Katamari On Project Natal(Not So Fun?)

[mike_intellivision]

It appears from watching the two videos that controller motions have been replaced by hand signals.

Admittedly, it is hard to interpret what is going on from YouTube videos.

I can say, that a lot of it looked to be movement for the sake of movement, the same complaint that has plagued many-a-Wii game from the beginning.

If you were going to accurately use the technology to replicate real actions, then your hands would be constantly going. I saw some of that -- but not enough to know if that is what truly is happening. However, given that such a repetitive motion would be tiresome and potentially wearing on the human body, it makes you wonder to what degree motion should be added to gaming.

I will close with this disclaimer. I don't have an Xbox 360 and I have a Wii. (I do have my first-generation Xbox and PS2 also still hooked up). I bring this up because by owning a Wii, I have experienced good and poor interpretations of the use of motion. It is best incorporated for special and occasional acts -- or when the motion is natural. If it is not a sports-type game, reducing the movements to be interpreted leads to the best experience.

Just because you have motion does not mean you have to use motion for everything. Unfortunately, since Project Natal desires to eliminate the controller entirely, it is potentially going down a very slippery slope. It would be much better if it made the project augment standard controls for some games -- then it could have limitless potential.

Mike from Morgantown