So I saw this....
http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/07/littlebigplanet-2-vita-cross-control-adds-incredible-griefing-po/
....and wondered why we haven't heard more about this technology? Did Sony not think this would be a great Vita feature for all games? I know it got a brief mention at E3 but come on this is great news for people like me that own a PS3 and a vita. It shows how valuable the device is to PS3 gamers in my opinion.
Essentially what Media Molecule has done is turned the Playstation Vita into a PS3 controller AND a device that complements the PS3 gaming experience at the same time. For example, as a game controller the Vita not only acts like a regular dual shock controller but it also allows the user to use the Vita's touch screen to add even more functionality to the game. As for complimenting the gaming experience, MM was able to make the vita a second screen much like the 3DS has two screens. They showed us how the Vita can be used as a radar detector to tell us where the nearest prizes are in proximity to our location. They also used it as a x-ray like machine that showed us what the hidden color sequence was to unlock a door. Imagine what this could mean for other games. I could use my vita in a game like Gran Turismo and in addition to the on screen data I could have more detailed lap data or a rear view mirror on my vita's screen. In first person shooters the vita screen could be a radar or a screen showing a live leaderboard. Or how about on Metal Gear Solid where I could use the vita's screen to select items from my inventory instead of the cumbersome scrolling menu used with the shoulder buttons? In a game like Skyrim it could show our map or could maybe store our book collection for a little reading on the go?
As a vita owner this news makes me very excited because not only can I use my vita as a game controller for my PS3 but it can also enhance the experience of new and old games should the developers choose to use this technology. I'm a firm believer that if Sony can make the Vita a great device on it's own but also compliment the PS3's gaming experience then it just makes these two offerings that much better.
This also makes me think that the PS3+vita combo is greater than the XBOX's smartglass technology simply because tablets and smart phones do not make great gaming devices because you have no texture feedback on what buttons your are pushing and using analog sticks on a touch screen requires you to look at how far the sticks are being pushed or if your fingers are in the right spot. Are you going to be awesome playing Call of Duty on your ipad compared to someone using a controller? No way. Could be competitive with a Vita against people using a dualshock 3? Most definitely! I've used my Vita to get in the top 100 standings in the world (or nation?) on Motorstorm RC, a game where both Vita and PS3 gamers compete directly.
What do ya'll think about the possibility of the Vita becoming more than just a portable gaming device but also a possible compliment/controller to the PS3 gaming experience?
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