14 DAY TRIAL // It seems that gaming is not what it used to be anymore as the users are growing tired with the already "classical" control methods and companies are rushing in to develop the best solution to this problem, which, hopefully, will set the trend in the future of gaming. And one such company is Novint, who has developed a control system like none you've ever seen before, namely the Novint Falcon.
Thus, the Falcon is the first controller to offer a full 3D feeling and force feedback capabilities, therefore allowing the user to enjoy a very special and immersive gaming experience. The device is promoted as a very high-tech PC controller, but in reality, it resembles more with some of a spider-robot than anything else. A robot, yes, but a robot which allows the users to experience a full range of realistic touch sensations (as for example weight, shape, texture, dimension, dynamics and force effects), as well as high-fidelity force feedback, which allows the gamers to really get inside the game they're playing (or bring out of their computer, whichever you prefer).
Here is what the people over at Novint have to say about the way their device works: "Users hold onto the Falcon's interchangeable Grip (or handle) which moves left and right and forwards and backwards, like a computer mouse, but also moves up and down. The Grip can come in many shapes and forms and includes a quick disconnect feature which lets users change handles for specific uses or types of game play. As the Grip is moved, the computer keeps track of a 3D cursor. When the 3D cursor touches a virtual object, the computer registers contact with that object and updates currents to motors in the device to create an appropriate force to the device's handle, which the user feels. The computer updates the position of the device, and updates the currents to the motors a thousand times a second (i.e. at a 1 kilohertz rate), providing a very realistic sense of touch. The three electrical motors are connected to the three arms extending out of the device, with one motor connected to each arm. The three arms are connected to the device's handle."
Here are some of the most important specifications the Novint Falcon has to offer:
- Dimensions: 22.86 cm x 22.86 cm x 22.86 cm; - Weight: 1.81 Kilos; - Position resolution: > 400 dpi; - Force feedback capabilities: > 0.9 kilos; - 3D touch workspace: 10.16 cm x 10.16 cm x 10.16 cm; - Interface: USB 2.0.
At this moment, the Novint Company is taking pre-orders for the Falcon, at $189 a piece, while the announced MSRP bundle price is $239. The Falcon will come with some mini-games that demonstrate its qualities, but what I'm really looking for are the more serious games that include support for this controller. Could you imagine a Halo or Gears of War-like game playable via the Falcon? I know I'd love to....
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