PlayStation Move, the new motion sensing controller from Sony, is getting a lot of buzz these days with the US release date drawing nearer and nearer (in Europe it has already been released in stores and is ready to buy or test). The gaming websites are filled with information about it: reviews for the hardware and games which support it, video gameplays, hands-on, interviews, unboxings; but is it really worth getting at launch or not buying it at all?
Here’s what the critics have to say about the controller itself, which Sony likes to tag as a “new platform”:
ComputerAndVideoGames – 9.0
“It’s hard to say whether the Move has much technical prowess over the Wii Motion Plus or whether it’s just that the high-end graphics that draw your attention to the finer details. Either way the PlayStation Move feels more responsive, more-sophisticated and generally more in-depth.
That’s the main reason why the PlayStation’s core audience should have a long hard look at the Move. Motion control with all the graphics and features of a high-end console seems to almost give it more legitimacy, even though the basic game mechanic is what we might label ‘shovelware’ on anything less.
And, remember, this is only the start. The PlayStation Move definitely deserves to be coupled with AAA titles like Killzone 3 and SOCOM – and when it does we wouldn’t be surprised if a lot of core gamers actually prefer it to the pad.”
IGN – 8.5
“At the end of the day, the PlayStation Move has the potential to be the best motion control system on the current crop of consoles; but unfortunately, the games offered at the moment just don’t do the technology justice. If you’re eager to buy into the system now, don’t expect a whole lot of great content straight out of the gate, but with time and certain kinks ironed out, the Move could prove to be a great way to add new gameplay experiences to the PlayStation 3 and attract new, more casual players.”
PlayStation Universe – 8.0
“Move is not without its faults, but anything negative we have to say about the controller has more to do with the software and playing software and playing environment rather than the actual controller. It is the most precise motion controller on the market without a doubt, and with big titles launching around the holidays, you can expect to see quite the buzz around the PS3. Move is comfortable, the onboard controls are solid, and its precision is unmatched. While we would have liked to try some games geared towards core players, we know we have a lot to look forward to in the coming months. Move is worth the money, but many of you will likely want to wait until there are a few games on the market you really want to try. Sony is certainly trying to up its game, and Move just may be the answer.”
GameInformer – 8.0
“Despite these minor problems, the more we played with Move the more it impressed us. The PlayStation Eye and motion controller are a killer combination for accurate and highly responsive motion-based gameplay, and we applaud Sony for getting the hardware right the first time.
Any excitement over the Move hardware must be weighed against the quality of the games that support it. As you will see from our reviews of Move’s launch titles over the next few days, the first games to utilize the new hardware have been a mixed bag. While it’s not uncommon for new hardware and peripherals to launch with less than stellar support, it’s ultimately up to Sony to prove the value of its new controller as a gaming device, and justice the hefty price tag to skeptical consumers. So far we have not seen a killer app for the PlayStation Move, but the effectiveness of the hardware has us intrigued for the peripheral’s future.”
Engadget – 7.0
“Motion controls are nothing new in the games industry, but PlayStation has really learned from its competitors and delivered a compelling and entertaining experience complemented by the hardware’s ability to push HD visuals. But like its rival, the success is going to be largely dependent upon the games that support it. What we’ve seen so far is very promising, but whether or not the $100+ cost of entry will dissuade one too many customers remains to be seen. The traditional console cycle seems to have been eschewed by all players in favor of new methods of interactions. It’s shaping up to be one of the most interesting eras in the history o console gaming, and make no mistake, Sony’s got all the right ingredients here.”
CNET – 6.5
“The good: Camera-based motion control system; starter bundle includes everything needed to play HD motion control gaming; color-changing controller adjusts to surroundings; can control XMB; Sports Champions game offers a lot of replay value.
The bad: Requires constant calibration; dependency on camera limits total movement; lackluster launch library; start and select buttons are oddly placed on Move controller; PlayStation Eye monopolizes a USB port.
The bottom line: Though it provides some of the best motion control we’ve seen in games, a few issues and a lackluster launch library may have you waiting to buy the PlayStation Move.”
PlayStation LifeStyle – N/A
“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.”
