PlayStation Move Review
When the PlayStation Move was first debuted on stage during Sony’s 2009 E3 press conference by Dr. Richard Marks, it was easy to see that the device had potential. On the other hand, the prospect of a motion controller scared a large portion of the hardcore crowd that makes up the PS3 fan-base. To many, the Wii and its accessible motion controller is synonymous with casual gaming, and even more so, low budget titles with very little content. This fact struck fear into the hearts of many PS3 owners that have been stereotyping motion controllers as the anti-hardcore device. However, after more information trickled out it was clear that Sony was intent on not letting that happen, asserting that the Move would appeal to both the casual and the core games that have given face to the PS3 since its inception.
At the 2010 Game Developer’s Conference, the PlayStation Move was officially named and a final controller design was shown. Along with that was the first glimpse at the software that will accompany the launch and aftershock of Move in September. Although there was SOCOM 4, which is considered one of the most hardcore games on any console, the rest of the software shown was geared toward a more family-friendly fare. Despite the lack of hardcore titles, it was obvious that the PlayStation Move’s precision would translate into much deeper gameplay experience than what was previously seen in the motion controller market.
Since the PlayStation Move has been detailed, Sony (more specifically the PlayStation Blog) has hosted quite a few Move-focused events which has allowed average gamers to get hands-on time with the device. The general consensus echoed by the press and their hands-on time with the controller at both GDC and E3 2010 has all been consistent – the PlayStation Move is by far the most accurate motion controller on the market. The PlayStation Move’s unique design features include a glowing orb and an intelligent camera which when coupled together allow for surreal experiences in the gaming world.
Now, with less than a month away from the PlayStation Move’s launch, we’ve got our hands on a pair of Move controllers and we confident we’re ready to tell you what the experience is like and whether or not all the hype has been worth it.
The PlayStation Move set up was extremely easy. Plug-in the PlayStation Eye to a free USB port, press the PS button on the PlayStation Move and it will work right out of the box. The PlayStation Move isn’t just an add-on meant to be foreshadowed by the Dualshock 3. No. It’s going to be a standard for the PS3 moving forward. Not only is it able to play Move-enable software, but it can also navigate the XMB by squeezing the T (trigger) button to grab and drag through the icons. The PlayStation Move features most of what a Dualshock 3 features – all 4 face buttons: square, triangle, X, circle surround the Move button in the center of the controller. There’s the aforementioned T trigger button and there’s both a select and start button on either side of the controller. Holding the select button in most of the games we’ve played, instantly prompted you to recalibrate the Move controller with the PS Eye. The part of the controller’s design that is of most significance is the glowing orb on the end of the controller. This orb is used to track the controller’s exact position via the PS Eye. The end result is 1:1 precision and a flawless translation of movement into on-screen actions.
The controller acts and reacts with unprecedented accuracy and can be applied to nearly endless applications within games. We’ve seen it do everything from simple pointer-based actions, to moving around in a completely 3D plane taking on the appearance of any object developers can dream up. Using it as a pointer you can easily see how it could be effectively used in a first or third person shooter taking the role of the aiming reticule. We’ve even seen its movement translated into a camera and flashlight functionality, or using the trigger button it can replicate a human hand. Basically, the PlayStation Move can do pretty much anything – it’s all up to the creative minds at development studios across the globe to come up with new and exciting ways to use the controller. Think of the Move controller as the paintbrush to an artist’s canvas.
The Move itself is sleek and ergonomic. It has a slight curvature to it that allows for better gripping and a more realistic sensation pertaining to everyday objects; almost feeling like a handle to various tools one would use in normal everyday life. It’s also surprisingly light, which will lead to less fatigue during particularly long and intense gaming sessions. As we’ve learned from the Nintendo Wii and various YouTube videos of smashed LCD screens, the PlayStation Move comes with a wrist strap attached and it’s best you use it. I know it’s odd to be impressed by a wrist-strap, but even it demonstrates the extra touch of sophistication Sony is known for, featuring a PlayStation logo embossed locking mechanism allowing for speedy, on-the-fly adjustments of the strap.
