Xbox Gaming in South Africa

Microsoft has revealed the final launch line-up of games for Kinect, confirming that 19 Kinect-enabled titles will debut this November along side the Xbox 360 motion controller.

“The line-up of games we are launching along with Kinect delivers an astonishing range of experiences and entertainment which can be enjoyed by everyone,” said Chris Lewis, Vice President of IEB, Microsoft EMEA. “Kinect creates a more natural and responsive experience for people of all interests and skill levels. That’s why we are so excited to offer people something truly unique that exists nowhere else.”

As expected, the list reads like a casual gamer's most wanted, covering everything from dancing and fitness, to rafting and virtual pets. We've done our best to include as much information on the local releases as well, however, please bear in mind that local release dates and pricing are subject to change:

Kinect Adventures
(Microsoft Game Studios / Good Science Studio)

Float in outer space. Experience the thrill of roaring rapids. Tackle mountaintop obstacle courses. And dive into the deep to save a leaky underwater observatory — all from your living room. With “Kinect Adventures,” you are the controller as you jump, dodge and kick your way through exciting adventures set in a variety of exotic locations. Kinect Adventures is designed with something for everyone to enjoy and will be available with every Kinect sensor and Kinect bundle sold. Included with every Kinect sensor.

Release Date: 10 November 2010. Price: R399 RRP

Kinectimals
(Microsoft Game Studios / Frontier Developments Ltd.)

Kinectimals invites children, their parents and animal lovers of all ages to build lasting friendships with some of the world’s most exotic creatures. Just like real pets, your feline cubs will come running when they hear your voice, respond to commands such as “jump,” “roll over” and “play dead,” and purr with joy when you scratch them behind their ears. Limited collector’s editions include a 7-inch plush toy that can be scanned into the game to unlock a new collectible cub.

Release Date: 10 November 2010. Price: R399 RRP

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows - Part 1 The Videogame
(Electronic Arts / EA Bright Light)

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows - Part 1 The Videogame is the most challenging yet, packed from start to finish with action and combat. Playing as Harry, you are on the run from the opening sequence, fighting for survival on a desperate and dangerous quest to locate and destroy Voldemort’s Horcruxes.

Release Date: 19 November 2010. Price: R499 RRP

Game Party: In Motion
(Warner Bros. Interactive)

Game Party: In Motion will take advantage of Kinect for Xbox 360 to make the games totally immersive. All the games are easily accessible to young and old, experienced and casual gamers alike. And since the games are all based on familiar real-life games that virtually everyone has played before, you can get the party started immediately.

Release Date: 26 November 2010. Price: £29.99 UK RRP (Local pricing TBA)

Dance Central
(MTV Games / Harmonix)

From the creators of Rock Band comes the next great music experience: Dance Central, the first controller-free, body tracking, fully-immersive dance video game that helps you take your moves to the next level. Featuring over 90 routines and 650 dance moves, every routine has authentic choreography for beginners and experts alike to master, alongside a killer soundtrack that spans today’s current pop, hip-hop and R&B artists. You won’t just learn the dance moves, you’ll own the dance floor.

Release Date: 10 November 2010. Price: R399 RRP

Your Shape: Fitness Evolved
(Ubisoft)

With Kinect for Xbox 360 and Your Shape: Fitness Evolved, you will experience the most advanced fitness technology available, your way and on your schedule. The advanced feedback system detects when your body is out of alignment and coaches you to correct your form. Personalise your workout, challenge your friends, and share your progress while achieving real results.

Release Date: 10 November 2010. Price: R399 RRP

The Biggest Loser Ultimate Workout
(THQ)

Based on the hit television show, The Biggest Loser comes to Kinect offering the ultimate workout experience. Complete your fitness programme using the interactive motion control sensors providing real-time feedback. From a body analyser to recipes, personalised tips and a video diary to track your journey, The Biggest Loser Ultimate Workout fitness game has it all to drop the weight and change your life.

Release Date: 10 November 2010. Price: R399 RRP

EA SPORTS Active 2
(EA Sports)

EA SPORTS Active 2 with Total Body Tracking will combine motion tracking from Kinect and heart rate data from the included wireless heart rate monitor to provide true fitness results. Users will be able to track and share their workout data online through automatic uploading from their online connected Xbox 360 to their personalised EA SPORTS Active profile.

Release Date: 19 November 2010. Price: R999 RRP

Zumba Fitness
(505 Games / Majesco Entertainment)

Join the party with Zumba Fitness, a one-of-a-kind, dance fitness workout set to sexy, high-energy Latin and international music! Find your rhythm and let go as Zumba instructor fan favourites Gina Grant, Tanya Beardsley and Zumba's creator Beto guide you through 30 routines that will work you into a sweat and make you forget you're even exercising.

