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This thread has been linked to the game 'Sports Champions'.
Sony's answer to the motion controller boom, the PlayStation Move is a splendid device with a familiar hit-or-miss launch line up. Bursting with potential, the sensitive tracking of the Move controller needs a good game to show off it's skills. Sports Champions; bundled with the Move in various regions; is the obvious contender to take on the role. Sitting comfortably beside similar titles on Kinect and Wii, this graphically solid sports game is a simple, yet perfect way to demonstrate the PlayStation Move controller.
Included with the game is an interesting collection of six different sports, each accessed by a no-frills main menu screen. Here, a standard list of options will allow you to choose either the Champions Cup, Free Play, or the high-score-chasing Challenge Mode. These are all as you would expect; an amalgamation of cup winning tournaments and multiplayer friendly one-off matches. Players choose from a selection of athletes (who unlike their competitors, are non-customizable), engage in a quick controller syncing, and the chosen game is ready to begin. It's a painless, everyday affair, yet one which can soon become oddly addicting. What follows is a charming intro to Sony's controller, played through a fun, yet somewhat eccentric selection of games:
Table Tennis
The the most obvious and comparison-heavy choice, Table Tennis an easily grasped game with a surprisingly realistic feel. Using the Move as a paddle, the game is played with considerable ease; flicks of your hand form spins and lobs, whilst the PlayStation Eye tracks your body's position. It's smooth and competitive, with the different types of hits and styles mimicking Rockstar's notable Table Tennis. It may not possess the joviality of the popular Wii Sports tennis, but it's realism and accessibility make sure it's just as entertaining.
Archery
An interesting addition to the line-up, Archery is especially immersive if played with two Move controllers. You reach behind you to select an arrow (holding the Moves' 'Z' button), pull it back whilst aiming with the second controller, and let go of the button to fire your arrow. Speed is determined by how far you pull back; whilst aiming is precise and always accurate. When played with only one controller, the experience lacks the feel of drawing the arrow; though the general experience remains unchanged. Targets range from traditional to challenging, such as those which pop-up or move around erratically. It's a fun and original competition, with the sense of firing a bow and arrow as close as you can get to the real thing. Couple this with exciting pace and a steep learning curve, and this simple game of point and shoot becomes one of the game's star attractions.
Bocce
This game of Boules is another option which shows off the Move controller's precision. Distinctly accurate, the tiniest movement of your hand can spin and alter the course of the ball. The game itself is standard fare; a small ball (known as the 'jack') is thrown, and players attempt to roll their boules to as near to the jack as possible. It's a slow and rather relaxing game; with most of it's allure coming from the realism offered by the controller. Courses do vary and offer certain obstacles, yet the core gameplay is left unaltered. If anything, Bocce is an accessible game with an original premise; a non-threatening multiplayer choice.
Gladiator Duel
In direct opposition to Archery and Bocce, Gladiator Duel is a fantasy fighter which more resembles a traditional game. With the Move becoming a oversized sword, you can easily slash, swipe and lunge at your enemy. Blocking is performed with either a hold of the Z button, or by simply holding up a second controller. This raises up a shield for protection, a much-needed commodity which can also be used for a secondary 'shield bash' attack. Special moves descend into motion-controlled QTE's; swiping your sword in a diagonal pattern or forcing it upwards for a jump attack. Unfortunately, the gameplay is less accurate than some of the aforementioned sports, with attacks often seeming to lag or even failing to register. Thankfully this setback is not as crippling as it could be; the game in general is a basic duel which is more about fun than it is intensity. Ultimately, Gladiator Duel is an interesting change of pace; a far more video-gamey sport than it's more reality grounded cousins.
