GMAN-GAMES: Gundam P.O.D.

Gundam P.O.D.

January 7th, 2007

The latest thing in Japan arcades is the Gundam P.O.D. (panoramic optical display)

Most locations have 8 pods setup. You step inside and you get a half dome 180 degree display from top to bottom and left to right.

If you are not familar with it Gundam is about giant mech (humanoid robot like) vehicles that you climb inside of and battle with. These pods seem like they'd do a great job of simulating that. They have headphones with mic for voice chat as well as you play on teams and the pods are networked not only at the local arcade but across the net to other arcades.

Outside the pods their is a battle status display so people outside can see how the battle is going. Apparently the game is designed so it's important to co-operate with your teammates in order to do well.

They've even got acess from your cell phone to hook up with your teammates and see how they're doing.

I haven't had a chance to try it out. There is always a sign up sheet with 12+ people already signed up. There's more info here as well as a downloadable manual

Pass it on

Comments:

Do those pods rotate, vibrate etc? Or is it just a big stretched screen basically?

posted by ZeroToHeroJanuary 14, 2007 at 14:59 [ e ]

Anyway it's impressive. I'd like to try it out too!

posted by ZeroToHeroJanuary 23, 2007 at 4:47 [ e ]

HOLY CRAP!

That is SWEET. What I wouldn't give to try that out. I bet I would kick ass at it; I excel at video games... always have! ;) lol

posted by DoctressJuliaMarch 20, 2007 at 17:53 [ e ]

When are these things coming to North America?! I'm a canadian and a huge Gundam fan so I really want a chance to play this!

posted by ZhaneXMay 7, 2007 at 16:46 [ e ]

I've played that game and its an awsome (expensive) experience! It really feels like you are in the enviroment. The display is just a white dome and their is a projector unit behind you. you controll with your arms and legs just like a real gundam.

you first have to by this id card sort of thing then you buy credits.

then you wait in line.

posted by chinchinburaburaJuly 4, 2007 at 23:06 [ e ]

awesome!

Is it possible to buy the POD and customize it to use with other games? Would be cool to use that as the display for my xbox360.

posted by HungQTranAugust 26, 2007 at 15:59 [ e ]

Greatest game EVER

I live in misawa japan and the mall near me has 4 of these setup. It is a very fun game. The pods themselves don't move but it feels like they do when you start to play.

posted by ssj2_gohaSeptember 12, 2007 at 21:43 [ e ]

Probably one of the coolest games ever, me and my friends blew a fair amount of money on it this summer when we were in japan. I hope it comes to the states (but my poor wallet might not be able to take it)

posted by fireballtrOctober 16, 2007 at 17:56 [ e ]

Can you Coose diffrent Mobile Suits like the Zaku , Dom or the Gouf if so is it like Zionic Front.When is it coming to the U.S. if it's not im packing my bags and going to Japan! :D

posted by RZ90111November 18, 2007 at 14:02 [ e ]

Blank

I have to play this !! any one know how much is it to play and when it is going to be in the U.S., if its not going to be in the U.S. im paking my bags and headding to Japan. Get ready because I was made to pilat giant mechs! XD

posted by RZ11T3November 18, 2007 at 16:43 [ e ]

this is awesome anybody else seen thge life size one its huge ?

posted by colinDecember 21, 2007 at 18:48 [ e ]

knowing that the Japanese made, we can rest assured that the seat will definitely vibrate to the game and the screen, but no rotations though, not at the current interest level from the gamers (vibration is good enough!). I think the most that they will do for the "motion-feel" is the hydraulics, but that's about as far as they want to go without blowing the budget. I really want to play with one of these one day, its like a teaser for Gundam Boot Camp ^^

posted by DunnyJanuary 2, 2008 at 7:07 [ e ]

Reminds me of a much much sexier version of the Battletech Center that used to be at North Pier in Chicago. I guess they have 'em all over the place now:

http://www.virtualworld.com/

posted by SpitfireJanuary 2, 2008 at 8:49 [ e ]

This looks awesome! I would love to try this out! How good are the graphics though? Xbox 360 kind of graphics or arcade kind of graphics?

posted by CptOutrageousMarch 15, 2008 at 16:10 [ e ]

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