iPad Review: Kinectimals

If you’re a big fan of Microsoft and its Kinect 360 game, Kinectimals, then you’re going to love this: Kinectimals has made its way to the iOS, a surprising move on Microsoft’s part, considering its “rivalry” with Apple. But hey, all competition aside, who can say ‘no’ to these cute adorable animals?

In Kinectimals, you get to take care of a cub (be it panther, lion, tiger) and give it its own name (I went with a KPOP name, hee). After that, you do whatever it takes to keep your cub happy, be it feeding it with food and water, playing catch with it, or completing the different challenges that the game has for you. The more you play with it, keep it happy, and complete challenges, the more experience your cub gains and different items and pets can be unlocked. Pretty sweet, right?

The game offers you the opportunity to play with an in-game tutorial. I say, do it. Especially if you’re not familiar with it at all (I sure wasn’t). It’s always a delight to play with animals, even if they are virtual and not real, though I’m pretty sure that playing with real animals is way more fun (and messier). That said, your cub will definitely bring a smile to your face (which it did for me).

For me, I chose the Royal Bengal Tiger (I have a soft spot for tigers - must have been my older brother’s doings). It’s really adorable and Microsoft did a fantastic job bringing the game over from the Kinect. I must say, though, that some of the actions have to be executed almost perfectly. For example, swiping up to jump. I would do a perfect ‘up’ swipe, but the game told me that I was doing it incorrectly. Say what?! I’m doing it correctly - you guys are just too picky. But every time I executed a move incorrectly, it would give me tips on how to do said action correctly. Ok, you’ve redeemed yourself right there, Microsoft. In addition, the challenges are easy to begin with (and you can even redo them) before they progress to a higher difficulty.

I should mention that I am also a softie for cute animals, so this game already drew me in. And having to take care of a cute cub without really having to take care of it? Even better! The price tag also drew me in - for $2.99, I get to take care of an adorable little creature. Sweet! And with different ways of keeping me entertained, like spending all of my money on food and drinks and balls and accessories, there’s no way for the game to keep me bored!

Graphics are a little blurry, I think. They are not as well-defined as I thought they would be. But I haven’t experienced any sort of problems or glitches or bugs, so I should say that it is a good thing, right? Oh and have fun playing jump rope with your little cub - it’s amusing when it falls.

Interested in wanting to know more or to purchase the game? Click here.