Kinectimals is a game you cannot play without Kinect. The game is developed by Frontier Developments, who have also developed games such as LostWinds and Rollercoaster Tycoon 3.
The games story revolves around you arriving on an island where a previous captain had searched for a hidden treasure. The character you play as, ‘yourself’ is a treasure hunter, upon arriving at the island you are greeted by a few cubs of different breeds before being introduced to islands carer ‘Bumble’. Bumble appears to be a cross between a fairy and a cat (ish thing) who introduces you to the island and how things work. Not too long after a brief intro you are given the option to choose your cub.A few seconds and you are patting and petting, after that choosing a name, before being led off to play in the meadow.
The game has you play, pet, clean, teach and love your new virtual pet. Upon doing these actions a bar at the top of the screen will fill and unlock more areas for you to explore with your new fluffy friend. The games mechanics work pretty well, lying down can and will result (while in the field with said companion) in your virtual pet playing dead. Little response issues are found as long as you do remember to set up the Kinect properly. There are various mini games spread throughout to give you some more activities and fill that bar a tiny bit more. These mini games involve throwing a ball to hit objects, kicking a football at bubbles and driving your companion on a RC car around a track.
The main issue with Kinectimals is how much you actually get to interact with your pet itself, once you throw your first few toys they will immediately run to the side and grab another and because it is a new toy(even if it is a remodel of another) you cannot help but try it at least once. You find yourself exhausted and tired before being able to pet and rub your pet and teach them some tricks. In short Kinectimals almost gives you too much to do, rather than focusing on a main goal with some extras.
The game overall is very ‘kiddy’ in the sense of the term, bright colourful and oh so interactive. Although this does not stop Kinectimals being one of the games anyone can and will play, whether they admit to playing it is another thing.The game is a great pick up for anyone with children and those that wish to hide it in the bottom of the cupboard when they have guests over.Too much has been crammed into the game steering it away from its path and turning into a game rather than a pet simulation
Disclaimer:All scores given within our reviews are based on the artist’s personal opinion; this should in no way impede your decision to purchase the game.
