Gaming gets a shot in the arm with Move - Military Video Games, computer games - Air Force Times

Gaming gets a shot in the arm with Move

Sony gets gamers off the couch with its new motion controller, the PlayStation Move.

The Move is a sensitive device with extremely accurate character and object control. It’s an attractively priced add-on to the PS3 system that allows gamers to enjoy a different breed of games they once needed a Nintendo Wii to enjoy.

The Move sells for $49.99, but you need the PlayStation Eye camera ($39.99) to use it. And for titles where your character has to walk or run around, you also need the PlayStation Move navigation controller ($29.99).

The best bargain available at launch is the PlayStation Move bundle ($99.99), which includes the Move and Eye devices and Sports Champions ($39.99, rated E10-plus), a title that includes disc golf, table tennis, fencing, archery, beach volleyball, bocce and a gladiator duel.

Move works by focusing the USB-connected Eye camera (attached to the PS3 and placed near the TV) on a glowing, color-changing rubber ball at the end of the motion controller. An internal gyroscope and accelerometer help determine the exact position you’re holding the Move and how fast you’re swinging it in any direction.

Disc golf on the Wii is fun, but disc golf on PS3 using Move is a fuller experience. It’s stunningly realistic, with challenging built-in opponents and detailed terrain. One minute I was scrambling for par through a cave entrance guarded by trees and waterfalls; the next minute I was skipping my choice of discs over the top of an icy lake.

Another decent title for Move’s debut is Kung Fu Rider ($39.99, rated E10-plus). I played as Toby and spent all of my time on the run from some bad guys. Toby’s getaway vehicle is a series of office chairs. Sounds silly, but it’s a lot of fun. I careened around cars and under repair-work barriers while spin-kicking bad guys.

One interesting title takes PlayStation 3 gaming with Move in a direction I hope will continue. In Heavy Rain ($59.99, rated M), I played as FBI profiler Norman Jayden. Small icons appeared on the screen to help me learn how to interact with objects as the plot grew intricate ... and dangerous.

Combine its motion-capture advances with the high-definition graphics offered by the PS3, and the Move becomes a must-have for the game shelf.