Another magazine has piped up to claim that the Xbox 360 motion controller 'Newton' is real, making the 360 Wii Remote look even more likely to be the real deal.
In its latest issue, Xbox World 360 reports that its own sources have "confirmed" that both the 360 motion contoller and Rare-helmed Xbox 360 'Mii' project are real, and will be out before the end of the year.
Last month MTV reported it's heard all about the 'Newton' controller from an unnamed developer, and then the blokes at 8bitjoystick piped up to say they'd heard about the Newton and Rare 'Mii' project as well.
"This month, sources confirmed to us that both projects are real, which shouldn't come as a surprise given Microsoft's eagerness to ensnare the casual market," says Xbox World 360.
"The Microsoft Mii system is well into development at Rare's offices here in the UK, while the controller itself remains more mysterous," the mag continues.
"Partnering with a third-party hardware developer as Nintendo did, Microsoft would want to bring the controller to market before the end of 2008."
Last week Microsoft Game Studios boss played dumb on the Newton rumours, telling us: "I've never heard of a motion sensing controller... I don't know what you are talking about..."
Xbox World 360 issue 66, with Resident Evil 5 on the cover, is on shelves now.
Just as achievements and gamerscore-type systems wont work on PS3, Mii-type systems wont work on the 360 because they werent built-in from the start.
Of course we have no idea what they're planning, but I really hope its more than just a bunch of mini games with a motion controller and little avatars to go with it, cause they really will just look like complete rip-off merchants.
However much I'd love to see a motion-controlled Black & White game, this is sounding more and more copy-catty...
Is it time to start throwing more eggs at Microsoft people? Seriously though its Microsoft! surely they can come up with something a little more original.
Nintendos idea have always been copied by other companys..i'm suprised they have never sued. First the D pad then rumble controllers, Analogue sticks, motion sensing controllers, miis... god why dont companys come up with something instead of using other peoples ideas... i means Ps3 controller wasnt motion until wii remote was announced...enough said lol
the 'mii' project however is a pretty exciting prospect, as long as it was rolled out as part of a mandatory dashboard update tho.
having a customised 3D version of a gamercard is to good to not follow up! imagine the prospects! instead of gamer pics to download you could have 'Items' from your favourite games to customise your character with..
I don't see why some people are posting negative comments.
We all know that this is how the games world works. Someone comes up with an idea and the rest eventually follow.
It happened with collar buttons and analog sticks, and now it'll probably happen with motion control.
None of us have seen or played it yet, so to write it off beforehand is ridiculous. A lot of people did that when they heard Nintendos new console was gonna have 'some sort of motion control', and they ended up looking like idiots when the Wii went on to do so well.
It could be s**t, it could be great. Like Xbob said, there is an untapped corner of the market......
In my experience, Microsoft have always had good hardware. I like their mice a lot, I always find their keyboards to be robust and comfortable, I love the 360 controller, it just fits my hands perfectly. So if they can combine that with decent motion sensing I think they'll be onto a winner.
Of course they'll have the same issue as the HDD where developers will be hesitant to develop for it because they will be restricting their potential market.
As for the Mii system, that I'm not so bothered about. Even if they had a zillion appearance options they are still essentially pointless. I don't switch the 360 on to look at the dashboard, I switch it on to play games.
if it is true it is just something to create more sales of the 360 so i say why not? when was the last time a company didnt try to expand its customer base?
dont forget that something like this would be an option not mandatory.
The Wii is the success, and a clone of it won't help Microsoft sales. Stick to what they know best, i hope this news is just someone blabbing...
Games, consoles, hardware, software.
I'd say that just about qualifies them to have a crack at motion control tech
I dont think I'd give them credit for making good hardware. Most of their periphs were craptastic. Sidewinder, anyone? Sure, XB and 360 are good consoles, but you already credited them for that.
The Wii is the success, and a clone of it won't help Microsoft sales. Stick to what they know best, i hope this news is just someone blabbing...
