Microsoft announced the XBOX 360 Limited Edition Kinect Star Wars Bundle at last month's Comic Con, and at first view it looks like a winner. But there are a few things to consider before declaring that the Force is strong with this one.
Price
At $449, this is a great value for what is an all inclusive Xbox 360 starter kit. For $50 more than a 250GB Elite w/Kinect Bundle you get an extra game (Star Wars Kinect) plus a larger hard drive (320 GB).
Exclusives
The R2-D2 themed Xbox 360 console is pretty sweet looking. The addition of the custom sounds is like a cherry on top of hot fudge sundae. The same can be said about the C-3PO custom themed wireless controller. My only ding on the controller is that I wish it was the newer one with the transforming D-pad. The white paint job on the Kinect sensor is just that.
The aforementioned 320 GB hard drive the largest available on any 360, is a nice addition. Considering that Microsoft has started including 320 GB hard drives with their limited edition bundles (i.e. Gears of War 3 bundle), I think it's only a matter of time, before it replaces the current 250 GB hard drives in all their Elite consoles.
Games
Here's where it gets tricky. Kinect Adventures is essentially an introductory vehicle for people to get into using the Kinect sensor. Is it fun? It's okay. It's been on the market for almost a year and judging by how many used copies of it I've seen in my local GameStop, I'd say it's not a game that gets dusted off and played very often. For my money, Microsoft should have packed in Kinect Sports.
Which brings us to Star Wars Kinect. Gamers have been salivating to get their Jedi on since this was first demoed last year. The whole bundle is themed around this game so there's pressure for it to deliver the goods.
Judging from the above footage, it doesn't bode well. Sure, I could nitpick about the prequel setting or the fact that it's an on-rails game but those issues aren't what's important. The interactive gaming experience is the true selling point. Gamers want to feel like they are swinging a lightsaber and using the Force, not auditioning for "A Chorus Line".
So for those of you that don't have a 360 this is a sweet deal come this holiday season. I'd say be prepared to be underwhelmed with the packed in games. For those who already own a 360 and or Kinect, is it worth the upgrade? Well that depends on your love of Star Wars and jazz hands.
