How will video games evolve? Let’s see in this article how the developers have implemented the various functions of the DualSense within the next PS5 games
We all know that video games are not only interpretable systems, but also and above all interactable. Over time, the videogame medium has evolved a lot. Progress has been made in many directions: from graphics, to the technologies of input and output peripherals, to the ways in which the player knows and learns the symbols of the video game to decode it, or game design. One such avenue is the various types of feedback that games are able to provide. In this regard we will discover in this special as developers have and are still implementing the different functionalities of DualSense of SS5 in the new games.
To the future
These days, Sony has unveiled the new and surprising colors available for its DualSense (Cosmic Red and Midnight Black). The update arrived together with a special in-depth analysis of the Japanese house on the functionality of the pad in Returnal , the new IP from Sony developed by Housemarque Games. For this occasion, let’s see together some PS5 games coming out that take advantage of the tactile features of DualSense, such as haptic feedback and adaptive triggers . If you have played titles such as the recent Returnal or Astro’s Playroom, you will know how indispensable the new Sony controller is to have a complete 360-degree experience of the latter. Here is how the developers will use the controller to immerse the player even more in an experience that also involves other senses .
Ratchet and Clank: Rift Apart – How DualSense works with PS5 games
Rift Apart is the new chapter in the historical saga of Ratchet and Clank exclusively from Sony. The duo formed by the last Lombax left on the galaxy and the funny and enterprising robot Clank, in this sequel, faces the mysteries of their past by crossing interdimensional portals . The guys from Insomniac Games , the developers of the series, are satisfied with the way in which each element of the game world has been enriched with unique feedback .
With the Ratchet wrench, for example, it was possible to give an even wider spectrum of tactile sensations when striking the various surfaces . In short, many in-game actions, such as collecting bolts, opening the radial menu of weapons, or calling up the mini map, will be accompanied by a series of subtle , minimal, but always present feedback from the pad, which will offer an experience. even deeper than the title.
Subnautica: Below Zero – How DualSense works with PS5 games
Let’s find out now how the features of DualSense in Subnautica have been exploited . For the most part, haptic feedback will be felt when using your gear . For example when you turn on the torch light, or when you collect resources with the auger arm. A fundamental mechanic, from this point of view, is the Metal Detector . Using it you will feel vibrations when you encounter a metal object under you. Not the classic vibration however, but you will feel exactly according to the level, the RGB led frequency and “place” of the vibration on the pad, whether the object is in front of you, or to your right, left or below you. Finally, the of the pad will light up in a different color depending on your proximity to the object.
Ghostwire: Tokyo – How DualSense works with PS5 games
In Ghostwire Tokyo , players will feel a better immersion in the world thanks to the haptic feedback thanks to 3D audio. In fact, through the latter, disturbing voices from another world will come out of your pad. In this way you will be able to use your ” sixth sense ” by perceiving things that normal humans could not, and you will be able to solve the different mysteries that radiate the city of Tokyo.
During the fight, however, you will be able to warn through the adaptive triggers , in addition to the evocation of evil spirits, even the different elemental powers. In fact, if you close your eyes, you can distinguish between the emanation of a gust of wind, the flow of a powerful jet of water or the brutal devastation of fire. Finally, the more you progress in the game, the more the sensations given by the various feedbacks will become more intense and strong .
Life is Strange: True Colors – How DualSense works with PS5 games
At its core, Life is Strange True Colors is about connecting with other people thanks to the psychic power of Alex Chen ‘s empathy . Her supernatural abilities allow her to see and feel the strong emotions of others through a bright colored aura . Thus, the red of anger, the purple of fear, the blue of sadness and the brilliant gold of joy will be displayed through the DualSense light bar to convey these emotions. Finally, as you wander the streets of Haven Springs and use Alex’s powers via the trigger, you will feel greater resistance each time the powers increase in intensity.. So here’s how the Deck Nine developers took advantage of the pad’s features for the next Life is Strange .
Scarlet Nexus – How DualSense works with PS5 games
In Scarlet Nexus , there is a combat system in which psycho-kinetic skills can be used . The DualSense controller is, in this case, a valid ally for what the developers want to perceive. In fact, both haptic feedback and adaptive triggers emphasize the feeling of smashing scenery objects on enemies. As you lift the items you will feel the flow of the character’s powers, no matter what their direction is . For example, if the object moves from left to right, the pad motor that returns the vibration will move from the left to the right side at the same time.. In addition, for an even more realistic experience, the triggers will offer more resistance to the player depending on the weight of the object, as if you were about to lift it with your own strength.
Returnal – How DualSense works with PS5 games
According to Housemarque, the potential of DualSense lies in the ability to immerse the player thanks to the small details given by the haptic feedback, in a way that has never been done before. Thus it is possible to provide subtle details, sometimes barely perceptible, that cross the threshold of what the hands and the brain think is reality, bringing the player directly into the world represented on the screen. An example is the rain feedback in Returnal. The latter is in fact perceivable by the player through a series of small impulseshaptics. These subtle feedbacks are procedurally synthesized over the course of gameplay. The final sense of immersion is given by the combination of video and audio. Both give your subconscious the feeling that you are really in the rain in the world of Atropos.
To conclude
We have seen a number of PS5 games in which the different features of the DualSense have been implemented . They won’t be the only ones however. The hope for the future is in fact to see other titles that will exploit them in an always different way. Beyond those who are the different creative goals , the common will of many developers is to let players enter ever more perceptible and profound worlds . Thanks to these “illusions”, we can therefore hypothesize a future for the videogame medium in which, between VR viewers, augmented reality and peripherals with haptic feedback , the player experiences the various adventures in an increasingly participatory, involved and with all his senses way.
