Yes, you read that right: I’m heading to New York on Sunday (New Zealand time) to attend a Microsoft Kinect event in the Big Apple on Tuesday.

I’m really looking forward to it and have a couple of interviews lined up already, one with Kudo Tsunoda, one of the creative’s behind Kinect, and hands-on time with new Kinect games. It seems that Microsoft are really pushing what children can really do with Kinect and this is the focus of the event.

I’ve never been to New York before either so am really hyped about what the future holds for Kinect (and checking out all the touristy things in the few days that I’m there).

So, over the past few days I’ve been thrashing the hell out of Batman Arkham City – and it’s bloody brilliant – but despite worldwide reviews running left right and centre, it seems New Zealand games writers are still lumbered with an embargo which lifts on Oct 19 – which is Wednesday and I’m away!

I’ve also played a little bit of Rage but I’m not sure what I think of it so far: it looks beautiful – perhaps one of the best looking console games around – but the gameplay is less than stellar – at least from what I’ve played. There are a tad too many fetch quests for my liking (head to this settlement and pick up these parts, head up to a radio tower and realign the dish, etc, etc)

OK, I’ve got to finish getting packed (note pads, dictaphone, Samsung tablet, mobile phone, pens). Have a good week, play games, and I’ll update the blog (hopefully) while I’m in New York.