Motion Control

Ooh, fun topic today. But first, I'm pretty sure no one reads this, which is why I'm so open on my opinions, but just in case, I've been gone so long because I just started college, and I have almost no free time anymore. Yeah, you probably know what that feels like, presuming you are an adult, but if you're still in High School or younger, then multiply your workload by, let's say five. Yeah, and then try to put in the time you sleep, hang out with friends, and not to mention all the chores you'll have to do yourself because your roommate just sleeps and plays on the computer all day.

Well, anyway, Motion Controls in the consoles. So we're looking at a three way war between Nintendo, Microsoft, and Sony and their motion control devices. The Wii has had this since it launched, and by far sold the best, at least I believe that to be so since I couldn't find one for months before snagging one online. By now Nintendo has learned how to do some good motion control games, experience is key to these things and they have it. Plus, you know Mario and Zelda, the two reasons I bought the Wii instead of the PS3 in 2007.

It's actually been war since 2006, but it's become more personal as the two losing combatants upgraded their weapons to mimic the more victorious console. The Xbox 360's Kinect and the PS3's Move. Awful names, but that's not important. What is important is that the two companies who were losing are taking heat for these new innovations to their systems. Why would they, though? Wouldn't trying to imitate the best selling console mean they would be producing a better experience for gamers?

That question is a little condenscending I'll admit, but in case you don't know, hardcore gamers are taking offense to the two hardcore companies that let them play hardcore games, like Halo, CoD, GoW, etc, now trying to invite casual gamers to play along with them. Essentially, it feels like they've just released the Microsoft Wii and the Sony Wii. And to be fair, Sony, it looks like the Wii. At least Kinect had the decency not to copy the controller. The gimicks for these devices are: for the Playstation Move, it allows you to play the Wii on the PS3. There's probably more to it than that, but that's about all I know about it. Kinect, however, allows your body to be the controller and what you do is done in the game, and I think they've had this on the PS2 actually, but not as fun as it will be apparently.

There are some problems with these devices though, namely that anyone who wanted to play casual games the companies are marketing had four years to pick up a Wii, and probably did so. Second, Kinect has the added disadvantage of being on the most hardcore console dominated by Cod and Halo sales, not the fluffy cute oh-the-whole-family-can-play-soccer-without-leaving-the-house game powerhouse. Let's just think for a second, would a family who wanted to do physical activity like that want to pay several hundred dollars for the console, Kinect, and games, or just go out and do things outside together and get the same result for cheaper? Even if they wanted some family games, the Wii is much cheaper, and have a long list of games for it that are probably going to be better than what Kinect or Move can offer, at least at the start.

Now, you've probably heard this before, and either agreed or dismissed it, because you're human (hopefully), but what I would like is for Kinect and Move to bring about games that are fun. Not fun for the family, not fun for the hardcores, but just fun. I mean, with both these devices, there are things we can play that couldn't be played before. Tell me, does a game where you have to walk on the moon and try to get used to the physics while dodging asteroids and space aliens shooting lazers sound like a fun Kinect game? Maybe, maybe not, but wouldn't it be an interesting alternative to Call of Honor Medal of Wars 43? How about playing a ninja throwing shurikens and handling an assortment of gadgets with different movement controls while battling hoards of zombie pirates? Playing as a MONKEY on Kinect, wouldn't that be something to see? Or shall we just try to bury these devices before they can show us what they can really do?