In what they are reporting to be the first ever controllers designed in tandem
with a game developer, Intec will soon be releasing a set of 8 controllers to coincide with Lucas Arts'
upcoming Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith. The forthcoming game is set to be released on both
the PlayStation 2 and Xbox, and Intec has designed a set of 4 controllers for each system. Each controller
will feature a turbo button, rubberized grips, dual vibration motors sporting an on/off switch, a 3-position
rumble switch, and an auto-sensing, auto-connect technology that will allow up to 16 players to connect
without needless interference. The sets for each console feature one black wireless controller, one black
controller that glows red, and a double-pack of red and blue controllers that glow (what else) red
and blue.
Now here's the part where that whole "designed in tandem with a game developer" schtick becomes important. During the in-game lightsaber battles, there will be instances in which your lightsaber will become locked with your enemy's. Once this occurs, quickly press the dedicated lightsaber button on the controller to allow your character to swiftly gain the upper hand on your opponent. Cheating? Yes. But it could signal the start of a few interesting trends.
Imagine, a Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas controller complete with an analog tuning knob for tweaking your car's radio. Or a custom Halo 2 controller that let you easily dodge those cheaters with the energy swords (bastards). Perhaps a Katamari Damacy controller with built-in tilt sensors? Taking this to the next level, imagine a totally customizable modular controller that let you map your own buttons, akin to most PC game controllers. If this held true, could it also herald the era where every game came complete with its own controller? What do you think? Shameless marketing ploy, or innovation at its best? Just a trick to sell more controllers, or an actual tool to enhance the in-game experience? Make your voice heard!
