Eric Hartwell's InfoWeb

Sunday, April 03, 2005

Games That Shoot Back [Slashdot: 4/3/2005; 8:52:23 PM] A VirTra Systems combat simulator developed for the US military that "shoots" back, delivering an electric shock strong enough to knock down players, could be the next big thing for home-computer games. Players enter a platform with a 360-degree screen that shows scenarios such as freeing hostages, street gun fights, taking out suicide bombers and team attacks on enemy positions. If a player fails to kill an enemy in time and the enemy is able to shoot back, the simulator delivers a powerful electric shock through the player's hips. "You definitely know you have been hit," a spokesman said. "It has the same power as a stun gun. It knocks you down. You have to continue to work through the pain and keep on fighting, even when wounded." The US military found trainees were getting rapid heart rates, sweaty palms and fear during the simulation, just like they might get if they were really shot. They also use the "America's Army" simulator at fairs as a recruitment tool.

Saturn's Moons: [Eric Hartwell: April 3, 2005] I've updated my gallery of images from the Cassini mission. The current orbit has an inner system flyby about twice a month, and the glorious photos just keep on coming.