Every console is looking to get on the band wagon with a gimic, as it been “slightly” lucrative for Nintendo. Microsoft today announced Natal which basically, if it works anything like the trailer displayed, will change gaming forever. Complete user interaction without the need for a controller, allowing for 4D perspective gaming. The possibilities are limitless, which only leaves the question how flexible truly is this new technology?
Project Natal, as it is currently named, looks to revolutionise gaming completely – whilst hopefully avoiding the ‘waggle’ limitations of previous attempts at similar technology. Thankfully Microsoft had the solution to assuring that this is the real deal – Stephen Speilberg took the stage. I am sold.
Next, the game was demonstrated live. The dashboard instantly picked up on who had turned on the console from face recognition, then allowed the user to navigate to the demo games with their hands. Moving into the first game human pong was demonstrated, allowing you to reflect a ball against a wall using your body – or many as was demonstrated, which was touted as something which “isn’t something you just sit on the sofa performing waggle commands”.
Next, a painting application was shown in which the demonstrator was selecting tools and colours by phrases, and painting by waving their hands. Amazingly enough the picture stated to take place as each additional layer was added to the canvas. After finishing the picture the ability to place yourself on the canvas by silhouettes was shown – which were remarkably amazing given the background distortion that was present on the E3 stage, simply stunning.
Lastly Peter Molyneux demonstrated a game in which you could interact with water with your hands, showing even your reflection on the games screen. The game also demonstrated interaction between you and an in-game character, to an impressive level.
Safe to say, EXTREMELY impressive.