Comments on: Microsoft's Project Natal: What does it mean for game industry?

The Xbox 360 maker shook up the video game world with the announcement of its full-body motion-sensitive controller. But will Project Natal knock Nintendo from the top?

[jfcomst]

First, before posting long comments about how the technology can't possibly work, it would be nice if many of these posters would at least google reviews from people who have used it, like the following:
http://xbox360.ign.com/articles/989/989269p1.html

I agree with a number of other people, here, though. I don't think that this is a complete replacement for a controller. For instance, if my movements are limited to what I can actually do, then playing a fighting game like Street Fighter is out the question! In addition, I wonder how you would solve turning in a FPS? If I turn left, I am not longer looking at the screen, right? How can I now aim? Finally, I highly doubt Natal allows the responsiveness needed to compete with users using a physical controller in these kinds of games, because there is A LOT of processing that must be going on in the background, and in many games, even a 1/10 of a second delay will mean the difference between winning and losing.

That said, I look forward to not needing a controller to interact with my 360, but simply being able to use natural motions...scrolling through my hugely long netflix queue with a gesture instead of having to hunt up where I left my controller (a controller which is not designed for common user interfaces and therefore unintuitive to causual users) is very appealing. Not to mention voice recognition, and a good web cam, and even being able to scan objects into the 360 will all provide very practical uses for non-game related purposes (finally, a truly accessible video phone anyone?).

Summary: not a defacto replacement for a controller in every situation, but definitely shows a lot of promise for many wii-like games (maybe MS is actually looking to break into a market they have largely ignored up until now), and most especially for a more natural UI experience.

[balocity]

I think that microsoft has a great idea going but what will happen to those games that need a controller (i.e. street fighter). Also I dont know about anyone else but I dont think pretending to hold a gun will keep me playing.

Power to microsofts with all there work being done(like windows 7) but I just hope they make sure they arn't bugged up(because that's what you expect from microsoft).

If microsoft could make a gun controller(wow i just said controller and they dont want that) then that would be good.


ALSO- what about speed. The processor in the Xbox probably wont be able to handle it(espcially if they plan on upgrading graphics)

[balocity]

I think that microsoft has a great idea going but what will happen to those games that need a controller (i.e. street fighter). Also I dont know about anyone else but I dont think pretending to hold a gun will keep me playing.

Power to microsofts with all there work being done(like windows 7) but I just hope they make sure they arn't bugged up(because that's what you expect from microsoft).

If microsoft could make a gun controller(wow i just said controller and they dont want that) then that would be good.


ALSO- what about speed. The processor in the Xbox probably wont be able to handle it(espcially if they plan on upgrading graphics)

[sobx10]

this seems somewhat to me like a response to wii fit, however i do like that microsoft has once again, seen past the motion, and is developing technology without a controller, or balance board. I always new that i would eventually someday see a world, where most homes could play games with only motion sensors and derive the ultimate fantasy experience.

[rundmcarlson]

What you all seem to be forgetting is all fps games blow with motion sensor tech. Ever play Cod on Wii? It is horrific to say the least. At least on the wii you have a controller to aim like a weapon. I can't imagine running around like a crazy person trying to shoot at things with nothing. Not to mention turning side to side and moving rapidly would be incredibly difficult. These motion controlled games are nothing but novelty. They are great when you have a party or a group of people and want something different to do but other than that its useless. Unless of course, Microsoft is recording the feeds to make a new "funniest home videos" style show, where we can watch how dumb people look playing these things.

[parag17]

Really a Nice technology..........
It will enhance the capabilities of gaming world.