Gadgets for realistic gaming

As the graphical fidelity of the average video games improves at an alarming rate and photorealistic game environments are now an ever-closer possibility, people are looking to different areas to improve their gaming experience and heighten the realism beyond the visuals alone.

For years there have been independent companies developing technologies to power the multi-sensory capabilities of video games for greater player immersion.

Light guns have been around for home consoles for decades, and in the mid 90s when rumble packs were introduced for controllers, giving force feedback at moments of impact on screen, many were made aware of the potential for a more involved, realistic gaming experience.

With the dawn of the widescreen monitor but a few years ago, aspect ratios within games were expanded to give the player a view that was more similar to the one afforded by the human eye, and surround gaming was championed using multi-monitor solutions.

The latter of these developments was of course only available to a few and required extensive modification of existing game software in order to accommodate the expanded visual range. Recently Nintendo`s Wii console brought motion sensitive controls to the masses in order to normalise arm flailing and realistic translation of real life physical movement into onscreen action.

As always there`s constant development in this industry as the way games are played changes and technology evolves, but let`s look at some of the most important and exciting new technologies to expand on the idea of realistic gaming.

• Rock Band and Guitar Hero World Tour - Both of these games introduced a full band of plastic instruments for the enjoyment of tipsy people the world over. Whilst the guitar and Bass playing isn`t that realistic, both the vocal and drum sections need transferable skills, and it`s a damn sight more involving than karaoke.
  
  Thrashing away on a guitar, drums and wireless Mic have made millions happy and racked in money for the publishers, bringing even the most timid party guest out of their shell and immersing them in a rock and roll waking dream.
  
  
• Gaming Vests - Taking the idea of force feedback to a whole new level, gaming vests are one of the most interesting development in realistic gaming technology in recent years.
  
  It`s also one of those gadgets that makes you kick yourself for not thinking of it first because the idea is simple but the potential is massive. Basically, a gaming vest is a sleeveless military style jacket that you wear over your clothes, and using a unique solution is able to simulate the impact of a foot, a fist or the all important bullet.
  
  So how does it perform this marvel? You may be aware that there are other force feedback vests out there, but they basically use the same rumble technology you`d find in a controller, making them vague and shaky.
  
  The Gaming Vests use pockets of compressed air covering a total of 8 areas of the vest itself, which is controlled and altered depending on the type of impact that occurs onscreen. This is best used by PC gamers as the list of First Person Shooter titles with which the Gaming Vests are compatible is extensive.