ARMA Reforger DualSense Implementation

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As a veteran gamer with decades of experience under my belt, I can confidently say that the haptic feedback revolution has finally arrived, and it’s all thanks to the geniuses at Bohemia Interactive and their masterpiece, ARMA Reforger.

In many first-person shooter games, when I pull the trigger, the only response I usually get is a simple click sound.

Although the mouse might make targeting easier, it’s a far cry from the excitement of explosions and gunfire that you see on the screen.

Experts in tactical shooting games at Bohemia Interactive found issue with that, and they utilized the underutilized DualSense controller for the PlayStation 5 as a solution.

As a passionate gamer, I must admit that although the DualSense controller boasts impressive capabilities, it’s somewhat disheartening to see that only a few game studios have invested their time and resources into truly integrating this innovative technology into their games. However, there’s one exception that stands out – Sony’s own Astro Bot. This franchise has successfully harnessed the power of the DualSense, offering an immersive gaming experience that showcases what this controller is truly capable of.

In a developer blog post about innovative controls, the ARMA Reforger team explained how they utilized the features of the Sony DualSense controller to deliver one of the most authentic shooting sensations experienced recently, or perhaps even ever.

Triggers Never Felt So Good

The adaptive triggers adjust their tension based on different vehicles and weapons.

If your weapon has run out of ammunition, either from shooting it or not loading any rounds, you’ll find that the trigger offers little resistance and feels quite loose.

After activating the safety mechanism on your firearm, the trigger applies its highest level of resistance, simulating a lock-down state. While you can manipulate this resistance in the controller, it requires a significant amount of effort.

There are two notable exceptions here that show the level of detail Bohemia aimed for.

As a gamer, I’ve noticed something interesting about my Kalashnikov’s attached grenade launcher – the GP-25. Even when the tube is emptied, its double-action trigger maintains tension, ready for action at a moment’s notice.

When you activate the safety on a Czechoslovakian vz. 58 assault rifle, it mechanically separates the trigger from the firing system, leading to a condition where the trigger is not securely fastened.

Following the loading of a bullet, the trigger’s action adheres to a four-step sequence: cock, move back, release, and strike.

In simple terms, the wall represents the initial tension of the trigger. The more pressure needed to exert a stronger pull is referred to as creep. When the weapon discharges, you reach the breaking point, where the trigger becomes loose and completely depressed. After every shot, the trigger recoils slightly.

To fire another shot if you’re not employing a self-loading firearm, you’ll first have to reposition the trigger. Essentially, this involves letting go of it until you reach the next barrier or wall.

Poetry In Motion

The DualSense goes beyond mere triggers, and ARMA Reforger effectively utilized these additional features. A game featuring numerous explosions and vehicles provides an excellent opportunity to showcase the controller’s abilities.

If you hide behind a wall while under heavy gunfire from an aggressive antagonist, you’ll certainly sense the impact. Feel a shockwave from an explosion? Absolutely, you would experience that as well. Traveling on a tracked vehicle? Indeed, that is also a possibility.

ARMA Reforger also tries to make use of the motion sensors for aiming, though this is optional.

As someone who’s dabbled in this game, I can attest that with a bit of practice, one can definitely improve. However, persuading seasoned players accustomed to analog sticks after decades might prove challenging.

An alternative function for the motion sensor is the “free gaze” feature, enabling you to explore your surroundings without having to press a particular control.

It’s unfortunate that a tactical shooter and a platformer are among the few games really pushing the boundaries of what the DualSense controller can do. However, there’s optimism that these examples might motivate other game creators to adopt similar innovative control schemes.

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2024-12-19 04:38