Kinect Sports Party Pack DLC Review

It’s no surprise that Kinect Sports has done phenomenally well since it’s release just last month, what with the title riding a steady second to Kinect Adventures that comes packaged with the software – it’s all too clear that Kinect Sports has been more than a launch title for Rare, but rather an introductory to what Kinect is truly capable of under the right minds.
 
As with all launch titles, the pressure of releasing the years efforts alongside the console is at a constant high, and often in these manic months creativity can be compromised and several game elements are left on the cutting room floor. While past games such as Banjo-Kazooie would have to wait for a sequel for these elements to come to fruition, the inclusion of Downloadable Content that can be utilized long after the title has been released can be a godsend for the ideas to make into the game after all.
Case in point is the brilliant expansion to Kinect Sports; Kinect Sports Party Pack!

The Party Pack touts six new Mini-Games; one for each sport featured under the Main Event category. Each of the Mini-Games is as flawless as the initial games that come included with Sports, and there’s no sign of any cut corners or rushing to be found with any of them. Together the new events compliment their parent Sport beautifully, but alone you’ll find that each one has a unique feature that will have you coming back time and time again. There’s no favorites to play in this DLC, because each one plays as top-notch as the next, incorporating several ingenious gameplay mechanic and the quirky bit of humor that Rare has become renowned for.

The humor is especially evident in the new mascot trio that Rare has included with the Party Pack. You’ll have the choice of playing as the feathery flourished “Champion Chicken”, the zany looking “Zippy Zombie” and the slick “Sportastico”, three extras guaranteed to add personality to the Party Play Mode. Personality is also found in the six additional Mini-Game modes:
 
King of the Ring is an extension of Boxing wherein you’ll be tasked with knocking out a number of opponents in quick succession in hopes of bagging the high-score. Rapid Runner puts you back on the track as you’ll be tasked with running as far as you possibly can, utilizing the green zippers to rest momentarily before springing back into action. Soccer and Volleyball have included a similar gameplay mechanic in their events, though it works to maximum effectiveness. In Soccer you’ll be tasked with taking shots on net in similar form to the Corner throw-ins during regular play, however you’ll also have to avoid the boots that are thrown from the sidelines as well – a true trial in multi-tasking.

Volleyball has the absurdly fun Fruit Splatter which pits you against an unrelenting onslaught of ripe fruit ready to be sliced and diced by your volleys and flailing limbs, watch out for the time bombs however as you’ll only be given one life! Table Tennis also brings home an addictive game called Target Smash which pays tribute to classic mini-game point collectors such as Banjo-Tooie. In it you’ll be tasked with smashing the numbered plates that travel to the right in a line on the opposite end of the table. Hit a plate and you’ll be awarded a point, hit the same plate a second time to earn 2 points, hit the plate yet again and you’ll earn 3 points as well as the opportunity to Smash which will create a ripple effect on the remaining plates and if planned correctly can score you an abundance of points. Lastly, Bowling offers up an arcade classic in the form of Pinvaders, an obvious take on Space Invaders. In it you’ll have to ward off your end of the alley by the steadily advancing rows of pins. You’ll only have two balls available, so use some strategy as you send down your attack. As the game progresses the action will become overwhelming and you’ll have honest moments of paranoia only rivaled by the survival horror genre.

Each of these Mini-games are extremely inventive, offering up their own unique mode of play that makes for a memorable experience. While this has you coming back to Kinect Sports for additional replay value, is there any sort of incentive for acquiring a high-score? But of course! Along with the add-on, Rare has included 10 new spangly Achievements that will test your skill and patience.
 
While most are easy enough to grab for a Sports veteran who has mastered the initial game, there are still achievements that will really put your endurance and skill level to the test which is honed at exactly the right difficulty to bring you back into the game to try your luck at boosting your Gamer Score. Perhaps the best feature of all in the Kinect Sports Party Pack is the nonexistent price; coming in at a total of 0 Microsoft Points for a completely free experience. With the brilliant execution of several new gameplay modes, quirky mascots, multitude of achievements all without a price tag, the Party Pack is an absolute steal and a testament to how DLC can add to an already fantastic gaming experience.

Overall: 5/5