NOW CLOSED Xbox 360 with Kinect Disneyland Adventures and Pixar Rush games - tester review thread

[TheOtherHelenMumsnet]

This thread is for the 8 testers who are trying out the XBox 360, Kinect games console with Kinect Disneyland Adventures and Pixar Rush games.

We hope you're enjoying the testing! As you know, we've asked you to post two lots of feedback on this thread, as well as doing your video and photo feedback. Below are some initial questions for you to answer now, we'll post some further questions later on that we'd like you to answer at the end of the two-week test once you've had a chance to put the Xbox to the test fully! Please also feel free to leave any other comments you may have.

All testers who add both sets of feedback to this thread (and do their video and photo feedback) will be entered into a prize draw to win: Kinect Adventures, Kinectimals, Kinect Joyride, Star Wars, Dance Central game, Lips I Love the 80'S (1 mike bundle), Xbox Live 2100 points, and 12 month Xbox LIVE Gold membership (RRP £378).

Initial impressions:
Q1. What was your DC's initial reaction to being able to test the Xbox 360 and Kinect games console?

Q2. How easy or difficult did you find the setting up process?

Q3. What were your first impressions of the Xbox 360, Kinect and Kinect Disneyland Adventures and Pixar Rush games?

Q4. The first time your DC(s) played on the Xbox and Kinect, how did they get on?

If you're not a tester, please keep your eye on this thread because we'll be opening it up to everyone to share their thoughts on Xbox in the next couple of weeks and there'll be more prizes up for grabs.

Thanks,
MNHQ

Hi there! Firstly, thank you ever so much for letting us test this.... we are so very pleased to have the opportunity

Q1. What was your DC's initial reaction to being able to test the Xbox 360 and Kinect games console?

They were totally over the moon. They could not have been any happier if we'd won a trip to Disneyland or lots of money, seriously. They were whooping for joy and it was possibly the best (Easter) pressie ever!

However, would say that DS started to display decidedly autistic, obsessive compulsive behaviour before and when it arrived. XBox360 became virtually his only topic of conversation until it was set up....And then as soon it was set up he was planning on buying FIFA 12 - never mind that we had been generously given games too! Anyway needless to say FIFA 12 is shelved probably until Christmas and we shall be concentrating on the games we've been lucky enough to be sent ;-)

Oh and DS does rather seem to have taken it for granted that it will be his....he has been firmly reminded that it's a family games console! Needless to say it has upped his cool credibility amongst his friends.

Q2. How easy or difficult did you find the setting up process?

It was a thorough process to set it up because you are forced to set up XBox Live Account but it seemed a lot simpler than setting up the Wii because the controller is easier and more effective to use!

Q3. What were your first impressions of the Xbox 360, Kinect and Kinect Disneyland Adventures and Pixar Rush games?

Needless to say despite never having played on one before both the DCs found it a lot easier to navigate and play than their aged parents! DD understood the logic of it but seemed to have a few problems with activating the KINECT mode (because Mummy was rattling away on the PC keyboard at the other end of the room!) but then she was well away. DS has a natural affinity with all things technical and took to it like a duck to water.

Of course DD liked the idea of the Disneyland Adventures whereas DS was a lot keener on the Pixar Rush games - there's a surprise!

Q4. The first time your DC(s) played on the Xbox and Kinect, how did they get on?

Had one session yesterday and DW came downstairs this morning to discover that DS has already managed to download a trial version of FIFA 12 - aaargh. So as you can see he's well and truly got the hang of it.... We've been out today but will have another session this evening so may add some more to this question.

Just adding my two pennith!

We have Disneyland Adventures and whilst we love it, we do find walking is a bit hit and miss....sometimes it responds and sometimes it doesn't. Plus it doesn't always recognise my smaller children and we have to use the controller and do it manually.

Hello fellow testers. Just marking my place, and will return with feedback if I can drag the DC away from the XBOX

Q1. Open-mouthed and super-excited! Plus lots of pestering about how soon it would arrive.

