Kinect Wipeout In The Zone – Review

When Microsoft was designing the Kinect, they must have had games like Wipeout In The Zone in mind, as it is a perfect game for controller-free gaming. As as family we are a huge fans of the show on ABC, and my kids consistantly ask me when there is going to be a kids’ version of the game. Well, this might not be a kids’ version of the game, but it sure is a version of the game that the kids can play and enjoy.

Usually I have a little breathing room as I open a game, but this was one of those times where they were on me like glue from the time they saw the cover of Wipeout In The Zone, until it was in the Xbox and the Kinect was asking them to get started. They were ready to go, and the first thing we did was start with the multiplayer where up to four players can complete in The Qualifier, The Eliminator, and the Wipeout Zone, just like in the television show. If you are not the one competing, you will be offered the option of shooting the person who is playing with paintballs with the regular controller. A great option, especially for the two boys, so they always have something to do. In the single player you will find yourself grabbing rings to shave some seconds off your final time, but in our house this mode has become rare.

The graphics are of the cartoon variety, but they work for this game, think Xbox Avatar Style. Here is the big thing, though, regardless of what I have to say about the graphics, the audio, and even the controls … the game is flat out fun. The kids absolutely LOVE it. They crack up as they get shown one of the replays of falling off into the water for either themselves or for their brother who they are playing against. Yes, I will agree that sometimes the controls will not work as intended and that maybe it seems like you are jumping off of air rather than a platform, but you know what? Who cares, because the game is a wonderful family fun game that allows the children to compete against their parents or against themselves and have a grand ole time at it. That and the fact that everyone likes to be able to take a crack at the courses and obstacles that they have witnessed on television.

I will also say that a look through the instructions was helpful for our younger boy, who didn’t realize how easy it was to back up. Once he was shown how to do it, everything was much easier for him.

I think the first day my boys were already at episode 6, and there was a bit of crying and arguing when they were told it was time to go to bed. I think that Wipeout In The Zone lives up to the promise of being a fun family party game that everyone can get involved in and have a great time with. Controller free gaming in a fastest time format for an obstacle course? Yeah, that is fun in the form of a video game.

Note: Wipeout In The Zone was provided for review by Activision

Wipeout In the Zone features over thirty outrageous obstacles that will test players’ limits in more ridiculous ways than ever. Players can try to run the entire course in one shot, conquering one challenge after another such as leaping over a pool of water using the infamous “Big Balls” and maneuvering their players to avoid being pummeled by the “Smack Wall Sweeper.” Once again featuring the talents and hilarious commentary of the show’s hosts, John Anderson, John Henson and co-host Jill Wagner, Wipeout In the Zone will bring hours upon hours of fun and laughter for the entire family.