multi-player support which allows the player to improve their mental fitness alone or challenge up to three friends and family members for the ultimate competitive mental fitness challenge.
2) Dance Central 3
Dance Central 3 is the ultimate Kinect title for dance lovers and a great Christmas gift to get them moving and burning some calories. It contains 40+ tracks and features 70s disco tracks, 80s hip hop tracks and modern dance hits.
Like the previous entries in the series, Dance Central 3 focuses heavily on multi-player dancing and has a range of exciting multi-player modes including the co-operative “Party Time” mode and the head to head “Crew Throwdown” mode. However, it also caters to single players with the “Rehearse” mode which helps players learn the full dance routines to all 43 in-game tracks.
3) Fighters Uncaged
Fighters Uncaged is the perfect Kinect game for players who want to enjoy all the excitement of brawling without having to worry about injury or pain. Since it involves constant dodging, kicking, punching and weaving, it also gives players a highly effective workout without them even realising it.
The game itself is highly detailed and features over 70 real life martial arts moves, so caters to players with and without previous combat experience. It also features 21 different fighting environments which react dynamically during the fights. In addition to this, it features 12 different opponents who all have their own unique fighting style.
4) Kinect Adventures
Kinect Adventures is a fun filled game that’s perfect for parties and family gatherings. The best part is it gets everyone up off the couch and keeps them moving, ensuring that they get lots of exercise as they play.
In total, it features 20 exciting adventures which take place in a range of diverse locations including outer space, peaceful mountain tops, roaring rapids and an underground laboratory. All 20 adventures are fully interactive and allow players to dodge, kick and jump their way through the game.
5) Kinect Sports: Ultimate Collection
Kinect Sports: Ultimate Collection is (as the title suggests) the ultimate Christmas present for sports fans who own a Kinect. This two game package contains both the original Kinect Sports and the sequel – Kinect Sports Season 2 which means in total it provides players with 13 different sports games; American Football, Basketball, Baseball, Bowling, Boxing, Beach Volleyball, Darts, Golf, Skiing, Soccer, Table Tennis, Tennis and Track & Field.
Each one of the 13 sports features full single multi-player support. In addition to this, all 13 sports challenge the body in different ways, allowing players to get an innovative but effective workout as they play.
6) Jillian Michaels’ Fitness Adventure
Jillian Michaels’ Fitness Adventure allows players to interact with one of the most popular female fitness personalities on the planet via the Kinect. It’s a perfect present for Jillian fans and all the in-game activities feature the trademark intensity that made her famous.
The game itself features a range of different modes. The main “Fitness Adventure” mode allows players to go on a fitness journey with Jillian and experience intense, Parkour style action in an exotic jungle environment. In addition to this, it features a “Circuit Training” mode with 10 different circuits created by Jillian herself and a “Fitness Training” mode which allows players to perform a range of exercises at their own pace. It also makes full use of the Kinect technology and allows players to incorporate a range of real life workout equipment into the game.
7) Michael Phelps: Push The Limit
Michael Phelps: Push The Limit is the only video game available featuring the record breaking Olympic swimmer. Using the game and the Kinect technology, players can transform their living room into a giant swimming pool and then train and compete against Michael Phelps.
Players control their in-game character just like they would when swimming in real life and are required to mimic all the dives, strokes and turns of actual swimming. As a result, the game gets players working up a real sweat and is a great way for them to boost their fitness.
In terms of gameplay, Michael Phelps: Push The Limit is very expansive. It offers full single and multi-player support along with online play via Xbox LIVE. It also features a variety of swimming locations including cityscapes, mountain ranges and sports arenas. Finally, it features an in-depth “Career” mode which allows players to participate in a full swimming season and race against Michael Phelps himself.
8) My Self Defence Coach
My Self Defence Coach is a multi-functional fitness games that gives players a workout and also teaches them how to defend themselves. Not only is it a great fitness game but it also gives players practical skills that they can use when they’re away from the Kinect, should they need to.
The game itself focuses on four primary areas; Composure, Reflexes, Stamina and Technique and includes over 30 real life self defence techniques which are all taught by a real life self defence coach. These techniques incorporate a mix of cardio training, kick boxing and Thai Chi which ensures the player gets a well rounded workout and at the same time, learns how to defend themselves in the most effective way possible.
9) Nike + Kinect Training
Nike + Kinect Training is one of the most advanced personal training experiences on the Kinect. It caters to players of all fitness levels and provides them with a personalised training program that will help them achieve their fitness goals. The best part is that it constantly adapts as the player’s fitness improves and ensures that the current training program is matched to their fitness level at the time.