Q2. It was very straightforward to plug in and set up. Unlike the previous poster, I didn?t have to join Xbox Live ? in fact we are going to set it up later. I have connected to wifi, which was straightforward. The hardest bit was trying to navigate around the menus, set up user profiles and avatars, and to actually get playing with Kinect. That bit was quite stressful, with DC running in and out of the play zone and waving arms around randomly.

Q3. First impression was that the box itself was quite bulky, compared to our other console, but the Kinect sits quite discreetly in front of the TV. The games looked fun, the most appealing bit was to be a Cars character.

Q4. We started with Disneyland, and found it very frustrating to use, with players dropping in and out of the game for no apparent reason, or changing character. Still, we managed to interact with the Disney characters ? the dancing and posing for photos was hilarious. Played a few levels, which were fun. The main problem was finding how to exit the game. Still haven?t worked it out, so just turn the console off .

Pixar Rush was better. Loved the body scan, despite the fact that the hair/face looked nothing like us, the clothes colours were good. Shame it?s only two player, as it would be a fab party game. Again we had the problem of players dropping out.

Overall we were impressed that the Xbox is such a family-friendly console, with the Kinect. Lots of active gaming going on with the DC and visitors. In fact, there has always been at least two players at any time.

I just wanted to say thank you again, I know this would have been a popular one so to get picked for it is amazing!
Q1. What was your DC's initial reaction to being able to test the Xbox 360 and Kinect games console?
Very excited!! When I first told them, they werent quite sure what to make of it mind you, but when the man chapped at the door with it, they pretty much hovered around until I had it up and running! They had also seen the games advertised on the tv previously so I think they were more excited about them-they love all the Pixar movies. I dont know about the kids, but Im already thinking about which games to get.

Q2. How easy or difficult did you find the setting up process?
The plugging in all the bits was quite easy-we have other consoles so I have done all that before. It did take me a while to realise that I had to set up profiles, but I got there in the end! In fact I was quite chuffed with myself as I usually leave all the internet type stuff to dp, and I managed to get xbox live set up. I also liked having the parental controls (which have been activated as dd has a habit of 'pushing buttons' to see what they do, and lo and behold you have bought something!)

Q3. What were your first impressions of the Xbox 360, Kinect and Kinect Disneyland Adventures and Pixar Rush games?
I quite like it!! its great not having to hold a controller all the time. ds1 and dd seem to have the hang of it, but I think ds2 may take a bit longer-he just giggled the whole time and couldnt do it properly! We have quite limited space in the living room but we managed to play on 2player quite well. We have only played Rush at the minute (though not for very long as we had to quit one of the challenges-it was just too hard!) but the dcs seemed to be having fun. The Kinect is sometimes difficult to get started up-I seem to do a funny dance just to get it on, but Im sure ill figure out the right way to wave at it. Also like the voice activation-I dont have to do different accents just to get it working like I do with other voice controlled things. (I have a very broad Fife accent which I dont think is practical for voice activation!)

Q4. The first time your DC(s) played on the Xbox and Kinect, how did they get on?
They got on fine. They played one player to start with just to get the hang of it-they tend to get closer and closer to the tv-but it was good that there was a wee box that came up telling you to move back. When on 2player, ds1 and dd worked really well-they were actually managing to do the tasks for the game and not batter into each other. Like Chippy, we did have problems with players dropping out but I think its mainly caused by my wandering dog! ds2 is still to have a proper go on it. I think that once he gets over the giggling fits he'll be fine. Im hoping he finds it easier than other consoles as he wont have to figure out buttons, he'll just get to prance about like an eejit-just like mummy!!

Hi Mnhq. As you know we were thrilled to be chosen for the product test. I had resisted purchasing any of these console type games because I thought it would make them sit motionless in front of the television for longer than I'd like. So far my observations have been quite the opposite. The Xbox and kinect has encouraged the opposite! In fact they were positively out of breath after playing the games.

