How Motion Gaming Has Failed Me

I'll be the first to admit that I don't like playing with the Nintendo Wii all that often. I realize that Nintendo fans won't like to hear that, and I understand why they enjoy using the console, but for me, tossing my hand around while holding a remote just doesn't add much gaming value. Plus, the console is inundated with games for kids that just don't appeal to me.

But when Sony announced that it would be delivering the PlayStation Move, and Microsoft offered up the Kinect, I thought that my issues with the Wii would be forgotten. I figured that both devices would deliver a far more viable experience than anything Nintendo could muster.

And so far, without actually playing with either motion service, I'd have to say that the chances of Kinect and Move appealing to me more than the Wii are quite good. But that doesn't mean that I don't see issues in either platform.

On the Move side, I just don't like having to hold something to control movement on-screen. I understand that it's a technique that worked well for Nintendo, and investing in a Kinect-like experience might be a tall order for Sony, but I don't like it. That said, I'm a little hopeful that the Move will deliver a better gaming experience, thanks to some more sophisticated titles reportedly supporting it, like Killzone 3.

With Kinect, I'm more intrigued. Having the ability to control characters without holding anything really appeals to me. And although I'll probably be forced to move around the room more than I would like, the prospect of Kinect totally blowing away the Wii and the PlayStation Move seems great.

But for all the good that I see from Kinect and Move, I already feel that, once again, the motion-gaming market has betrayed me. At E3 earlier this year, Microsoft showed off Kinectimals — a title that lets gamers become "friends" with animals. The company will also be selling Kinect Sports, Dance Central, and several other decidedly casual titles at launch.

Although the PlayStation Move looks to have a better selection of games for the hardcore fans out there, I'm drawn back to holding the Move controller. I just don't like the experience. And I doubt that it will be so much better than the Wii's that I will be all that impressed.

So, as I sit here and wonder what my future gaming experience will be like, I find that motion gaming has failed me. At this point, none of my options deliver everything I want. The PlayStation Move has that controller. The Kinect, at least out of the gate, will seemingly focus on casual games. And the Wii, well, the Wii just doesn't do it for me.

I'm hoping to say something different a year from now after I've had a chance to fully immerse myself in the various motion-gaming environments that will come my way. But right now, I'm sorry to say that motion gaming doesn't excite me the way I wish it did.