So Microsoft just announced something called Project Natal at their press conference which is basically an eye toy on crack combined with voice recognition software and the ability to scan real life objects.
In the worst case scenario this could end up just like the aforementioned eye toy: a little gadget that you can only use with some little minigames (like the 3D Breakout or the Godzilla-style town-wrecking-monster-game from the press conference) and get bored with after a few hours and after that only really use when friends who have never seen it before come over.
However I see some potential in it, because there really are some cool things that could be done with it, and not only in minigames but also in real games if they support natal as an option. And I cant stress option enough here: don't make it mandatory.
Let me give you a few examples of what I have in mind:
- The possibility to pick up on-screen objects and move them could be used in rpgs or games like RE5 to manage your inventory. Pick up the broadsword and drag it to your character to equip it or flick it away to drop it. I realize it's not necesarilly easier to manage it this way but hey it still might be pretty nice.
- The voice-recognition could be used in a lot of ways. Endwar showed that it can go wrong if you base a game entirely on that idea, but it could be a nice addition if you offer it as an option. Like simply announcing the weapon you want to equip in a shooter or the building you want to build in an rts instead of scroling through a whole menu to find what you are looking for.
Of course I don't know if it will even be possible for Natal to interact with future games that are not strictly designed for it, and I'm almost sure stuff like this won't happen, but I think this way it can be a nice addition to the gaming experience without being something totally seperate from the "old" way to interact with games.
I realize my examples might not be the best ones to describe the possibilities of Natal I have in mind, so why don't you come up with some ways Natal could improve core-gaming?
For any future Rock Band/Guitar Hero games coming out, they could let you control your character on-stage. That way you could get an even better feel of "rocking", while you're jumping around doing flips and stuff. That would be the easy part. They could also add a feature where the stage props become interactive, you know, where you could know over stuff. But I'm just dreaming, aren't I?
Destructoid is an open discussion community. You don't need to "audition" to post a comment - just speak your mind. We respect differing opinions on the site, so have at it. Be smart, funny, insightful, clueless, or cute -- but back it up with substance. Keep your cool, keep it fun. We only ask that you act respectfully and above all: don't be a troll and ruin it for everyone else. Don't bring down gamers or we'll, you know, gently shoot you in the face and stuff you into a flaming mailbox. Each comment is your opportuntity to make this community awesomer. Is that even a word?
Avoiding the banhammer only requires common sense: spamming, trolling, racism, NSFW stuff, and other forms of sucking will not be tolerated. If anyone is griefing please report abuse. Be good. Don't suck!
about me
Name: Marvin
Age: 18
Location: Germany
Games I'm currently playing: BC: Rearmed (XBLA)
Dynasty Warriors 6 (360)
Final Fantasy X (PS2)
Fire Emblem: Shadow Dragon (DS)
Rhythm Heaven (DS)
Phoenix Wright: Justce for all (DS)
Destructoid is an independently-run publication forged by our love of video games and the gaming community's need of accountable enthusiast press living the dream since March 16, 2006
Cyclone's blog
follow this blog
subscribe via RSS
send message
invite to meetup+play
This thing cant fail. It has Milo! That Milo demo just looked too damn amazing.
For any future Rock Band/Guitar Hero games coming out, they could let you control your character on-stage. That way you could get an even better feel of "rocking", while you're jumping around doing flips and stuff. That would be the easy part. They could also add a feature where the stage props become interactive, you know, where you could know over stuff. But I'm just dreaming, aren't I?