The children (and the husband;))!were very excited when I told them about the product test. As I said we are really a no computer game household so they were thrilled. My eldest had seen the Xbox Disney adverts in the tv so new what I was talking about instantly. I showed the my ds the pixar rush advert and he was keen to try this game, mainly because of lightening McQueen.

I thought the setting up process was surprisingly simple. It really takes you through it step by step. We registered for Xbox live too, and have already downloaded the bbc I player app. The console seems to do a lot more than I expected and is more than just a game playing platform. More of an entire entertainment system. We set up avatars and profiles for each member of the family. This took some time to navigate but I guess you only have to do it once.

So far they are getting to grips well with the kinect sensor and how to navigate the games. My dd (6) mastered it really quickly. The voice activation is a neat addition too. Like the previous poster, my two keep moving forward when playing the games, so the triangle telling them to move back is great, saves any frustration when their movements are not picked up by the sensor. My ds (4) is loving the games but he takes a but longer to understand the way the sensor works. I think this depends on the game they are playing, though.

So far so good, and I'll report back shortly on the Disney and Pixar games...

Can someone tell me how to get to the actual games on The Disney game? We've got all the autographs we need ;)!

Thank you Lucewheel

First of all we would like to thank you for giving us the chance to experience X-box kinect!

1. My DC were very excited to be able to play on the Kinect games - in fact they didn't quite believe me until it arrived.

1. My DS was quite in charge and set it up with no problems.

1. First impressions were that it was alot of fun - the DC loved being able to create their characters and We all loved the Rush game - it was a novelty to be able to throw boulders, slide and run being a superhero! That was fab!

1. My DD says 'it was fine' but as a first time observer, I thought it was alittle confusing at first, and they seemed to come to blows as they disagreed on certain things...

Follow up questions to follow - thank you very much x

Sorry for the slight delay in providing initial feedback - I had organised lots of playdates and activities for the dcs school hols before I knew we'd been selected for the trial!

We had our first proper 'go' as a family this afternoon, but it was a bit haphazard. The forecast isn't great for tomorrow, so we'll have another try then, and I will answer the questions tomorrow evening.

First of all, another big thank you to MN and MS for selecting the Secunda household for this test....I absolutely couldn't believe it when I found out and spent the whole day grinning my head off :)

Q1. What was your DC's initial reaction to being able to test the Xbox 360 and Kinect games console?

DS (6.5) was very excited as he has some (limited) experience of playing with an xbox and a wii at friends houses.

DD1 (4) was pretty excited as she has also played a few times at friends, and anything involving the television is 'a good thing' as far as she is concerned!

DD2 (21 mo) didn't have a clue....

Q2. How easy or difficult did you find the setting up process?

Getting the box wired up and working was very easy - the directions were excellent, and dh and I had everything up and running in about 30 mins. It was really simple getting connected to the internet, too, which I wasn't expecting. I guess the only (small) criticism is that it would have been nice if we could drop in/out of the setup process for the Kinect, as we had to change one setting and ended up going through the whole setup again, which was a bit frustrating. Maybe you can, and we just didn't realise?

Q3. What were your first impressions of the Xbox 360, Kinect and Kinect Disneyland Adventures and Pixar Rush games?

We were really impressed at how small the Xbox 360 and Kinect units are - we thought it would take up so much more space, which was always one of our concerns about getting a gaming unit. In fact, we barely notice the actual units, they tuck away so nicely.

Initial impressions of the games: dh and I had a giggle playing with the Kinect games the first evening, but didn't really look at the Disneyland or Rush games until we played with the dcs yesterday. The graphics on the games are fantastic, and the game sequences seem really well constructed. I like the fact that you can choose between 'free play' and adventure mode on some of the games.

Q4. The first time your DC(s) played on the Xbox and Kinect, how did they get on?

The dcs struggled with the setup, partly because they are quite small, and partly because they haven't done it before and we couldn't help them....every time one of us popped over to adjust them for scanning, the whole thing fell apart! Of course it didn't help that dd2 kept on wandering in and out of shot. We did find that everything 'selected' a bit quickly, so if their hand hovered over something for a moment, it had suddenly been selected. It was easier for DS as he can read, but DD1 struggled with choosing her avatar and wasn't at all happy with the end result. They also struggle with staying in place when trying to move around.

We started with the Pixar Rush games, but they found them quite challenging, and I think they might be suited to slightly older children. They have only seen some of the Pixar films (like Cars and the Incredibles) once or twice, so didn't really 'get' the point of the storyline of some of the games. DD1 loved the idea but said her arms started hurting during the Cars game; when we switched to Disneyland, DS said walking around hurt his feet, and then burtst into tears because he couldn't get his avatar to walk where he wanted! Then we put on the Kinect games and they really got the hang of it....DD1 had a bit of a 'eureka' moment when she suddenly realised the figure on the screen was actually doing her movements, and started giggling, and they loved the 2 person challenges.

We all loved how physical the games are - I was expecting something that involved sitting on the sofa with a controller, and have been shocked at how hot and out of breath we all get when playing :)

So far, they think its fun, but I think it will take a bit more practising and trying out different things for them to get the hang of it properly....and that when the pester power will start to kick in!

Posiepaques - or anyone else? How did you use Disneyland Adventures with the normal controller instead of the Kinect? As my DDs and me find it too frustrating to use for this game. Also, the game went wrong when player 2 put Captain Hooks hat on and then got changed into a costume before returning it to him and then the hat disappeared and no longer available to find to give to him for his task so we are starting the whole game from scratch again. V frustrating bug!

I only used the normal controller to set up the game and sign in./

Can you use the controller for Disneyland Adventures then?! We have barely played it as it was just too fustrating-players dropping in and out, both players being the same character when it recognises there are two etc. Having the proper controller for the game would be great-we might actually get past collecting the autographs...

Yes the dropping in and out is annoying, but you can do that bit with controllers....still takes an age.

Hi there! Please may I have the address to return the video camera and memory card etc to?
We have finished filming and I want to get the camera back to you before I go to work on Monday - I won't be able to wait in for a courier - shall I send it via post office and get proof of posting?
Thanks for your help.

Thank you for selecting us for this test. You have made 2 boys very happy They can't wait to go back to school and tell all their friends.

Q1. What was your DC's initial reaction to being able to test the Xbox 360 and Kinect games console?

I did not tell the boys that we had been been chosen until I had signed up to the terms and conditions and been told the xbox had been dispatched, just in case! From Tuesday night when I told them until wednesday when the xbox arrived DS2 talked non stop about the xbox and sat in the window waiting for the delivery for over 4 hours. When the box arrived he was like it was Christmas and was shaking with excitement.

According to DS1 who is 12 it was "cool" to be testing the xbox, all his friend have one and he's been asking for one for months.

Q2. How easy or difficult did you find the setting up process?

DH found connecting the Xbox up very simple and intuitive (although made slightly more difficult by 2 excited boys. The instructions were really clear. Setting up the profiles were rather more complicated but still easier than we had expected.

Q3. What were your first impressions of the Xbox 360, Kinect and Kinect Disneyland Adventures and Pixar Rush games?

The graphics are amazing a

According to DS2 the Xbox 360 is "sensational" and not having to use a controller is "amazing". He enjoyed playing both games but particularly likes the way in Pixar Rush that you are turned into a character in the game. He also liked the voice activation element although the slight delay caused some frustration as both boys shouted "exit to park" in louder and louder voices. I'm very impressed it could understand a Yorkshire accent .

DS1 like the fact that you can build an avatar that looks like you so you feel that you are actually in the game and forget that you are stood in your living room.

DH thinks it is really engaging and as you feel part of the game you are not concentrating on a controller so you can enjoy the game more - apparently he even smiled when playing today

We were also impressed with the games that came with the Xbox and they enjoyed the 2 player challenges. We have a Wii with a similar game "Family Trainer" but the boys enojyed the Kinect game much more as they did not use controllers (this also means my wall is protected from flying controllers when people get a little carried away!)

Q4 The first time your DC(s) played on the Xbox and Kinect, how did they get on?

They were straight in to the game. The instructions were clear, as the games are almost instinctive although we did have some falling out when they both stood in front of the sensor and were both trying to take charge.

Disneyland adventures was frustrating initially spending all the time collecting autographs until we found the shortcut to the park map. Once the actual games had been found DS2 has loved playing these, especially Peter Pan (and Mummy particularly liked laughing at DS2 with his arms out flying and dodging the canon balls)

DS2 got cross with his character when running/walking around the park on Disneyland adventures as he didn't think it was going fast enough and when trying to turn a corner he ended up with his back to the television and couldn't get his character round the corner.

We had problems with people dropping in and out (especially when I walked behind them and it picked me up - causing much shouts of Muuummmm!)

We only received the memory card on Wednesday so have done some filming the last couple of days but could do with a little longer.

Apologies for the delay in responding with second half of information feedback. DCs were away over Easter so we had a pause in transmission and I was so busy getting hooked on Netflix that I didn't think to take the opportunity to have a go on my own on the XBOX!

Q1. What was the most enjoyable part of this experience for your child(ren) and for you/your DP?

The total kudos of having an XBox, particularly for DS, amongst his schoolfriends!

The range of activities that you can do with an XBox, which particularly appealed to DS (11) - watching movies, talking to friends, downloading Netflix (!), downloading demos of other games (dare I mention FIFA12 again!).

Also, the novelty factor of Kinect - amazing to think how much technology and gaming has moved on even in the past couple of years!

Q2. Did you find yourself playing together as a family or did your child(ren) play more independently? If you did play together, what would you say was the best thing about doing this? And were there any disadvantages to playing as a group?

Well, DW I'm afraid to report (who is a total Luddite) was not at all inspired by it. Technology has left her way behind!

But DS, DD and I had a fantastic time with discovering all the XBox has to offer. But with being at work for a lot of the time that the children were off, they inevitably played as singletons and together. DW would come downstairs to discover DS playing games solo at 7.00 am of a morning!

DS and DD argue a lot as siblings and we had high hopes that they would play nicely together. However, all the issues that they have in everyday life did spill over to playing on the XBOX together. Lots of "I know best" and blaming the other one for anything that went wrong!

Q4. What is your overall opinion of the games? Were they appropriate for the age of you DCs or not? Were they engaging enough for your child(ren)?

'Brilliant' but more for younger children (4 - 8 year olds) in the opinion of DS. DS was more attracted to Kinect Rush whereas DD (6) much preferred Disneyland Adventures. Think DS (11) thought the characters were 'U' certificate rather than 'PG' ones and he thought that there is a good market for Kinect games with characters aimed at older children/teens.... like Harry Potter, Star Wars, Hunger Games....

DD will definitely play the games provided (thank you!) again and again, particularly as she becomes more adept (under Daddy's tutelage). But I am doubtful that DS will of his own volition. He already has his eye on other games, as previously mentioned!

Q5. How did your children find interacting with the Kinect sensor? Did this work well or not?

I think that they were really amazed at the cleverness of it and DS took to it like a 'duck to water', but DD found it a lot more frustrating and found the sensor rather temperamental. So repeatedly, she ended up abandoning a game without finishing it completely because she had inadvertently ducked out of it and was too frustrated to find her way back into it!

A problem we had, is that our sitting room is not very large and we had to totally reorganise the furniture in order to give us enough of an arena in which the children could move easily and fluidly in front of the sensor! Obviously one needs a designated games room...

I think the idea of Kinect is amazing but the technology is not yet advanced enough to fully take you to the level where playing with it is totally intuitive and fluid. I am sure that will come though, sooner than we think!

PS Question 3 is missing and will be answered tomorrow!

