The PlayStation Move game controller is fashioned by Sony for the PS3 platform. It was showcased at E3 2010 and previously christened with many unofficial names such as a ‘wand’ owing to the overall design and glowing orb. No strings attached, we got to handle and get familiar with the much sort after motion-sensing device and the overall experience it had to offer. The games that were compatible with the controller was also perceived to be packed with vibrant and stunning graphics that makes this offering the preferred mode of play when pitted against the Nintendo Wii.
The movements of the controller are accurately tracked by the PlayStation Eye camera as well as the internal sensors which help detect motion. Sporting a user-friendly design, the handle of the Move is drenched in complete black with a shape that fits perfectly into the palm of the hand. There are eight buttons strewn across the device with the PlayStation Move button surrounded by the Triangle, O, X and box buttons littering the upper portion. Just below that is the Home button as well as the Sony logo etched right at the bottom. Running along the sides of the move are the Start and Select buttons with the Analog trigger aptly situated on the underside leaving the index finger with a comfortable spot to position itself while playing.
The PlayStation Move can be charged through the PS3 gaming system just as one would charge a normal PS3 DualShock controller via the USB cord. For this purpose there is a dedicated slot located on the bottom tip alongside the extension connector (EXT) slot and crevasse for the cord which goes around the wrist during gameplay. This aspect certainly does come in handy especially while playing games that require rigorous wrist and body movements. The intricate specs reveal that the device also utilizes Bluetooth 2.0 wireless radio communication and internal lithium-ion battery.
The orb that we spoke about earlier glows with different colors however the player is helpless when it comes to opting for their desired colors. The hue is automatically chosen when the game commences and if there is more than one player, each globe is endowed with its own distinct hue. It appears that the color also depends on the lightening ambience of the room. Before beginning to actually play a game, the PlayStation Move and position of the player must first be aptly synced with the Eye in order to accurately detect their movement during gameplay. We had to simply stand in the allocated place drawn out on the screen and follow the instructions. Once that was done, we were good to go and could commence with the excitement. We were spoiled with a handful of tantalizing game demos to experience the motion sensing capabilities of the Move.
The first title we immediately indulged in was the activities embedded within the Sports Championship offering. Table Tennis was our activity and PlayStation Move was the weapon of choice. If you correctly followed the instructions divulged at the start for amalgamating the Move and Eye, then the game will be a complete breeze to play and soon you may not even realize that it’s a device in your hand and not a table tennis paddle. Gameplay was extremely accurate as the wrist of the onscreen players precisely matched that of ours and hence allowed us to execute various types of shots such as smashes, chops or backhand. We even tried the Chinese Penhold style. We then played a round of Disc Golf and witnessed the same accurate feel.
While already riding high on the sporting mood, we proceeded to try our hand at Tiger Woods PGA Tour 11 which also incorporated the Move support. After completing the initial set up and syncing once again, we got right down to the field where we were set to swing a round or two. The game was certainly made easy as we simply had to keep an eye on the onscreen swing meter and execute a swinging motion as if wielding a real golf club. The realism certainly pulls you into all the in-game action. We then took a trip to the old West where we tried our hand at The Shoot which offered basic shoot gameplay elements as well as a wider spectrum of functionality which obviously in turn improves the playing element by a mile.
If you thought that the aforementioned games really provided you with the up close and personal gaming experience than ‘Start the Party’ really does make you the center of attraction amidst the action. Among the various mini-games, we indulged in bug-swatting and painting. The activities were carried out with complete pragmatism and would certainly appeal to families and little ones. Another title that would strike a chord with this segment is the EyePet Move Edition. It provides users a virtual pet with which they can interact with through the camera and motion controller. After positioning the camera to a certain low level, we could literally get down and interact with our pet by playing, bathing and even patting it while enjoying the cute expressions it made.
Overall, the basic functionality is very similar to that of the Nintendo Wii but offers players much better and detailed graphics not to forget accurate gameplay. To get a taste of just what we divulged earlier, you can pick up the PlayStation Move packed in various types of bundles. You can also avail of a supplementary PlayStation Move navigation controller and a starter pack which comprises of the device along with a handful of game demos which can be employed with the controller.