By now, I'm sure that many gamers are aware or at least have heard of the latest technologies currently brewing in the industry. This year's significant and possibly most innovative enhancement to the gaming experience is "force feedback" technology. Force feedback is a way of letting the player actually feel the action through the input device (joysticks; gamepads may have forthcoming advancements.) Now, for the most savvy of gamers, a regular old joystick just won't suffice.

It's what's inside the input device that really makes the difference. Special programming techniques combined with new features on joysticks like the CH Products' Force FX and the Microsoft Sidewinder Force Feeback Pro are equipped with small components that generate the feedback. Tiny motors and small electric impulses are sent up the joystick through the handle, which causes it to vibrate and shake. This is to simulate the feeling of action in the game, whether it be firing a large caliber weapon, taking damage from enemies, or unexpectedly crashing your vehicle. One of the most surprising things about force feedback is its age: the idea has been around for years but only recently has the technology been developed to implement it.

The idea was first proposed with the older 8-bit and 16-bit console systems like the Sega and Nintendo. At that time, the miniaturization process and power sources were not readily available due to scarcity and the cost of making such devices. Finally, in the early 1990's, a feedback device was developed, however it was unpopular with gamers due to its unreliability. This first attempt at force feedback was in the form of a unit attached to the chest (much like wearing a backpack backwards.) It was a failure and suffered from lack of effective advertising and the bulkiness of the unit. Also, the amount of feedback generated was minimal because of a lack of a safe power source and the fear of accidental shock.

The most recent attempt in reviving force feedback technology has been the Nintendo 64 Rumble Pack. This joystick add-on plugs into the memory card port and, with games that support it, generates feedback for the gamer. This product has been very successful in part because of today's improved technologies for smaller components with larger output. Now, in conjunction with many PC game designers, force feedback technology is brought to the computer. Instead of add-ons or plug-ins for current joysticks (they wouldn't support this new feature anyway), the force feedback unit is built right into the controller, providing a seamless integration. The size and weight differences are nominal, but when these new joysticks are used with upcoming titles like LucasArts' Shadows of the Empire : Battle for Hoth (one of 40 new titles slated for release before Christmas), the difference will be a feeling worth remembering.

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