Force-Feedback Gaming Vest Packs a Punch

Sure, you can hear the explosions, and maybe you even get a little rumble from your joystick. But what about an actual thud on your chest as that enemy tank goes boom?

Enter the 3rd Space Vest—an "impact-generating device" that comes with an air compressor and eight inflatable air bladders (four in front, four in the back) that tap, punch, and pop you in time to the action. Channel 10 (via Gizmodo) has a pair of videos showing the vest ($169) in action, and the eight "action zones" can apparently simulate stab wounds, punches, kicks, bullets, machine gun blasts—and even, say, a light tap in the small of your back. And since the vest has air bladders in front and in back, you'll actually feel bullets pass right through you. Freaky.

The 3rd Space Vest (PC-only, for now) comes in three colors, two sizes, and ships with two impact-enabled games: Call of Duty 2 and Incursion, a first-person shooter developed by the makers of the vest. (Drivers are also available for games such as Unreal Tournament 3, Crysis, Half-Life 2, F.E.A.R., and Quake 4).

Of course, 3rd Space Vest developer TN Games isn't stopping with the vest: an "impact-generating" helmet is also on tap, along with—wait for it—a full-body suit.

Related:
Force Feedback Gaming Vest Uses Compressed Air to Mimic Pain [Gizmodo]
TN Games - Gaming Vest and Helmet [Channel 10]