Morrowind Kinect

[MiddleAgedMan]

Hey everyone! Long time lurker first time poster here on the escapist, but hoping to now contribute and be a part of this fantastic community. I figured since i actually had something interesting to post, I would take the opportunity to sign up and do so.

I'm not sure how aware we all are of the modding scene with the Kinect on PC right now, but I've been following it rather closely and there have been some really cool developments lately. There is a one particular program called FAAST that allows users to map key bindings to gestures, and allows full mouse control with just your hands. There are so many possibilities for this software, from gaming, to research, to multimedia. The potential is amazing, and to see how far this program has come in such a short time might lead us to question why Microsoft has been so slow in releasing new games and new functionality.

The implementation possibilities are many, and here is but one example of what is possible when using the FAAST program.

Morrowind being played using the Kinect:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vKuqwVjy82g

What do you guys think? Should Microsoft be encouraging the re-release of older titles with Kinect functionality? Do you at some point in time it might be worth buying a Kinect just use with the PC?

 

[ultrachicken]

I absolutely despise motion control, so I don't really care what Microsoft does with Kinect, so long as I don't have to use it.

 

[MiddleAgedMan]

I can understand your position, not everyone is into motion control, but do you think you might consider using the Kinect if it offered auxillary support. For example, I know that in the new Forza, they are using the Kinect not only as an option to be a steering wheel, but also as a way to peer out past cars ahead of you before deciding to make a pass.

 

[Fr]anc[is]

I've never played a Wii, and I've heard almost nothing good about the controls. And I've also been hearing bad things about the new breeds as well. I get frustrated when my mouse spazzes out a little, I'd hurt someone if I had to use nothing but motion controls. Maybe once it actually works it would be awesome to use Mass Effect style interfaces, but for now I don't want to deal with it

Also welcome

 

[MiddleAgedMan]

It's seems amazing that you have never tried the Wii, you should at least consider giving it a shot. I'll admit that some of the Kinect games have been downright terrible, I was not a fan of Joyride, nor did I find Fighters Uncaged very responsive or intuitive. However, I think the developments that have been made on the PC, like FAAST and a few other independent projects have really shone some light on potential of the hardware.

 

[Bobbity]

There's actually been a lot happening with the Kinect, recently. Someone hooked it up to a version of WoW, and there's a team in New Zealand that's attached it to a robot so as to allow it to search for survivors in dangerous situations.
The premise of re-releasing old games with Kinect functionality is interesting, but ultimately unworkable. People sink hundreds of hours into Morrowind. Can you imagine waving your arms that whole time? Even with shorter games, it's still a problem.

Besides which, the quality, textures and gameplay are all outdated. IF Microsoft were to release Kinect functionality for mainstream games, then it would be for new titles. I don't believe they will though, because this comes out more as a temporarily amusing gimmick than it does as an actual form of play.

 

[Bihac]

Hrrm, as far as I can tell the forwards motion is governed by having his (her?) arm extended out in front of them? If so... it could be fun for short bursts of game play but long term, a controller (or keyboard) is likely preferable.

As for your other questions;

I'd only really like to see the re-release of old titles if they have been refreshed in some way. For example re-releasing Morrowind with that entire, patch compilation that was recently released on the net, already on disk? Win. Rereleasing as is not so much. (Even with the Kinect functionality).

and I might eventually get a Kinect, once they are dirt cheap.

Edited:
Typo "are" to "arm"

 

[MiddleAgedMan]

Good point, I saw that mod package and your right it would be nice if it was not just the inclusion of Kinect functionality, but of some other improvements as well. From what i understand in the youtube description, he is controlling the movement by putting his right foot forward and backward and just using his left arm to look around. You're on the ball about the price too. Once the hype dies down, the price will settle.

 

[MiddleAgedMan]

"The premise of re-releasing old games with Kinect functionality is interesting, but ultimately unworkable. People sink hundreds of hours into Morrowind. Can you imagine waving your arms that whole time? Even with shorter games, it's still a problem."

Can you imagine how fit you'd be if you played that much Morrowind with the Kinect? Really, if you can create a form of exercise so immersive that people no longer consider it exercise, you're winning.

 

[Scars Unseen]

In all honestly, I'm now considering getting a Kinect(even though I don't own an XBox). While it would be a pretty lousy interface for most games, I could see it being a nice companion to my TrackIR for Evochron Mercenary if utilized properly(i.e. subtly). I wouldn't want it to replace my controls completely (then it's just a gimmick), but it could be useful for certain functions in games where it can add to immersion.

 

[Signa]

Damn, I just played Morrowind for the last 2 hours, and I come here to see this. Awesome.
I'd love to see some sort of hand-clap/wave to instantly cast spells like in Oblivion (mods exist that allow that). Especially if it's a wave close to what your character does to cast spells.

As some one pointed out though, motion controls are rather pointless, but they still impress me because of the technology more than the practicality. Like in Star Trek when the characters have a conversation with the ship's computer to run nothing more than a google search. They could have typed their query in seconds, but talking to the computer is WAY cooler.

 

[MiddleAgedMan]

I like the idea of full immersion, but I can see it being a nice support peripheral. Who knows, maybe they'll include some Kinect functionality in Skyrim. It would be neat if you could use it in mini-games like picking-locks or something. As well, the Kinect has voice command, and the potential in utilizing that aspect could also be interesting..

 

[MiddleAgedMan]

Im thinking the Kinect good be a good peripheral for several different games. What is Evochron Mercenary all about? I could see it being used in racing games like need for speed, or perhaps some RTS's, as I am pretty sure they Kinect can be used sitting down when using the PC.

 

[PrinceWazzakanabi]

Shit Morrowind is my favorite RPG of all time! This is so cool and I hope that Bethesda sees this and decides to either make Morrowind again like someone said above with Kinect or even Skyrim. I have a Kinect but I have not tried it with the PC yet, now I want to!