Beach Volleyball
Beach Volleyball is a peculiar game. The only sport in the package where the character moves automatically, your movements are limited to the characters' hands. This is not in itself a problem; returning and spiking the ball with a flick of the Move is expectedly entertaining. That said, the limited movement fails to fully immerse the player; leaving a game which, whilst amusing in it's own right, is the weakest offering of the six-sports assortment. If nothing else, Beach Volleyball is a fun diversion without the staying power to match it's competitors.
Disc Golf
Essentially golf with plastic frisbees, this game mode is a comfortable cross between Archery and Bocce. Using the Move to throw your frisbee, the aim is to reach a distant target through a variance of organic landscapes. The Frisbee motion is smooth and responsive; resulting in a game where your success or failure feels like genuinely your own doing. You can aim and throw however you choose; go straight for the target or attempt some curve to pass the trees and obstacles. It may not have the pace of some of the others, but this sport is enjoyable and without complication; a perfect warm up for a multiplayer get together.
A Gold Medal?
Sports Champions may not be a killer app; it's a relatively simple sporting compendium brought to life by the Move controller. The selection of games may be original, but their lasting appeal will depend entirely on your own enjoyment. As a multiplayer game, Sports Champions is an affable affair which forms a brilliant starting point for Move owners. Whether the game stands up to it's rivals is a simple matter of opinion; but for anyone owning a PlayStation Move, Sports Champions is more than a worthy challenger.
7.5/10
Included with the game is an interesting collection of six different sports, each accessed by a no-frills main menu screen. Here, a standard list of options will allow you to choose either the Champions Cup, Free Play, or the high-score-chasing Challenge Mode. These are all as you would expect; an amalgamation of cup winning tournaments and multiplayer friendly one-off matches. Players choose from a selection of athletes (who unlike their competitors, are non-customizable), engage in a quick controller syncing, and the chosen game is ready to begin. It's a painless, everyday affair, yet one which can soon become oddly addicting. What follows is a charming intro to Sony's controller, played through a fun, yet somewhat eccentric selection of games:
Table Tennis
The the most obvious and comparison-heavy choice, Table Tennis an easily grasped game with a surprisingly realistic feel. Using the Move as a paddle, the game is played with considerable ease; flicks of your hand form spins and lobs, whilst the PlayStation Eye tracks your body's position. It's smooth and competitive, with the different types of hits and styles mimicking Rockstar's notable Table Tennis. It may not possess the joviality of the popular Wii Sports tennis, but it's realism and accessibility make sure it's just as entertaining.
Archery
An interesting addition to the line-up, Archery is especially immersive if played with two Move controllers. You reach behind you to select an arrow (holding the Moves' 'Z' button), pull it back whilst aiming with the second controller, and let go of the button to fire your arrow. Speed is determined by how far you pull back; whilst aiming is precise and always accurate. When played with only one controller, the experience lacks the feel of drawing the arrow; though the general experience remains unchanged. Targets range from traditional to challenging, such as those which pop-up or move around erratically. It's a fun and original competition, with the sense of firing a bow and arrow as close as you can get to the real thing. Couple this with exciting pace and a steep learning curve, and this simple game of point and shoot becomes one of the game's star attractions.
Bocce
This game of Boules is another option which shows off the Move controller's precision. Distinctly accurate, the tiniest movement of your hand can spin and alter the course of the ball. The game itself is standard fare; a small ball (known as the 'jack') is thrown, and players attempt to roll their boules to as near to the jack as possible. It's a slow and rather relaxing game; with most of it's allure coming from the realism offered by the controller. Courses do vary and offer certain obstacles, yet the core gameplay is left unaltered. If anything, Bocce is an accessible game with an original premise; a non-threatening multiplayer choice.
