Launch Station: Star Wars Kinect

The Kinect has been a great success for Microsoft.  Capitalizing on the success of the Wii and motion gaming, Microsoft suckered a lot of casual gamers into their motion-sensing camera.  Other than the Dance Central games, Child of Eden and a few other games, there has been next to nothing made for the Kinect that has justified it's over-priced 150 dollar price tag.  Championed by Microsoft as the Kinect's killer app, Star Wars Kinect looks to get Kinect owners to dust off their camera and fulfill motion gaming's ultimate fantasy, swinging a lightsaber with a flick of your wrist.

The main hook of Star Wars Kinect is using your body to control the various characters and vehicles from the Star Wars universe.  You can also use your voice to issue additional commands.  The game mainly takes place during the events of Episodes I through III, but there is one level that takes place during the events of Episode V.  In the game, players will be able to face the infamous Sith Lord, Darth Vader in a one-on-one lightsaber duel.  Star Wars Kinect is broken up into five campaigns.  These campaigns are Jedi Destiny (use your lightsaber and the force to take on the evil forces of the Sith), Rancor Rampage (control a Rancor to destroy various environments), Pod Racing (self explanatory), Galactic Dance Off (a Dance Central rip-off) and Duels of Fate (fight in one-on-one lightsaber duels).

From what I have seen on Star Wars Kinect, it would make any self-respecting Star Wars fan weep.  It is a stupid mini-game collection targeted towards younger kids yet it is rated T for Teen (think about for a few moments).  Since it was initially showed off at E3 2010, it has been the laughing stock of the game industry and some gamers will realize why tomorrow.  I can see younger kids enamored with Star Wars looking past the game's many debaucheries of this legendary universe (just look at the gameplay for the Galactic Dance-Off).  I honestly cannot see any self-respecting gamer playing this game for longer than a minute before quitting in a fit of rage.  At least the only good thing that may come from Star Wars Kinect is that amazing Star Wars Xbox 360, which also releases tomorrow.