"Squeakers" to PS2 Controllers: 2 Topics at Once!?

Edmaster · 08-22-2006

Ctrl+Alt+Del

Can't wait till Sony finally releases a controller with that new "throat punch technology" and stops bothering with "motion-sensing" technology that seems more half-baked than my roommate on a random Thursday night.

Don't get me wrong, I'm all fine with the idea of motion-sensors in the controller, but not when the rumble technology is getting taken out of the mix, and especially not when you're dealing with a simplified version of Nintendo's controller scheme. I would rather have them give us the standard Sony PS2 controller, albiet wireless, than what they have going on.

What do you think about the PS2 controller situation, especially when dealing with online compatibility?

OME6A · 08-22-2006

Sony was getting sued for patent infringement on the rumble tech, so instead of paying out for an idea they stole, they stole another one.

Companies like Madcatz, Pelican, et al will still make rumble controllers for the PS3. You'll just have to buy them seperately. Besides, it's not like official Sony PS2 controllers are any good.

BoyEngland · 08-22-2006

I think any controller is an improvement on their "boomerang" concept. Well, maybe an X-Box controller would be worse.

I was happy to hear they stuck with the PS2 controller "shell" and that they are using the motion sensing thing. But when I heard they were taking out the rumble, I was a little disappointed.

I played SOCOM about 2 weeks ago and my rumble wasn't working for a few rounds (just threw it at the wall and it worked after that) and it was like totally different. Its like playing on the PC, there is no feedback to the user. With the rumble you get the slight feeling of holding a gun when shooting, but without the rumble it just feels like you are holding a controller. Granted, you are only holding a controller, but it makes it lack realism even more.

I saw an interview on a site (maybe IGN) and some SONY rep said that the motion sensitivity (sp?) is next gen, rumble is last gen technology. Yes, I agree, but instead of just dropping "last gen" stuff, why not combine it somehow?

I like the new controller, but has my doubts about it. If anything "external" is going to destroy the PS3, it will be the lack of rumble in the controller.

RickTheRipper · 08-22-2006

The problem with them trying to use rumble while using the motion sensors is that the rumbling might cause the controller to think you're turning it down or left or right or whatever. I wouldn't mind if they just kept the rumble tech in the controllers, but their a business, and apparantly shelling out cash to people who's ideas you're stealing just isn't their thing. All I hope is that this motion sensor stuff won't be a complete flop and/or ruin gameplay. The only thing I see where motion sensors in controllers would be helpful is for racing or flying and possibly an FPS.

Conflicted · 08-24-2006

I haven't used rumble since The early days of Socom 2.
Doesn't matter one way or the other for me.

The Controllers look pretty much exactly the same as PS2 Controllers, other than that they can be wireless/wired, and have some motion carp.

DaKilla · 08-25-2006

Well, they could probably up the number of gyroscopes in their rumble solution and avoid the patents on the technique.

As far as I've been informed, the reason Microsoft and Sony got sued and not Nintendo is because the former use two gyroscopes in their controllers for rumble effects, while Nintendo used only one. The patent that was being argued was strictly a method for using two gyroscopes to create feedback based on game input / output.

Now, whether or not three or more gyroscopes have been patented is the question. Of course, it's probably not worth Sony's money to look into that and reinvent the technology they've been using for years more expensively and complicated with the same "old gen" feel.

What they need, in my opinion, is to make a more reasonable feedback solution that can be used with the motion sensing (and be necessary for "complete" gameplay). For instance, if the feedback on the motion of the controller could be limited or made more difficult realistically, it would be exciting. Think of a racing game where it gets harder to move the controller (if, for instance, moving the controller has anything to do with steering) the faster you're going and the sharper you're turning. It could use gyroscopes to shake the controller while also make it "harder" to turn.

The idea, of course, would probably require a controller the size of my head, but whatever. Instead of just copying Nintendo, I'd hope that Sony would do something innovative. They're not looking so good in the running as of now.

_-HuRRiCanE-_ · 08-25-2006

haha that comic was funny

kevinXcore · 08-25-2006

that sucks. no rubmle? i play ftb too and its so hard because my psp doesnt vibrate when im getting shot. when i play socom 3 how will i know when im getting shot?

RickTheRipper · 08-25-2006

I just looked at that comic, and all I can say is YAY. It's about time somebody did something to a "squeaker", even if it is just a cartoon.

TixBomber · 08-26-2006

I'm really not seeing whats the big deal with rumble. As far as in making it. All's it is is any ol' standard electric motor half weighted. It's not like it's some fantastic thing, anyone with half a brain could do the same. The first time I picked up a dualshock, I guessed that all it was was a weighted motor. And lo' and behold I opened it and it was. But I do agree that SONY needs to stop stealing everyone else's ideas. First, it was the media button, which is exactly the same as Microsoft, and now its tilt, which was blatantly stolen from Nintendo. SONY needs to start thinking outside the box, and not take everyone else's outside thinking.