I don’t know if it’s because so many of them are so pedestrian, but I didn’t feel
like I was crossing the street at all in this Kinect game.
In fact, I felt like I was having a seizure.
It’s Puss in Boots for the Xbox 360.
But seriously...maybe it’s because I’ve only played, like, two Kinect games that were
worth playing more than once, but I didn’t mind this one.
I mean, it’s not on the same level as Dance Central, the Gunstringer or even Leedmees,
but I’ve got to tell you, I found Puss in Boots to be thoroughly decent.
And on Kinect, let’s be honest...that’s more than enough.
Puss in Boots is a game based on the Dreamworks film of the same name, which is actually a
spin-off starring a character from the Shrek movies.
This is definitely a kids game in design, as it basically strings together very simple
action sequences.
Puss moves on his own, stopping at moments in which you have to move.
And that’s where the game shines, because the movements actually work.
Puss is faced with exciting sword duels, a little kitty stealth and for the most part,
the actions aren’t that bad.
In fact, especially for its target audience, this stuff is kind of fun.
Of course, as a feline swordsman, combat with the blade is a primary action in this game.
Puss in Boots throws enemies at you one at time, so you don’t have to worry about multiple
opponents at once.
It’s simple, but it’s ideal for Kinect because it lets combat occupy the spotlight.
Puss can swing his sword in eight directions, so the controls feel one-to-one, even though
it really isn’t.
The fights actually play out a bit like No More Heroes, of all games.
You beat up enemies with your sword, and when they’re ready, you can finish them off with
a satisfying kick.
And if you do it at just the right angle, you can send the enemies stumbling into barrels
and falling down stairs...it actually feels great.
But a word of caution...I mentioned seizures earlier.
That’s because this game is extremely physical during battle missions.
Lots of swinging and kicking and even scratching.
It’s good thing Puss was never declawed.
Puss in Boots splits up combat with slower missions, such as the stealth stuff.
This works both in game’s favor and against it.
The sword fights are so physically intense, you have to have something to break them up
and give players a break.
But at the same time, they’re also the most fun and exciting missions of the game.
As cute as kitty stealth can be, the game tends to drag during those breaks.
Puss in Boots also falls on the short side.
With only nine levels, you can finish the game in just a few hours.
But there are some hidden items to find in the battle missions, which extends the replay
value just a bit.
Besides, kids games tend to be short, and as fun as the motions are, I doubt young gamers
are going to mind.
Puss in Boots isn’t a reason to go out and buy a Kinect.
On the whole, it’s about as average as a game can get, but on the Kinect grading scale,
that makes it a winner.
Plus, it gets your kids moving, and to me, that makes it an easy recommendation.