The Kinect leaves behind a convoluted legacy. Other businesses attempted to emulate the Nintendo Wii’s success in providing motion control “fun” to millions of homes. At the very least, Microsoft wanted to expand on this idea by developing a peripheral that would make use of full motion control and even speech recognition capabilities. Along with a plethora of Kinect games, the resulting Kinect was met with great excitement and promise. The Kinect would go on to sell quite well initially, quickly surpassing the 10 million units threshold, but it soon encountered a long list of problems.
Even in its early success, the Kinect had two main issues: very few Xbox 360 owners purchased one, and while some of the early games were well-received, the majority of titles—even the finest ones—were lighthearted entertainment meant for families and children. The fact that the majority of the Kinect games published were bland cash-grabs that did little to fully exploit the potential of the device compounded the limited appeal of the games itself and sales that finally stagnated.
The majority of the games we cover here are either dance or sports-related. Although there was nothing wrong with either of those items, it was obvious that Kinect’s appeal to Xbox owners would be limited. The attempt by Microsoft to impose the Kinect 2.0 on Xbox One customers was met with complete failure, which may have given Sony the upper hand in the console war. By 2017, the Kinect was all but obsolete in terms of Xbox consoles.
However, this is an intriguing tale. The Kinect may have been more successful if more developers had made an effort to create some excellent games for it, based on the selection of titles that showcase the best of what the device had to offer.
Top 20 Kinect Games of All Time
In this article you can find out the best Kinect Games list are below.
20. Kinect Rush: A Disney-Pixar Adventure
Developer: Asobo Studio
Publisher: Microsoft
Though it’s not quite as good as many of the other Kinect games that were launched at the same time, Kinect Rush: A Disney-Pixar Adventure is still a nice example of the usual Kinect game. The gaming experience is excellent, the graphics are strong, and the game runs well on a controller. It’s an excellent family title because it’s a local cooperative play. Even though there are occasionally the typical Kinect feedback problems, this is a really pleasant place to be.
Additionally, Kinect Rush: A Disney-Pixar Adventure highlights a major issue that a lot of these games had. Despite having more repeat value than you might imagine, the game nevertheless has trouble striking the ideal mix between actual gameplay and physical movement.
19. Kinect Joy Ride
Developer: Big Park Inc.
Publisher: Microsoft
Kinect Joy Ride, one of the Xbox 360’s debut titles for Kinect, claimed to be the first racing game that could be played hands-free. It doesn’t matter if that is accurate or not. The amount of enjoyment the game can have from the beginning is what counts both then and now.
The quick gratification of being able to play Kinect Joy Ride almost immediately cannot be disputed, even though the Kinect’s inherent imperfections—which we shall discuss multiple times over our examination of the greatest Kinect games—may lead to the typical issues.
18. Just Dance 2015
Developer: Ubisoft
Publisher: Ubisoft
We sincerely hope that you are an avid dance game player, as discussing the Kinect would be incomplete without addressing the countless dance titles that have been made available for the system. Out of all the Just Dance games available for the Kinect, the 2015 version has received the best reviews according to Amazon. We’ll accept that, however bear in mind that the gameplay of almost every Just Dance game is the identical.
That being said, there are still some advancements in Just Dance 2015 over its predecessors. Fans will undoubtedly notice such enhancements, but everyone else will be delighted by the 45 songs and the images’ exuberant energy.
17. Toy Story Mania!
Developer: High Voltage Software
Publisher: Disney Interactive Studio
Disney established itself as a dependable Kinect game producer, reinforcing the notion that the system was primarily intended for children’s entertainment. You’ll probably enjoy yourself with Toy Story Mania if that kind of thing doesn’t really bother you! The release aimed to replicate the 4D park experience by offering players the same midway-themed minigames that they would play at the real attraction, which is based on the bicoastal Disney attraction.
Toy Story Extinction! fulfills this specific goal with success. The visual appeal and opportunity for competition in the minigames itself more than make up for the game’s lack of complexity.
16. Dragon Ball Z: for Kinect
Developer: Spike Chunsoft
Publisher: Namco-Bandai
There was so much more that could have been done with a Dragon Ball Z game for the Kinect than what we eventually received in Dragon Ball Z: for Kinect. There’s a lot of potential enjoyment here, even though the game has some depth issues and has an extremely difficult learning curve at times, which are exacerbated by the Kinect’s inconsistent reaction. if you’re prepared to put up with a little annoyance.
Dragon Ball Z: for Kinect has its obligatory and incredibly satisfying moments when everything comes together, even though it’s far from flawless. It’s one of the best Kinect fighting game attempts because it has an interesting plot and amazing graphics.
15. Game Party: In Motion
Developer: FarSight Technologies
Publisher: Warner Bros Interactive Entertainment
Minigame collections make up a large portion of the best Kinect games. Game Party: In Motion is not one of those whose quality is wildly inconsistent. Although there are sixteen activities in this title, some of which are undoubtedly better than others—such as Horseshoes, Soccer, Hoop Shot, and the humorously called Smack-a-Troll—the overall impression is positive. This was one of the most accurate representations of the Kinect’s capabilities under ideal conditions.
