Now this is the kind of stuff I want to hear about. All we’ve been hearing since the controller for the Wii U was revealed was ‘we have some ideas’ or ‘we’ve been looking into possibilities’ or ‘yea, using it as a motion detector is the obvious one’. (That last one told to me by Randy Pitchford, working on Aliens: Colonial Marines)
But Slightly Mad Studios’ have released details about how their upcoming racing game for the Wii U, Xbox, PS3 and PC will be using that unique tablet controller.
Screen as primary view – I.e., allowing you to transfer play of the game between the TV and on-the-go around the house.
Screen as secondary view – Switch between rear-view mirror, overhead map, telemetry.
Primary input method – Drive by tilting the controller, on-screen buttons replicate the buttons/switches on a real wheel (push to toggle on/off or flip up/down).
Secondary input method – Manage decisions in the pits (swiping through tire choices, setting fuel amount).
Camera – personalise your profile, pose for the podium.
Menu navigation method – Flick photos from your gallery to the TV, private chat with team-mates.
Awesome. My favourite of those has to be a rear-view mirror, and as I’m the kind of person who uses a racing wheel on consoles I’m thinking of ways to mount it above my current set-up. Ridiculous? Of course, but absolutely awesome.