Motion and Wagglan
Hello again! Apparently my first post was an interesting read and I'll try to keep it going. Anyone else annoyed that the direction video games are going in looks like it's going to be strictly motion controls?
Playstation Move was released last month and Microsoft Kinect came out last week, rounding out all 3 companies having their motion control alternatives, except with the Wii it's required.
Now granted, I do have a Wii, but the games I play the most on it don't require too much remote waving. Examples, Kirby Epic Yard, Monster Hunter 3, Metroid Other M. Nintendo went for the motion as their flagship and it is working out for them because all of their efforts are going into that.
For the other companies however, it is just an alternative method to play aimed at a different audience. The only problem with 1 of the 3, *cough* KINECT *cough* it doesn't work! I went to my local Best Buy with a few friends and we tried out the Kinect, and I tried out the Move afterwards. The Kinect calibration process took 5-10 minutes, and even after that, the tracking was limited and buggy due to the low amount of space the store had set up, but it was kind of an indication on how it would be in homes. Optimal space for Kinect for 2 people is 7-10ft away from the sensor/camera, there aren't alot of people who have that much space in their dedicated area where they play Xbox, if they do it typically requires alot of movement and re-arranging of furniture, which is really a hassle. Also, it was stated for 4 people, closer to 15-20 feet from the sensor is needed, I do not know one person who would have that much space in their home to ever be able to play Kinect with 4 people. Kinect is amazing technology, and it is a step forward, but it's about 5 steps back in terms of implementation, I hope it does well for future games, but at this point all you can do is move left and right, jump, play some sports games, there is no control of forward or backward, thats about 30% of a total game you're really playing.
Now for the Playstation Move, Sony basically upgraded the EyeToy and also added an LED indicator on the end of the wand to track full hand movement. From what I tried of the table tennis sports demo, it actually tracked my serves and backhands really well. Also the Move wand can be used to navigate through the XMB menu on the system, so so far it is doing well in terms of capturing motion. Only downside for Move and Kinect though is there aren't really any games aside from the dance, exercise, and the basic sports games to play, we'll have to see how they pan out over the next couple months.
Pros:
Wii - Many more games to play, Wii Motion Plus has improved the motion tracking of the remote at the cost of $20. Virtual Console
Playstation Move - Same, if not better functionality than the Wii at an extra $100 cost if you already have a PS3 but do not own the Playstation Camera.
Kinect - Biggest improvement in terms of technology.
Cons:
Wii - Lack of online games and lackluster ports and lower library of games most core gamers would be interested in.
Move - Lack of games so far, but best working technology.
Kinect - Space limitations for most consumers, calibration is more of a chore, lack of games.
My verdict for what will SELL the most, Kinect, the ad campaign for it is ridiculous. Microsoft didn't spend half a billion dollars for nothing. Move is selling well in Europe and I predict large sales for the holidays. Wii is a household name and will sell as it always does.
Just remember, regular controllers are still better!
