The Latest in CC: "Cool Controller" Technology

Its no question that since their conception, video games have been an escapists way out of the real world. From the oldest of video games to the most modern, it is all about creating a virtual world that we interact with through various methods. Originally just an analog arcade joystick, game controllers have now become extraordinary pieces of technology that give the gamer enormous control over the way in which you interact with these 'virtual' worlds. I already mentioned the mind controller using "electro-encephalograph" technology, but that system is more an experiment than a practical controlling device. Today I want to look at some of the latest controllers that are both practical and changing the way gamers interact with the environment, and perhaps one day will evolve into the latest virtual game technology.

Nintendo Wii Zapper

Way back in 2006 the Wii Zapper was introduced at the E3 conference as a pistol shape, but it has recently emerged with this more "tommy-gun" inspired look. The design was taken with a grain of salt at IGN because of a few design flaws:

"The biggest of these is the implementation of a plastic trigger in the forward grip that presses against the Wiimote's own B trigger. In use this connection doesn't work well, as the mechanical trigger has a very squishy, imprecise throw that makes it really difficult to tell when the actual button is depressed"

It looks kind of cool to me, but they could definitely have done a better job getting the controller to respond. I much prefer the simplicity of the pistol design -->



The Novint Falcon

This awesome looking mouse design is exciting a lot of people for its ablility to allow the user to 'feel' surfaces and make movement in three dimensions. Through force feedback technology, the controller moves in the standard left/right, up/down, but also has a forwards/backwards capabilities. You can also feel texture.. The demo is a hand that moves about feeling various textures. Apparently you can also feel kickback from a gun if you're playing a FPS like Half-Life. Cool.


Camy's Pro Gear "Hero Pack"

Ok, I know its another Wii-mote adaption, but its just kicks so much ass I can't resist. I mean, are you telling me I can actually weild the Master Sword? AND the shield of Hyrule? That is seriously awesome! Theres the Wii-mote in the sword, the nun chuck clipped into the shield, and you walk around like Link beating ass. I don't have much else to say about it, except how cool it is. Period.

Guitar Hero Guitar

This controller to me, is more like an adaption of DDR, that stupid arcade dancing platform that saturated movie theaters everywhere and generally made me sick. Theres not much introduction that the controller needs because more people have played guitar hero than own an internet connection (not cited, but the author thinks its possible). Just look at all these controllers I found on the internet. There's even a guy who made an actual instrument using some computer programming wizardry and a synthesizer. The "Guitar Heroes"? He actually plays better on the controller than the real guitar. Wow.


On a side-note, and as a credit to how tired I am finishing this at about 3:02 am, check out this old commercial for a game called "Pole Position." This voice (possibly a steroid-using motivational speaker) manifests himself as a giant hand that rips this innocent, 'Leave it to Beaver-style family' from their Sunday drive and into the racing game, in which the family is quite obviously terrified and end up looking like extras in a Michael Jackson music video. I can't believe how hard I actually laughed when I watched this... please enjoy




Gotta love that contemporary, anti-corporate dialogue:
Mysterious voice: "HEY...you look like a real jerk!"
Dad: "Well, I am a corporate executive.."
"Muffy": "He stops exciting things from happening!"