What's worth your money?

There are over 80 games available for Kinect now, and knowing exactly which one to pick up as a present can be a tough proposition. That's why we've put together our Kinect holiday game guide 2011 to let you know exactly what you should be looking for when picking a game this season.

We've split this article into five categories for ease of use: Family Time, Party, Fitness, Avid Gamers and Kids. Each section contains three games that we think represent the best your money can buy this year.

Of course if you have questions about Kinect itself or what games to buy, send them in to us using the Contact form and we'll do our best to help.

Family Time

It's Christmas time, everyone's gathered around the TV and you want to put on something that'll get everyone up and moving. Here's some of our picks for games to unite the family.

Kinect Sports: Season Two

Six brand new sports — American football, baseball, tennis, golf, skiing and darts — in this sequel to last year's Christmas hit, with all-new voice commands making it more intuitive — and easier to sabotage a friend's game — than ever. Like its predecessor, it's the small touches that make it so enjoyable: your Avatar mimics your victory dance, letting you really rub that win in your family's stunned faces. A moment to savour.

Just Dance 3

Arguably the première dancing franchise makes its first appearance on Kinect, and even though it's not quite the fully polished package we'll inevitably get in future, it's still the most fun you can have with a group dance: with four player support and the ability to make up your own dance steps, it's perfect for the holiday season and something anyone, regardless of dancing skill, will have a blast with.

Carnival Games: In Action!

Minigames aren't everybody's cup of tea, but Carnival Games avoids the dodgy recognition that blights most compilations to provide an enjoyable bundle of activities. Plus you can dress your Avatar up as a ninja, which is always a big bonus.

Fitness

While we can't imagine everyone being overjoyed at unwrapping a fitness game at this time of year, if you want to help someone out with their New Year's resolution you could do a lot worse than put one of the following games under the tree this year.

Your Shape: Fitness Evolved 2012

The follow-up to last year's sales-leading slimming title, 2012 adds floor exercises and new modes, with one of the best being Run the World, a jogging 'adventure' that lets you pound the streets of London, New York of Paris without leaving your living room. Bright and bold, it's a pretty slick package all in all.

UFC Personal Trainer: The Ultimate Fitness System

Whereas Your Shape is all breezy colours and soft edges, UFC's grimy palette and fondness for octagons makes it a more 'serious' proposition: the 30- or 60-day regime are particularly punishing, and if you stick with it you'll find yourself getting real results. Its dingy style might not be the most enticing out there, but it's got it where it counts.

Your Shape: Fitness Evolved

If you don't want to shell out for this year's update, the original Your Shape is still a good option for anyone wanting to workout at home, and is now available at a budget price. The lack of custom workouts and cool-down sessions drags it down slightly, but the core exercises are solid enough to warrant a purchase.

Page 2 — We've got party time, avid gamers and young kids all covered