An idea? Dual monitor games?

[Homerboy]

I was thinking the other day, while playing my daughter's DS, that it may be cool to have some exclusive (or at least an option within games) to allow for dual monitor use. Not where the screen is stretched out over 2 monitors, but maybe something like the "main screen" on 1 monitor and the 2nd monitor to be used for inventory, maps, whatever (I'm no designer, and hardly a creative person, so I'll leave the "wht-it-will-be-used-for" portion up to them). But I think, much like on the DS, it could have some practical and at the very least interesting applicatons.

 

[Lonyo]

Supreme Commander had this.
I think some flight sims do as well.

Part of it is that most people don't have multiple monitors, so there's a limited amount you can do with it, like you say. For SupCom they had basically a huge version of the minimap available on screen #2.

 

[Homerboy]

Supreme Commander had this.
I think some flight sims do as well.

Part of it is that most people don't have multiple monitors, so there's a limited amount you can do with it, like you say. For SupCom they had basically a huge version of the minimap available on screen #2.

Didn't know that about SupCom. Intersting. I guess I was aware of the Flight Sims using it, but likened that to more of just a "screen extension"... at least that is all I recall seeing.

I wouldn't envision it as being a REQUIRED part of a game... but would be extra bonus for those that do have the set up (like higher end gfx or phsx etc etc)

 

[M0oG0oGaiPan]

this would be a neat easter egg.

ex: Ultima/spacequest/adventure type of game - play a game on one display and you'd see the game as normal. hook up a second display and then you'd be able to see a hidden room that you could click on and your character would leave the first display and enter the secret room in the 2nd display where he could pick up special stuff.

Did a quick mock up in pixlr:

 

[Elcs]

X2: The Threat was the first game I remember playing with true 2 monitor support.

I had my normal main view in my main monitor and used a second monitor to keep track of each gun turret... it was fuuun

 

[CurseTheSky]

The two monitor support in Supreme Commander 2 was pretty lame. I actually turned it off because it hurt the game more than it helped, IMO.

 

[imaheadcase]

I wish more games had it in it. SO MANY games out now would of helped with it.

 

[BHetrick]

I know it's a bit off topic, but I use 3 monitors and love it for the panoramic view. Dual monitors would be tough, having the bezel in the middle.

If you haven't come across it, check out widescreen gaming forum. You may find a lot of help for dual monitor gaming.
http://www.widescreengamingforum.com/forum/