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Best Kinect Shooter Games

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Shooter Games For The Kinect

What exactly are the best Kinect shooter games?

Well, so far, there aren't a whole lot of shooter games for the new Xbox motion controller. However, there are plenty of great Kinect games on the horizon. We'll just have to wait and see which ones turn out to be the best!

But just because there aren't a ton of shooter games available yet doesn't mean there aren't great Kinect games out there. Check out the list to see what's available and coming soon.

You might also be interested in this list of Kinect fighting games.

UPDATE: Heavy Fire: Afghanistan has been removed from this list, as it's no longer scheduled to have Kinect connectivity.

Best Kinect Shooter Games

Mass Effect 3

Mixed-Review FPS/Adventure Game

Mass Effect 3

Amazon Price: $29.99 (as of 05/29/2012)
List Price: $59.99

You've probably heard about Mass Effect 3 by now, and if not, well, you might want to look into it, if only to learn more about the controversial storyline. If you haven't purchased this title yet, you might not know about the Kinect-enabled in-game voice commands. Probably not the sole reason to get the game, but they are a fun addition.

What Is the Best Kinect Shooter Game?

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Update: It seems like Heavy Fire: Afghanistan most likely won't be Kinect game (source). Still waiting for an official announcement.

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Binary Domain

Immerse in Voice Control

Binary Domain

Amazon Price: $33.81 (as of 05/30/2012)
List Price: $59.95

This game recently debuted to great reviews, although it hasn't enjoyed as much wide-spread popularity as Mass Effect. Again, the only thing Kinect-related in Binary Domain is the voice-control; we're not getting a fully-integrated Kinect shooter yet. Think of the "Kinect-connectivity" as icing on the cake of an already great game.

Kinect Voice Control: Mass Effect vs. Binary Domain

#5: Child of Eden

Trippy Kinect-Enable Shooter

Okay, so this game was only recently brought to my attention, as it's not a Kinect-specific games (like the others on this list); you can play it with the Kinect, but you can also play it with a controller.

Child Of Eden

Amazon Price: $8.99 (as of 05/30/2012)
List Price: $39.99

Developed by the visionary game designer Tetsuya Mizuguchi, this title combines amazing visual experiences with pounding techno-club music and a somewhat abstract "shooter on rails" style of gameplay. Abstract as in, you are "shooting" "bad guys," but it appears as if you're shooting light beams at the contents of an aquarium filled with luminescent sea creatures. This is definitely the least literal of the Kinect games I've seen.

Child of Eden Gameplay Demo

You Have To See It To Believe

#4: Halo - Combat Evolved Anniversary

Limited Kinect Connectivity

Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary

Amazon Price: $25.70 (as of 05/29/2012)
List Price: $39.99

Okay, so I definitely wouldn't call Halo a "Kinect game" as it's currently implemented. However, there is some interesting Kinect compatibility that you might want to know about. Most of it has to do with in-game voice commands, such as changing contrast, brightness level, or switching to the classic game view. There's also a Library feature that you can only access if you have a Kinect. Check out this video on Joystiq for more info.

#3: Blackwater

Standard Controller and Kinect Compatible

Blackwater

Amazon Price: $19.52 (as of 05/29/2012)
List Price: $29.99

This shooting game can be played with both the Kinect and a regular Xbox 360 controller. After a somewhat rough start, especially since the title isn't part of an existing franchise, Kinect owners have caught onto this title, as it's certainly one of the most fully actualized of the Kinect shooter titles on this list. 123Kinect has a great writeup and gameplay video that provide great insight into Blackwater.

#2: Kinect Star Wars

A Great Franchise, Somewhat Mistreated

Kinect Star Wars

Amazon Price: $41.88 (as of 05/29/2012)
List Price: $49.99

Star Wars for the Kinect combines the great action that we've come to expect from Star Wars games with the excellent motion control capabilities of the Kinect. It's somewhat similar to Star Wars: The Force Unleashed II, but with controls that aren't quite as well-implemented. Worth a look, but try not to get your hopes up too much. Learn more about reactions to this title on Gamespot

Star Wars Kinect Han Solo Dance

(Yes, This Is Real)

Okay, so I know this isn't necessarily the most helpful of Kinect Star Wars videos. But I think it's something that everyone interested in the game needs to see.

And the #1 Kinect Shooter Game Is...

... The Gunstringer!

#1: The Gunstringer

Brought to You by Twisted Pixel

The Gunstringer is the first Kinect game to bring the awesome artistic styles and interesting sense of humor of Twisted Pixel Games to the Kinect. One of the more special aspects of this upcoming game is the different play modes that are available, including a "No-Fail Mode" for beginners, and a "Hardcore Mode" for people who like to be, in a word, abused by the games they play.

This shooter game has an interesting dynamic: it allows you to act as a "puppeteer" for the character, controlling the motions with movements of your hand. The game includes both 2D and 3D playing environments. For more information, check out the Gunstringer website.

Gunstringer

Amazon Price: $19.99 (as of 05/30/2012)
List Price: $39.99

This game allows you to be a "puppeteer" controlling the on-screen action with movements from your hand. It's also the first Western-style shooter designed for the Kinect. You get to control an interesting skeleton puppet and help him make his way through a variety of fascinating environments. And why not control a skeleton cowboy puppet, after all?

Gunstringer: Trailer

Watch the Preview!

This video really brings to life all that the Kinect has to offer.

Kinect Games in the News

More Great Kinect Game Sites

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If you're interested in learning more about the types of Kinect games that are available, these sites will help you find what you're looking for.

Thoughts on the Best Kinect Shooter Games?

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biggking May 28, 2012 @ 7:41 am | delete

The Gunstringer... is that a good game?!

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emmalarkins May 28, 2012 @ 4:26 pm | delete

It's a great game! It's got a fun vibe, it's very well done, and has a unique type of gameplay. However, like with other Kinect games, the type of repetitive motions it requires can get tiring after a while. I suggest checking out the reviews on Amazon to find out if it's a good fit for you.

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Edutopia Jan 26, 2012 @ 4:50 am | delete

Shooters look like a great way to show some of the less obvious conceptual boundaries that the Kinect can push if they are executed properly. Can't wait to see waht this genre has to offer in the coming years.