by Chris Ware on Jul 10, 2009
This
week I was given the opportunity to do a hands-on
test of a new gaming application –
href="http://www.say2play.com/">Say2Play.
Say2Play
is, as you would guess by the name, a voice
command application that allows you to speak commands rather than type
or click
them with the mouse. It
is a front end
application that has many preloaded templates, including one for each
version
of WoW. It is available for free download with a seven day trial
period. If you
elect to buy, it retails for 29.95. For the game performance crowd I am
happy
to report no noticeable slow down of the WoW client while this app was
loaded.
style="">
src="http://www.tentonhammer.com/image/view/71041"
alt="s2pwebsite.png" v:shapes="Picture_x0020_0"
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The website is easy to navigate and mirrors the look of the app itself.
Easy download right on the main page. One thing I really liked about
the install and set up portion was the install wizard grabbed every
missing piece of software off the web for me, one click installs
rule. Once it was installed it was off to setup the
microphone and tune it to the application.
style="">
src="http://www.tentonhammer.com/image/view/71038"
alt="s2paudiowiz.png" v:shapes="Picture_x0020_1"
style="border: 0px solid ; width: 550px; height: 395px;">The
quality of your microphone will have a huge bearing on your experience
with this program. If you have the means, I highly recommend getting
the best headset you can afford. With the proliferation of voice chat
apps such as
href="www.ventrilo.com">Ventrilo
that most guilds employ, it is money well spent. We can tell when you
have a crappy mic; it sounds like you’re playing in a wind
tunnel. Ok, off the soap box and back to the review. Once
your microphone is calibrated, it’s time to launch the app
and get a feel for it.
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alt="s2pwow.png" v:shapes="Picture_x0020_4"
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The grey icons along the bottom are your control buttons for navigating
the features. I like the integration of the World of Warcraft official
website as well as the consumer friendly purchase options along the
right side. On the very bottom is the display for which module is
loaded, if the mic is active or muted, and the last recognized voice
command. If you are having trouble in game with your commands
alt-tabbing to this screen should be your first step in diagnosing the
issue. A simple glance at the last command bar will tell you
what the software is hearing.
You can load and go with Say 2 Play and enjoy a ton of conveniences
right out of the gate. With commands already present for swapping
hotbars, targeting party and raid members, jumping, autorun, casting
any hot keyed spell on your hotbars and much much more.
style=""> src="http://www.tentonhammer.com/image/view/71040"
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alt="s2pedit.png" v:shapes="Picture_x0020_6"
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With the sheer number of bindings available in WoW, especially with a
hotbar addon like Bartender, you can add a ton of new voice commands.
Pairing your key binds with macros can add a ton of
functionality. An example of this was found on the forums as
well as in an email I received from Say 2 Play’s community
manager
.
All in all, I found this program to be rock solid in its execution and
the interface is slick and easy to use. I have tested it in
PvE soloing, PvP and PvE raiding and have found uses for it in all
facets of the game. While I personally do not use it for anything super
critical in a raid situation such as actual spell casting, I have found
that it is a great tool for targeting, assisting and speeding up many
of the mundane things I do during a raid. In PvP it was pretty
remarkable in helping my overall speed in combat by allowing me to keep
my hands focused on movement and spell casting while I used the voice
application to speed my shape shifting and assist/targeting
functions. Perhaps if I played a DPS role in raiding it would
further expand its usefulness. The main drawback for me in Say 2 Play
is the speed of voice recognition compared to my perceived hand speed,
but this is no way a slight on this app. It has the fastest recognition
I have ever used and its failure rate was so miniscule I was completely
blown away.
Say 2 Play is a great tool to help enhance your gaming experience that
when used properly can feel like a third hand. Like all new additions
to an established routine it does take some getting used to and small
increases in its implementation make the transitions much
smoother.
After several sessions with this software it has become
almost second nature to me and I find myself adding more and more
commands to help me in all situations. It really is limited
only by your imagination. Kudos to the guys and gals at Say 2
Play for a great app.
While I don’t feel this software will be received well by all
levels of WoW gamers, I think those that are comfortable with advanced
key binds and incorporate macros already in their game play will find
it a great addition to their arsenals. Until next week , stay
safe and have fun in Azeroth!
[protip]Deleting the preset voice commands that you don’t use
will free up system resources and make it more concise as it
doesn’t have to listen for as many items[/protip]