"Rumble Into The Next-Generation
Posted: 07/27/06 03:05am
By Author: Hang Lauv
Last month Immersion announced their latest rumble technology to the world. Most of you probably recognize the name from news reports in regards to their lawsuit against Sony for patent infringement over their current rumble technology. That didn’t turn out so well for Sony leading up to a decision in Immersion’s favor to the tune of $91 Million. This is also the suspected reason why Sony has decided to drop rumble from their PS3 controller. But while Sony is trying to clean up their past in appeals, Immersion has moved forward to the future.
The Game Feed recently paid Immersion a visit to their San Jose office to feel for ourselves if their new TouchSense technology can do what their announcement said it can do. What got gamers drooling was Immersion’s claim that TouchSense would allow you to fell the “accelerating surge of powering up a light saber, followed by the transition to a subtle hum, then the jolt of clashing with their opponent’s light saber.”
Most of you, as I did, didn’t think there was a next-generation rumble. You’re probably asking yourself, “How can rumble be any better?” Fortunately for us, Immersion has shown us how. They have convinced us next-generation rumble is real and ready today.
Our visit began not with TouchSense but with no sense. Before you can look toward the future, sometimes it’s necessary to remember the past. In this case, two console generations ago when rumble didn’t even exist. For most gamers today, you know, 18-34 year old males, playing games without rumble was a distant memory. For young’ens, you probably never even touched a controller without rumble, just like you’ve never touched a VHS tape.
Sony doesn’t think we’ll miss rumble by removing it from the PS3 controller. Immersion let us make that decision for ourselves with Gran Turismo 4 for the PS2. Using a modified PS2 controller with a bypass switch for the controller’s rumble motors, Immersion was able to turn on and off the rumble feature during gameplay. I realized something very important the moment I rallied a turn without a shaking controller. I’ve been taking rumble for granted. Sure it’s not why we play games, but it enhances the games for a more realistic feel drawing us into the game.
Those gamers saying they won’t miss rumble when the PS3 comes out might be surprised after all. Playing Resistance: Fall of Man will be a shock the first time you fire that machine gun. Sure, you may get use to the fact the controller doesn’t shake, but do you really want to? You just may realize like I did, it isn’t the same without it.
But it’s time to get to the real reason why we came to Immersion, to feel their new TouchSense technology. Rumble the way we know it today uses two motors that spin in a single direction to create the vibration we’ve all grown accustomed to. TouchSense changes that configuration to a single motor rotating and oscillating in either direction. What does this mean? It means stronger vibrations, faster starting and stopping, more distinct pulsing and a wider range of vibrations.
Our first chance at feeling it in action was with Medal of Honor. Immersion was able to modify the game’s code for the Normandy Beach invasion to take full advantage of their technology. With all the explosions and barrages of gunfire surrounding you while you make your way up the beach, it was surprising to feel each and every blast. A big initial surge followed by light sensations for falling debris.
However, what we were really looking forward to was to feel the power of a light saber in our hands. We were able to do just that with Star Wars Jedi Knight II: Jedi Outcast on the PC. I’m pleased to say that Immersion’s initial press release is true to its word. Reading this article doesn’t do it justice.
The range of vibrations you feel when you power on a light saber to striking down enemies around you are varied yet distinct. The vibration of the controller increasingly grows as the light saber surges on screen only to subside to a gentle hum. Each swing and strike of your blade rumbles in your hands as well.
The range in Immersion’s TouchSense technology becomes even more noticeable when we went through all the available weapons in the title. Imagine being able to feel the burst of each bullet in a rapidly firing machine gun or the growing hum and recoil of pulse weapon. If you saw it on-screen, you felt it in your hands. Only TouchSense can make this possible.
To ease the transition to next-generation rumble, Immersion has also created an easy to use graphical SDK (Software Development Kit) for developers. The SDK allows your favorite programmer to hold the rumbling controller in one hand while adjusting everything from frequency, to strength and acceleration with the click of a mouse in the other. Your favorite programmers can also easily sink these uniquely developed vibrations with audio files and animations so your gameplay won’t loose a beat.
The realism and impressiveness created by Immersion’s new TouchSense technology is unlike anything you’ll ever feel. In fact, you have probably never even imagined how precise and advanced rumble can be. The only problem with Immersion’s next-generation rumble technology is neither Microsoft, Nintendo, nor Sony have signed with them to license the technology. It could be awhile before you get to feel this on the market. Whoever does decide to lead new era or rumbling first will certainly leave a long lasting impression in gamers’ hands.
For more on Immersion’s next-generation TouchSense rumble technology, stay tuned for our interview with Immersion President and CEO, Victor Viegas."
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