How Well Does Kinect Work With Halo?

Written by Ryan Johnson (RyanDJ) Friday, 25 November 2011 06:00

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HALO: Combat Evolved Anniversary Edition does not state anywhere on the box that it works with Kinect. A noninformed gamer may not even know that it is possible to use Kinect with Halo, because the developers made the Kinect experience 100% (free) download via a Day-1 update. If the feature is not on the disc, it cannot be advertised on the box. Meanwhile, a Halophile may be tempted to buy a Kinect due to the bonuses unlockable only with Kinect, but unsure if it is worth the price.

First off, here is a list of all the vocal commands:

Analyze/Stop Analyzing
Scan
Classic/Remastered
Grenade
Reload
Change Weapon
Flashlight
Activate/Deactivate 3D
Subtitles On/Off
Brighter/Darker
More/Less Contrast
Pause/Resume Game
Display Library

Pretty extensive, eh? now, let's talk the good and the bad.

GOOD:

There are lots of options for voice.
Reaction time is quick.
Scans and the Library are only accessible via Kinect, and add an enrichment to the story, giving you history and future plans for the series.

BAD:

90% of this (as well as voice commands in general on Xbox) could be done with a $20 headset. No motion controls are integrated that I can see. That kind of turns it into a marketing ploy: most Halo diehards already spent big bucks on a headset (or you could get a cheaper Yapster I reviewed here) already, so why can't they use the voice features on a headset with the voice recognition software? It just seems pushed.
You have to be specific. I wanted to say "swap weapon", when "change weapon" is the official command, so it would do nothing.
Inflections. Call me hick, but sometimes "greNADE" rolls out of my mouth "GERnade". That gets nothing half the time.
It works better in calm moments. Unfortunately, that isn't when I am chucking "grenades."
You had better be alone. If there's another person talking in the room, it won't work well.
Most voice commands are for things that can be accomplished with a single button press or are for adjusting picture quality, something you don't jump at moving a lot.

It looks like the bad outweighs the good on these lists, but I beg to differ. The unlockables are exciting for a diehard fan, and offer glimpses at the future of the franchise. Most of my beefs can be rectified with a bit of practice of enunciation, and it is more fun to yell "grenade" or just say "classic...remastered" over and over than hit a button. Outside of Kinect, this game has some amazing features. It adds classic maps to Halo: Reach (via game if used, or with a download code to add it to Reach directly if bought new). It's also a living history book for the last 10 years of gaming. Swapping between classic and remastered modes is one of my favorite parts, to see just how far graphical leaps have been.

If you are buying a Kinect for the sole purpose of Halo, it may not be worth it, unless you are getting a discounted one via a new system bundle pack. But know that there are a TON of great games out for it now, especially this second generation, like The Gunstringer, Child of Eden, and Dance Central 2.

The best part, however, is that this is just the beginning. As people give their reactions to this medium, I'm sure we will see more developers implementing this in more useful ways. I have always thought that Kinect's potential would grow exponentially if they got away from the "You Are the Controller" mentality. This is one step toward that bright future.

I just recently got a chance to pick up Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary myself. If you remember, I haven't been a Halo fan before this, but had many reasons to be interested in this game. Check back in a week or so to see my complete review!

Comments

# rudero 2011-11-25 10:12

i am not judging. i love all the articles that i have read on this site.
but
"The unlockables are exciting for a diehard fan, and offer glimpses at the future of the franchise."
then
"If you remember, I haven't been a Halo fan before this,"
doesnt work well together if you are writing it, showing how to promote the kinect to get more out of it and never played the game before. How would you know how new and exciting it is?

# Ryan Johnson 2011-11-25 10:29

Simply through discussion with other writers/friends who are into Halo, and what I have read that has been on the 'net so far. Not claiming myself to be a diehard; sorry if it was confusing. :)

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