Release Date: 26 November 2010. Price: £39.99 UK RRP (Local pricing TBA)

Get Fit With Mel B
(Black Bean Games / Lightning Fish)

Get Fit with Mel B is a comprehensive and energetic customisable workout programme developed in collaboration with Mel B and Fitness First.  It is the only fitness title that brings the player inside the game just beside Mel B as your personal trainer!  It features 199 exercises spanning from aerobics to box-fit and cardio along with a nutritional programme with 140 recipes tailored for each individual user.

Release Date: 26 November 2010 (Dec. in SA). Price: R399 RRP

Dance Evolution
(Konami)

KONAMI introduces a brand new way to experience music and rhythm.  The next generation in full-body dancing is finally here!  DanceEvolution utilises Kinect to give gamers the ultimate dance club right in their living rooms, with no peripherals required!  Choose from several different modes and dance freely with no controller to tie you down.  Play a wide variety of dance music and challenge up to four of your friends online.

Release Date: 10 November 2010. Price: R399 RRP

Dance Paradise
(Mindscape / Smackdown Productions)

The idea is simple: everyone can bust a move on Dance Paradise thanks to an eclectic playlist and dance sequences designed for all tastes and all levels.  The 40 international Hip Hop, Pop, Rock, R&B, Dance tracks will appeal to everyone, from children, parents, fans of classic hits, to even the most die-hard of clubbers, transforming their living room into a dance floor.

Release Date: 10 November 2010. Price: £39.99 UK RRP (Local pricing TBA)

Kinect Sports
(Microsoft Game Studios / Rare)

With Kinect Sports you’re not only the star player, you are the controller — through the magic of Kinect for Xbox 360. The first full-body, controller-free sports game that lets you physically compete with friends over Xbox LIVE, Kinect Sports is so real, you will almost feel the wind in your hair as you fly over hurdles and the sand in your toes as you set, bump and spike your way to volleyball victory.

Release Date: 10 November 2010. Price: R399 RRP

MotionSports
(Ubisoft)

Grab your friends and rush the living room, it is time to catapult into the wide world of Motion Sports. Race down the slopes of a Super G slalom, score a mind-blowing penalty kick, duck-and-run your way to a game-winning touchdown or throw punches at the champ as you test your skills in over 40 awesome sports challenges. Motion Sports live in-game commentary will follow your hits…and misses, as you compete to go from local hero to a global sports phenomenon.

Release Date: 10 November 2010. Price: R399 RRP

Sports Island Freedom
(Konami / Hudson Soft)

Sports Island Freedom marks Hudson Soft’s first use of Kinect technology, and boasts ten new sporting events designed especially for the motion-control system.  Players will compete in specially-created games of Tennis, Boxing, Archery, Paint Ball, Beach Volleyball, Dodge Ball, Kendo, Mogul Skiing, Snowboard Cross and Figure Skating – each of which enjoys a bespoke control system.

Release Date: 26 November 2010 (Jan. 2011 in SA). Price: R399 RRP

Kinect Joy Ride
(Microsoft Game Studios / Big Park)

Kinect Joy Ride, the first controller-free racing game, will take you and your friends on the ride of your lives — no driver’s license required. Kinect Joy Ride combines wild kart racing excitement with the effortless fun of full-body gaming possible only with Kinect for Xbox 360. Go solo, pick up a co-pilot, or compete against up to seven other players over Xbox LIVE to take on the world.

Release Date: 10 November 2010. Price: R399 RRP

Fighters Uncaged
(Ubisoft)

Charge head first into the vicious world of illegal free fighting tournaments, where you will use every muscle in your body to battle your way to the top. Forced into a secret tournament, Simon must use what he learned from his father, an ex-boxing champ as he faces off against violent combatants who will brutally unleash a range of mixed martial arts attacks to take him down. No guns. No blades. Your body is the deadly weapon.

Release Date: 10 November 2010. Price: R399 RRP

Sonic Free Riders
(SEGA)

Sonic is speeding onto Kinect for Xbox 360 in an action-packed experience unlike any other. Become your favourite character as you jump on your board and compete in adrenaline-fuelled races against tough competition. For the first time use full-motion body control to twist and turn your way through a range of stunning courses.

Release Date: 10 November 2010. Price: £49.99 UK RRP (Local pricing TBA)

Crossboard 7
(Konami)

High-speed Crossboard racing! Control the ride with your own moves and perform cool tricks!  Play solo or challenge a friend in heated two-player battles! 7 crazy game modes and 7 worlds to race across!  A full body Kinect experience!

Release Date: 10 November 2010 (Jan. 2011 in SA). Price: R399 RRP

So, are you going to get Kinect? If so, what games are looking forward to? Let us know in the comments!

Kinect is scheduled to launch in South Africa on 10 November for a recommended retail price of R1999.