Days of Gaming

Monday, September 6

Ask almost any “hardcore” console gamer and they will undoubtedly say that motion control just needs to go away or even possibly die. They don’t think it adds much to games. Plus why do they need to look like an idiot while playing them? But then I got to thinking… didn’t we, in a way, take this “freedom of movement” step already? And wasn’t it recent?

Dual Analog was a huge improvement for gaming. Yes, it took a little bit to get used to, but it allowed for so much more. It gave console gamers the ability to look up and down while move forward and backwards. Without console gaming, and even possibly gaming in general, would not be the same. But when it comes to Dual Analog the effect is usually more in game than compared to what the Wii motion controls do. Many can say what the Wii motion controls have far less impact on the games themselves, which means it could have easily been done with a normal controller.

Is this really what we want?

But I don’t think that is true. With every new technology not every avenue is explored immediately and I think motion control is just taking longer than Dual Analog. Look at newer games like Zelda and the Skyward Sword. It would be a pain to switch between a vertical and horizontal slash. It not only would take up an extra button but it also would be down right awkward and unnecessary. With a motion controller it is simplified, much like how dual analog simplified looking up and down while moving forward and backwards. Another game that would benefit greatly from motion control would be Metal Gear Solid: Rising, even though I think there are no plans for it… sadly.

Whose arm looks broken? All Thanks to Kinect.

The examples I gave may just seem like I justified people’s belief that motion control in unnecessary. Because like I pointed out, motion control would only make it easier, which may be only a small impact. But that was roughly the same thing dual analog did when it was released. There were already shooters with the ability to aim up or down, but dual analog only made it easier. Also some games, even now, don’t really benefit from dual analog (primarily RPGs like Final Fantasy). So how different is motion control?

This completely unreal event may be something of the past.

I think the biggest thing hurting motion control is casual games. You see a Wii controller, Playstation Move, or a Kinect and you will immediately think, casual games. Fortunately for dual analog it didn’t get associated with just a type of game but gaming overall, which includes casual games. Motion controls don’t have to be built solely around casual games, even though majority of them currently are. If the casual games weren’t associated with motion controls I think it may be regarded as the next dual analog. Because we all know the only other complaint is that they make you look stupid while using them… And we know that isn’t necessarily true… unless you are using the Kinect. Then you look stupid and incredibly creepy.

So the question is, do you think that motion controls are the future and if so are they capable of more benefits than just freedom of movement? If not, then explain your reasons, beyond the ones I mentioned.