Kinectimals is a hands-free controller, one of the first games released for Microsoft’s Kinect sensor. The game is similar to Nintendo’s Nintendogs titles, involving interacting with and caring for virtual pets. Except in this case, caressing the animal has evolved from swiping a stylus over a little screen to physically petting the animal with your hands while using the Kinect camera.
Thirty different cubs can be raised, trained, and played within the game. It also has light story aspects centered on pirate loot and other puzzles to solve on and around the island of Lemuria, where the game is set. A small flying figure named Bumble introduces the player to the game and numerous other components, such as story direction. Only five cubs (Cheetah, Royal Bengal Tiger, Black Panther, African Lion, and African Leopard) were available initially. Still, six more can be unlocked later (Bornean Clouded Leopard, Serval, White Jaguar, Bobcat, Siberian Tiger, and Saber-tooth Tiger). Additional ones can be added to the game via downloadable content and toy animals with scan codes that can be redeemed by holding them to the camera. These are linked, for example, through game stores and a relationship with Burger King.
Aside from rearing and petting a virtual cat, the player can also engage in mini-games with pets and teach them tricks. Mini-games include abstract concepts for a virtual pet, such as jumping rope and driving the pet around in a remote control car. Aside from the story components, the game is highly open-ended, allowing players to play it however they wish.
