Halo: Reach Could Be a Natal Game

[Doctor Setebos]

Microsoft is betting that casual gamers will flock to the Xbox 360 once Natal is launched due to its ease of use and the potential for simple, fun, family-friendly software (ala the winning formula for the Nintendo Wii). But the question remains, how do you get the hardcore audience to buy into motion controlled gaming? Well, apparently that's the easy part.

Speaking with the Seattle Times, Bungie president Harold Ryan expressed excitement for the new peripheral, saying, "I absolutely think Reach could be enabled with it."

What remains to be seen is whether or not Halo: Reach will be controlled exclusively by the Natal system (which is probably not the case) or whether it could be controlled without Natal at all (probably also not the case). More than likely, we would be looking at some sort of hybrid 360 controller/Natal interface system. Honestly, the possibilities are nearly endless, and each possibility is potentially awesome. But it's going to be a while before we get answers to our wild speculation. Halo: Reach isn't due until fall 2010 at the very earliest.

Source - 1up

[violent]

If it turns out to be a motion based game then there wouldn't be enough cheese in the world for my pass-a-ronis.

[mister slim]

Based on the quote, I think it's pretty clear Reach does not at this time require Natal. My guess is there will be some optional added functions but I doubt it will be required unless Bungie comes up with something really clever.

[Mike Kelehan]

Originally Posted by mister slim

Based on the quote, I think it's pretty clear Reach does not at this time require Natal. My guess is there will be some optional added functions but I doubt it will be required unless Bungie comes up with something really clever.

That's what I'm thinking. You'll have to have a controller to play, and Natal will be entirely optional.

[Karak]

For a second I thought they meant made for it. But that's not what the article says. Its clear they mean it could have support. And with software compatibility thats totally possible. I would try it for sure.

[roboninja]

Originally Posted by Mike Kelehan

That's what I'm thinking. You'll have to have a controller to play, and Natal will be entirely optional.

I really hope not. I know it is spiteful of me to wish this upon Halo fans, but I never said I was perfect. I would just really, really enjoy the ensuing chaos.

[digitalErich]

It would be cool if they could implement something like how TrackIR is used in Arma...for leaning and independent head-gun movement. Ok, that is unlikely as it's too sim-ish for Halo, but it could work with another game.

[Doctor Setebos]

Imagine if Halo: Reach is a squad-based game (like the teaser image sort of suggests). Now imagine issuing orders to your squad via hand-signals just like a modern-day SWAT team.

[Deadend]

I just hope that Halo: Reach isn't just a level pack for Halo, I want Bungie to do some game design, not just refine the old Halo stuff. Which will be going on 10 years old since the first came out.

[Disgustipated]

Originally Posted by Doctor Setebos

Imagine if Halo: Reach is a squad-based game (like the teaser image sort of suggests). Now imagine issuing orders to your squad via hand-signals just like a modern-day SWAT team.

Even better... if Halo: Reach is a Battlefield-style game, imagine using motion controls as the commander of your team to direct air strikes and supply drops.

[Raen]

Originally Posted by Doctor Setebos

Imagine if Halo: Reach is a squad-based game (like the teaser image sort of suggests). Now imagine issuing orders to your squad via hand-signals just like a modern-day SWAT team.

Oh my god that would be awesome

[CES]

A squad based game would be in keeping with the Reach story so using Natal for hand signals isn't unreasonable. Before they build in Natal support, they need one other thing: Voice commands. They've been around for years yet few games have support for them. EndWar was so much easier when you could actually state orders to your units.

I do hope Reach (if it's a tactical squad based shooter) is really good since I always enjoy games like that.

[Morratut]

I just want to use my pad and chill. I don't want to be moving around the living thanks.

[Narradisall]

I think this is a good idea.

Think of all the work outs those youngsters will get tea-bagging the livingroom carpet!

[Wilkz07]

for an fps i'd rather have a controller than have to hold my arms up for a battle rifle or however it would work to switch weapons.

[National Kato]

Originally Posted by violent

If it turns out to be a motion based game then there wouldn't be enough cheese in the world for my pass-a-ronis.

If you make enough for others, I'll have a slice.

[Sl1pstream]

Originally Posted by Wilkz07

for an fps i'd rather have a controller than have to hold my arms up for a battle rifle or however it would work to switch weapons.

Has it been confirmed that it's a FPS? This could be another RTS.

[RandoM51]

The name would make sense on a whole new level.

OTH, they could build some optional Natal functionality into the game. Get ready to shout reload instead of pressing a button if that is your idea of fun. Don't be shocked if you can't reload your gun when you have a cold, though.