Video game console makers are always trying to one up the other companies. When PS3 and Xbox 360 had high definition, the Nintendo Wii brought motion controls to make up for the lack of high definition graphics. Then, Microsoft and Sony knew they had to respond with motion controls of their own. While Playstation’s offering is quite similar to the Nintendo Wii, Microsoft came out with a whole new concept, the Xbox Project Natal. Instead of just using a wand or a controller to wave around and control the on-screen characters with your hand motions, Project Natal takes it a step further and incorporates your whole entire body. Now you can control various video games with your head, hands, arms, legs and feet, and even your voice!
This new type of gaming will bring about all new game experiences. You won’t be limited by a handful of buttons and directional pads, and therefore it will definitely make some games really exciting. I think that sports games will do really well with Project Natal, because Wii Sports did really well and helped grow the popularity of the Wii. Being able to do full golf motions, boxing punches and dodging, as well as martial arts punches, kicks, and grabs will be pretty fun.
Another popular genre that I think will do well is with exercise and fitness games. The Nintendo Wii Fit did really well at furthering the exercise video game genre. The problem was that you were mostly limited by the feedback you got with the balance board. Project Natal will be able to feature essentially real-time workout videos, allowing you to get feedback on the workout moves and positions because the camera will be able to see your entire body. Yoga Natal will probably be really popular among women who are already going to buy Project Natal for their children or husbands, and they’ll be able to get in on the action by doing yoga poses and getting feedback about if they are doing the poses correctly or not.
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