Okay, this isn’t usually the level of erudite language that I’d choose to use in a company blog, but: Holy. Freaking. Crap! I first started writing about games back in the Paleolithic age of the late 1980s, and Project Natal is the most impressed I’ve been by a new gaming technology I’ve seen since Commodore launched the Amiga computer and put an end to eight-color gaming back before a bunch of you were born.
(I’m assuming you’ve seen the Project Natal video to see what the technology is all about. If not, check it out at www.xbox.com/projectnatal.)
I just got out of a one-on-one demo of the technology with Kudo Tsunoda, and I was blown way. The reactions I’ve seen to Project Natal from my press buddies here at the show have ranged from excitement to skepticism. How could it work that well? What if your little brother runs in the room, or a cat walks by your feet, or you step behind a coffee table? Project Natal’s skeleton tracking compensates for all of those things.
After an energetic demo of the full-body Breakout game by Kudo (who has to be an extremely tired man by this point in the show), I got a chance to try the game—and the Project Natal controller—myself. It was an amazing experience. Here are the highlights:
The Project Natal controller is going to be a fantastic addition to the Xbox 360 arsenal that’s going to open up all kinds of new gaming experiences. Traditional controllers will certainly continue to exist, of course. But seeing how well Natal works, I can just imagine the possibilities: Sword and lightsaber battles, selecting units onscreen in a strategy game just by pointing to them, punching in a boxing game, fitness programs, jumping right into an FPS game and aiming at the bad guys onscreen… I can’t wait.
I still don't get it.
No matter how good it works, even if it is 100% perfect, I don't see a reason to use it over a controller.
When I want to do activity that requires exercise I'll go outside and play a real sport, but when I want to play a game, I want to be relaxed in a chair with a controller in my hand.
The motion control fad is slowing ruining gaming with the insane amount of crap games being released on the Wii, and now there will be a ton of them released on the 360 and PS3 as well.
Yes I agree with you that its better to have a controller, but this Natal is for the people that dont play good on the controller or they just dont want to play the game. Also just think of the possibilaties with this technology, this tech far surpases the Wii's motion sensor.
Mircrosoft made a good move for E3, I don't think Nientendo or Sony knew this was coming.
I'm in a wheelchair and all i see is Natal/Wii/ PS3 eyetoy gadget making it so i'm phased out of gaming. Rockband/Guitar Hero started it with not being able to disconnect the drum pedal. now i've got to change elevation to do different activities in a game (prone shooting) or in place soccer ball juggling to play a soccer game. I am a disable athlete and i agree with UnHoly One in that i want to sit and relax with control at my finger tips. Not to mention the entire segment of gamers who are disable and shut in most of their lives who won't be able to play the games they are putting it out to be revolutionary.
Guys, I don't think anyone forsees this replacing controllers, just offering a new option to allow different kinds of games.
Microsoft is just keeping up w/ the Johnsons. Preparing for the future. Since many games are going mmos and pushing consoles out of their financial gains.
Editer, how about Microsoft intruduces support out of the USA for your USA customers vs out of India and pissing off the members you have?
I think that natal will be amazing. If you truly read about it Microsoft said that they arn't elimiating the controller but simiply adding a new way to play games and competing against the Wii which is a smart move. So people with disablities can still play and people who want more of a get up type of gaming can have fun too. I think its amazing the technlogy they are showing. Especailly with Milo. The Wii was a step for a more real game play and this is even further. At this rate in the future virtual reallity could be a possiblity.
When i first saw the natal presentation, it was mind-blowing. The when i saw PS3's presentation, i thought natal may not be that practical after all.
For fighting games, how do i do somersault kicks, upward moon sweep kicks, hurricane kicks, etc?
For driving games, can it actually detect my 6 gear hand movements? I'll prefer holding onto real wheels, I've got my driving wheel anyways.
For FPS; action games like RE4&5 , how does natal going to implement look up/down/left/right, walk/run forward/backward/strafe, hide behind cover, roll, about turn, etc? It can actually detect my fingers pulling the gun trigger with pixel accuracy?
Lastly, i'll need a hell of a place for my body movements. I'll be dead exhausted after 1hr playing games like MGS, after all the proning, running away from guards, punch;punch;jumping reverse kick, climbing trees, buildings, etc. LOL!
I think this great. I think natal is great if it works like they say it will and as long as it doesn't cost an arm and a leg. I will still want my controller games, but would love the option of some body games too. I like the Wii games but would never buy one because of the fact that i am not going to buy a hole new system just to play a few body games. The Wii is not good for the serious gamer. The Wii is good for the occasion party games...groups who want to all play...bowling, sports and stuff. And for the Wii fit. Me personally not going to buy a whole new system to hook up just for that. But i would buy a addition to my beloved xbox for the occasional group games or to get some exercise with something similar to wii fit. i was really hoping E3 would be adding a Blue Ray player addition to compete with PS3...but thats prolly still coming.
Completely Amazing...I dont understand how people can put this project down. I mean It is just an add-on to the Xbox, its not like someone is going to put a gun to your head and make you buy Natal. It is completely up to you if you want to buy this piece of technology or not. I myself think it is amazing that something like this is going to be coming out, I mean motion and voice operated wow...Plus with the Lionhead Studios Video?? Total AI having a conversation with you...The Future is now...No it will not take over controllers, but it will be a great add-on to the Xbox 360...
I agree with UnHoly One the idea of this no controller thing is stupid. this just says hey we dont even need to leave are house now to get exercise. When this whole project is done i hope you can still play with a controller or i wont buy video games ever again because you all ruined it for me. I'll go do the stuff OUTSIDE while the people who actually still buy your games will be doing all this inside. Wow if this works whats next bringing the whole outdoors inside to you in a holo gram. All this is i think is buy more video games kids becuase now you can tell your mom that your exercise indoors and not becoming fat. Way to go ruin little kids social interactions by having them video chat over Xbox nice job.
project natal rocks i don't agree with you haters im buying this hands down i think you don't have to always use motion sensor you can use controller when u want hey this is fun for kids and social people it is a party with friends
PWAL 76 and others,
as a home theater integrator i see the voice recognition as a huge inroad to my current dilemma.
I have a 80% disabled client with limited use of one arm. The voice activating feature would be awesome if we could use that to control the xbox or a/v devices.
as far as going outside to skateboard sometime at 3am and a cold pack it's best to do you skateboarding in the family room...
I think this is very cool
like for shooting games it would make it alot more real
even family games like bowling
any one can play it like my grandfather it makes you have more interaction with the game
Yes .. that’s how I look @ it .. check it out if you don’t believe (or if you do ..) and spread the love!