Review: PlayStation Move

Used in combination with the PlayStation Eye camera, Move motion controllers put the gamer into the action, often integrating the player and surroundings into gameplay.

The Move motion controller resembles a microphone, with a soft bulbous knob on top that changes color. It has been referred to by some as the “lollipop” controller.

The controller has eight buttons and a trigger.

Besides the standard x, circle, square, triangle, PS, start and select buttons, the controller has a large “Move” button that is used more than any other and a trigger underneath the controller.

The controller seems to be solidly built, with a good heft to it.

A second controller, the Move navigation controller, can add more control during games, but is not necessary for gameplay.

Unlike the original motion gaming system – the Nintendo Wii – the Move requires a camera in order to use. The camera aspect does a good job of integrating players into the action, although in order to operate, lighting needs to be fairly good.

As with the Wii, playing Move requires a little bit of floor space. The general recommendation is six feet from the camera to the Move controller, with plenty of room to swing the controller and move around. Those with a cramped, poorly-lit gaming area are going to have difficulties with Move.

A slew of games are scheduled to take advantage of Move eventually, but some of the launch games include:

Sports Champions – a roundup of sports competitions. In it, you can toss a bocce ball, compete in archery, fight as a gladiator and others.

Start the Party – a series of mini-games for up to four players. Games are on the cutesy end of the spectrum, but can be challenging. Popping blowfish, cutting hair, disabling robots – these and more are available in this game.

Racquet Sports – self-explanatory, with badminton, squash, ping pong and tennis.

Eyepet – your opportunity to raise a furry, monkey-like pet, interacting by playing, feeding and teaching tricks to the little rugrat.

Kung Fu Rider – one of the more unusual of the early releases. Playing as one of two characters, this game involves fleeing from the Japanese mafia by riding a variety of wheeled vehicles (office chair, baby bouncer, vacuum cleaner) while avoiding attackers and obstacles and gathering cash. It’s odd, to say the least.

Besides placing the player in the game, the Eye/Move combination can also place gaming artifacts into the player’s hand. For instance, when playing Start the Party mini-games, the player’s controller changes shape onscreen to match what’s needed in the game. When playing the fruit ninja mini-game, the controller becomes a sword; when hunting ghosts, it transforms into a flashlight. In Eye Pet, your controller can be a shampooer, a toy fish and myriad other implements.

Move takes motion gaming to a new level, especially with the camera integration and the responsiveness of the controllers. It remains to be seen if hardcore Sony game players will embrace the technology or if the Wii-like gameplay will attract more casual players to the console.

Platform: PlayStation 3 Rating: Everyone Manufacturer: Sony Score: 9 waggly chilies