4 Reasons why Motion Control is the way forward for games
In 2006, Nintendo released the Wii. Whilst it has pretty shoddy specs, and can only put out up to 480p, the console has sold more than any other ever. The reason? Motion control. The Wii was the first console to fully embrace the feature. And whilst it didn't have too many great games, and struggled to keep up with the Specs of the Xbox or the PS3, it was truly revolutionary. Since then, there have been the PS3's Playstation Move, the Xbox 360's Kinect, the Wii's successor, the Wii U, and the new generation's Kinect 2.0 and Playstation camera. Whilst I hope that there will always be a place for Keyboards and Controllers (Oooh look, that's the name of the Website), motion control is, in my opinion, the next step for gaming.. Here's why.
1. It's more Accessible
Of course, part of the reason the Wii did so well is that anyone can play it. Whilst I like games that are a bit harder and more complex, there is definitely something to be said for a full family game of Wii Bowling. And with the camera based motion control systems, it takes even less time to learn to play. Of course there have been some games that have been too simple with motion control. I've only played it briefly, but Self-Defense Training Camp isn't a good game. It is unrealistic and unpractical, but most of all, it's just too easy. I'm pretty sure any able bodied person could beat it all without much effort. But anyway, a game can be accessible without being ridiculously easy is a great thing, and a excellent example of this is Mario Kart Wii. It was easy to play, but some of the Mirror levels were really quite tricky. Actually, Mario Kart Wii did most things right. It was a great example of all that is good about Motion Control gaming.
In 2006, Nintendo released the Wii. Whilst it has pretty shoddy specs, and can only put out up to 480p, the console has sold more than any other ever. The reason? Motion control. The Wii was the first console to fully embrace the feature. And whilst it didn't have too many great games, and struggled to keep up with the Specs of the Xbox or the PS3, it was truly revolutionary. Since then, there have been the PS3's Playstation Move, the Xbox 360's Kinect, the Wii's successor, the Wii U, and the new generation's Kinect 2.0 and Playstation camera. Whilst I hope that there will always be a place for Keyboards and Controllers (Oooh look, that's the name of the Website), motion control is, in my opinion, the next step for gaming.. Here's why.
1. It's more Accessible
Of course, part of the reason the Wii did so well is that anyone can play it. Whilst I like games that are a bit harder and more complex, there is definitely something to be said for a full family game of Wii Bowling. And with the camera based motion control systems, it takes even less time to learn to play. Of course there have been some games that have been too simple with motion control. I've only played it briefly, but Self-Defense Training Camp isn't a good game. It is unrealistic and unpractical, but most of all, it's just too easy. I'm pretty sure any able bodied person could beat it all without much effort. But anyway, a game can be accessible without being ridiculously easy is a great thing, and a excellent example of this is Mario Kart Wii. It was easy to play, but some of the Mirror levels were really quite tricky. Actually, Mario Kart Wii did most things right. It was a great example of all that is good about Motion Control gaming.
2. It's Genuinely Different
I've said in the past that games that break the mould should be appreciated more, and games that rely on motion control are so much different to the standard in games we have come to accept. And because the field is so new, not many ideas have been exhausted. It doesn't take a genius to figure out that is you control a game with your body, it will be a fairly different.
3. It Promotes Moving
Christ, this one is a bit depressing. But in the USA obesity rates are ever climbing, and I'm not going to pretend that just because we know how to spell the word "colour" that the situation is any better here in the UK. And whilst the Wii fit didn't do much for me (except take a strike at my self-esteem by giving me an Overweight BMI), any movement is better than none. I looked into this, and this article by CNN says standing up lengthens your life. But then again, I am typing this sitting down, and I'm not dead. Work that one out, scientists.
4. It's the most Futuristic Thing We Have
I'm a bit of a nerd, and when the Wii was announced I had to contain my girly squeals. Even if you aren't Motion Control's biggest fan, you have to admit, it is probably the coolest, most Star Warsian technology we have. It really is like something from Back from the Future 2's 2015. It is truly amazing the progress we've made in the last 20 years. Sure, motion control isn't perfect yet, and games like Kinect Star Wars, The Dragon Ball Z Game for Kinect or Wheelspin for Wii will continue to be made, and it may be years, heck, maybe decades, before the games are anywhere near as good as non motion control gaming is today. But it is, in my opinion, the future.
I've said in the past that games that break the mould should be appreciated more, and games that rely on motion control are so much different to the standard in games we have come to accept. And because the field is so new, not many ideas have been exhausted. It doesn't take a genius to figure out that is you control a game with your body, it will be a fairly different.
3. It Promotes Moving
Christ, this one is a bit depressing. But in the USA obesity rates are ever climbing, and I'm not going to pretend that just because we know how to spell the word "colour" that the situation is any better here in the UK. And whilst the Wii fit didn't do much for me (except take a strike at my self-esteem by giving me an Overweight BMI), any movement is better than none. I looked into this, and this article by CNN says standing up lengthens your life. But then again, I am typing this sitting down, and I'm not dead. Work that one out, scientists.
4. It's the most Futuristic Thing We Have
I'm a bit of a nerd, and when the Wii was announced I had to contain my girly squeals. Even if you aren't Motion Control's biggest fan, you have to admit, it is probably the coolest, most Star Warsian technology we have. It really is like something from Back from the Future 2's 2015. It is truly amazing the progress we've made in the last 20 years. Sure, motion control isn't perfect yet, and games like Kinect Star Wars, The Dragon Ball Z Game for Kinect or Wheelspin for Wii will continue to be made, and it may be years, heck, maybe decades, before the games are anywhere near as good as non motion control gaming is today. But it is, in my opinion, the future.
And that's the article. GG. So, I've almost hit 5,000 unique views, and that number is really big. I can't even believe it, but anyway, life goes on. Email me in at [email protected] or tweet me @KaC__Official (2 underscores). And we have a poll today. The perks of Democracy.