Games, consoles, hardware, software.
I'd say that just about qualifies them to have a crack at motion control tech
I dont think I'd give them credit for making good hardware. Most of their periphs were craptastic. Sidewinder, anyone? Sure, XB and 360 are good consoles, but you already credited them for that.
I've always found their mice, keyboards and PC gaming peripherals to be of really high quality, and I've come across a lot of them in my line of work. I know it's easy to shoot MS down, but honestly, the failure rate of their PC hardware (or lack thereof) is pretty impressive. I prefer Logitechs stuff, but I wouldn't be unhappy using all MS hardware.
I think the problem with new control methods is how to enforce adoption. I've got a feeling that if Microsoft do release such a controller they will end up being the only ones to properly develop for it.
There would no doubt be a slew of games similar to the crap the Wii sees, but then again there could be some publishers brave enough to take a stab at a 360Wii game.
I also wonder about the development of a game that would require a developer to meet the expectation graphically I'd say most 360 users expect, while developing for a motion sensing controller. Interesting interesting. If it happens the comparisons between what is being done on Nintendo's system juxtaposed to what is being done on Microsoft's system will be enlightening.
Hopefully there is some truth to this news, couldn't care less about Mii's but further developing new methods of control, especially motion control, are mint.
As to the carbon copy nature of what MS are doing, imitation is the mother of all compliments. Let's hope they go one better to really up the ante.
Of course we have no idea what they're planning, but I really hope its more than just a bunch of mini games with a motion controller and little avatars to go with it, cause they really will just look like complete rip-off merchants.
who cares if it's a rip off, if it's as good as, if not better, then the quicker the better.
I've always found their mice, keyboards and PC gaming peripherals to be of really high quality
I understand the point you're trying to make, but keyboards? Really? A retarded one-eyed monkey can make a decent keyboard.
Did you like the Sidewinder Pad or the Sidewinder Force Feedback? The SWFF was good for Wing Commander games, but pretty much stunk at anything else. THe Sidewinder Pad was a modified Sega Genesis controller at best.
Don't get me wrong, Ive been an IT guy for over a decade, and I think that XP pro owns everything else, and am even planning on trying Vista Ultimate once I build a new box. Yet, I'm wary of their periphs.
I really think someone dropped the ball, and caught wind of the new controls for their next console
Another MS peripheral, lets hope it has better support than the camera! A gesture based card game is just what we need! Besides, you don't need motion control to appeal to casual gamers. It's too late IMO, and will further fragment development. Concentrate on games, it's served them well thus far.
Done REALLY well and I mean game and controller done REALLY well it could work. Jammed out in some sad attempt to beat the Wii won't work though. They would also need to support it for awhile and release several games for it. I already have the all but worthless web cam and only a few games even "sort" of use it. Shouldn't we be able to put our mugs on EVERY character we create by now MS?
I hope MS ditch the idea if it does turn out to be true. To say I'm not a fan of motion sensing controls is putting it mildly, and if I want to play casual games I'd buy a Wii or go down my local bowling alley where there is a huge arcade which is also really cheap. Stick with what you're good at MS - hardcore gaming and leave the casual/motion sensing stuff alone.
I hope MS ditch the idea if it does turn out to be true. To say I'm not a fan of motion sensing controls is putting it mildly, and if I want to play casual games I'd buy a Wii or go down my local bowling alley where there is a huge arcade which is also really cheap. Stick with what you're good at MS - hardcore gaming and leave the casual/motion sensing stuff alone.
Ai yah, can't agree with you there bud. Lumping casual gaming together with motion controlling speaks more to the lack of development imagination and games available that are any good on the Wii.
I still think a top notch game like GOW2 would slay with motion controls. Resi 4 on the Wii is proof that 3rd person shooters work well.
I'm all for evolution, history has shown that s**t dies when it stays the same for too long. Or it becomes fat and bloated like humans. The more diversity the better.