The controller even features feedback functionality, not only in the form of built-in rumble vibration, but by the LED color changing inside the glowing orb. For example, taking damage emits a red LED glow. In Kung-Fu Rider, each different movement has a different color effect, such as turning yellow for jumping. We also witnessed at a previous Move demonstration with PlayStation R&D’s Anton Mikhailov the Move being “dipped” into a color palette and dragged across, all while the orb changed color, mirroring the color being touched in the palette. This color changing also helps the Move stay accurate. In a room where you have bright blue walls? The PlayStation Eye senses the color and tells the Move’s orb to display a clashing color so it’s more easily recognizable. This is amazing stuff.
Whether you’re interested in motion controls on the PS3 or not, the PlayStation Move is here to stay. It’s going to become a staple addition to the PlayStation 3′s line-up and both casual and hardcore gamers are going to be better off because of it. Though, casuals are sure to benefit the most from the initial software offering, Sony has promised again and again that the hardcore will not be left out. With games like SOCOM 4 and Killzone 3 supporting it, we aren’t at all doubting their commitment to backing up those claims. When you finally do pick up a PlayStation Move you’ll realize a few things: this isn’t just another motion controller, it’s precision is unmatched, it’s going to open up a host of new game experiences, and it’s going to revolutionize the PlayStation 3 experience moving forward.
17 Responses to “PlayStation Move Review”
I really love what I’m hearing about the move but I’m still not ready to throw down $100 on it just yet. Eventually I’m sure I’ll go the distance but not at launch. It sounds like everyone’s got the same idea honestly.
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First.
I can not wait any longer! Must have it now!
very eager to start playing move games
I’m going to assume the closing paragraph meant to say “we aren’t doubting their commitment…”
Yeayuhh I am very excited for the Move to get released…!!!
Can someone answer a question for me:
Where does the PS Eye need to be situated? On top of the TV? Below it? Does it need to be centered? Or can I just plug it in and have it standing there without having to carefully center and adjust its position every time I set it up?
Thanks
Nice review
My Sony rep stopped into my store yesterday to install the gran turismo 5 demo in our PS3 demo unit and it takes and hour to install so he brought in all the move stuff and a PS3 with a bunch of demo’s on it. I was really impressed with how accurate the move was and it really made me realize that I would actually use it. I got to play two of the sports champions games, disc golf and ping pong, both were awesome. I play disc golf in real life and it was a great representation of it. I also played time crisis razing storm, the shoot, kung fu, rider, tiger woods, and start the party. Kung Fu rider was kinda dumb, start the party is pretty kiddie but would be great for a family. Time crisis and the shoot were both fun with the move, although I don’t really think it showcases the move, I also had to recalibrate a few times before getting it actually where i wanted the cursor. Tiger woods was good but the demo he had, had a few glitches in it but once I got the menus and the first whole it was really accurate.
I just want to say, i went to my local sony style today, i was SHOCKED at the precision and accuracy of this controller. I could not believe how much more advanced this was than the wii. The employee at sony style was joking with me and told me to forget everything about the wii before i try this controller out. After testing, i realized that generic movements (used by the wii) would not work on this controller, it tracks your exact movement!
i was looking to get it but the 99$ bundle i see for pre order at best buy comes with the eye toy , move and a game . i have a eye toy , i looked at what it would cost buying move the analog atachment , and a game , and it would be more than 99$. i thought there was a bundle with move with out the eye toy. so pretty much either you buy a 2nd eye toy or you pay more for already having one. but like some people pointed out this isn’t a copy of th ewii mote , it tracks your controler , not you pointing at a censor bar on your tv.
It’s kinda reversed. The wiimote looks for the sensor bar. With Move the Eye looks for the Move controller.
I am pumped about the move mainly because the casual games will give me cause for my wife to get involved and the new functionality for games I already have like Heavy Rain and Tiger Woods is an added plus. I just hope the updates for such games remain free.
http://havethumbs.blogspot.com/
This is a review correct? Where’s the score?
P.S. Not trying to be negative by any means – I actually very much value the numerical score you guys usually give with reviews.
went & pre ordered everything with the move last week plus i already own 4 move games flower, hustle kings, high velocity bowling, & pain so im very patiently waiting for friday
Hey I just got the move (unfortunately I can’t use it until finals r over
) aww man can u imagine how awesome it would be if u had a giant 3D TV AND the move….pardon me I’m drooling…
Oh and don’t 4get the Ray gun that u can attach the move to…(Drip) I think I need a towel…
I got my Move 2 days ago. It is really responsive as advertised. I love gladiator on Sport’s Champions, it’s so satisfying when you KO the opponent.