Gamepolitics is reporting on University of Pennsylvania mechanical engineering student Saurabh Palan, who built a haptic feedback vest as his final project. The vest uses solenoids, motors and Peltier elements to simulate gunshots impacts, blade slashes, burns and blood loss, wiht just enough realism without actually inflicting pain. Palan tested the vest with
Half Life 2 and has gotten a positive response from his classmates and professor. All I can say is I want one! I've always liked games that brought a more realistic "body" experience into gameplay, like the cringe-inducing first aid in
Metal Gear Solid 3 or
Farcry 2, and I'd definitely pick up one of these haptic vests if it ever went to market.
