Virtual Cushion
The {{nihongo foot|Virtual Cushion|バーチャルクッション|Bācharu Kusshon|lead=yes|group=lower-alpha}} is a video game force feedback accessory released in 1992 for the NEC PC Engine. It allows players to feel the impact of enemy attacks on their bodies through sound vibrations.{{cite web |title=System - PC Engine Virtual Cushion |url=https://www.pcengine-fx.com/TS/system_-_pc_engine_virtual_cus.html |website=www.pcengine-fx.com |access-date=29 July 2024}}{{cite web |title=バーチャルクッション |url=https://www2s.biglobe.ne.jp/~tetuya/FXHP/pcengine/hard/vcsyon.html |website=徹夜城の多趣味の城 |access-date=29 July 2024}}{{cite web |title=【PCエンジン】メタモジュピター |url=https://lunchbox360.livedoor.biz/archives/9722363.html |website=だんぼーるはうすinブログ |language=ja}}
In 1993, GamePro reported that the product could be launched for Turbo Duo owners.{{cite magazine |title=Hardware Helpers |work=GamePro |location=United States |date=6 June 2023 |page=168 |edition=45 |url=https://archive.org/details/game-pro-issue-45-april-1993/page/168/mode/1up |access-date=29 July 2024 |via=Archive.org}} Electronic Gaming Monthly and Game Mania stated that a similar device was being produced by Matsushita Electric.{{cite magazine |title=International News |work=Electronic Gaming Monthly |location=United States |date=February 1993 |page=68 |edition=43 |url=https://archive.org/details/Electronic_Gaming_Monthly_43/page/n67/mode/1up |access-date=29 July 2024 |via=Archive.org}}{{cite magazine |title=Virtual Cushion |work=Game Mania |location=United Kingdom |date=May 1993 |page=8 |edition=5 |url=https://archive.org/details/game-mania-uk-05/page/n7/mode/1up |access-date=29 July 2024 |via=Archive.org}}
Reception
{{ill|Consolemania|it}} called the idea "stupid."{{cite magazine |title=Made in Japan |work=Consolemania |location=Italy |date=May 1993 |page=13 |edition=19 |url=https://archive.org/details/Consolemania-019/page/n12/mode/1up |access-date=29 July 2024 |via=Archive.org}} Electric Brain wrote a full review recommending the accessory, noting that it also works with other consoles.{{cite magazine |title=Good, Good, Vibrations |work=Electric Brain |language=English |location=United Kingdom |date=April 1993 |page=5 |edition=33 |url=https://archive.org/details/1993-04-electric-brain-33/page/5/mode/1up |access-date=29 July 2024 |via=Archive.org}}
Legacy
In 1994, VideoGames - The Ultimate Gaming Magazine recommended the Aura Interactor for fans of the Virtual Cushion.{{cite magazine |title=Vest to Kill |work=VideoGames: The Ultimate Gaming Magazine |location=United States |date=June 1994 |page=90 |edition=65 |url=https://archive.org/details/Video_Games_The_Ultimate_Gaming_Magazine_Issue_65_June_1994/page/n89/mode/1up |access-date=29 July 2024 |via=Archive.org}}
In 1999, Markt+Technik's {{ill|Video Games (magazine)|lt=Video Games|de|Video Games}} called the Virtual Cushion "the first Rumble Pack in the history of video games."{{cite magazine |title=Tips für Sammler und solche, die es werden wollen |work=Video Games |location=Germany |date=March 1999 |page=37 |edition=1999-03 |url=https://archive.org/details/video-games-de-1999-03/page/37/mode/1up |access-date=29 July 2024 |via=Archive.org}}
In 2016, HobbyConsolas remembered it as an innovative peripheral from the 1990s.{{cite magazine |title=Periféricos tan imposibles como increíbles |work=HobbyConsolas |location=Spain |date=2016 |pages=295-226 |url=https://archive.org/details/hobbyconsolas296/page/n95/mode/2up?view=theater |access-date=28 July 2024 |via=Archive.org}}
Notes
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