ARMYMODUK
According to those somewhat sugar-coated army-jobs videos that pop up during advert breaks, the British Army pilots its remote unmanned spy planes using 360 controllers. While I like the idea of ARMYMODUK unlocking achievements and racking up high scores for Queen and country, I can’t say I’m entirely happy with their choice of peripheral.
The original X-Box’s controller was, as everyone remembers, the size of a bear. The Japanese version of it: the “Controller S”, however, was lovely and deserves a spot in the joystick hall of fame (and such a hall of fame should be established to hold it). Following on from that success, Microsoft created the 360 controller. Similar in size and layout to the “Controller S” the 360 controller differs from its last generation counterpart in one important aspect: it has one of the worst directional pads in the entire world.
Now, I’m all for the military keeping its technology up to date, but I don’t feel comfortable with the prospect of life and death decisions being made using a such a device. If it can’t be guaranteed to put descending blocks where you intended in Lumines, how can it be relied upon in a combat situation?
Besides, if we’re prepared to use toys during war then where will the adoption of civilian gaming devices end? I for one do not wish to see Armageddon ushered in by an elderly General and his grandchildren waving Wiimotes around in front of the War Room’s threat-board while the PM authorises nuclear strikes on a DDR mat; I don’t care how many gamer points it’s worth.