Xbox Natal Project the new Gaming Generation
It seems like everyone owns an Xbox 360 these days. But games have been wondering what’s over the horizon for gaming. Microsoft’s answer to this question has been the Xbox Natal. The Natal project is essentially Microsoft’s answer to the Nintendo Wii’s motion control. However Microsoft’s version is a little safer.
With the Wii you had to use the Wiimote, and the nun chuck attachment. There was always the chance of throwing it accidentally and breaking your LCD TV. However the natal is different. It’s controllers less, and safe for TV’s. Essentially it’s a high end motion sensor that’s built into the 360. It detects the motions of your hands, arms, legs, and body. It then inputs them into the game as if you were using a controller.
But it doesn’t just have uses for gaming. Xbox Natal is being designed to be your connectivity center. You would use the motion sensor to navigate between system windows when not playing a game. You can explore Xbox live, and browse everything that you would normally do with a controller. Talking to friends would be as simple as pointing at their name and talking. There has been rumor that the Natal project will also have a built in microphone.
This will eliminate the need for that flimsy headset that I’m sure most of you hate. However we will most likely not see the Natal till the next console generation. One of the problems releasing it for the current 360 is that the games aren’t programmed to use it. The difficulty of setting up games with motion control is they have to be programmed to accept commands from it. Not to mention the mechanics of a game may not work well with it if not designed for it.
Take fighting games for example; currently they are still at the button mashing level. But on the Xbox Natal they would recognize the input from you kicking, punching, ducking, or moving in any other direction. This is obviously a lot different from button mashing and if you tried to play an older fighting game on it the game wouldn’t know what to do. This isn’t a problem with the system or the game; it’s merely a technological limitation at the time the old games were made.
Although I must admit the idea’s set forth for the new Xbox Natal are intriguing. There are many options for real time strategy games now. In the past we were limited to using the d-pad, holding down triggers and selecting buildings and units from a scroll menu. But with the Natal project, all we have to do is point at the unit’s tell them to go here and shot this, and all will be right with the world. Well my world anyway, theirs is probably going to be in shambles.
But that’s the point. The whole concept behind video games was to have fun. This concept was lost in the late 90’s early 2000’s. But it looks like Microsoft has finally remembered that gaming is meant to be enjoyed. Keep in mind even though they are developing something new there’s no reason to throw out your 360. As stated motion control doesn’t translate well onto older games.
So unless they come up with a system for porting them, or re-release every 360 title on the Natal, then you’re going to need something to play them on. But I’m sure they will come up with something, after all Halo fans would scream bloody murder if they released the Natal, then discontinued the 360, and made no way to play the old games.
As far as what the Xbox Natal is going to look like your guess is as good as mine. Obviously it will have to blend with the new console design, or maybe even be built into it. I’m sure Microsoft won’t make any bad hardware decisions like they did with the 360 launch. I think they learned their lesson. Now as for what outputs it’s going to have that we can take an educated guess on. HDMI is obviously a definite because everyone is going to the HDTV’s, although you may need to buy the cable separately.
Component cables are probably going to be supported as well, and will probably be the standard hookup for the Xbox Natal. The old red, yellow, and white video cables are probably not going to be supported. After all this is the next generation and by the time it’s released most gamer’s won’t be using CRT TV’s to game on. The biggest promise that the Natal project is making is the elimination of the controller.
Often people have felt constrained by the wired controller, so we moved to ireless. Still people need to hold the controller and hit buttons in order to play the game. It has been this way since the dawn of consoles, and we all accepted it as a fact of life. But going controllerless offers up new freedoms. Like being able to drop what you’re doing and stop the dog from running out the screen door you left open.
Regardless of whether you are a Microsoft fan or not they are making some interesting innovations. Though some may argue that the Xbox Natal is just their attempt to combat Nintendo’s Wii, and they may be right. But the Natal Project also shows that Microsoft is open to different idea’s and isn’t afraid to try them out. After all what happens if they develop the new console, release it and it bombs in sales? They would lose a lot of money, and probably have to fire some people. But it’s a risk they are willing to take, and when it comes out it will be interesting to try.
“It's not about reinventing the wheel, it's about no wheel at all.” - Steven Spielberg
What has Steven Spielberg saying, “It's not about reinventing the wheel, it's about no wheel at all? Project Natal uses new technology to give us true to life interactive games requiring no controllers. Unveiled at Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3) 2009, Project Natal promises a whole new and exciting way to play games, watch movies, talk to friends, and so much more! With the greatest of ease anyone can jump right into playing on Project Natal, literally!The Xbox Natal release promises to get even the most casual player wanting to play.
Project Natal gives the gamer ultimate control of their character, if the player wants to kick their target they kick and if another player needs to change a virtual tire they can, all with no controllers ever. Now families can play in teams against each other buzzing in correct answers as quick as they can or against another family with Xbox Live for even more fun! Create your own avatar and use it to chat with friends online simply by asking. With the sound of a voice the unit can scan an item to send to friends or even to use on a game! Best of all it sits under your T.V. and is compatible with all Xbox 360s. With the Xbox Natal release date tentatively placed at years end, it's sure to be on everyone's wish list this holiday season.
This unit features a multi-array microphone that can track up to four people at one time and eliminates ambient sound for clear sound recognition. It has a RGB camera enabling facial recognition and full body tracking to provide realistic character control. A depth sensor that can see the room in 3D even with poor lighting ensuring fun even in the evening. Combine all these with a custom processor with proprietary software and the consumer gets a highly interactive easy to use gaming unit that's fun for everyone.
What about the release date ?
With the expected Xbox Natal release date set for end of 2009, there are still some questions that need to be answered about Project Natal. People are already asking how much Project Natal will cost and while there is no official statement some are estimating cost at about 500 dollars per unit. While the cost may be a little higher than a controller all the extra technologies make it well worth the extra cost. It is still unclear if older Xbox 360 games will be backwards compatible with it or if Project Natal will be sold as an accessory or bundled with the Xbox console. Either way it's sure to be a new and fun addition to everyone's gaming experience.
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