rachel on 20/8/2008 at 16:55

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I just got news in my tech store newsletter that a (http://www.tngames.com/products.php) TN Games 3rd Space vest is now available for sale.

It's basically a gaming flak jacket with eight inflatable spots, connected to your PC via USB. With compatible FPS games, it creates impact simulation inflating these spots depending on where you're "hit".

I don't know, at first I wouldn't put too much faith in it but some reviews I read says it's actually working pretty well. So I'm curious. That said at 200€ it's a tad pricey.

What do you guys think?

heretic on 20/8/2008 at 17:06

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I remember reading how Laporte (from the ancient defunct Gone-Gold site) used to set up high-speed fans, crank up the AC and squeeze into an uncomfortable cramped seat to play flight-sims.

In all honesty these sorts of things feel like gimmicks to me. That said, if there was an all-inclusive set-up that covered all of the senses I'd be all for it, but one or two pieces of the puzzle alone would just be a distraction IMO.

Tonamel on 20/8/2008 at 17:20

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I got to play a round of UT2k4 with something like this earlier this year, and it was pretty much exactly as gimmicky as it sounds. It doesn't really feel like an impact, just like someone quickly inflated a balloon inside your shirt. Which is, of course, what it is. It might have been a little better if there was a little more definition to it that "Okay now the one over the left kidney inflates" but no, it's the exact same spot every time.

It was neat in that I could tell not only when I was being shot in the back, but from where. But really, this tech just isn't ready for the limelight.

Aja on 20/8/2008 at 17:23

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That would've been an amazing device had they ever got it to work.

MSX on 20/8/2008 at 22:01

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This kind of thing would be great if fully realized.

Inflating tubes? No. Not great. Electromagnetic plates would have been best. Plus you could have it sensitive down to a pinprick if you wanted(think those old things with the pins you could press on things to get an image but mounted with electromagnetic plates for shape though a membrane onto the skin). Though it would still feel like your wearing a wearing a wet suit in the game world as opposed to actually getting realistic feedback. Plus it would be expensive and require good game support.

Hell they could have even put 10 motors and give more meaningful feedback than this appears to give(plus a game would give you a great message). So if you think it will help your immersion go ahead. At worst you have a piece of a Halloween costume.