Kinect for the Xbox = "awesome"

I had the opportunity to try out the Kinect device for the Xbox at the new Microsoft store in Scottsdale's Fashion Square Mall this weekend.  I highly recommend visiting the store if you live in the Phoenix metro area, San Diego, Mission Viejo, or Denver metro area.  There was no one watching the Microsoft store employee playing with the game (prominently located right in the window for maximum exposure), but by the time we left there was a crowd of people around, and a line of people waiting to play.  The employee was playing a driving game that actually looked quite complicated in terms of the motions he had to use to drive the car. 

However, for us to demo Kinect, he pulled up the bowling game (what was odd is that he had to turn the system off and then back on before doing so).  My 6-year-old was first, and easily picked up the directions on how to play (stand in a certain spot, raise your right arm straight out to "pick up" the ball, then throw like you normally would).  We all got a turn, and the Kinect seamlessly transferred from one of us to the other, even though there was three feet difference in height from the shortest to the tallest of us. 

The onscreen guides were very intuitive -- they help you figure out where to stand and how to aim the ball to pick up a spare.  Kinect got a little confused when more than one person was standing in the "game play" area, so we had to make sure to stand off to one side when not playing. 

Reaction from my kids - "Awesome!  That was so much fun!"  My husband and I both enjoyed it very much, I liked it more than I thought I would.  I think Microsoft has a winner on its hands, and I think controller-less gaming is going to be the new mass-market "hit" like the Wii has been.  People that don't already have the Xbox will buy it just to get Kinect.  I think once the technology improves and becomes more seamless and intuitive, much of gaming will be controller-less.  The biggest application is sports and fitness-related games, as it is a hassle to deal with a controller when you're trying to move around and get a workout. 

If Microsoft can get its marketing in gear, with demos at malls and Best Buys around the country, they will have a very happy holidays, indeed.