東西 | dongxi

Following the Wii, both Sony and Microsoft have begun making their moves (no pun intended) into motion gaming. Though the two gaming giants have taken very different directions, ultimately gamers are still left wondering, is it worth it?

Let’s start with the basics. Sony with the “Move” takes a cue from the Wii, offering handheld devices that are tracked with the Playstation Eye (a camera connected to the PS3). The Move, however, offers much more precision and 1:1 movement tracking. No longer can one get away with a simple wrist flick for a tennis game. On the other side, Microsoft’s Kinect extension requires no additional peripherals aside from the camera mount. The camera itself has the ability to recognize faces as well as body moments. With the XBOX, the person IS the controller, where movements are tracked and translated into the game.

So which of the two should one get? It depends. Assuming one owns both systems, the Move and Kinect currently offer very different experiences.

For the hardcore gamer, the Move currently is the stronger contender. Though most gamers may already own a Wii, Sony’s point of differentiation is in the games. Whereas the Wii has been plagued with countless cheap party games, Sony has placed restrictions in attempts to ensure that the motion controls are not as gimmicky. Coupled with the PS3, hopes are high for A-level games to utilize the motion controls for a more in-depth experience. Upcoming titles such as Socom 4 have been announced, while older games, such as Resident Evil 5 and Heavy Rain have been updated to integrate with the Move. Until there is a radical shift in the way games are designed, complex games (including first person shooters) often require buttons and precision, which is much harder with the Kinect. While Sony has revamped what is now considered an old formula, the improvements look promising for those who are looking to game.

Kinect, on the other hand, has become the new Wii. Removing the controller entirely, the Kinect, like the Wii, is looking to get people off their couches and to turn their living rooms into exercise rooms, dance floors, and family game rooms. Microsoft’s strategy is geared much more at the casual market. With games like Dance Central and Kinectimals, the XBOX is now something for the mom, dad, and little sister. While this path includes the risk of turning the Kinect into another dust-collecting item on the self (like the Wii), Microsoft has taken steps to keep their product fresh. Like the PS3, the XBOX has become a media hub with services like Netflix and ESPN integrated into the console. With the Kinect, users can walk in and automatically be recognized and logged in (via the camera) and use their voice and hands to make their selections (No more wasted hours looking for the remote!). It’s definitely a revolutionary step that may lead the wave of change in our living rooms, as the iPhone has changed the way we use our phones. The Kinect is the way to go for those looking to get friends and family active and involved in the XBOX experience.

Both devices offer exciting new experiences, although for very different audiences.  Of course, neither one comes cheap. The Move starts off with the $100 Move package, which bundles in the camera, one Move controller, and their version of Wii Sports. Each additional controller costs about $50 which can certainly add up. Kinect costs $150 but there are no additional costs. However, the Kinect requires approximately six to eight feet of space, which in a college dorm or urban apartment, may be hard to come by. Ultimately, while both look promising, it will be their catalog of games (and third party support) that will determine the success of these products. Unless there’s extra cash lying around or the immediate offerings are enough of a sell, it doesn’t hurt to wait a little longer to see how both products move (pun intended).

Tags: kinect, microsoft, motion control, move, nintendo, Playstation, PS3, sony, wii, xbox, xbox 360