The world of video gaming has seen many trends come and go, but the appeal of the classic arcade shooter has remained a nostalgic touchstone for many. These games, with their distinctive light guns, were a staple of the past but faced obsolescence as modern display technology replaced the CRT screens they depended on. Enter Andy Sinden, who has developed a solution to revive this genre for contemporary gamers with his innovative creation - the Sinden Light Gun.
The Sinden Light Gun is positioned as the contemporary alternative to vintage light guns such as the NES Zapper and PlayStation Gun-Con, which relied on outdated CRTs. This modern iteration is designed to work on today's LCD, LED, and OLED screens, bringing classics like Duck Hunt, Time Crisis, Virtua Cop, and House of the Dead back to life without cumbersome sensor bars or additional hardware.
At its core, the Sinden Light Gun harnesses a high-speed camera along with smart image recognition, mathematics, and software to detect where the player is aiming. A thin white border is added to the game's visuals to facilitate this process, an elegant workaround that sidesteps the need for external sensors.
For those who crave an even more authentic experience, the gun can be upgraded with a recoil feature that uses a solenoid, capacitor, and circuitry to simulate the kickback found in arcade light gun games. This is all powered by a USB-A connection, removing the need for extra batteries or power supplies.
In terms of its physical design, the Sinden Light Gun is available in several color options and features an arrangement that includes four buttons, a D-pad, and a pump-action bar. It carries a reminiscence of the PlayStation Gun-Con aesthetically. The optional recoil adds a satisfying weight to the device, enhancing the immersive experience.
Using the Sinden Light Gun proves to be a positive venture. It succeeds in delivering the arcade experience on modern displays in a relatively straightforward setup. Currently compatible with Windows and Linux systems, the gun supports native light gun games available on digital platforms, as well as numerous emulated classic titles that span across gaming consoles from the NES to the Wii.
While the gun operates without major issues in ideal conditions, there are several factors users should take into account. For example, reflections on the TV screen can disrupt performance, so playing in a dark room is advisable. There's also a recommended distance to maintain from the screen for optimal accuracy.
However, these are minor inconveniences considering the precision and user-friendly experience offered. Emulation platforms like Batocera, paired with hardware like the Steam Deck, incorporate Sinden support within their systems, making the use of the Sinden Light Gun very accessible.
There are some limitations, though. Currently, hardware support is confined to Windows and Linux platforms only. For those imagine using the Sinden Light Gun on original console hardware, Sinden is actively working to expand compatibility, with successful tests already conducted on PlayStation consoles.
The Sinden Light Gun is not an impulse buy, priced at around £90 ($112/101 EUR), but its cost is justified by the innovative technology it incorporates, the developer's ongoing efforts, and the exceptional home light gun experience it provides.
Owners of the Sinden Light Gun can now celebrate the return of iconic arcade shooting experiences to the comfort of their living rooms, all thanks to a clever idea and a dedication to retro gaming preservation. The Sinden Light Gun could be a game-changer for enthusiasts eager to reconnect with a lost facet of gaming history, proving that with ingenuity and passion, the classics never really have to fade away.
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