Gladiator Duel
In direct opposition to Archery and Bocce, Gladiator Duel is a fantasy fighter which more resembles a traditional game. With the Move becoming a oversized sword, you can easily slash, swipe and lunge at your enemy. Blocking is performed with either a hold of the Z button, or by simply holding up a second controller. This raises up a shield for protection, a much-needed commodity which can also be used for a secondary 'shield bash' attack. Special moves descend into motion-controlled QTE's; swiping your sword in a diagonal pattern or forcing it upwards for a jump attack. Unfortunately, the gameplay is less accurate than some of the aforementioned sports, with attacks often seeming to lag or even failing to register. Thankfully this setback is not as crippling as it could be; the game in general is a basic duel which is more about fun than it is intensity. Ultimately, Gladiator Duel is an interesting change of pace; a far more video-gamey sport than it's more reality grounded cousins.
Beach Volleyball
Beach Volleyball is a peculiar game. The only sport in the package where the character moves automatically, your movements are limited to the characters' hands. This is not in itself a problem; returning and spiking the ball with a flick of the Move is expectedly entertaining. That said, the limited movement fails to fully immerse the player; leaving a game which, whilst amusing in it's own right, is the weakest offering of the six-sports assortment. If nothing else, Beach Volleyball is a fun diversion without the staying power to match it's competitors.
Disc Golf
Essentially golf with plastic frisbees, this game mode is a comfortable cross between Archery and Bocce. Using the Move to throw your frisbee, the aim is to reach a distant target through a variance of organic landscapes. The Frisbee motion is smooth and responsive; resulting in a game where your success or failure feels like genuinely your own doing. You can aim and throw however you choose; go straight for the target or attempt some curve to pass the trees and obstacles. It may not have the pace of some of the others, but this sport is enjoyable and without complication; a perfect warm up for a multiplayer get together.
A Gold Medal?
Sports Champions may not be a killer app; it's a relatively simple sporting compendium brought to life by the Move controller. The selection of games may be original, but their lasting appeal will depend entirely on your own enjoyment. As a multiplayer game, Sports Champions is an affable affair which forms a brilliant starting point for Move owners. Whether the game stands up to it's rivals is a simple matter of opinion; but for anyone owning a PlayStation Move, Sports Champions is more than a worthy challenger.
7.5/10
Fantastic review TezChi. As I've always said though, I'll be a control pad gamer ;D
Sony's answer to the motion controller boom, the PlayStation Move is a splendid device with a familiar hit-or-miss launch line up. Bursting with potential, the sensitive tracking of the Move controller needs a good game to show off it's skills. Sports Champions; bundled with the Move in various regions; is the obvious contender to take on the role. Sitting comfortably beside similar titles on Kinect and Wii, this graphically solid sports game is a simple, yet perfect way to demonstrate the PlayStation Move controller.
Included with the game is an interesting collection of six different sports, each accessed by a no-frills main menu screen. Here, a standard list of options will allow you to choose either the Champions Cup, Free Play, or the high-score-chasing Challenge Mode. These are all as you would expect; an amalgamation of cup winning tournaments and multiplayer friendly one-off matches. Players choose from a selection of athletes (who unlike their competitors, are non-customizable), engage in a quick controller syncing, and the chosen game is ready to begin. It's a painless, everyday affair, yet one which can soon become oddly addicting. What follows is a charming intro to Sony's controller, played through a fun, yet somewhat eccentric selection of games:
Table Tennis
The the most obvious and comparison-heavy choice, Table Tennis an easily grasped game with a surprisingly realistic feel. Using the Move as a paddle, the game is played with considerable ease; flicks of your hand form spins and lobs, whilst the PlayStation Eye tracks your body's position. It's smooth and competitive, with the different types of hits and styles mimicking Rockstar's notable Table Tennis. It may not possess the joviality of the popular Wii Sports tennis, but it's realism and accessibility make sure it's just as entertaining.
