New Sony motion control video

[Yeti2005]

Sony released some new footage (http://www.gametrailers.com/player/54363.html) of potential motion control "games". Personally I'm pretty disappointed (the only thing that looked cool was the flashlight) but then again I'm not 100% into the motion control thing.

[WhyThree]

Minigame collections...in HD!

I was kind of disappointed with it too. Looks like MotionPlus meets EyeToy. I think a more solid look at one or two of the games would have been more convincing (especially that flashlight demo). It looked like there was a fighter of some sort though...

[OldJadedGamer]

Looks like they realized that they lost out on a lot of hype for this at E3 because they didn't have a flashy video like MS had for Natal. The games looked like average eyetoy games to me but the flashlight game showed promise I guess.

They have a long way to sell me on this item.

[Xydarc]

Not impressed by the video. However, the tech looks promising. I could imagine myself using the motion controller to play an Oblivion-esque action RPG.

[Yeti2005]

Not impressed by the video. However, the tech looks promising. I could imagine myself using the motion controller to play an Oblivion-esque action RPG.

If the wands don't have an analog stick then I'm not sure how they'd do that. It doesn't matter anyway since there's not a chance in hell they're going to spend big bucks on a AAA RPG for a perpheral. I think we're going to be stuck in mini-games land. Natal will be the same boat btw.

[TheFlyingOrc]

If the wands don't have an analog stick then I'm not sure how they'd do that. It doesn't matter anyway since there's not a chance in hell they're going to spend big bucks on a AAA RPG for a perpheral. I think we're going to be stuck in mini-games land. Natal will be the same boat btw.

I seriously doubt this about Natal. Microsoft is throwing a LOT of weight behind it.

[RandoM51]

I seriously doubt this about Natal. Microsoft is throwing a LOT of weight behind it.

They can throw as much weight behind it as they want, it still won't make it suitable for genres where motion control with that level of precision/accuracy doesn't cut it.

...and this is true for every platform holder. None of them have a magic wand they can wave that is going to fit the square pegs into the round holes.

People are expecting far too much from motion control.

[Ravenlock]

People are expecting far too much from motion control.

That doesn't mean it isn't suitable in the right circumstances, though. Tiger Woods 10 on the Wii really is bloody awesome because of the motion control. Several of the Wii Sports Resort games work wonderfully and speak well of the possibilities of expanding them into fuller titles. And Red Steel 2 looks better every time I see it.

It isn't a magic bullet, and it isn't going to work for every game and genre, or maybe even most, but neither does it need to be relegated to a minigame-controlling gimmick.

Most of the stuff in this video, though, did seem to be in that category.

[JayVe]

If the wands don't have an analog stick then I'm not sure how they'd do that. It doesn't matter anyway since there's not a chance in hell they're going to spend big bucks on a AAA RPG for a perpheral. I think we're going to be stuck in mini-games land. Natal will be the same boat btw.

I do believe that the PS3 motion-sensing controllers do have analog controls of some kind. If not a stick, at least an analog trigger.

One thing to note about natal is that it can be used WITH traditional controllers. For example, a racing game may have you hold a traditional controller, and use the buttons/sticks on the controller, but tilting it in the air could be used for steering (think mario Kart wheel). Since Natal does not need colored lights to 'see' objects, you can use lots of different objects with it. For example, Rock Band may use traditional controllers with real buttons for precision, but implement Natal in other ways, such as group singing, facial recognition, or giving you extra points for doing flying kicks during your guitar solo.

And Ravenlock is right. Tiger Woods on the Wii kicks all kinds of ass due to the super motion controls. I'm not a believer in motion controls for everything, but motion certainly does have a place in gaming as a form of input.

[Gorvi]

.For example, a racing game may have you hold a traditional controller, and use the buttons/sticks on the controller, but tilting it in the air could be used for steering (think mario Kart wheel).
That's how Motorstorm works with the SIXAXIS controls and people bitched. While the mechanic would be different it's the same concept. It is an interesting idea in concept, but in practice I personally prefer just using a stick.

[JayVe]

That's how Motorstorm works with the SIXAXIS controls and people bitched. While the mechanic would be different it's the same concept. It is an interesting idea in concept, but in practice I personally prefer just using a stick.

There will ALWAYS be people who bitch. One of the major differences is that millions and millions of people have been playing Mario Kart Wii since Motorstorm's initial release. With more than 17 MILLION copies being sold worldwide, it has set a standard for how people deal with motion-control in racing. Every copy of the box comes with a wheel, plus lots are sold separately. 17 Million + extra Wii wheels = a whole lot of people who enjoy playing by tipping the controller.

Also, you failed to mention that Motorstorm's implementation of motion controls was sloppy.

Also, remember that a HUGE segment of PS3's early adopter audience loathed motion controls.

Lastly, Natal implementation will likely be optional for traditional games such as racing... just like motion control is optional on Mario Kart, Motorstorm, WipEout HD (where the motion-control implementation is excellent), and other games.

Microsoft has already announced that it is their desire to capture a wider audience. the wider audience is going to be much more excited about tilting the controller like a steering wheel than the prospect of steering with their thumb.

[Gorvi]

There will ALWAYS be people who bitch. One of the major differences is that millions and millions of people have been playing Mario Kart Wii since Motorstorm's initial release. With more than 17 MILLION copies being sold worldwide, it has set a standard for how people deal with motion-control in racing. Every copy of the box comes with a wheel, plus lots are sold separately. 17 Million + extra Wii wheels = a whole lot of people who enjoy playing by tipping the controller.
That's assuming they use those controls.
Also, you failed to mention that Motorstorm's implementation of motion controls was sloppy.
I probably failed to mention that because they're not.
Also, remember that a HUGE segment of PS3's early adopter audience loathed motion controls.
Really? When they're shoehorned in, sure, but in places where they were well implemented (Motrostorm, Warhawk) I don't recall them being loathed. Even with Lair, the motion controls weren't the problem (they worked ok for the most part), Lair's problem was that the actual game was shit.
Lastly, Natal implementation will likely be optional for traditional games such as racing... just like motion control is optional on Mario Kart, Motorstorm, WipEout HD (where the motion-control implementation is excellent), and other games.
As it should be in any game for the most part.
Microsoft has already announced that it is their desire to capture a wider audience. the wider audience is going to be much more excited about tilting the controller like a steering wheel than the prospect of steering with their thumb.
Really? I think that remains to be seen, to be honest. While it may work for some, a disembodied wheel with no tactile feedback really isn't the same. We'll see, though.