Kinect Sports Rivals puts you in the game with a flattering ‘Awesome You’ (preview)

I stood in front of the Kinect’s sensor like a passenger awaiting a weapons check at the airport. After subjecting myself to its gaze, I moved even closer to the camera, first turning my head to the side and then up and down. Finally, it interpreted my image as an athletic, spandex-wearing superhero that looked vaguely like a generously idealized version of myself.

This was the day I met my “Awesome You,” a personalized in-game avatar for Kinect Sports Rivals on Xbox One that’s based on my own physical appearance — plus a heap of flattery. While camera-shy players might be reluctant to subject themselves to a digital makeover, Kinect Sports Rivals (developed by Rare and published by Microsoft) seeks to disarm any physical hang-ups by smoothing your rough edges and giving you an athlete’s physique. You can then place your avatar in six sports scenarios: soccer, tennis, bowling, rock climbing, wave racing, and target shooting.