NIP #426 - Sony announces 4D core motion sensing technology, and Gunpei Yokoi challenges Taoyuan Townshi
#426 - Sony announces 4D core motion sensing technology, and Gunpei Yokoi challenges Taoyuan Townshi
As the trailer for the plot of “Final Fantasy 17” concluded, the atmosphere at the venue was completely ignited. At this moment, Sony staff once again walked onto the stage to announce that there would be an actual gameplay demonstration of the title next.
Immediately, thunderous cheers and applause erupted throughout the venue. Everyone held their breath, anticipating this grand visual feast.
The lights suddenly dimmed, and the game's title appeared on the giant LCD screen: “Final Fantasy XVII: Twilight of the Wasteland.” Then, the screen gradually transitioned to the actual gameplay demonstration.
The first thing that came into view was the silver-haired youth holding a burning longsword from the plot trailer. He stood tall and heroic on a desolate Gobi desert, with a fully armed team of warriors behind him.
The entire scene was incredibly lifelike and vivid. Through the rendering of the 4D sensory pod, the audience could even personally feel a wave of scorching heat, giving them a sense of immersive presence.
Then, the silver-haired youth brandished the flaming longsword in his hand and let out an earth-shattering roar, which, combined with the venue's 4D sound effects, was deafening! He then leaped nimbly into the air, swinging the longsword to unleash a burning flame sword aura.
At that moment, the demonstration switched to an operation interface, showcasing the game's combat system. On the right side of the screen was a set of combo command buttons similar to those in fighting games, while the left side listed the names and descriptions of various combat skills.
“This system looks so familiar, just like a classic fighting game!” Many people in the audience voiced their doubts.
Before long, the screen switched back to the combat scene.
The silver-haired youth unleashed a series of dazzling sword skills in mid-air, each strike precisely aimed at the monsters that appeared around him. At the same time, the operation interface dynamically displayed every input command from the player.
“So, they've integrated the operation system of action fighting games into action RPG combat! This exhilarating experience will definitely make the combat extremely smooth and satisfying!”
Just as everyone was marveling, the demonstration screen switched again, this time showcasing a scene resembling a town. The silver-haired protagonist was walking through a ruin, surrounded by broken walls and remnants of gunfire.
Suddenly, a deep footstep sounded off-screen, and then a massive monster emerged, baring its fangs and claws as it pounced towards the protagonist.
The monster's image was incredibly realistic, with the details of its fur, muscle lines, and even the hot air exhaled from its breath perfectly presented through 4D effects.
Faced with such a ferocious enemy, the silver-haired youth abandoned his usual heroic and dashing demeanor, becoming apprehensive and flustered. Just as the audience was puzzled, a female voice rang out in the town.
“Get out of the way! You idiot!”
Then, a black shadow darted out from the ruins, revealing a lithe and agile girl.
Wielding dual blades, she moved with incredible agility, lunging at the monster and launching a frenzied attack. In the gaps between her attacks, the protagonist would supplement with one or two moves, gradually exploring the rhythm and intervals of combat.
“This… this seems to be a brand-new combat partner assistance system? So unique! The perfect combination of exhilarating combat and cautious tactics. I've never seen such a clever design!”
Just as everyone was amazed, the live demonstration switched back to the operation interface. In addition to the action command interface, a system window similar to a “command palette” had been added. It listed various commands, seemingly allowing for on-the-fly command of partners to cast combat skills or strategies.
“I see! The protagonist is constantly accumulating combat rhythm and observing the enemy while seizing the opportunity to command partners to unleash attacks, rationally controlling the rhythm of the battle! This innovative gameplay that integrates action combat and strategic command will definitely become a major highlight of this series!”
Just as everyone was talking about it, the demonstration scene changed again, this time to a lush, green forest valley. The silver-haired protagonist and his companions stopped here, enjoying a brief moment of tranquility.
However, at this moment, the surrounding scenery suddenly began to twist and deform. The originally lush trees and streams began to deform as if they were being kneaded. And before the protagonist and his companions, an incredibly huge monster appeared, so magnificent that it blotted out the sky!
“What… what is going on?!”
Suddenly, a strong visual disturbance enveloped the entire screen, as if an invisible energy wave was distorting the entire space. This was followed by a shocking vibration and a low rumbling sound. The venue's 4D sensory pods began to simulate the shocking experience of this energy wave, causing all the audience to shudder!
…
At this moment, an introductory text box appeared on the screen:
「「Real-time Rendering Experience of Interdimensional Interference: During the game's progress, this kind of distortion interference caused by interdimensional energy will randomly occur. At that time, the entire game world will undergo temporary twisting and deformation, and the abilities of scene objects, enemies, and even player characters will randomly change!」
「In this case, players will be forced to adapt to the situation and use the new abilities after the mutation to fight against the transformed environment and enemies. This brand-new real-time rendering experience will bring an unparalleled immersive experience through the 4D surround effect of the sensory pod!」
「At the same time, during the period of interdimensional interference, special temporary tasks and rewards will occasionally appear, which can only be triggered during this stage. Players need to seize the short opportunity to obtain as many rewards as possible!」
Sure enough, with the introduction, the scene in the actual demonstration did undergo bizarre changes. The originally ruined street instantly turned into a dark, shrouded interdimensional space. The ground and buildings were deformed and twisted, and even the sky was filled with strange ripple-like energy fluctuations.