Q3. When playing the Kinect Disneyland Adventures and Pixar Rush games, were there any particular characters that your children enjoyed playing as? Which ones were they?

Both children much preferred Pixar Rush to Disneyland Adventures if only because they are more familiar with the characters. Possibly also because the Pixar Rush games are more technologically advanced. Not sure they particularly had favourites but enjoyed the variety of characters/activities on offer.

Q6.Do you think your DCs will be/are any more active as a result of using Kinect or not? And do you think it will influence/has influenced the way they play with their friends/other people?

DS, who is usually quite a sedentary child if we are at home, is definitely being more physically active having the XBox in the house. DD, is the type of girl who never sits still, so would not say she's being more just differently active. They both lead quite active lifestyles though. as we are a car-free family and they do at least an hour's walking every day come rain or shine.

DS, has a total techy vibe with his friends, if they are not playing with Star Wars Lego, so can see this will be the focus of many play-dates to come. Think that girls are a lot less interested in technology and don't think that DD will be anywhere near as motivated to instigate XBox related activities unless encouraged to do so by me or her older brother!

Q7.Do you think your family will get together to play more now that you have the Kinect or not? Can you see yourself playing the Kinect with other adults at all?

I can see that on high days and holidays, particularly in the winter months, it will be a total winner. Less so, and rightly, during the summer months when we should be out and about as a family.

Think SIL would very much like to play on the XBox! And might even encourage DW to have a go too! I can also imagine having a boys night in and playing - not that I have many of those types of evenings these days!

Q8. Has having the console in your home changed your perception of Xbox, or computer games more generally, at all? If so, how? If not why not?

Apart from giving us more sibling fights to break up , it is quite amazing how far computer consoles have progressed since my days of playing Sonic the Hedgehog on a Sega Mega Drive! Would not have thought the technology would have progressed so fast.... I am sure in the next couple of years that the current Kinect (slight) teething problems will be sorted out and this will be the most fantastic system ever!

Computer games definitely have a place in this day and age but they are still no replacement for family driven board games, days out and playing out in the garden/park!

Q9. If it came up in conversation, would you recommend Xbox Kinect to
your friends? If so why? If not, why not?

I think it's equally good for adults and children as long as you have a very large house or a designated play room!

Also better for cooperative siblings than ones who argue a lot generally!

But great fun and a lot of laughs had by all, so yes I would recommend it, particularly as it is still in the early stages of its evolution as a gaming system, rather than nearing its conclusion as some systems are.

It has been a great stress-buster for DS in particular, who deserved a welcome break from all his studies.... We might just have to hide it for the next four weeks though, until he's finished his KS2 SATS.

Thank you ever so much for choosing us to review the XBox 360 - it's been a fantastic couple of weeks of activity and entertainment....

MN didn't post any follow-up questions on this thread, so I'm answering the questions in the email for now :)

Q1. What was the most enjoyable part of this experience for your child(ren) and for you/your DP?

Initially, the excitement of receiving the box. Overall, it was a fun alternative to any tv-viewing the dcs might have done during the Easter break, and dp and I had a giggle playing with the games too.

Q2. Did you find yourself playing together as a family or did your child(ren) play more independently? If you did play together, what would you say was the best thing about doing this? And were there any disadvantages to playing as a group?

Our dcs (6, 4 and nearly 2) aren't old enough to turn on the systems by themselves (nor are they allowed to!), so this was something we did together. The best thing was that it was great fun, and a novel alternative to board games, jigsaws etc. The drawbacks were that the dcs found some of the scanning/games quite challenging and got a bit frustrated.

Q3. When playing the Kinect Disneyland Adventures and Pixar Rush games, were there any particular characters that your children enjoyed playing as? Which ones were they?

We didn't manage to navigate the Disneyland disc as far as the actual games (ds got stuck collecting autographs and got frustrated walking around, dd (4) didn't even get as far as finishing her avatar as the system kept responding too quickly, so she refused to play these games). The dcs enjoyed Pixar Rush, especially the Cars racing game, but found the Incredibles and House Chase games quite challenging. I think they will enjoy them more over time.

