PlayStation Move & Sports Champions
On September 19th Sony launched its newest piece of hardware, the PlayStation Move. Part camera, part motion controller, this add on brings the world of motion based gaming to their powerhouse console.
The Hardware
The cost of admittance is a bit of a mixed bag. If you own a PlayStation 3 already, you’re in a good position. An ideal setup will consist of a PlayStation Eye Camera, two Move Motion Controllers, and either a DualShock 3 controller or a PlayStation Move Navigation controller. Having just one Motion Controller can get you by, but being able to control your sword and shield independently during gladiatorial combat makes everything feel that much cooler. The other advantage of having two Motion Controllers is that a second player can get on the action as well. All in you are looking at about $150 for an ideal setup. That of course, requires you to own a PlayStation 3 as well.
Recent teardowns of the Move controllers show us there is quite the bang for the buck. Described as a cell phone without a phone, the high tech translates into high levels of fun and accuracy. My biggest problem with the Wiimote was that the majority of the games simply replaced a button press with a waggle. It took the Nintendo Wii a few years and an additional add on to get close to the 1:1 movement, while the PlayStation Move comes out of the gate swinging.
The Software
Out of the shoot, there are only a few titles available for the PlayStation Move. Apparently a sports compilation seems to be a prerequisite for any motion controlled hardware. Having purchased the hardware on impulse, I decided to purchase Sports Champions as my first title. Having loved Wii Sports off the get go, it seemed like the right decision. The following is a short review of each of the 6 included mini games.
Frisbee Golf
A family favorite, 18 holes are presented with various difficulties. Learning to curve your Frisbee around obstacles is a must in the later levels as trees, snow and gazebos begin to clutter the playing field.
Gladiator Arena
My personal favorite. Having watched the first season of Spartacus Blood and Sand its hard to not be satisfied besting down opponents with your sword or mace in your right hand, blocking blows with your shield in your left. The 1:1 feels right and responsive.
Archery
Another great example of art imitating life. All the motions of using a bow and arrow are accounted for in this game. Reach back to grab an arrow, knock it onto the bow, pull back to tighten the string, and release at a target to get a high score. So accurate is the movement that if you twist your bow gangster style, your on screen bow reflects the same movement.
Volley Ball
Easily my least favorite of the included games. With no control over your direction of movement, all that is left is a few spikes and returns to mimic.
Bocce Ball
A bowling variant. First player gets to throw out a marker ball that is used for scoring. The closer you land one of your balls to the marker, the more points you get. The angle and velocity along with the time you release the button that acts as holding the ball all effect where your shot lands.
Table Tennis
What motion controlled compilation would be caught dead without a tennis equivalent? In my limited real life experience, this is a spot on duplication. Every subtle movement you make is reflected in the on screen paddle.
All in all, PlayStation Move is a great experience. Absolutely worth purchasing if you are into this style of game play and already own s PlayStation 3. If you are not already an owner, it is rather expensive to jump in but luckily the PlayStation 3 offers so much in one package, it would be hard not to get use out of all its other features.
– The Jolly Gamesman
