I have to say I was worried that gamers would be more hostile (well, although Uno may not necessarily be such a confrontational game). The experience has been much better than I thought. Playing with the Vision Camera reminded me of those pivotal experiences in multiplayer gaming. The first time I played a multiplayer game of Phantasy Star Online on the Sega Dreamcast. The first time playing multiplayer on Xbox Live and talking to other gamers in MechAssault. The Vision Camera takes it to a whole new level by putting a face to your online persona. I've met more people and have added more friends to my Friends List on Xbox Live in a week of using the Vision Camera than I've had since I've been playing on the Xbox 360 at launch in November 2005 (nearly a year). By putting a face to your gamertag, the experience definitely becomes a more personal one. It opens up the game to more conversation and getting to know a bit more with who you are playing with. Multiplayer gaming has been a fun experience all over again.

At $40, I definitely recommend it to anyone considering it. Surely there will be a few who will abuse it. I've heard (but have not seen first-hand) stories from other gamers of some guys dropping their pants, being rude to others or requesting girl gamers who had the camera to strip. Is that really unexpected of some people? It is not widespread, however, and the parental controls can put limitations on the camera. So don't let that deter you.

If any of you want to check it out, send me a friend's request (gamertag: rivithed). The Xbox Live Vision camera is scheduled for release on September 19, 2006. Totemball will also be released on Xbox Live Arcade on that date. Thanks to those of you I've had a chance to meet! Hope to see you online soon too!

Write Comment
Name:	Guest
Title:
BBCode:
Comment:

Powered by AkoComment 2.0!