Summary
Haptic feedback has revolutionized the way players experience games, adding a tactile dimension thatdeepens immersionand intensifies emotion. No longer limited to simple controller vibrations, today’s haptics simulate everything from the tension of a bowstring to the thump of a character’s heartbeat.
Particularly on platforms like the PlayStation 5 with itsDualSense controller, developers have found creative ways to make players feel the game, not just play it. Arguably, haptic feedback for gaming is still in its infancy, and in time, more examples of novel uses will be found. However, there are already some titles that make great use of haptics.
Ghostwire:Tokyois anaction-adventure gamethat uses haptic feedback in an innovative way. Exploration, and especially combat magic, rely almost entirely on haptics, with the player feeling the effects through their hands.
Every elemental spell that the player casts has a corresponding haptic pattern. The controller provides feedback as the player draws seals, and begins to channel their magical energy. Furthermore, feedback is provided as the player uses special attacks as well. There is a synergy between visual clues, audio, and tactile feedback that has resulted in a unique control system.
Picking up whereWii Sportsstopped,Nintendo Switch Sportspays homage to it, but with better haptic support with greater precision. Several different sports are covered in this title, including fencing, volleyball, tennis, and more. Each of these has a haptic control system.
Although the game’s haptic feedback can be quite subtle at times, it is very useful. A rumble takes place depending on the force of a sword strike, or a ball striking bowling pins, for example. It is useful but not overpowering, and a great example of how a handheld console can deliver a gaming experience all of its own.
Unfortunately,Astro’s Playroomis only available on the PS5 at the time of writing, which is a shame, as it uses haptic feedback very nicely. The game uses haptics in many ways to provide the player with appropriate feedback, from skidding on a frozen pond to walking in a frog suit.
When it rains, each drop can be felt as a soft tap, while more aggressive actions, such as using the jetpack, result in more significant feedback through the controller. As players learn the game and practice, haptics become an integral, instructive part of the control scheme in this game.
Everyone knows the gameTetris, but not like it is done inTetris Effect: Connected. This is title takesa classic gameand reimagines it as an audio, visual, and tactile feast. Haptic feedback isn’t just a fun feature that has been added. Rather, it is a vital part of the control scheme.
Every block that is dropped has feedback, with audio and visuals in sync. The result is a playing experience that is highly immersive, verging on hypnotic at times. It is a simple game, but it shows how enriching haptic feedback can be when it is timed perfectly with audio and visual cues.
A list of haptic-enabled games wouldn’t be complete without at least one driving game. The choice for this list isGran Turismo 7. Haptic feedback in driving games is a sweet synergy, giving the player a real feel of anti-lock breaks rumbling, and tires starting to lose grip on a corner.
InGran Turismo 7,haptic feedback accompanies every gear shift, and each time the tires lose some traction. The adaptive triggers are a fantastic addition to the control scheme, as the player can physically feel how hard they are braking, which is a great help for precision braking without visual clues.
Mobile haptics are often unappreciated, as a lot depends on the make and model of the mobile device the game is being played on. Cheaper, lower-spec models tend to have little in the way of haptic capabilities. For players with a decent device, though,Call of Duty: Mobilemakes great use of haptic feedback.
Gunfire, incoming hits, weapon reloads, and more all have haptic cues. This is especiallytrue of melee combat, where a heavy incoming hit results in some very heavy feedback indeed. With touchscreen controls, the addition of useful haptics into the game actually helps players gain more control over their actions.
Returnalfollows the journey of protagonist Selene through an alien world, using roguelike gameplay. Haptic feedback is present throughout most of this journey. Even moving across the ground results in at least some minor feedback. Every enemy results in a jolt as well, but it is the adaptive feedback triggers that steal the show.
Adaptive triggersare used well in this game. Pressing the trigger just halfway switches into aim mode, and depressing it all the way fires. Every weapon has different levels of feedback as well. The feedback has been balanced with visual clues and audio to increase with the in-game tension.
Taking the top spot on this list isRatchet & Clank: Rift Apart. Haptic feedback is so intertwined in the gameplay that most players would struggle to relearn the controls if this feature were removed entirely.
Each weapon has detailed, specific haptic feedback patterns, as do most of the player’s actions. For example, jumping through a rift results in some very heavy feedback. Haptic feedback during combat provides tactical clues about incoming hits and helps the player to defend better. Overall,Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apartdeserves top place on this list for the great way it uses haptics.