Multiplayer games are especially entertaining. Game Party: In Motion is a solid party game for the Kinect, even though there may not be much to do with it after the initial games.
14. Kinect Party
Developer: Double Fine Productions
Publisher: Microsoft
Kinect Party was one of the best games available when the Kinect first came out, just for the multiplayer enjoyment alone. Young children will love Kinect Party’s vibrant graphics and upbeat vibe. Nevertheless, an effort was made to make the games enjoyable for adults to play as well, in contrast to some of the party game collections available for the peripheral.
Select the particular games you want to play with your loved ones, or quickly go through a number of them. Kinect Party’s motion controls are incredibly responsive, highlighting in a unique way how valuable Kinect games maintained playability and fun without compromising either.
13. FRU
Developer: Through Games
Publisher: Through Games
One of the finest games published in the latter stages of the Kinect’s life, Fru made use of both the Kinect sensor and the Xbox One gamepad. It was a difficult, unique example of a game that may profit from clever Kinect use. The objective of the game is to use your silhouette to open portals so that you can choose your next action. This is a hybrid puzzle-solving and platforming game where body alignment is key to success.
And what do you know? Most of the time, this combination works. Because it was released at a time when most people had moved on from the Kinect, it’s one of the most underappreciated games we’ve looked at.
12. Sonic Free Riders
Developer: Sonic Team
Publisher: Sega
Sonic Free Riders is a tremendously enjoyable racing that might very well appeal to players on its own merits, without depending entirely on the Kinect as a gimmick. But this Sonic Riders sequel has the potential to be something quite special because it uses the Kinect to control your hoverboard or bike across a variety of difficult, artistically stunning tracks. This was Sega’s best attempt at creating for the Kinect, and it’s not hard to believe that Sonic would have performed even better with the device with a little tweaking.
To make up for the initially annoying learning curve in Sonic Free Riders, there is an entertaining story mode. This racing game will take some getting accustomed to, but it’s worth a try.
11. Kinect: Disneyland Adventures
Developer: Frontier Developments
Publisher: Microsoft Studios
Another delightful game that features renowned Disney characters and Disneyland attractions is Kinect: Disneyland Adventures, which perfectly captures the atmosphere and enthusiasm of a trip to a Disney park. Like many other Kinect games for the Xbox One and 360, the game is made up of a number of minigames. However, Disneyland Adventures genuinely aims to be immersive, which sets it apart from many other games.
Kinect: Disneyland Adventures has the ability to temporarily transport you to the purportedly Happiest Place on Earth. Though practically everyone can find themselves enjoying the real material, children will undoubtedly find the artwork appealing.
10. Kinectimals
Developer: Frontier Developments
Publisher: Microsoft
Kinectimals is a cute title, despite its body horror -sounding name. The game was one of the highlights of the Kinect’s initial release and was one of the launch titles. Kinectimals, a game that was evidently created with the goal of summarizing everything that the Kinect could accomplish, begins with the endearing notion of giving you responsibility for a pack of cubs on the island of Lemuria. Imagine Nintendogs, except instead of using your hands to interact with your animals (like caressing them), you’ll be able to play a variety of minigames and take part in a very light story.
Although Kinectimals is plainly intended for younger players, it’s not hard to see it appealing to most anyone who appreciates an animal simulation game.
9. Child of Eden
Developer: Q ENTERTAINMENT
Publisher: Ubisoft
In Child of Eden, your task is to safeguard the recollections and experiences of a deceased woman named Lumi, as well as the expansive virtual environment known as Eden. The game is a five-stage rail shooter with amazing visuals and just enough challenge and unlockables to make it more than a gimmick.
The fact that Child of Eden may be played with or without a Kinect makes it an intriguing game. The game was an attempt to show that the Kinect, especially on the Xbox One, could be used for purposes other than entertaining kids’ games and physical challenges. It’s funny to note that a lot of players said Child of Eden worked better with the Kinect than it did with conventional controllers.
8. Rise of Nightmares
Developer: Sega
Publisher: Sega
When Rise of Nightmares was released in September 2011, it wasn’t particularly successful . Even with the advantage of hindsight, we can agree that’s unfortunate. It’s an amazing combination of concepts, even though the game’s use of the Kinect—which lets players run, toss objects, unlock doors, and do a lot more in a realistic horror movie setting—isn’t flawless. Even in the best of situations, it was games like this one that led some people to conclude that the Kinect had a place in the world.
Despite its seeming lackluster quality, Rise of Nightmares is a minor treasure that is often overlooked. It is one of the games on Kinect that you should play right now.
