Gun Control

It’s all in the details. It seems altogether likely as a running theme throughout the next year of videogame software. The current generation of consoles are rolling into the mature stages of their respective life cycles and bang-wow graphics aren’t really going to differentiate great games anymore. Why? Well, they all look pretty fantastic for the most part. Whats really going to set certain titles apart are feature sets and simple refinement. In a world where the market is seeing a flood of top tier triple-A products, consumer choice is paramount. Gamers will pay a lot more attention to the details in the coming year than they ever have before, less transfixed by shiny wonderment.

I ran into a nice little example of the idea this afternoon while watching a recent trailer for Disney Interactive’s upcoming arcade racer Split Second. Not only is it a stunning looker, it’s got some nice subtle touches that I’ve never seen in a racing title before. Current race position and vital power-up info are displayed on your car’s rear bumper allowing you to keep your eyes on the road. I think they’re on to something here. This will be huge benefit to a game like Split Second where, as the name implies, every second counts. I mean, how many times have you found yourself fixated on your position in a racing game? Obsessively peeking at your 2/8 placement in the top right corner only to slam into a wall in the last lap because you weren’t watching where the hell you were going? I think it’s genius! Why hasn’t anyone thought of this before?! As an added bonus, more screen area will be freed up to take in every detail of the massive chaos going on all around you. Minimal, less invasive HUDs FOR THE WIN!

You’ll want to watch this one in 720p

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