Philips has announced that Kuju's forthcoming train game, Rail Simulator, will be one of the first titles to support the company's amBX technology - a system of enabled devices such as LED colour-controlled lights, rumble peripherals, heat and fans, which can be placed strategically around a player's room to 'enhance' the experience. As the press release explains:
"By amBX-enabling the game, all the familiar sights, sounds and feelings of the railway experience will be recreated around the player, including wind, track rumble and lighting - both in and out of the tunnels. Signals, tracks, points, buffers and the experience of driving in the cab will come to life through the energy of amBX locomoting the world of the simulated railway out into the real world."
Sadly, it seems amBX will be unable to simulate the discomfort and soul-destroying monotony of being jammed in a commuter carriage for five days a week. Neither is it likely to capture the uniquely unpleasant odour of a sweaty sales exec chomping down a burger and chips on the last train home.
Still, it's an interesting development, somehow quaintly old fashioned and William Castle-like. Apparently THQ, Revolution and Sumo Digital have all committed to supporting the system, the latter perhaps with a forthcoming OutRun title? Imagine actually feeling the wind in your hair as you surge along those Californian freeways...
