A Kinect game that debuted in 2013 has been revived
There’s a headline I bet you didn’t expect to read today (or maybe ever). Yet, I speak the truth. Earlier today, Nex Playground maker Nex announced it will be adding Freefall Racers—a motion-controlled title originally developed by Smoking Gun Interactive for the Xbox 360 / Kinect in 2013—to its Play Pass catalog.
Nex described the revival as a “generational comeback.” While I don’t quite agree with that assessment (we aren’t talking about a last-minute Harry Kane screamer against DR Congo, are we?), it’s notable to see a title released over a decade ago receive a new lease of life on modern hardware.
The modern version of Freefall Racers will include a number of enhancements including full-body flying gameplay, flight assist for smoother controls optimised for Nex Playground, and a tutorial mode to help onboard players.
“Some games may be ahead of their time,” said Nex Playground CEO and co-founder David Lee. “Freefall Racers has always had an incredibly fun core concept, and using motion technology on Nex Playground finally allows that vision to shine for families. It’s a perfect example of how great gameplay can find new life on the right platform with the right audience, and we’re excited to welcome it to Nex Playground.”
For those unfamiliar with the name, the Nex Playground is a motion-controlled, controller-free console aimed at families. The device offers owners access to a range of titles, including some from third-party studios and others developed by Nex, through a subscription service called Play Pass.
The Nex Playground might have blipped onto your radar last year, when it outsold Xbox over the holidays period (via The Verge). Earlier this year, Nex head of international, Tom Kang, told Game Developer the company has ambitions of replicating the global success of the Nintendo Wii.
