A New Way to Play?
by Matt Fox
June 9, 2009
E3 has come and gone once again. There are so many things I could talk about regarding what has been released, what is going to be released, and what has been demoed. The most intriguing in that group? For me it has to be Project Natal from Microsoft.
Now first and foremost...I hate Microsoft. I really do. Yeah, the 360 isn't a bad system and I even own one, but I still can't stand that company and everything they stand for. However, the Playstation 3 is incredible expensive so, the 360 wins...sigh.
Regardless, I'm not going to get into why I dislike Microsoft, that's for another time. I am going to talk about Project Natal and how I believe this is the future of gaming in every way, shape, and form.
So what exactly is Project Natal? Well, in short it's a new peripheral add-on for the XBOX 360 that is essentially a new gaming experience allowing the user to play without the use of a controller. So basically, it's a little like the Nintendo Wii and a little like the iPhone in terms of the gameplay.
Project Natal uses a camera sensor mounted near your television to map your movements without a controller. Think of it like a scanner for your body. For example, when playing a racing game in Project Natal you just hold up your hands like you're holding an invisible steering wheel. Sounds pretty cool right?
Before we get ahead of ourselves, let's assume that this thing is going to work they way Microsoft says it's going to. The Nintendo Wii has had it's issues, so has the iPhone, so I'm a little skeptical right off the bat.
However, if it works like they say it's going to, this new gaming console/add-on looks like it's going to be the start of an entirely new experience in games. The Nintendo Wii is definitely going to have some stiff competition now, but does the iPhone have anything to worry about?
That's hard to tell. On one hand, the iPhone is a portable device that can be played anywhere. It also uses touch technology so it isn't really like Project Natal. The Nintendo Wii basically uses the same type of concept only with a controller. I have to say though, playing a game sans controller is a really cool option.
What do you guys think? Are you excited about this? Hardcore Wii fans scared? Does our beloved iPhone have anything to worry about? Let's hear what you think...
App of the Week
This week I have to go with a game called Parachute Panic. If you haven't seen or heard of this game, you're missing out. It's amazing! No, seriously...it is. Go buy it right now. It's pretty self explanatory. You have to get the little stick figure guys to land safely on the boats below. Watch out for UFO's and helicopter's! The music in this game is worth the price alone. Trust me...Retro Game of the Week
So first I need to congratulate Aktariel for guessing last week's game: Castlevania 2 for the original Nintendo. Nice job Aktariel. This week I think I have a hard one for all of you. In fact, I'll be surprised if anyone has ever played this one. Good luck and as always, give me the name of the game and the system it was on. See you next week...