At the same time, a mysterious force field emerged from the protagonist's body, causing his combat ability and form to undergo drastic changes. Soon, he was attacked by a group of twisted and mutated enemies, and at this time, the 4D pod also began to release various special effects that simulated the twisted space, bringing the audience an unparalleled immersive experience.
Just as everyone was marveling, the demonstration screen quickly switched to another environment—a vast and desolate ice field. In this cold polar region, the silver-haired protagonist and his comrades huddled together, struggling to move forward.
At this moment, a gust of wind suddenly swept through the ice and snow, instantly scattering the entire team, leaving only the protagonist standing alone in place. Then, the 4D sensory pod also released a cold and biting polar airflow, causing all the audience to shiver.
“What's going on?” The venue was immediately filled with confused voices.
Soon, a text introduction appeared on the screen again:
「Dynamic Environment Survival Challenge: In the game's extreme environments such as ice fields, deserts, and volcanoes, players will face severe challenges from nature at any time! Harsh environments such as strong winds, blizzards, sandstorms, severe cold, and scorching heat will bring new survival crises.」
「In this case, in addition to dealing with enemy attacks, players must also pay attention to whether their own physical strength and equipment are sufficient to resist the invasion of nature. At the same time, pay attention to protecting teammates to prevent them from being ravaged by environmental crises.」
「Only by reasonably using limited resources and props, and responding to emergencies in a timely manner, can you successfully survive these environmental tests. If the operation is improper, the entire team will suffer heavy losses, or even be completely wiped out!」
Sure enough, after the introduction, the protagonist in the demonstration instantly fell into a double attack of severe cold and strong winds. The teammates in the distance were shrouded in wind and snow, almost losing their ability to move.
The on-site 4D sensory pod also released polar-like low temperatures and biting airflow in all directions, causing all the audience to tremble. Obviously, surviving in this extreme environment is no easy task!
…
As the actual demonstration of “Final Fantasy 17” ended, the entire Sony press conference venue was filled with cheers and applause.
At this climax, Gunpei Yokoi, the head of Sony's Interactive Entertainment division, stepped onto the stage to deliver a speech.
This short, middle-aged man with black-rimmed glasses announced with a powerful voice at the beginning: “Distinguished guests, game enthusiasts, hello everyone! I am Gunpei Yokoi from Sony Interactive Entertainment.”
“Today, we brought you the latest actual demonstration of “Final Fantasy 17”. Through the screen just now, I believe everyone has personally experienced the unparalleled presence and shock of Sony's 4DRⅢ next-generation sensory pod!”
As he spoke, Yokoi spread his arms out as if to embrace the entire venue:
“This is the culmination of decades of top-notch technological accumulation and innovation in the field of audio-visual entertainment by Sony! Our exclusively developed 4DRⅢ sensory pod integrates the most advanced physical rendering, environmental simulation, sound field perception, and other black technologies to create the most realistic, immersive, and immersive gaming experience ever.”
“It can be said that 4DRⅢ is not just a simple gaming experience, but a new top-level entertainment method! It makes games no longer just a simple audio-visual enjoyment, but an ultimate experience that encompasses the body, mind, and soul!”
“In the future, whether it is in movies, music, sports events, or even theme park amusement facilities, as long as it is combined with the 4DRⅢ sensory system, it will definitely elevate sensory entertainment to a new level!”
The audience was inspired by this powerful declaration and burst into warm applause and cheers.
Yokoi continued his bold statement to promote 4DRⅢ with determination: “Everyone, to put it bluntly, the 4DRⅢ created by Sony is aimed at the 'benchmark' of the next generation of top entertainment experiences!
Compared to the so-called 'Dream Realm' systems of other friendly companies, it is not on the same level.”
“After all, Sony has been a leader in the field of audio-visual entertainment for decades, and we have the world's top technical talents and equipment accumulation. And those 'dream experience' things that follow the trend are just imitations and clumsy reproductions.”
“If you want to create a truly high-quality, substantial, and meaningful immersive experience, it is by no means something that can be done with half-baked skills! Sony has already been at the forefront in this regard, and we will continue to lead the trend and bring unparalleled top-level entertainment enjoyment to the world!”
Yokoi's tone was full of confidence and contempt for his opponents, and he also did not lack some aggressive sarcasm, which immediately ignited the atmosphere at the venue.
Many die-hard Sony fans even burst into boos, expressing disdain for a certain “follower” that Yokoi explicitly and implicitly hinted at.
…
Yokoi, as if injected with chicken blood, continued his grand rhetoric:
“That's right! Just like the wonderful actual demonstration just now. The immersive experience, real-time rendering interaction, and dynamic environment survival brought by 4DRⅢ all demonstrate Sony's top strength.