Q4. What is your overall opinion of the games? Were they appropriate for the age of you DCs or not? Were they engaging enough for your child(ren)?

Great, with amazing visuals :) I think they were a bit 'old' for DD1 (just 4), who enjoyed the Kinect Adventures games far more; Pixar Rush was about right (challenging, but engaging) for DS 6. As I've explained, the dcs didn't get far enough into Disneyland to comment on those yet.

Q5. How did your children find interacting with the Kinect sensor? Did this work well or not?

They both understood the concept amazingly fast, but both (especially DD1) found it quite frustrating. It was hard as we couldn't step in to help them....and DD1 didn't like that it sometimes decided she was an adult kneeling down instead of being her!

As I said, there were a few times when DD1 got so frustrated during the setup stages that she refused to play....

There were definitely times when we felt the technology was still a bit 'early stages' but overall it is very impressive!

Q6.Do you think your DCs will be/are any more active as a result of using Kinect or not? And do you think it will influence/has influenced the way they play with their friends/other people?

We're not really a tv household - our dcs watch about 30mins/week on average, so this isn't going to make them move around more, especially at this time of year, when they are usually outide in the garden or park. But I can see that it will really come into its own on wet weather days and later in the year....The dcs had a few play dates over the past week and did have a lot of fun playing some of the easier games with their friends. I think having an Xbox & Kinect unit will give ds some real kudos at school and I know he's going to enjoy playing with his friends when they come over (as long as he doesn't get too bossy!).

Q7.Do you think your family will get together to play more now that you have the Kinect or not? Can you see yourself playing the Kinect with other adults at all?

Definitely not! We tend to spend family time playing games, out in the garden or on family outings...but we will definitely play it with the children at weekends occasioanlly. And dh and I are considering buying some games for us to play....something tennis-y for him and something keep-fit-y for me, maybe....

Q8. Has having the console in your home changed your perception of Xbox, or computer games more generally, at all? If so, how? If not why not?

Yes - it does so much more than I was expecting! In particular, I love having access to BBC iplayer, and all the music streaming on my tv....really great :) Overall, we had always held off getting a console because we weren't sure we would really use it, and I think that's probably true. It's been quite challenging to haven't pestered us at all to play with it....but the games are much 'better' and the experience it much more immersive than I was expecting!

Q9. If it came up in conversation, would you recommend Xbox Kinect to
your friends? If so why? If not, why not?

At the moment, I'm not sure. It's definitely great fun, and we were (and are) delighted to have been chosen for the trial, but it seems like a lot of money for something that I don't think we'll be using all that often. I think we need to spend a bit longer playing with it, and seeing how much we start using it on a regular basis, before I'd be able to answer that question properly.

Follow-­‐up
questions:
Q1.What was the most enjoyable part of this experience?
The kids were excited from the off-they had all seen the adverts on tv for Pixar Rush and when they realised we were getting it, they were all looking forward to playing it. It was great to see all of them playing and working together to complete the tasks to progress through the game, and although we had a few raised voices, in general they cooperated well with each other. I think that all of us really enjoyed not needing to have a controller to play the game-it rather amused ds2 (age4) that he was making the character on screen move and it was doing exactly what he was doing!

Q2.Did you find yourself playing as a family or did your child(ren) play more independently? If you did play together, what would you say was the best thing about doing this? And were there any disadvantages to playing as a group?
We probably played more as a family to begin with, mainly as ds2 needed help to get started at times, but once they all had the hang of I was often left on the sidelines. Like I said previously, they seemed to play with less fighting as they had to work together, and possibly because there was no confusion with controllers. Although we found the dropping in and out slightly annoying at first, it was actually a good way to make sure everyone had a turn of playing with each other, and letting them atake a break if needed. The only disadvantage was that because of the size and shape of our living room, it was difficult to get those playign in the right place to be picked up by the sensor (although we did eventually get it sorted, and it has been less of a problem).

