Unveiled at E3, Project Natal for Xbox 360 is what Microsoft believes is the ultimate motion-sensitive gaming experience. But can Natal (pronounced like Nadal, but not as good on clay) beat the Wii at its own game? Here are ten reasons why it just might…
1. No controller necessary
That’s right folks, Project Natal for the Xbox 360 will allow you to control what’s going on onscreen without the need for a controller. No need to splash out on extra Wiimotes here, your body is the controller! This is done via camera, sensors and a microphone built-in to the Natal bar, which then track your body’s movements.
2. No batteries
No controllers means no batteries means saving money. The only battery you’ll need is in the form of food, to keep your energy up so you can continue playing the motion-sensitive games.
3. You can use your feet
We’ve always wanted to be able to use our feet in some Xbox games. The clip Microsoft showed at E3 showed a girl kicking a ‘football’ and a boy performing a martial arts high kick in a fighting game. We envisage plenty of smashed lights! Oh, and you can use your feet without having to pay £60 for the privilege of Wii Fit.
4. It recognises your voice and face
The Project Natal sensor is the world’s first to combine an RGB camera, depth sensor, multi-array microphone and custom processor running proprietary software all in one device. Unlike 2D cameras and controllers, this sensor tracks your full body movement in 3D, while responding to commands, directions and even a shift of emotion in your voice.This was shown off by the computer-generated character Mylo interacting with a real person, holding conversations and ‘recognising’ players in a startlingly realistic way.
5. Scan objects into the game
You’ll be able to scan real-world objects for use in the game. Microsoft’s demo for instance, showed a boy scanning a skateboard into the Natal sensor. Likewise, the girl talking to Mylo ‘handed’ him a piece of paper that took on virtual form.
Check out Project Natal in action here
6. Lets lots of people play at once
Multiplayer, without the need for splashing out on more controllers than you can afford, is a very real possibility judging by the E3 video. Natal will recognise each player individually, so while one person drives a car say, another can perform the pit stops. And so on…
7. It follows you around the room.
Whereas the Wiimote loses efficacy when it’s not directly in front of the sensor, Natal looks like it’ll work fine from most angles: the demo showed it following a kid around. Whether this is by using sound or by tracking him in video we’re not sure, but it’s very clever stuff!
8. It’ll work under any light
The Wiimote gets confused if you use it under harsh light, because it uses infra red. That means it’s best used in a low lighting situation. No such problemns for Natal, which uses proper video cameras to track your movement. So it’ll work under any light, but obviously the brighter it is, the better!
9. Engage deeper
From Microsoft’s video at E3 it looks like you’ll be able to engage deeper with your Xbox 360. Interacting with characters in games such as Mylo is one way. But imagine walking into your living room, saying “Morrissey” and your Xbox (recognising your voice) switching on, logging into your last.fm profile and playing Morrissey songs. A media hub, just a voice command away.
10. It’s compatible with any Xbox 360 system
How rubbish would it have been if you’d needed to buy a new Xbox to go with your Natal sensor? Thankfully Microsoft has announced that the Project Natal sensor will work with any Xbox 360 system.
TBC | £TBC | Microsoft
