Is "Force Feedback" really that big of a deal?

Post by **Zork** » Sat Mar 24, 2007 5:38 pm

I've been noticing for the past few months and even before that how people and "professionals" are criticizing certain consoles that don't include the rumble feature aka "Force Feedback" and act like it's one of the worst decisions they could've ever made. Honestly is no rumble really that big of a deal? Is it really worth getting even more bent out of shape over?

I'm just curious to hear your opinions on Force Feedback, if it's great, ok, bad, or not a big deal at all.

My opinion of it is this: When I had my first rumble controller which was the PS1 Dual Shock I felt it shake in my hands and thought "Well, thats cool I guess." and continued playing Resident Evil 2 without ever paying any mind to a rumbling controller again, I kid you not.

Post by **lordofduct** » Sat Mar 24, 2007 6:39 pm

I don't even notice when the rumble is on or off... I couldn't even tell you if I have my 360 defaulted to it being off or not. I think I remember feeling it shake before, but I'm more wrapped up in the game that the shaking doesn't even effect me.

I know when it was sold seperately (like on the N64 or the Dreamcast) I never bought them... except it came on a memory card I bought for the DC and I always had it turned off.

Post by **racketboy** » Sat Mar 24, 2007 6:45 pm

I use Wavebirds on my Cube so I don't think about it then either.

I think there are only a few games that are actually nice to have it on.

I supposed I like it on FPSs and such, but to answer your question, no it's not a big deal

Post by **metaleggman** » Sat Mar 24, 2007 7:12 pm

I personally love it and feel it can add a tactile experience to gaming. It's not important, of course, but it can be used quite well. I think it's most important in racing games though, as if you have an advanced force feedback system, you can make it very realistic. On the DS, I bought Metroid Pinball and I do try to use the rumble pack. Force Feedback is definately interesting, but it's not something to get bent out of shape about.

I've always thought the GCN has the best rumble system though. PS2's is kindof sucky, tbh.

Post by **racketboy** » Sat Mar 24, 2007 7:17 pm

metaleggman wrote:I personally love it and feel it can add a tactile experience to gaming. It's not important, of course, but it can be used quite well. I think it's most important in racing games though, as if you have an advanced force feedback system, you can make it very realistic. On the DS, I bought Metroid Pinball and I do try to use the rumble pack. Force Feedback is definately interesting, but it's not something to get bent out of shape about.

I've always thought the GCN has the best rumble system though. PS2's is kindof sucky, tbh.

Hehe -- I love it on Metroid Prime Pinball -- I almost brought it up in my last response, but I couldn't avoid it now that you brought it up.
That's one game that doesn't seem to feel the same without it. Although being on a handheld might have more of an impact.

Post by **Perseid** » Sat Mar 24, 2007 7:53 pm

Racing simulators ala Gran Turismo. The feedback of driving into the gravel on the side of the track. Very nice.

And I think overall rumble is one of those things you're not supposed to notice. It's like a good movie score. It's supposed to add to the overall experience, but if it's so much that you consciously notice it there's too much.

Post by **manasol** » Sat Mar 24, 2007 9:40 pm

I agree I don't even realize it's there but maybe that's a good thing. In a way that I am so accustomed to it if I turn it off I would probably be thinking, why does this game feel weird?

One game that I think I must have the rumble is on Starfox 64 with a rumble pack. (Sometimes fell off on me, lol.)

Post by **metaleggman** » Sat Mar 24, 2007 11:15 pm

I think developers try to make it seamless with the experience, so that you don't necesarily notice it. This way it doesn't just feel like they added rumble, but more like you are feeling the explosion. Then again, they may use it as a focus for the experience, as with the Doctor mini game in Mario Paty 4 where you listen to heart beats to heal the sick.

Rumble seems to be a bit like surround sound, imo. It's nice to have it, but not necesary. I think it's also like rumble in that most developers don't really make use of it too well. I've recently started playing Half Life: Opposing forces with surround on, 4.1, and it definately adds to the experience, but it isn't necesary.

Post by **manasol** » Sat Mar 24, 2007 11:20 pm

Eggman, that avatar makes me laugh the longer I look at it. lol Mine sucks, I drew it a long time ago and lost my Bobble Bobble one, darn. Think I'll draw a humorous one now.

True, I can play Starfox without the rumble. It just enhances the experience like surround sound. Yet maybe the sense of touch is not as important as sound or vice versa?? Who knows, that last sentence was just a rambling in my head I can't fully express.

Post by **metaleggman** » Sat Mar 24, 2007 11:33 pm

manasol wrote:Eggman, that avatar makes me laugh the longer I look at it. lol Mine sucks, I drew it a long time ago and lost my Bobble Bobble one, darn. Think I'll draw a humorous one now.

True, I can play Starfox without the rumble. It just enhances the experience like surround sound. Yet maybe the sense of touch is not as important as sound or vice versa?? Who knows, that last sentence was just a rambling in my head I can't fully express.

Lol, thanks. I forget which random forum I found that on. I'll admit to it. When I randomly search for things on google, if I see something I like, I steal it. Well, not ANYTHING, but things that will most likely pop up else where as well.

As to your second statement, that's definately a good point. It's possible that people who are less sensitive to touch and other tactile sensations may not be able to fully enjoy the experience, just as people with bad hearing won't be able to enjoy surround sound fully.