Kinect Star Wars: the podracing is pretty ok!

Features
By published

At least Episode I was good for something

Our last preview of Kinect Star Wars wasless than kind. The simple act of moving a Jedi through a totally linear, droid-filled tube was so laborious and unresponsive that Chris dubbed it "the worst thing that's ever existed." I can happily say the newly announced podracing section of the game is nowhere near as troublesome, and dare I say it was actually fun?


Above: Use the boost to get through

Simple as the controls may be, there's still a stiff learning curve. We're all used to wheels for steering, plus the sense of friction as tires squeal across the street, so handling a floating, dual-engine bullet chariot with just your hands takes some getting used to. I crashed once, but still managed to finish third by boosting like mad in the final stretch - you know, that place where the Tusken Raiders take potshots at passing racers. I didn't see any of 'em, but there were moments were critters jumped on the pod and I had to mime-toss things at them to scare them off.


Above: Kinect Star Wars takes place just after Episode I. Ugh whyyyyy

My only real concern with this mode, other than it's not a full game and just part of a larger bundle, is hairpin turns. I couldn't figure out a way to slow down and take tight turns well, even with the racing line HUD drawing a perfect path. Maybe it just takes more practice, maybe it's just not responsive enough - won't know for sure until it ships (along with thissweet-ass Kinect bundle) this fall.

Brett Elston
Brett Elston

A fomer Executive Editor at GamesRadar, Brett also contributed content to many other Future gaming publications including Nintendo Power, PC Gamer and Official Xbox Magazine. Brett has worked at Capcom in several senior roles, is an experienced podcaster, and now works as a Senior Manager of Content Communications at PlayStation SIE.