Whenever gamers think of
things that have been dubbed as revolutionary, a couple of inventions come to
mind for me personally. For starters, the Super Game Boy was one of my all time
favorites, since I could play my Game Boy games on the bigger TV screen. Also,
who can forget things like the mouse / keyboard combo for the Dreamcast or the
failed (but nifty) Virtual Boy back in the 80’s? Well, Sony is looking to add
another chapter to the whole “revolutionary” idea with gamers with their release
of the Eye Toy … part digital camera, part game collection, 100% fun.
Similar to the Dance Dance
Revolution pads or the UKB fighting arena, the Eye Toy uses your body to
actually play the games instead of the standard controller. There are 12
different games to play in all, and you will find yourself quickly getting
addicted and getting a pretty decent workout as you do such things as rapidly
spin plates, catch and explode fireworks, or play a “simon says” style game
trying to match up various dance floor lights to the beat of disco music. There
is also a “playroom” option which just lets you goof around in different ways,
and you will start amusing yourself as you run away from bees or spiders, try to
catch fish, or bounce balloons all over the screen amongst dropping confetti.
One thing that really amazed
me about the Eye Toy is the responsiveness and accuracy of the camera.
Obviously, it needs a decent amount of light to be 100% effective, but in order
to help with this there is a dim light option so the fun can continue into the
evening. On screen, it’s pretty surprising to watch yourself wave a hand and
smack people off the screen or realistically bounce a ball around with your head
or arms, and even buttons to select options or start the game are controlled by
you touching thin air in front of you which responds in the game itself.
The games that were packaged
in are a whole lot of fun and it is really a funny thing to see yourself in a
game if you haven’t had that opportunity before. There were plenty of laughs as
my wife and kids made fun of their goofy dad acting like Bruce Lee and Karate
chopping enemies off the screen, or me versus a robot in a boxing match to the
finish, and what better way to declare to the world that you have the high score
than not only having your name posted in the rankings area … but a snapshot of
you posing as well? I can tell you that the whole family has already more than
made up our $50.00 investment in playing, and it’s addicting enough to keep
coming back for more.
In the graphics and sound
department, the Eye Toy games are also really good. While reminiscent of older
arcade style gaming by just trying to get the highest score possible and a lot
simpler than your standard platformer or shooter title, the graphics are
cartoony and colorful and there are some neat effects added in like people
flying up and hitting the screen … and of course having you in the middle of the
mayhem just adds to the enjoyment. The sound effects worked well, and smacks or
jingles would sound in accurate time depending on what game you are playing. In
addition, the music tracks are a mixture of rock, hip hop, disco, Asian themes,
and even 50’s radio style and all are pretty darned catchy.
Overall, I have to say the
Eye Toy is one of those unique little things that comes around that you won’t
see very often. While it’s not a hardcore RPG or shooter title, gamers in
general will have a blast getting some exercise and hopping around in front of
the TV smacking things around, using video messaging (yes, it even has a video
messaging option!) or just having a good time playing by themselves or with
friends and family. With the holiday season approaching, this is the perfect
gift for your PS2 gamer on your list whether young or old, and it’s sure to keep
them entertained for a long time to come.
Gameplay: 9.4
The biggest thing
I was concerned about here was obviously how well the camera worked. Well, the
camera is almost 100% effective all the time, and I really can’t remember when I
had a problem with it except when I had to adjust the light settings due to the
sun going down. The games are an absolute blast to play, and the options to
video message or just goof around and have fun waving away snowflakes or popping
floating bubbles makes it appropriate for just about any gaming mood you happen
to be in.
Graphics: 9.1
While much
simpler than a lot of other games out, they are detailed and colorful enough to
do what they need to do. Gamers younger and older will no doubt smile and have a
good time seeing themselves as the star of their own game, and the added
additions of flying enemies and whatnot as you wave your arms around were really
good.
Sound: 8.9
The voiceovers
can be a bit repetitive, but you won’t really mind too much since you will be
wrapped up in playing. The music tracks were pretty neat, and all of them
catchy, and I found myself humming quite a few of them as I managed to wrench
myself away and find something else to do.
Difficulty: Easy
There are three
different difficulty settings that you can choose from to challenge any player,
and the games are easy to figure out without tutorials or the instruction
manual.
Concept: 9.5
Not only is the
camera good quality, but the fact that it is as accurate as it is really did
amaze me. The games are also a heck of a lot of fun to play, and once you get
started it’s hard to put it down.
Multiplayer: 9.4
There are a couple of
different ways to play with buddies. You can have up to four players playing,
and you also have the option of playing as a team or against one another in
player 1 – player 2 fashion. It’s also a blast try and mess up your opponent by
doing such nice things as sticking your hand in the screen to mess them up and
whatnot.
Overall: 9.5
Yes it’s a
camera, and it’s packaged with some really addicting games that put you in the
role of the main character. The whole idea itself was not only neat, but it was
amazingly well executed and is not only fun … but extremely addicting as well.
It’s difficult sometimes to find games that are fun for everyone in the family,
from 4 to 44, but Eye Toy is a safe and enjoyable bet for your $50.00 without
question.
