All Articles: Kinect Star Wars

When was the last time you tried to use The Force to reach your television remote? Was it when you were a little kid? Or was it yesterday? I’m betting on the latter.

Next week, Microsoft and LucasArts will make The Force an ally of gamers everywhere when Kinect Star Wars launches for the Xbox 360. It may not make your remote easier to reach, but it will make The Force feel more real than any game before.

Want proof? Check out the game’s launch trailer up top.

Following up on their Chris Pratt vs Darth Vader trailer, Microsoft and LucasArts have a good feeling about their latest real life/Star Wars mashup. This time, a little girl finds your lack of faith disturbing.

She brings Vader’s Dark Side powers to life as the controller… and you will too, come April 3, when Kinect Star Wars finally comes out.

Here it is, the moment you’ve all been waiting for – or at least, the moment I’ve been trying to patient wait for. Microsoft’s Major Nelson has announced on his blog that Kinect Star Wars and the R2-D2 Xbox 360 bundle will be released on April 3.

Microsoft also released some more details about the game itself. In addition to the three previously announced modes – Jedi Destiny: Dark Side Rising, Podracing, and Rancor Rampage – there are also two new modes, Galactic Dance Off and Duels of Fate. The Galactic Dance Off mode has me nervous, because it’s described thus: “loaded with Star Wars-themed pop tunes where those still honing their Jedi skills can take a break to battle Darth Vader on the dance floor or bust a move ‘Solo style.'”

I don’t know what Solo style is, and I don’t want to know. I do know that the system bundle will include an exclusive unlockable C-3PO for Galactic Dance Off mode. The game will have full 3D support, and you can get a sneak preview of it at select AMC theaters on Saturday, February 11, to coincide with the 3D release of Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace.

I don’t want anything to do with any of that. I just want the system and the controller. Sorry, Han – I just can’t handle your solo style.

You know, I think I could used to Hollywood actors invading my video game trailers. Especially after this week’s Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 trailer featuring Rob Riggle and this “trailer” for Kinect Star Wars starring Chris Pratt of “Parks and Recreation.”

I say “trailer” because it’s just an excuse for Pratt to make a mockery of the Darth Vader/Obi-Wan Kenobi duel from Star Wars. Kinect Star Wars isn’t even hinted at until the tag at the end.

But so what? If this trailer were placed on Ron Swanson’s Pyramid of Greatness, it would be near the top.

Is it time to rejoice, my fellow Star Wars nerds? It looks like Kinect Star Wars may just have a release date – which means that ridiculously amazing Xbox 360 Limited Edition Kinect Star Wars Bundle may have one, too! Walmart has a February 7 release date listed for the game and bundle, while Kmart has the same date for the game. I can’t even find the bundle on Amazon right now (it’s actually been pulled), and the game still just says it will be released in December 2012.

I’m thinking February 7 is the date. With the recently released ESRB Rating Summary, it’s clear moving and shaking is happening – possibly literally and figuratively. I’ve been holding out on buying a 360 since this bundle was announced, determined that this will be my first ever Xbox. And with a March birthday, this is pretty awesome timing, Microsoft. Thanks for thinking of me.

OK, we don’t know for sure that you’ll be dancing for Jabba in Kinect Star Wars, but the recently released ESRB Rating Summary confirms that the game will include a “dancing mini-game” with “revealing outfits.” Sure sounds like the Jabba’s Palace scene from Return of the Jedi to me:

In the dancing mini-game, some female characters perform suggestive moves (e.g., gyrating their hips/buttocks) and wear revealing outfits (partially exposed cleavage/buttocks).

So allow me to amend the headline to say “Dance for Jabba in Kinect Star Wars while your character wears Leia’s gold bikini!” (OK, we don’t know that either, but I know you’re all thinking it).

Yeah, this is going to be the greatest Star Wars game ever.