| Name | 3rd Space Gaming Vest |
|---|---|
| Developer | TNgames |
| Released | November 2007 |
| Platforms | PC |
The ForceWear Vest is a haptic suit that was unveiled at the Game Developers Conference in San Francisco in March 2007. The vest was mentioned in several articles about next-generation gaming accessories.[1][2] The vest was released in November 2007, and reviews of the product have been generally favorable.[2]
The vest uses eight trademarked "contact points" that simulate gunfire, body slams or G-forces associated with race car driving.[3] It is unique because unlike traditional force feedback accessories, the vest is directional, so that action taking place outside the players' field of view can also be felt. A player hit by gunfire from behind will actually feel the shot in his back while he may not be otherwise aware of this using standard visual display cues.[4]
Gaming reporter Charlie Demerjian of The Inquirer said, "If they can keep the price reasonable and have a few good games, this has a chance of becoming a useful gaming accessory."[5] Currently, players have three ways to utilize the vest. Playing games with Direct Integration, such as TN Games' own 3rd Space Incursion, using the 3rd space game drivers whilst playing a game (drivers currently in Beta 2), or installing specially made mods for a game. The vest works with many games, including Call of Duty 2: 3rd Space Edition, 3rd Space Incursion, Half-Life 2: Episodes 1 & 2, Crysis, Enemy Territory Quake Wars, Clive Barker's Jericho, Unreal Tournament 3, F.E.A.R., Medal of Honor: Airborne, Quake 4 and Doom 3.[citation needed]