G4TV – N/A
“Our final verdict is that Move is an interesting, compelling technology that has some launch day issues and most important, a weak catalog of games to support it on release. What Sony’s got cooking at launch is enough to keep you entertained for minutes, not hours. Unless you are a big fan of motion controls and have been dying to have them on a console with more horsepower and in HD, you might want to sit tight and wait to see what happens with Move. Or at least, wait until there’s a compelling game to make you try your hand at it.”
Joystiq – N/A
“Issues with line-of-site and play distance aside, I can’t help but declare PlayStation Move a resounding success as a piece of consumer technology and general way of interacting with games. Yes, it’s the natural evolution of the Wii Remote, but it trumps Nintendo’s creation in every respect, from its accuracy (even MotionPlus can’t match it) to the quality of its vibration feedback.
The hardware’s great, and I can see it being used in a multitude of really cool ways, but of course it’s only as cool as the games that use it. I’ve mentioned Sports Champions and Tumble, two great games that make excellent showcases for Move’s potential. But considering everything on offer, it’s hard not to classify Move as anything more than a “cool toy” at launch. The best of Move is worth experiencing, but is it worthy of a day-one purchase – not to mention the full set of two controllers and a NavCon? No.”
Next we shall move to some of the launch titles for the PS Move:
Sports Champions
Joystiq – 9.0
“Sports Champions is a great pack-in for Move and well worth buying on its own if you go the a la carte route with the hardware. You’ll spend a good chunk of each day playing it and hoping for a sequel.”
IGN – 7.5
“This is another motion controlled mini-game collection. It’s a good one, but it’s not taking the genre anywhere new.”
GameSpot – 7.5
“This eclectic sports collection is fun with friends and does a good job of showing what the PlayStation Move hardware is capable of.”
Eurogamer – 7.0
“Presentation is what lets Sports Champions down, and not just when it comes to the characters. The environments appear bland, empty and dated.”
Start the Party
GameSpot – 6.5
“This collection of Move-powered minigames is fun with friends but has little to offer solo players.”
IGN – 6.0
“This party is more lulls that LOLs.”
GameInformer – 6.0
“The novelty of playing around with augmented reality will quickly wear out under the weight of the game’s shallowness and obnoxious demeanor.”
Eurogamer – 6.0
“Nine unspectacular turn-based mini-games, none of which you’re likely to play alone or on a long-term basis. No matter how much you’ve been drinking.”
Tumble
Joystiq – 9.0
“The pacing of Tumble is intentionally slow — I had many moments, on the edge of my seat, trying to slide a block into place with the slightest movements so as not to topple the rest of the structure — but if you’ve got the patience, you’ll be rewarded time and time again.”
GameInformer – 8.0
“If you are a puzzle game fan planning to pick up Move at launch, then Tumble is certainly worth your attention. If you want to get the most out of the game, however, bring in a friend with an extra Move controller to truly bring Tumble to new heights (pun totally intended).”
Eurogamer – 8.0
“Tumble’s never quite as outright fun as something like Boom Blox, but along with Sports Champions’ table tennis mode it’s a terrific showcase for Move, and another reason to get excited about the possibilities of motion control.”
IGN – 3.5
“Ultimately, Tumble just isn’t interesting. At times the puzzles can be mildly amusing, but most of the time it’s pure tedium. I literally would have had more fun seeing how high I could stack a real pile of blocks.”
Kung-Fu Rider
Joystiq – 4.0
“The levels are also incredibly samey and brief – Kung Fu Rider is basically an arcade game that would have played better with a regular controller, and might have been worthwhile as a $10 PSN release.”
IGN – 3.5
“Kung Fu Rider is not a good game. The controls are terribly unresponsive, the game punishes players unfairly and the level design is repetitive.”
GameInformer – 3.5
“How Sony thinks Kung Fu Rider justifies being a full retail release (even with the reduced $40 price tag) is beyond me.”
PlayStation Universe – 3.0
“Kung Fu Rider is a bland racing-inspired game that quickly becomes frustrating with its poor use of Move and the dreadful controls. The game would have been better suited for a standard controller.”
