d_stilgar
10-31-2008, 09:23 PM
I ordered the Novint Falcon (http://home.novint.com/) from newegg.com for $160 (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16826568001&Tpk=novint%20falcon). It came today and I didn't waste any time getting it installed. I downloaded the HL:2 mod, called Haptics-Life 2, and installed it.
First impressions of the game are good. There is a bit of learning curve to the whole thing, but you eventually get the hang of it. I messed around and then decided I would load right into Chapter 13, where you get the supercharged gravity gun. This is where I noticed the first glitch. After I got into the transport pod, I could not look left or right anymore. I could only look up and down. To make matters worse, I was stuck looking left. I decided that this was forgivable, but wanted to know more about this problem.
I went to the Novint forums and found nothing. I did, however, find out that I can chat with them on AIM. I loaded up gmail and entered their AIM support name into my contacts. I stated my problem and waited. Here's the conversation:
me: I installed Heptics-Life 2, and when I am in a situation where I can't move (teleport near beginning, people mover cage in the citadel) I cannot look left or right, but only up and down. I am wondering why this is, and how I can fix it. Thanks
novintsupport: hi there
what chapter of the game are you having this problem in?
me: Chapters 13 and 14
novintsupport: what phone number can I reach you on to discuss this problem?
me: --- --- ----
novintsupport: calling now
The person who called was a coder and tester. We talked about my problem. He knew the game very well and described the level and sequence of events from memory. He told me that it is a known bug and that he has reported it before, but then went on to tell me that within the next two weeks they will be releasing drivers for all games from the Orange Box, and that updates from then on will be done through steam. He was very excited about all of this, and never did I feel like he just wanted to get off the phone. I think if I had kept asking questions about what they are working on, he would've talked to me for much longer.
How do I feel about my Novint Falcon? I love it! Half-Life 2 just got a bit harder, but much more immersive. How do I feel about Novint as a company? I am excited. I waited 'til now to get a falcon, because I was worried if the company would last. Since Valve announced continued support and partnership with Novint, my doubts have subsided. The company is small, but they know their stuff and are excited about their product. I would encourage anyone to get this device.
First impressions of the game are good. There is a bit of learning curve to the whole thing, but you eventually get the hang of it. I messed around and then decided I would load right into Chapter 13, where you get the supercharged gravity gun. This is where I noticed the first glitch. After I got into the transport pod, I could not look left or right anymore. I could only look up and down. To make matters worse, I was stuck looking left. I decided that this was forgivable, but wanted to know more about this problem.
I went to the Novint forums and found nothing. I did, however, find out that I can chat with them on AIM. I loaded up gmail and entered their AIM support name into my contacts. I stated my problem and waited. Here's the conversation:
me: I installed Heptics-Life 2, and when I am in a situation where I can't move (teleport near beginning, people mover cage in the citadel) I cannot look left or right, but only up and down. I am wondering why this is, and how I can fix it. Thanks
novintsupport: hi there
what chapter of the game are you having this problem in?
me: Chapters 13 and 14
novintsupport: what phone number can I reach you on to discuss this problem?
me: --- --- ----
novintsupport: calling now
The person who called was a coder and tester. We talked about my problem. He knew the game very well and described the level and sequence of events from memory. He told me that it is a known bug and that he has reported it before, but then went on to tell me that within the next two weeks they will be releasing drivers for all games from the Orange Box, and that updates from then on will be done through steam. He was very excited about all of this, and never did I feel like he just wanted to get off the phone. I think if I had kept asking questions about what they are working on, he would've talked to me for much longer.
How do I feel about my Novint Falcon? I love it! Half-Life 2 just got a bit harder, but much more immersive. How do I feel about Novint as a company? I am excited. I waited 'til now to get a falcon, because I was worried if the company would last. Since Valve announced continued support and partnership with Novint, my doubts have subsided. The company is small, but they know their stuff and are excited about their product. I would encourage anyone to get this device.