If you want players to be completely immersed in it, personally survive in the virtual world, and feel all the subtle changes in the scene, it is far from enough to rely on some distorted environment rendering.
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“And this is exactly where our 4DRⅢ's strengths and excellence lie! Players will truly transform into a member of the game world and personally face various life-and-death tests. This immersive experience is the only choice for the future of top-level entertainment!”
“So I solemnly declare here: Only Sony's exclusive 4DRⅢ system is worthy of leading the new trend of future game entertainment! Anything else that uses the guise of 'dream' or 'virtual' is all a trick and can only stay at a superficial level!”
Yokoi's straightforward and domineering speech completely pushed the atmosphere at the venue to the highest climax. Applause raged like thunder in the venue, and many die-hard Sony fans jumped up excitedly, shouting the slogan “Long live Sony” in loud voices.
…
“For those latecomers, we not only do not reject them, but we also welcome them! As long as you have real skills, unique insights and creativity, Sony will definitely give you recognition and support.”
As he spoke, Yokoi raised his thumb and made an “OK” gesture: “Of course, the prerequisite is that you must have truly extraordinary strength, rather than relying on those clumsy technical gimmicks and hype.”
“Abandon those ethereal concepts of 'dream' and 'virtual', return to real technological innovation, and invest your funds and energy in truly promising development areas, then you can gain a foothold in this industry.”
This passage full of teacher-like “teachings” once again led the atmosphere at the venue to a climax. There were no shortage of snickers and ridicule in the audience, secretly mocking some of the “latecomers” who were named.
…
After this press conference, which can be called a “battle of the century,” the global gaming community can be said to have fallen into an unprecedented peak showdown.
As die-hard fans of the Sony camp, they first frantically flaunted Gunpei Yokoi's domineering speech on major forums and social platforms.
Various posts such as “Long live Sony” and “Dream Realm is out” can be seen everywhere.
For example, under the popular topic of the “playstation game community,” a Sony fan with the ID “ForzaSonyPSN” arrogantly fired:
“Yokoi! Authority! This is our Sony's style! Understand the concept of 'one force defeats ten skills'? 4DRIII is the real next-generation game innovation, and other so-called 'Dream Realm' are just worthless gimmicks!”
“Taoyuan Township, with its half-baked level, can only deceive children. If you want to enter the industry, you must first study technology steadily!”
Soon, other Sony fans also joined the battle, launching a full-scale public opinion attack on Taoyuan Township:
“Dream Realm? What Dream Realm? It's just a big dream! Relying entirely on gimmicks to cheat and drink, the technical content is not even enough to touch Sony's feet!”
"Lu Yu, ah, Lu Yu, since you're still in the babbling stage, be practical and don't engage in vague concepts. After all, compared to Sony, you're still too green!"
Some even burst out cursing: "This Taoyuanxiang is simply not qualified to compete with Sony! Trying to go global with just two years of amateur experience? Go back to the domestic market and practice for a while!"
......
Naturally, the players in the Taoyuanxiang camp were not to be outdone. Counting the grey market, the global shipment volume of Taoyuan Shenyou wasn't so far behind the PS5 that it couldn't be caught up. Therefore, Taoyuanxiang's fans immediately launched a furious counterattack in various communities.
"Heh, Yokoi only knows how to bark a few times, useless! Sony's crappy 4DRIII is nothing! Dreamworld is the truly promising next-generation somatosensory experience!"
"Heh, a bunch of Sony dogs, only know how to bully Taoyuanxiang, why don't you go and beat up Nintendorks and Softies first!"
"Yokoi's decisive and ruthless style is like a nouveau riche, only valuing appearances and not understanding the core technology! Dreamworld integrates the research insights of President Lu and Meishayong Technology over so many years, and is the only choice that truly leads the future!"
Soon, more domestic game forums joined the battle, voicing support for Taoyuanxiang Company:
"Sony's 4DRIII technology is just old wine in a new bottle! How can it compare to Dreamworld's Dreamworld interaction and flawless, high-quality subjective perspective?"
"President Lu is already a leading genius in the industry, why should he be subjected to the contemptuous looks of this arrogant clown Yokoi! It's too much!"
"In recent years, all industries in Little Japan have been completely surpassed by China, and Sony is just the afterglow of an empire."
On social platforms, the combatants on both sides continued to tear apart each other's creative ideas and development paths.
Sony fans stubbornly adhered to the position that "Dreamworld is just wishful thinking and a vague fantasy, simply a pipe dream," comparing "Dreamworld" to a bizarre and absurd work in "futurism," an unattainable heterotopia.
The debate between the two major camps then intensified, with each side taking turns to perform.
Various verbal attacks and personal attacks made the online world a spectacular sight.
This "internet-wide flame war" that erupted after the press conference will undoubtedly become the fuse for the arrival of a new era in the game industry.
And whether Sony's 4DRIII or Dreamworld will ultimately dominate, many leading manufacturers in the game industry are waiting to see.