Archery
An interesting addition to the line-up, Archery is especially immersive if played with two Move controllers. You reach behind you to select an arrow (holding the Moves' 'Z' button), pull it back whilst aiming with the second controller, and let go of the button to fire your arrow. Speed is determined by how far you pull back; whilst aiming is precise and always accurate. When played with only one controller, the experience lacks the feel of drawing the arrow; though the general experience remains unchanged. Targets range from traditional to challenging, such as those which pop-up or move around erratically. It's a fun and original competition, with the sense of firing a bow and arrow as close as you can get to the real thing. Couple this with exciting pace and a steep learning curve, and this simple game of point and shoot becomes one of the game's star attractions.
Bocce
This game of Boules is another option which shows off the Move controller's precision. Distinctly accurate, the tiniest movement of your hand can spin and alter the course of the ball. The game itself is standard fare; a small ball (known as the 'jack') is thrown, and players attempt to roll their boules to as near to the jack as possible. It's a slow and rather relaxing game; with most of it's allure coming from the realism offered by the controller. Courses do vary and offer certain obstacles, yet the core gameplay is left unaltered. If anything, Bocce is an accessible game with an original premise; a non-threatening multiplayer choice.
Gladiator Duel
In direct opposition to Archery and Bocce, Gladiator Duel is a fantasy fighter which more resembles a traditional game. With the Move becoming a oversized sword, you can easily slash, swipe and lunge at your enemy. Blocking is performed with either a hold of the Z button, or by simply holding up a second controller. This raises up a shield for protection, a much-needed commodity which can also be used for a secondary 'shield bash' attack. Special moves descend into motion-controlled QTE's; swiping your sword in a diagonal pattern or forcing it upwards for a jump attack. Unfortunately, the gameplay is less accurate than some of the aforementioned sports, with attacks often seeming to lag or even failing to register. Thankfully this setback is not as crippling as it could be; the game in general is a basic duel which is more about fun than it is intensity. Ultimately, Gladiator Duel is an interesting change of pace; a far more video-gamey sport than it's more reality grounded cousins.
Beach Volleyball
Beach Volleyball is a peculiar game. The only sport in the package where the character moves automatically, your movements are limited to the characters' hands. This is not in itself a problem; returning and spiking the ball with a flick of the Move is expectedly entertaining. That said, the limited movement fails to fully immerse the player; leaving a game which, whilst amusing in it's own right, is the weakest offering of the six-sports assortment. If nothing else, Beach Volleyball is a fun diversion without the staying power to match it's competitors.
Disc Golf
Essentially golf with plastic frisbees, this game mode is a comfortable cross between Archery and Bocce. Using the Move to throw your frisbee, the aim is to reach a distant target through a variance of organic landscapes. The Frisbee motion is smooth and responsive; resulting in a game where your success or failure feels like genuinely your own doing. You can aim and throw however you choose; go straight for the target or attempt some curve to pass the trees and obstacles. It may not have the pace of some of the others, but this sport is enjoyable and without complication; a perfect warm up for a multiplayer get together.
A Gold Medal?
Sports Champions may not be a killer app; it's a relatively simple sporting compendium brought to life by the Move controller. The selection of games may be original, but their lasting appeal will depend entirely on your own enjoyment. As a multiplayer game, Sports Champions is an affable affair which forms a brilliant starting point for Move owners. Whether the game stands up to it's rivals is a simple matter of opinion; but for anyone owning a PlayStation Move, Sports Champions is more than a worthy challenger.
7.5/10
Included with the game is an interesting collection of six different sports, each accessed by a no-frills main menu screen. Here, a standard list of options will allow you to choose either the Champions Cup, Free Play, or the high-score-chasing Challenge Mode. These are all as you would expect; an amalgamation of cup winning tournaments and multiplayer friendly one-off matches. Players choose from a selection of athletes (who unlike their competitors, are non-customizable), engage in a quick controller syncing, and the chosen game is ready to begin. It's a painless, everyday affair, yet one which can soon become oddly addicting. What follows is a charming intro to Sony's controller, played through a fun, yet somewhat eccentric selection of games:
Table Tennis
The the most obvious and comparison-heavy choice, Table Tennis an easily grasped game with a surprisingly realistic feel. Using the Move as a paddle, the game is played with considerable ease; flicks of your hand form spins and lobs, whilst the PlayStation Eye tracks your body's position. It's smooth and competitive, with the different types of hits and styles mimicking Rockstar's notable Table Tennis. It may not possess the joviality of the popular Wii Sports tennis, but it's realism and accessibility make sure it's just as entertaining.
