Sony are all set to tentatively release their Playstation Move controller in November 2010; with a promise to bring accurate and responsive gaming controls to its PS3 console. Fuelled by the successful Wii and their ground-breaking Wii remote and nun-chuck controllers; Sony hope their belated attempt to enter the ‘motion’ market will push sales and maybe expand their console’s current demographic.
Having a great product will mean little if the software is less than inspiring to play; Sony have announced a handful of games designed to use the new ‘Move’ controllers.
Little Big Planet.
Apparently the game will be compatible when the controllers are eventually released - the game has been out since 2008 - the game-play would be ideally suited to some form of motion control but adding it almost two-years late feels unnecessary to what is already a great game.
Motion Fighter (working title).
Has the makings of being a brutal bare-knuckle fighting game; the ‘Move’ controls will put the player into the heart of the violent action. You will take on a range of opponents in visceral combat, aiming to be the best of the underground fighting circuit.
Featuring a varied selection of moves, you will directly control every move your character performs, combining with the Playstation Eye by tracking the player’s position in the game. Could be a hit if the motion controls are implemented with an element of precision.
Sports Champions.
Looks to be the Sony equivalent of ‘Wii Sports’; featuring six activities such as Disc golf, Gladiator Duel, Volley Ball, Archery, Table Tennis and Bocce. All the events should be standard affairs with a few of them already replicated on the Wii to good effect.
Gladiator Duel has some interest, featuring two opponents using swords and shields to fight one another. If the games can be made interesting then ’Sports Champions’ may have life in it.
The Shoot (working title).
Another hectic smash-’em up based around movie-sets. You will be able to smash, dodge and punch your way through five themed-sets. Sounds like a basic formula for some movement madness and a glorified demo than a full-blown game.
Move Party (working title).
In the same vein as the PS2 Eye Toy games, you will get to play and interact via the PS3 Eye camera with the games on offer. Hardly a revolution but may benefit from a more-precise controller to play with. Aimed as a family game for 1-4 players.
TV Superstars.
Take on the role of a model, TV chef, Interior designer, Stuntman or Commercial maker. Using the the PS3 Eye to scan your face and emotions into the game, it is the player’s task to be the top of their profession. The ’Move’ controls are utilised to carry-out challenges and even sign autographs!
Brunswick Pro Bowling.
An otherwise straight-faced Bowling simulation can only get better with motion added to the control mechanism. Might still be difficult to leap this above the intuitive game-play of the ‘Wii Sports’ version.
SOCOM 4.
A squad-based tactical shooter sequel; this should be ideal for the motion sensitive setup. The Wii has solid proof shooters do work well (if designed correctly) so the game could be a classic. With the ‘Move’ to point your reticle and the analog stick control in the other - it mirrors the Wii to perfection.
More games are sure to be announced in the coming months as the build-up to the release of the Playstation ‘Move’ gathers pace. Many of the titles seem trivial or gimmicky at the moment; it will take more trusted titles to give the ‘Move’ more legitimacy in the future.