Sega has outlined how it will make use of the tilt functionality embedded in the SixAxis PlayStation 3 controller. So, now Nintendo fans outraged at Sony's lifting of the Wii's unique selling point (USP) have a tangible product on which to vent their fury: Virtua Tennis 3.
In a press release issued by Sega Europe, Virtua Tennis 3 apparently has two control options: Classic mode (which everyone will actually use), and Tilt mode, (which everyone will try once and realise it's miles harder to operate a game that was designed for a microswitch joystick and two button set-up).
Still, it's nice to show your mum on Christ-mass if you don't live in Europe and can, therefore, actually buy a PS3 without the danger of closing down your retailer of choice due to legal action. Oh, the bitterness!
Sega explains that, "...by selecting Motion Sensor from the wireless controller configurations, you can move your player simply by tilting the pad in a particular direction. Tilt the controller forwards and your player moves forward, tilt it back and they will move back, tilt left to move them left, tilt the controller to the right and... you guessed it, your player moves to the right!"
This could sound a bit rubbish - surely it's better to move your little Tim Henman around with your thumb rather than your whole upper body?
However, the ball control offered by the SixAxis does sound rather sublime as Sega outlines, "...you can also serve up aces and play a number of hard hitting tennis shots by using the controller in a similar way to a tennis racquet, and without using the buttons or analogue stick."
And therein lies what just might be the missing link in the Virtua Tennis series. The game needs, nay demands, digital input for player movement; though shots would benefit from a more humanised and tactile interface.
This has peaked our interest in the latest instalment of one of the greatest multiplayer games ever – so, you can be sure that we'll bring you hands-on with is in the coming weeks.
In a press release issued by Sega Europe, Virtua Tennis 3 apparently has two control options: Classic mode (which everyone will actually use), and Tilt mode, (which everyone will try once and realise it's miles harder to operate a game that was designed for a microswitch joystick and two button set-up).
Still, it's nice to show your mum on Christ-mass if you don't live in Europe and can, therefore, actually buy a PS3 without the danger of closing down your retailer of choice due to legal action. Oh, the bitterness!
Sega explains that, "...by selecting Motion Sensor from the wireless controller configurations, you can move your player simply by tilting the pad in a particular direction. Tilt the controller forwards and your player moves forward, tilt it back and they will move back, tilt left to move them left, tilt the controller to the right and... you guessed it, your player moves to the right!"
This could sound a bit rubbish - surely it's better to move your little Tim Henman around with your thumb rather than your whole upper body?
However, the ball control offered by the SixAxis does sound rather sublime as Sega outlines, "...you can also serve up aces and play a number of hard hitting tennis shots by using the controller in a similar way to a tennis racquet, and without using the buttons or analogue stick."
And therein lies what just might be the missing link in the Virtua Tennis series. The game needs, nay demands, digital input for player movement; though shots would benefit from a more humanised and tactile interface.
This has peaked our interest in the latest instalment of one of the greatest multiplayer games ever – so, you can be sure that we'll bring you hands-on with is in the coming weeks.
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