Project Natal video features smack talking, scruffy teenagers

by David Hinkle on Jun 1st 2009 7:15PM

One of the biggest announcements at Microsoft's E3 keynote was Project Natal, an ambitious project using camera tech developed by 3DV. The keynote promo video shows off many planned uses for the new peripheral, running the gamut from something as simple as beating up an old, feeble man, to complex voice recognition and scanning features. It's ambitious, to say the least, and only time will tell if the company can pull it off.

Tags: 3dv, e3-2009, Microsoft, natal, project-natal, Xbox-360

Reader Comments (122)

If takes a wrong turn somewhere, it will end up like the Vision cam. Overpriced, underused, catching dust.

This thing needs a killer app, and that better not be a half-assed minigame collection. "Paint Party" my ass, seriously.

While a killer app will be nice, I think Microsoft has a better chance at selling it based on integration with the console itself. Navigation with either motion or voice commands, telling it "Goodnight" to shut it off. That shit sells people.

I'd actually like to play that breakout game they demo'd ;P

Just a year ago, I went to Japan and visited NTT DoCoMo (one of, if not THE largest innovator for new and upcoming trends) and a lot of the things I saw THERE, a full YEAR ago, are very similar to this, though on a much grander scale. Really, the ability to do this is there, simply because I've seen it myself, it's just a matter of whether or not Microsoft will be able to pull it off. My guess, no so much, but it would be interesting to see.

too ambitious

Personally, I'm very excited to see what this thing can do. Not only from a tech perspective, but just to see what people like Molyneux and others will think of. These games are okay, but I'm waiting for the more immersive experiences it can offer.

And I don't think Nintendo is going to have to call their money-machine repairmen in yet. I wonder if MS gets a slap back at tomorrow's Nintendo conference.

Major props to Scott sharkey.

In 1UP's Retronauts two years ago, "the peripherals episode" he mentions 'why the hell hasnt anyne made a binocular eyetot. Slap two eye toys together to perceive depth."

(if you look for it it's at the end of the episode when they're making virtual console selections.

8/03/2007 Peripherals Time: 1:16:22 SHARKEYTIME

not into the no physical wheel driving concept and it was pissing me off watching the "whole family engaged and having fun!". goddamn that bit reminded me of wii comercials

Sadly, I agree with you guys that the Wii was never pushed to it's potential (though Metroid Prime 3 with the motion controls was awesome enough for me). With Project Natal, I'll wait for the big software before jumping in (get it?), but who knows if that will materialize in this case.

Sony had something like this a while back....called the Eye Toy. Sorry MS, no cigar.

I would be happy to just surf XBL without just using my hands.

FAKE

wishful thinking. Hopefully it works to it's fullest potential. but lets get this in Madden and specifically NBA 2K. And get that Milo thing going to, so when I kick The Cavalier's asses, LeBron can run off the court and cry like a girl instead of shaking my hand. Then, have an interview stating how he doesn't believe in congratulating Slick because he just "beat him down"

Boy those teenagers do like to talk a LOT of smack now dont they!

RT
www.real-anonymity.pro.tc

I would have been more impressed with this video if it wasn't a PR b.s. video. I mean come on the reality of how that chick was driving is quite frankly unrealistic for the technology. how exactly is the camera discerning the differences of her movements from the family around her. Fine it probably can do that, when everybody else is sitting still, but honestly what happens when somebody walks in front of your or behind your or waves their hand next to you in a room... The thing the wii has right is its good for parties.. this control essentially forces you to go into a place with no distraction, since the thing might unintentionally discern someones flamboyant conversation behind you at a party into the controls veering your car right into on coming traffic...

Now that I'm done with the negative..... I'm actually really interested to see what kinds of games they think will work well with the format, I'm sure their is some.. just a driving simulation seems like a stretch.. I'll buy the kung fu game or boxing.. thats easy.. I just can't see how it will track 2 players though .. or say wii tennis style 4 players.. seems really ambitious...