Archery
An interesting addition to the line-up, Archery is especially immersive if played with two Move controllers. You reach behind you to select an arrow (holding the Moves' 'Z' button), pull it back whilst aiming with the second controller, and let go of the button to fire your arrow. Speed is determined by how far you pull back; whilst aiming is precise and always accurate. When played with only one controller, the experience lacks the feel of drawing the arrow; though the general experience remains unchanged. Targets range from traditional to challenging, such as those which pop-up or move around erratically. It's a fun and original competition, with the sense of firing a bow and arrow as close as you can get to the real thing. Couple this with exciting pace and a steep learning curve, and this simple game of point and shoot becomes one of the game's star attractions.
Bocce
This game of Boules is another option which shows off the Move controller's precision. Distinctly accurate, the tiniest movement of your hand can spin and alter the course of the ball. The game itself is standard fare; a small ball (known as the 'jack') is thrown, and players attempt to roll their boules to as near to the jack as possible. It's a slow and rather relaxing game; with most of it's allure coming from the realism offered by the controller. Courses do vary and offer certain obstacles, yet the core gameplay is left unaltered. If anything, Bocce is an accessible game with an original premise; a non-threatening multiplayer choice.
Gladiator Duel
In direct opposition to Archery and Bocce, Gladiator Duel is a fantasy fighter which more resembles a traditional game. With the Move becoming a oversized sword, you can easily slash, swipe and lunge at your enemy. Blocking is performed with either a hold of the Z button, or by simply holding up a second controller. This raises up a shield for protection, a much-needed commodity which can also be used for a secondary 'shield bash' attack. Special moves descend into motion-controlled QTE's; swiping your sword in a diagonal pattern or forcing it upwards for a jump attack. Unfortunately, the gameplay is less accurate than some of the aforementioned sports, with attacks often seeming to lag or even failing to register. Thankfully this setback is not as crippling as it could be; the game in general is a basic duel which is more about fun than it is intensity. Ultimately, Gladiator Duel is an interesting change of pace; a far more video-gamey sport than it's more reality grounded cousins.
Beach Volleyball
Beach Volleyball is a peculiar game. The only sport in the package where the character moves automatically, your movements are limited to the characters' hands. This is not in itself a problem; returning and spiking the ball with a flick of the Move is expectedly entertaining. That said, the limited movement fails to fully immerse the player; leaving a game which, whilst amusing in it's own right, is the weakest offering of the six-sports assortment. If nothing else, Beach Volleyball is a fun diversion without the staying power to match it's competitors.
Disc Golf
Essentially golf with plastic frisbees, this game mode is a comfortable cross between Archery and Bocce. Using the Move to throw your frisbee, the aim is to reach a distant target through a variance of organic landscapes. The Frisbee motion is smooth and responsive; resulting in a game where your success or failure feels like genuinely your own doing. You can aim and throw however you choose; go straight for the target or attempt some curve to pass the trees and obstacles. It may not have the pace of some of the others, but this sport is enjoyable and without complication; a perfect warm up for a multiplayer get together.
A Gold Medal?
Sports Champions may not be a killer app; it's a relatively simple sporting compendium brought to life by the Move controller. The selection of games may be original, but their lasting appeal will depend entirely on your own enjoyment. As a multiplayer game, Sports Champions is an affable affair which forms a brilliant starting point for Move owners. Whether the game stands up to it's rivals is a simple matter of opinion; but for anyone owning a PlayStation Move, Sports Champions is more than a worthy challenger.
7.5/10