7. D4: Dark Dreams Don’t Die
Developer: Access Games
Publisher: Microsoft
A point-and-click mystery game with unexpected depth, D4: Dark Dreams Don’t Die centers on a time-traveling private investigator named David Young. The fact that this type of setting is unique to this title among the finest Kinect games only serves to highlight its richness. Here, the Kinect’s motion capabilities really come into their own, with easy-to-use instructions and controls that maintain the object’s course.
Though it would be a shame if you didn’t, playing D4: Dark Dreams Don’t Die with the Kinect is not required. With its quirky characters and cel-shaded graphics, D4 offers a chance to experience the Kinect in a more nostalgic way. Discover, gather objects, interact with the many strange characters you’ll meet along the road, and take part in a genuinely original mystery.
6. Dance Central 3
Developer: Harmonix
Publisher: Harmonix
Games using music and rhythm were abundant on the Xbox Kinect. To the extent that these games are often recalled as being the majority of the titles that were published. Even if our analysis of the games we’ve played so far has shown that’s not totally accurate, it’s undeniable that titles like Dance Central 3 frequently stand as some of the best instances of Kinect games done right.
Whether you like or dislike these games, Dance Central 3 is possibly the greatest in the series. Whichever of these games you choose to play, the basic idea is always the same, however this third one nailed the concept and approach to fun more than the others. Dance Central 3 is going to be one of the best games you’ve ever played in your sweaty life if dancing and working out are your top priorities.
5. Kinect Sports
Developer: Rare
Publisher: Microsoft
Despite the title’s extreme ambiguity, Kinect Sports offers a truly captivating experience. Three distinct game modes and an assortment of athletic activities are available, each of which highlights a different component of the Kinect. It’s evident from the 17 launch games available for the add-on that Microsoft was going straight for the Nintendo Wii. Even though there aren’t many distinctions between Kinect Sports and Wii Sports, Microsoft and Rare’s interpretation of the idea may still be incredibly entertaining.
Although playing Kinect Sports with friends is obviously the most fun, it’s still simple to get started and enjoy yourself by yourself. If you do choose to play alone, the adaptable AI opponents will offer a fun and challenging game.
4. Kinect Adventures
Developer: Good Science Studio
Publisher: Microsoft
More sporting fun awaits you with Kinect Adventures, one of the most popular launch titles (being the pack-in title helped a little). But the game is more than just a collection of Kinect athletic-like athletic tasks. Compared to what you could anticipate seeing with the Xbox 360 Kinect in November 2010, there is a significant increase in variety.
Kinect Adventures is the ideal assortment of party games, and its one-player option is honestly intriguing enough to whet your appetite. There isn’t quite enough Kinect Adventures, which is the only major issue with it. For many Kinect games, this would be a notable problem, but it might be argued that it’s much more annoying when the game is already really fantastic.
3. Fruit Ninja Kinect
Developer: Halfbrick Studios
Publisher: Microsoft
Fruit Ninja Kinect was an adaptation of a concept that was originally developed for smartphones; this specific entry was designed to be compatible with the Kinect. Fruit Kinect Ninja is more of the same, which makes the original Fruit Ninja entertaining if a touch superficial.
So why is it ranked so highly? Within the Xbox Kinect game genre, Fruit Ninja Kinect’s mechanics and aesthetics combine to provide one of the Kinect’s most completely engrossing arcade-style experiences during its brief and frustrating life. Nothing too complex here, and that’s okay for this specific instance. It was not to be the case that the Fruit Ninja Kinect served as a strong preface to greater and better things for the Kinect.
2. Kinect Star Wars
Developer: Terminal Reality
Publisher: LucasArts
Kinect Star Wars’ decision to have Han Solo dance as if no one is watching serves as a helpful reminder of how ridiculous and stupid these films actually are. This is advantageous. Though Kinect Star Wars has several flaws, the gameplay and variety of modes make up for it. Overall, it’s another one of those “Well, it’s not perfect, but—” games.
Hardcore fans who don’t take the Star Wars brand too seriously will find plenty of entertainment value in Kinect Star Wars, which faithfully recreates the visual elements of the film series. Playing the obstacles, races, and challenges is entertaining. We can honestly only find one grievance with this game—that there isn’t a little bit more to enjoy—because it is that good.
1. The Gunstringer
Developer: Twisted Pixel Games
Publisher: Microsoft
The Gunstringer is one of the greatest Kinect games ever made. This third-person rail shooter is unlike anything else we’ve covered here in terms of pleasure, extreme addiction, and visually appealing gameplay. The portrayal of a wild west gunslinger facing a range of adversaries and circumstances in The Gunstringer exhibits a genuine and humorous sense of humor. The Gunstringer appears to be the most intriguing Kinect game ever created.
However, this game is more than simply smart graphics and nonstop arcade action. The Gunstringer was made available about a year into the 360 Kinect’s life. Although it was a sign that games and technology were improving, the accessory was by that point little more than a niche that Microsoft wasn’t prepared to sustain in the long run.
The Kinect probably would have lasted far longer if additional games had been as entertaining as The Gunstringer.