Nintendos idea have always been copied by other companys..i'm suprised they have never sued. First the D pad then rumble controllers, Analogue sticks, motion sensing controllers, miis... god why dont companys come up with something instead of using other peoples ideas... i means Ps3 controller wasnt motion until wii remote was announced...enough said lol
If people didn't still/copy/get_inspired_by/spy others people stuff... were would the technological progress be? The progress are made by improving what over people have done... There is nothing wrong with this...
Bad idea if it turns out to be true i personally can do with out having to wave my controller like a tit just to reload my gun. Please microsoft leave it on the drawing board
Is it time to start throwing more eggs at Microsoft people? Seriously though its Microsoft! surely they can come up with something a little more original.
A more realistic version of the above comment would be:
Seriously though it's Microsoft! Of course they can't come up with something more original.
Bad idea if it turns out to be true i personally can do with out having to wave my controller like a tit just to reload my gun. Please microsoft leave it on the drawing board
I don't understand this point of view!? You've sampled one possible method of control on a new control setup and found it undesirable, therefore you disregard the entire thing!
Think of all the things you might do if you had creative control over development for a game with motion controls. Someone else is thinking the same thing. If you've got an ounce of imagination you should be exited.
Anyway, seems people are true conservatives when it comes to stuff like this.
I hope MS ditch the idea if it does turn out to be true. To say I'm not a fan of motion sensing controls is putting it mildly, and if I want to play casual games I'd buy a Wii or go down my local bowling alley where there is a huge arcade which is also really cheap. Stick with what you're good at MS - hardcore gaming and leave the casual/motion sensing stuff alone.
Ai yah, can't agree with you there bud. Lumping casual gaming together with motion controlling speaks more to the lack of development imagination and games available that are any good on the Wii.
I still think a top notch game like GOW2 would slay with motion controls. Resi 4 on the Wii is proof that 3rd person shooters work well.
I'm all for evolution, history has shown that s**t dies when it stays the same for too long. Or it becomes fat and bloated like humans. The more diversity the better.
Hey man. Guess I don't like change much! I just don't see whats wrong with using a pad. I've never had any problems. I really can't get on with motion controls though. After a 44+ hour week I don't have the energy to get home and start waving my hands and arms about like a madman! I even hate it in Ninja Gaiden Sigma when you have to shake the sixaxis to power up your Ninpo, so playing a games system using nothing but motion controls is a no-no for me!
Maybe I'll change my mind in the future, but for now I'm happy with a decent pad, or a mouse and keyboard if I'm on the P.C.
Hey man. Guess I don't like change much! I just don't see whats wrong with using a pad. I've never had any problems. I really can't get on with motion controls though. After a 44+ hour week I don't have the energy to get home and start waving my hands and arms about like a madman! I even hate it in Ninja Gaiden Sigma when you have to shake the sixaxis to power up your Ninpo, so playing a games system using nothing but motion controls is a no-no for me!
Maybe I'll change my mind in the future, but for now I'm happy with a decent pad, or a mouse and keyboard if I'm on the P.C.
Yeah, I reckon the current implementation of motion controls is weak. Shaking a pad to execute any kind of command is crap programming and defeats the purpose of motion control in my opinion.
For me it should be shake the control pad to create an earthquake, or something that's directly relational to the motion or movement that you're performing. That for me is where the true potential lies in motion control. At the moment I think very few games express this kind of correlation.
I hope the 'classic' pad isn't done away with as it is obviously better or can be used in smarter ways that make more sense for games compared to the Wiimote. However, I'm hoping developers stop with the waggle-this-swing-that crap and focus instead on implementing methods of control that are smarter and more immersive than the current batch of controls which only serve to remove a player from a game.
It'll take a developer with this kind of mentality to break the mould and prove the worthiness of motion controls. And I'm hoping that it happens soon.
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Seriously though its Microsoft! surely they can come up with something a little more original.
