I don't really know how to start off a blog correctly. I just start... typing. Today was pretty boring. I played Medal Of Honor: Allied Assault a lot today. I then popped in Metal Gear Solid on my Gameboy, and thought for a second...
Would a cardboard box be a useful stealth tool, or a deathtrap?
I see characters like Solid Snake, and Raiden, crouching under large cardboard boxes, and I see them sneak by successfully unscathed. I started thinking, would it be any good in a real life situation? With technology today, a box isn't so efficient. Some security systems are very elaborate, with heat sensors under the flooring, cameras, and infared lasers. A person's heat coming from the cramped box would be detected by the heat sensors, the camera would probably see a moving box, and the box itself would be too big to pass through infared lasers undetected (Think "Entrapment").
Now, the situation changes. A large storage room, 6 guards, and not such advanced technology, say, some cameras, limited field of sight, and moving, to compensate for a limited view, and a bunch of boxes and crates. A person could be successful in sneaking to their destination if they are very careful, or if the guards are really thick skulled and possibly going blind and deaf. The infiltrator in the box could make themselves appear to be a stationary box, hiding near the larger crates and boxes. He could then use his knowledge of the camera's limited vision to his advantage, moving when it's turned away from the person's position.
Still, with the way technology advances, the second situation won't appear as often as the first. After thinking it over, a box is useful, but only in select situations. It's also pretty flimsy, and if the area is in the rain, the box could just fall apart after being soaked. But I'd still use it. Why? Because it'd be crazy, and fun, just what I'd do, because I'm that kind of guy. ^_~
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