Random Thoughts on Motion Controls

So, I got to thinking. I don’t think I like the idea of motion controls taking over regular controllers. I’m okay with them coexisting together, but I do NOT want this whole motion controller phase to replace our beloved controllers we hold in our hands. Sometimes, motion control is cool when done correctly. But, it usually seems like a hit or miss. Controllers are pretty simple; it’s pretty difficult to mess that one up.

The Wii, Kinect, and Move are all motion controlled. The Wii was really the first console to be like “HELL YEAH! MOTION CONTROLS EVERYBODY!” The Eyetoy before it was a little add on for PS2 that was like “Sweet, huh? Dance in front of me and stuff” and Kinect seems to be going for that. And the Move seems more like the Wii. Some Wii games even allow you to use an old Gamecube controller instead of the motion controls, which I am completely okay with. I’m all for both of them existing together. I just don’t want motion controls taking over completely.

Maybe that’s not what companies are trying to do. Maybe they’re just adding more options to their consoles. I sort of liked the idea of the Sixaxis. Still a controller, but did have a little bit of motion control inside of it. Some games used it pretty well I thought.

Given the Wii’s Success I’m sure the Playstation Move will do pretty well. Although, I’m not sure how well Kinect will do. The Eyetoy wasn’t exactly a huge success for Sony. Kinect is definitely much more advanced than the little Eyetoy, but it’s the best thing to compare it too.

Basically what I’m trying to say is, I don’t mind motion controls if they don’t try to shove it down our throats. I’m okay with the idea of both standard controllers, and motion controllers living together, side by side. More choices for us are a good thing.

-Doug