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Forums - Microsoft Discussion - A Natal game idea a day.

tuscaniman said:
This isn't necessarily an original game idea but just a comment on a genre. If natal is implemented in rts' then finally we may have controls that rival or are better than the pc mouse and keyboard. I for one would love to play some red alert with hands free motion controls.


It would be amazingly simplistic to use... say "select group" and then circle the group you want to select... simple commands and then the use of your hand... it would work nicely and they could further support it with 3D Head Tracking... that way you can zoom in by leaning or walking forward



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This isn't really a game, but it could be quite useful to some folks.

Overview

Natal's full body motion tracking is perfectly suited for exercising.  Pretty much any exercising technique can be implemented using Natal.  Couple this with the infrastructure that MS built for Primetime and you are looking at a way to get a unique routine on a daily basis.  Every day will have set times where professional trainers perform routines live.  Customers can tune in and perform the exercises with the trainers.  There is a performance index that display how well the person is following along.  People can party up with others and socialize(a big reason for going to the gym).  Since Natal has a built in mic, no need for the headset.  Since Natal can track four people, four people can simultaneously be following the same routine.  If you miss the Live session, it and the past two week's sessions can be streamed on demand. There can be a number of different trainers available for different exercise techniques.



Here are a couple:

1. A cooking mama rip off
2. Virtual potters wheel



JaggedSac said:
OctaBech said:
JaggedSac said:
OctaBech said:

trunkswd said:
Your lemmings idea is something that I haven't thought of. It sounds like a lot of fun to play, as long as the programming is solid. I can't wait to see what else you can come up with.

oO I have that Lemmings game on my PS2, but the interface was bothersome.

What I'm trying to say is that the idea is fun in theory, but for it to work one will first need to invent an intuitive interface.

Yep, a body/voice interface for that type of game would be great IMO.

Yup, the only real problem is for when Natal should register ones hands and when it shouldn't, I kept squashing the lemmings when I needed to move my hand fast over to another lemming in peril.

 

Trailer for the EyeToy Lemmings:

http://www.gamespot.com/ps2/puzzle/lemmings/index.html

EDIT: the Eye part is from0:35 to 0:53.

 

Too bad I couldn't find a gameplay video, because it would show the hurdles which needs to be overcome for the game to be fun.

That is were depth can come in.  Pull your hands back away from the creatures if you do not want to interact with them.

Indeed and perhaps voice for commands like build, stop, drill and so forth.



Used in tandem with regular controler for (insert any fps)- offers regular fps controls with the addition of head tracking and verbal comands to AI controled squad mates.



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Head tracking could be used as a means of controling you characters upper torso- enabling leaning out/looking out from cover in any fps too.



The way current FPS games function, it would be a little weird to add Natal type stuff to them, other than voice recognition. Sure, you could do hand gestures and stuff, but while you are slinging your hand around, you cannot be using both joysticks. Which will either affect your aiming or you will be sitting still. Not saying it cannot be done, it would just most likely have to have dramatic changes.

Head tracking could be interesting, but not where the viewport rolls. It should only affect the X and Y axis(relative to the player, not the gamespace).



Todays game is basically just a stream of consiousness type of thing.

 

A RoadRash type of game.  You are driving a motorcycle.  Hold your hands out in front of you.  Lean forward to go faster, lean back to slow down.  Turn your arms to turn the bike.  Lean to help go into turns.  You can use your arms to fight other riders.  Weapons are available.  Multiplayer capable.  Use your arms and hands to pick up items as you drive by.



the first one sounds like what Black & White should be.



Game for today.

 

Overview

Planets all over the universe are falling apart for some unknown reason.  It is your task, as an enormous galactic overseer.  To fix the planets before the are destroyed.  In order to fix the planets, you must use the tools at your displosal.  The tools include: spackle, water bottle, glue, paper towels, etc.

Gameplay mechanics

As the player, you must save the planet from destruction by mending all problems that occur.  The planets crust can crack, the crust can start flying off the planet, fires can erupt threatening to burn everything, water can flood, etc.  Players interact with the planet as if it were floating in front of them.  Turning it whichever way they choose using their hands.  Tools are access by "grabbing" the appropriate one from the side bar of the screen.  A piece of crust flies off the planet, grab it, apply some glue, and then place it back on the planet.  Fire erupts, use your breath, or use the water bottle.  If a flood is breaking out, use the paper towels to soak it up, if fire has broken out somewhere else, use the soaked paper towel to extenguish it.  If something is flying towards the planet, light the paper towel on fire and throw it at it.   A crack appears on the crust from an earthquake, spackle it up.  More tools and situations are unlocked as you complete planets and solar systems.  The further along the player progresses, the more chaotic things become and the more creative players must get in order to successfully save the planet.

Multiplayer can be between players trying to save their own planets but also destroy the other person's planet.  Throw lit paper towel balls at the opponent.  Squeeze out soaked paper towels to cause floods.  Glue crust over a volcanoe hole to cause internal chaos in their planet.

There can also be a coop game where multiple players are having to save the planet at the same time.  This allows for far more chaos than single player.  But can also encompass some co-op techniques.  Not sure what these could be, but upon further thinking, I am sure I could come up with something.