In terms of gameplay, players interact with a trainer who knows them and remembers them. This trainer then guides them through each workout and provides them with personalised feedback after each session. Every four weeks, the trainer tests player’s endurance, strength and overall fitness, so that they can see their progress over time and benchmark themselves against friends, family or other members of the Nike + community. The game is also fully compatible with all other Nike + devices.
10) Nickelodeon Dance
Nickelodeon Dance is an excellent Christmas gift for kids who you think could do with a little more exercise. Unlike the majority of fitness games on this list, Nickelodeon Dance is firmly aimed at children and features a range of Nickelodeon characters who they’ll be instantly familiar with including Dora from “Dora The Explorer” and Diego from “Go Diego Go“. As a result they’re much more likely to get up, dance along and increase their physical activity levels.
The game itself has a single player mode and a two player co-operative mode. It features over 30 songs which are performed by a variety of Nickelodeon characters and come complete with on-screen dance move pictorials and song lyrics.
11) PowerUp Heroes
PowerUp Heroes is a brilliant Christmas present for comic book and superhero fans. Using the power of the Kinect, it allows players to turn their Xbox 360 avatar into a powerful superhero and then face off against villains for the ultimate battle. The best part is that these superhero battles are very intense and will have players working up a serious sweat without even realising it.
The game features 20 different super suits which each have their own unique powers and allow players to shoot lasers from their hands, shower their opponents with meteors, summon zombies to help them fight and much more. It also has a range of multi-player options including two player co-operative mode, two player versus mode and online versus mode which allow players to enjoy a fully charged superhero battle with their friends.
12) Sonic Free Riders
Sonic Free Riders is an all action, cartoon style racing game racing game that takes full advantage of the Kinect technology. It thrusts players head first into the fast paced Sonic universe and has them jumping, turning and twisting their way through a wide range of expansive racing environments including deep winding canyons, glimmering waterfalls and majestic ancient ruins. As a result, it keeps players constantly moving and burns through a significant number of calories as they play.
When it comes to actual gameplay, Sonic Free Riders supports single player, multi-player and online multi-player races. It also allows players to race as all their favourite characters from the Sonic universe including Sonic, Tails or Dr Eggman. In addition to this, it features a range of vehicle upgrades and weapons which can be used to customise your in-game ride and throw opponents off course.
13) The Biggest Loser: Ultimate Workout
The Biggest Loser: Ultimate Workout is a top gift idea for fans of the TV show. It allows players to join both Bob Harper and Jillian Michaels and train in their living room to become The Biggest Loser.
The game itself features 125+ different exercises along with 50 different healthy recipes and this powerful combination makes it one of the best solutions on the Xbox 360 for players who want to keep both their diet and exercise routine in check. It also contains 10 pre-set fitness programs (including “Belly Buster” and “Boot Camp”) and six different environments (including the boxing ring, the gym, the ranch and the yoga area), all of which fans of the TV show will be familiar with.
14) Your Shape: Fitness Evolved 2012
Your Shape: Fitness Evolved 2012 is another excellent fitness game for the Kinect and allows players to get an effective full body, heart pounding workout without heading to the gym. It’s highly versatile and features a wide range of exercise styles including “Boot Camp”, “Cardio Boxing”, “Dance Classes” and “Jump Rope”. The best part is that all the in-game workouts are 100% customisable and take into account player’s fitness, fitness goals, schedule and personal preferences.
When it comes to specific exercises, Your Shape: Fitness Evolved 2012 stacks up very well compared with other titles. It contains 90+ hours of activity and this version now includes brand new floor exercises including push-ups and sit-ups along with the all the exercises from the previous game which can be used to target the abs, arms, back, legs, glutes and more.
15) Zumba Fitness Rush
Zumba Fitness Rush is a Kinect exclusive fitness game that allows players to replicate all the fun and intensity of Zumba classes in their living room. The best part is that players can burn up to 600 calories an hour during the game which will give their fitness and weight loss efforts a real boost.
In terms of gameplay, Zumba Fitness Rush features 50% more content than Zumba Fitness 2 on the Wii. It contains 42 brand new routines (10 of which are exclusive to the Kinect), 24 different dance styles (including (including Bachata, Bollywood, Latin and Pop), 10 dynamic environments and six Zumba instructors (three of which are exclusive to the Kinect). It also supports both single player and two player co-operative play and makes full use of the Kinect voice commands.
Summary
As you can see, there’s plenty of fitness themed Kinect games out there and all 15 on this list would make a brilliant Christmas gift while also providing the recipient with a gentle incentive to do more exercise and burn a few extra calories each day.
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