Q3.When playing the Kinect Disneyland Adventures and Pixar Rush games, were there any particular characters that your children enjoyed playing as? Which ones were they?
All the children definately prefered Pixar Rush. I dont think they had preferred characters, but they did enjoy playing as the Incredibles adn also the Toy Story games. And ds2 loved Cars. They didnt really enjoy Disneyland Adventures as none of them seemed able to navigate easily-it certainly confused ds2 who just stomped of at one point. ds1 (age8) didnt really play it-I get the impression he thought it a bit girly and possibly too young for him. dd (age6) however, seemed to be getting the hang of it by the end of the week-but I think she'll be annoyed when she realises the bits that she did werent saved!

Q4.What is your overall opinion of the games? Were they appropriate for the age of you DCs or not? Were they engaging enough for your child(ren)?
I thought the games were great. Rush was very simple to play as the movements required were exactly what you would need to do in 'real life'. Disneyland was quite difficult in that respect, and it certainly wasnt engaging enough for the boys, although dd seemed to be enjoying. Rush was age appropriate, although perhaps ds1 is probably a bit too old for it, having said that he does still love the Pixar movies.

Q5.How did your children find interacting with the Kinect sensor? Did this work well or not?
They seemed to be ok with it, once they realised they coyldnt just wander about in front of it! dd and ds1 picked it up fairly easily, and ds2 was fine once he stopped giggling! we do also have a dog, who tends to be wherever the children and noise are, so quite often any breakdown in the game was caused by him rather than the children or others walking around. I did like the fact that there was a wee box came up if they werent in quite the right place-thay all have a tendency to creep towards the tv whilst playing games. We also have another console which uses a motion sensor, and I would say that the Kinnect is miles better for the children-they dont hvae to point the controllers at the right bit of the screen and remember the right buttons in order to things. Its probably why there was less fighting, as its usually done to ds2 not being able to keep up. They did however find it difficult to start it up-I quite often had to do the waving to get it on, especially for ds2.

Q6.Do you think your DCs will be/are any more active as a result of using Kinect or not? And do you think it will influence/has influenced the way they play with their friends/other people?
They already are quite active, however on days like what we had during the holidays it will definately come into its own! As before , our other console, whilst you do need to mave a little when playing certain games, you could quite easily just be sat in the chair playing, so the Kinnect definately gets them up on their feet. I have no doubt it will played with when the kids have friends round-ds1 has already told me he cant wait to write about it in his diary at school!

Q7.Do you think your family will get together to play more now that you have the Kinect or not? Can you see yourself playing the Kinect with other adults at all?
Its more than likely that when the kids have their console time that this will be the one they play. Ds1's mission is to complete Rush! We have also downloaded some demos so he cant wait to get stuck into them. I think we would probably have this on when we have adults round too. Its the perfect console for social gatherings I think, especially with the range of games you can get. We do quite often have our other consoles out when we have gatherings so it just gives us another one to choose from!

Q8.Has having the console in your home changed your perception of Xbox, or computer games more generally, at all? If so, how? If not why not?
I didnt think that the kinnect would work as well as the adverts would have you believe-but it did! Apart from the dropping in and out (thanks dog!) it works quite well. The thing is if it was made less sensitive though, it wouldnt be as efficient. We have always had consoles in our household, and I have always felt that used in the right way they are great. This one has certainly shown the way forward for gaming technology. Our other motion type console looks a bit prehistoric now compared to the kinnect!

Q9.If it came up in conversation, would you recommend Xbox Kinect to
your friends? If so why? If not, why not?
Yes I think that I would. I love that there are no chunky controllers, the children dont have to learn buttons. And my most favourite thing-voice activation!!!! Honestly, when you have an accent like mine, even real people can have trouble understanding me let alone a machine!

Thank you again mn and xbox-we have loved having the console, and I cant wait to go and some more games. we all have our eye on a few already!

If
not,
why
not?