Created by Japanese researchers at the Tokyo University of Technology, The Light Shooter is an archery game that uses a real bow to hit digital targets. The first person shooting game has an actual Japanese bow as the interface.
Real equipment teaches the player how to handle it in a way that is more effective than reading a manual. It also lets them experience what Japanese archery is like.
The bow works with a basic shooting mechanic and also features a flashlight, so when the player points it in different directions, a light shines on the black screen.
The object of the game is to shoot stick-figure enemies, and there are sensors embedded in the bow’s grip to measure how much it bends when drawn, whether the string has been released and the acceleration.
The team plans to add more sensors and 3D data for the game, and they are building a mobile laser projector and smartphone into the grip to show where the player is aiming. You can check out The Light Shooter in DigInfo‘s video below: