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Project Natal might have a release window of during the holidays, but that doesn't answer the litany of questions that remain about Microsoft's entry into motion gaming. Since its E3 reveal, we've seen tech demos and examples of how Project Natal can graft onto existing gaming experiences, but Microsoft and third-parties have remained quiet on games developed for the ground up for Project Natal.
I asked Xbox group product manager Aaron Greenberg about this problem at CES last week, proposing that users can only remain interested in the possibilities of Project Natal for so long.
"I would say that right now the team [at Microsoft] is working really hard on making, bringing those experiences -- doing the development phase of that," said Greenberg.
Okay, so when will we see the games?
"I would expect at E3 we'll share a lot more of those types of details," he confirmed.
That makes sense. E3 it is, then. But potential must be realized. It's difficult to imagine a world where Nintendo didn't launch Wii with Wii Sports, bundled with the hardware or not. Wii Sports translated the potential of Nintendo's motion dreams into a simple, tangible, easily demonstrable product. As games start coming together for Project Natal, Microsoft must be in search of its Wii Sports equivalent.
I asked Greenberg whether Microsoft had found its Wii Sports for Project Natal.
"I think we've seen some stuff recently that has the team really excited," he said in an understandably vague tone, given Microsoft's continued secrecy about actual games for the add-on. "There's a -- this is going to sound kind of cheesy -- there is a magical feeling with some of the stuff. I think a lot of people always have that skepticism around when you see anything like this. You're like 'it sounds amazing, the video was incredible, the demos on stage were great, but does it really work?'"
Soon, the rest of us should know more about what's making Greenberg understand Project Natal. He's probably seen the game that Capcom's excitedly working on and teased to us during CES.
"It's becoming real very quickly," he concluded, "which is exciting."
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Comments
Displaying 1–19 of 19
o_NIGHT_TRAIN_o
Natal looks like it is going to be the same as the wii except you swing around your arms without a controller in your hands.
Pillowman
I don't think project natal will be bad, it just looks like another step, along with the marketing campaign, to attract a more casual market. They will make more money and xbox will most likely experience the unfortunate inevitability of more shovelware.
BeloZero25
Two words for those who think this is going to be a waste..... FREE MARKET. Why is it that people think they are going to be forced to buy the Natal? As if a government agent is going to come knocking on every Xbox 360s owners door and literally point a gun to your head and tell you that you going to like it and you don't have a choice in the matter. I can't believe the ignorance of people sometimes and I am starting to question the educational backgrounds and the general age groups in these forums. If its not your bag then by all means don't buy it. It has already been stated that the controller is NOT going to be obsolete, the Natal will be an attempt to experience gaming in a different way. Honestly, if the eye toy could do the same things as the natal, don't you think that Microsoft would know that being that Sony is direct competitor?
It's like saying that Audi's R8 ripped off Fords Model T because Ford came out first and they are both cars. Although they both drive like motorized vehicles, they are two VERY different products with different features and functions. If anything I would compare The Eye Toy to the Xbox Vision Camera (does anybody remember that), because THEY can do the same thing as one another. I am sure that Microsoft saw this and realized they had to be more creative and put more technology behind that idea, so they really didn't invest to much into that peripheral. I think they only had that one game called " The Movies " which didn't do well.
This doesn't mean that game developers are going to STOP make games that use controllers. If anything its more likely that they will give you the option just like the rumble feature, either off or on, and without compromising any functionality.
Yes there are going to be those "gimmicky" titles which we all know suck, but people act as if every game that comes out now, is pure gold. That is simply not true. We are going to get those lower funded, not well thought out, rushed games no matter what system we own or what peripheral supports the software, but that does not mean that every game release is going to be instantly horrible that supports Natal. If this is executed correctly, I think the gaming world will experience a new way to play games. Its really up to the developers to make this technology work. Though there are going to be people who simply wont like it. Which is fine but only after they have tried it or else your just another hater. I say keep an open mind ( for now ) until we see more.
So all and all, stop your complaining and keep playing the games you know you enjoy.....sheesh!
Lyr1c
I'm not so sure about Natal. I mean it's something different, yes....but....i just cant see myself getting immersed in a game where im waving my arms around for a sword fight.
zenmastersamuraimonk
i just wonder what the actual name of the product is, microsoft said that natal was just a code name for the product.
Joe22
I think gamers are going to want feed back in games, sure this will work for some things like, oh I don't know, more workout games, but how would it work for a game where you need to switch weapons, would the command be to tap your shoulder, or slap your chest. There's no way a real game could use this.
R3LF_13
I want to believe this will be cool, but the games will turn out to be causal mini game compilations with which i will have no interest.
Sukimaki
i perfer to sit wit my controler killin plp on MW2 dont need to be runnin around my livin room i dont care to much bout natal
DJOmega6
I say let's wait til we see some games for it at E3 before making "EPIC FAIL LOL" comments. Put fanboyism aside and have an open mind. If it turns out to be stupid, then make fun of it as much as you want. Until then, be happy that Microsoft is at least trying something different, even if it is ultimately a response to the success of the Wii.
Johnbegood
I would love it the new motion controls for the systems became something that turned out a lot of games, but I have a feeling they are just going to be gimmicks like the PS eye was.
Bomblord
The only thing I will probably use natal for is to navigate the dashboard and maybe for the voice and facial recognition aspect of a few games. it may work in well then the novelty will wear off and I'll go back to the controller
InHumanMarine
Looks like a lot of these turds have their panties up in a wad. lol Losers. If you don't like it you can get out.
Zac1Morris
Dear Patrick and TheFeed,
Please give us all a break from the excessive Natal coverage. No games have been shown for it and the damn thing doesnt even come out until the end of the year. There are so many other stories that could be covered right now.
gravy666
At this rate, the Xbox is going to have that "lightsaber game" before the Wii does.
nvserg
I wanna go to this E3, anyone know how??????
BBHSbenito
i'm not very interested in natal. I prefer a controller and i don't really see what all the hype is about. What can it do the playstation eye can't? I'm expecting most if not all games that integrate it fully to be "casual." and more hardcore games will probably be like the ps3 with sixasis (eg killzone 2 by tilting the control to open valves etc.)
PS I own all three consoles even, regrettably, the wii. so don't call me a fanboy. I hated sixaxis except flower and i hated the playstation eye. and i have a feeling that natal is gonna be exactly like the eye.
BTW Mylo=FAIL
DPsx72 ShowHide(3 Replies)
That's a given. Everything to come from M$ has been an epic fail, so this will be no different.
Blackkro ShowHide(4 Replies)
Project Natal is obsolete. Epic Fail.
iSpaz
sweet... I am pretty excited for E3 to see what they have for Natal... I am always up to have an extra option with my Xbox. Motion controls are not my fav. but sometimes it's good to mix it up now and then, expecially when you have friends over... maybe i'll finally put the "sticks" down and let go of Halo... Wait.. no I wont lol
Displaying 1–19 of 19
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