gta:neXt and project natal

[Guanxi]

the next logical step in the evolution... of the GTA franchise.

 

I'm quite surprised that natal (xbox 360) hasn't really figured in gta:neXt discussion.

 

Natal (codename) is a xbox 360 peripheral announced at E3 quite similar to ps2/ps3 eyetoy but it takes the concept much further by integrating deep voice and facial expression recognition combined with full body motion control sensors - thereby removing the need for a controller entirely.

 

Microsoft thoroughly expect it to launch by fall next year and to in their hopes prolong the product life-cycle of the 360 for at least another 5 years. It's either going to flop massively or dominate unequivocally. It all really depends on the price point.

 

In my opinion it's really the next big step in the evolution of the franchise in terms of delivering an immersive experience and for gaming in general; the problem is however that there is such a large and intentional tech gap between natal and ps3's product offering (in all honesty let's be serious) and nothing remotely equivalent on PC that PS3/PC gta fans could really be in for a bumpy ride this generation because even if PC and PS3 ports were made utilizing standard controls or even with 'waggle'; PS3/PC fans would still be getting basically a sub-par experience. Nobody needs reminding that Rockstar have been notably coerced by M$ before.

 

However when you take a step back and simply attempt to envision the possibilities for the franchise they are simply almost beyond incredible. You would be literally walking down the streets of Liberty City with your own feet to go and eat at burger shot for example. It would be you who would be performing the car jacking, smashing windows with your elbow and then pulling peds out of cars with your own hands. Taking cover behind the couch, tossing grenades and Molotov's, throwing peds off buildings, fighting bums on the street with your own fists. Can you image what the good people at R* could do with this technology?

 

Edit: What are your thoughts on how natal might figure in the future of the grand theft auto franchise?

Edited July 2, 2009 by Guanxi

[Insane Brandon]

I don't want to see the game controlled with it but maybe add it for interactions. Say a pedestrians says something vulgar to you, you flip off the camera and your character flips the guy off and it starts a fight. Maybe you could spit on people. Or if your in a car and they have a first person driving then you could turn on driving signals. I don't really want to see Natal in the game but as long as its not the primary means of controlling the game then whatever.

[supermortalhuman]

F that. I'm sorry, but eff that. When I play GTA, it's not me, it's me watching Niko or other characters do their thing. I immerse in that world and story, but not as if it's me. Natal is not GTA, it's really not, because imagining "that's me doing that" is not GTA. I mean, I can see bowling with it, maybe throwing the darts, but Natal should not be abused by other games that already do a different format better than any other game I can think of. Let natal be for bubble-poppers, joystick mashers are not impressed at all, and third person shooter is a joystick mashing genre. Please Rockstar, don't jump on the gimmick.

Edited July 2, 2009 by supermortalhuman

[General Goose]

Okay, GTA on the Wii could work, but Project Natal...no.

[ScotchMouth]

Only if it were completely optional.

 

I agree with supermortalhuman if it was just mini games related but again it would have to be optional. If you had Natal plugged in GTA would recognize that and you would have the option of using Natal or the controller for bowling, table tennis or something of the like. Maybe a safe cracking, or stereo theft.

 

I see it being tiresome if the whole game ran that way. I have gotten into many foot chases before and i dont want to stand in place and run just to evade the cops for a couple of blocks as i am looking for a car.

 

It alienates handcapped and moderately to grossly overweight gamers who would otherwise remain stationary while playing the game. I'm neither. Although being a smoker for 12 years i could see myself getting winded running in place. LOL

 

Especially a game of this breadth. There is a lot that goes on over the course of a couple of missions and a lot of gamers might sit and jam out 4-8 hours right off the bat. I can't see that working out with all the constant movements that would be required for something like this to work.

 

Its not that i am saying that gamers are lazy but that incorporating Natal might make this game overly tedious if it was required to play.

 

On top of that while i acknowledge Natal's possibilities are neat i doubt i am going to buy the thing. GTA is one of 5-6 games i actually play. I dont devote that much time to gaming anymore and i wouldnt want to be required to pick up the new GTA and then Natal just to play. That would cost me well over $150 (assuming). At that point I would pass.

 

If it is incorperated to be a neat little perk to those who have Natal then fine. But i wouldnt want to be obligated to purchase it as i most likely wont.

[Lollercoaster]

Your suggestion is the equivalent of making GTA for the Wii. It just won't work.

 

People like us don't want to move around when playing games. They want to sit comfortably in their chair and chillax.

[General Goose]

Your suggestion is the equivalent of making GTA for the Wii. It just won't work.

 

People like us don't want to move around when playing games. They want to sit comfortably in their chair and chillax.

...

 

Erm, it may actually. You ever seen Bully? Used a mixture of motion and buttons when on the Wii. Scarface was on the Wii as well. I'd still like Classic Controller support though.