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In2Games shows off Gametrak Freedom: motion controller for Xbox 360 / PS3
We're tempted to say that peripheral makers are taking this whole motion controlling thing a touch too far, but we suppose there's no stopping "progress," huh? In2Games, the outfit that already sought to bring motion sensing to the PS2, has just unveiled the first image of its motion controller for the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3. The Wii Nunchuck-esque Gametrak Freedom is explained as being a "remarkable ultrasonic 3D motion sensing technology which delivers performance, control and flexibility far in excess of that offered by existing technologies." Supposedly, the device tracks the true 3D position and "precise movements of up to four players anywhere within a given environment," though it remains to be seen how much support it'll get from software developers. Initially, the controller will launch alongside undisclosed titles that can utilize the tech, but as for now, all you have to look forward to is Squeeballs. Yes, Squeeballs.
In2Games bringing motion sensing to the PS2
Although the battle for next-gen supremacy is in full swing, the best-selling console in the land remains the venerable PS2, so it was only a matter of time before developers tried to cash in on the buzz surrounding Wii by cranking out some motion-sensing titles for Sony's older machine. First up to the plate is In2Games, which will add to its existing motion sensing catalog with the announcement of Realplay Golf, Tennis, Pool, Racing, Bowling, and Puzzlesphere at the Leipzig Games Convention later this month. The $60 games each come with a custom motion sensing controller, enabling players to fill their homes with as many crazy peripherals as possible. We're all for more motion controlled games -- especially if the controllers are as hackable as the SIXAXIS and Wiimote -- but if In2Games really wanted to bring the next-gen experience to the PS2, they'd take out the rumble, no?
In2Games to unveil Wii-like PS2 peripherals
We've heard about wireless, motion-sensing PlayStation 2 peripherals before with Gametrak Fusion, a USB-based control system from In2Games (concept renders shown to the right). According to MCV, the same developer is planning to unveil similar technology, dubbed "Freedom", for the PS2 alongside matching games at the Leipzig Gaming Convention at the end of August. The peripherals will cooperate with a series of games under the Realplay banner: Realplay Tennis, Realplay Pool, Realplay Golf, Realplay Racing, Realplay Bowling and Realplay Puzzlesphere. The Wii-like experience will let you mimic real-life actions, such as returning a serve, swinging a club and presumably, escaping a terrifying sphere of puzzles. The developer hopes to have the games and their accompanying peripherals out by Christmas in Europe for £29.99 each. In2Games CEO Elliot Myers reckons Freedom will be the "best way of controlling games on what will be this Christmas' most popular mainstream console." The best way of controlling those six games, anyway.[Via NWF]
The "Wii-Killer"
Having something dubbed the "killer" of your concept is a sign that you've arrived. Welcome to the Wii era, when any other motion-sensing technology will automatically be called the "Wii-killer!" Expect to hear this phrase a lot, particularly since Nintendo's innovative new controller is still viewed as a gimmick by many. The newest "Wii-killer" is actually a third-party controller by In2Games codenamed "fusion" that purports to communicate motion as accurately as possible by utilizing "sound waves and other technical wizardry" in addition to other sensors. Some of the included videos seem to be out there as direct Wii-competition (like the bowling controller), but it seems like something of a stretch to assume that many companies will base games around a third-party controller which will probably end up costing a pretty penny. Especially when consumers can just get a Wii, which comes with all the power of Nintendo behind it instead of being limited to sports games (which it seems In2Games is focusing on).So what do you think? Interesting new toy, omfg-megaton-Wii-killer, or just another big yawn?[Thanks, Canuckle!]
360 to get Wii style control
We saw this article on Joystiq this morning, muttered a heartfelt "meh" and moved on. Lucky for us, a gut instinct told us we should look again. A company by the name of In2Games has created a new control method -- codenamed "fusion" -- that could be a potential Wii buster. The technology uses sound waves and In2Games claims that it is more accurate than either the PS3 or Wii motion sensing controllers -- which operate using gyroscopes and IR sensors. The major claim is that In2Games' controllers will work even when pointed away from the screen. There are several videos of the technology in action (controller, tennis, and bowling) and it does look impressive, though the skeptic in us will note that there is a definite delay between movement and onscreen response. Says Elliot Myers, Managing Director of In2Games, "We've got the best technology, with incredible functionality allowing developers to produce exciting new games specifically for the system - taking advantage of its unique features - or to allow titles which use motion sensing to be published on any platform. It's an exceptional proposition - for the industry and for consumers. We can't wait to begin showing it off."If the technology pans out, it could lead to motion sensing controllers for every console and even the PC. Of course, the past has shown that developers are loath to develop games specifically for a third party peripheral so, we have our doubts as to how successful it will be. Still, with both Sony and Nintendo banking on motion sensing this generation, it's interesting to see a third party step in with (arguably) more impressive tech. What say you? Do you want motion sensitive games on the 360, or do you love it just the way it is?[Via Joystiq]
