Thursday, September 16, 2010
by Mike Smith
September 9 11:31 A.M.
Starting this week, the Wii won’t be the only game console touting a motion control system. Sony’s Playstation Move hits stores on Sept. 17, bringing a new range of controllers and an accompanying selection of motion-enabled games to the Playstation 3. We've spent some quality time with the system; since we're guessing you've got questions, here are a few answers.
How is this different than the Wii?
In theory, it’s not. This is Sony’s response to the Wii’s success; Microsoft’s, named “Kinect,” will be out later this year.
But Move is considerably more advanced than the four year-old Wii control system. In addition to a suite of gyroscopic motion sensors, Move can employ head-tracking, voice recognition, and positional tracking of the controller. It’s unquestionably more accurate, more sensitive, and more high-tech...but in the end, it’s all about getting you playing games that have you jumping about in front of your TV.
Like the Wii.
What do you need to get started?
At the very least, you’ll need one Move controller -- the one with the colorful sphere on the end -- a Playstation Eye camera, and a Move-compatible game. Coincidentally, that’s exactly what Sony is offering in its main Move bundle, which includes a controller, a camera, and flagship game Sports Champions. If you want to get the most out of the system, though, budget another $50 for a second Move controller. Some games work best with one in each hand, to say nothing of the two-player possibilities.
If you’re the type who has to have everything, Sony’s also selling what it calls a “Move navigational controller," though it’s really just a trimmed-down Playstation pad that fits in one hand. It doesn’t have motion sensing capabilities, but it is just right for controlling games like first-person shooters. There’s also a charging station that’ll fit two Move controllers, although they also charge over USB just like a regular PS3 pad.
How much is it?
The basic Move bundle -- which we recommend, unless you already have a Playstation Eye camera -- costs just shy of $100. Separately, one Move controller retails for $50, while the optional navigational controller is $30. Most of the launch games are $40.
How do you set it up?
It won’t take long: if you can set up a Wii, you can set up Move.
Tuck the camera either above or below your TV, pair the controllers with your PS3, and, uh, you’re done. Every time you play, you’ll have to do a brief calibration dance -- hold the controller up by your shoulder, down by your side, point it at your belt buckle, do the hokey-pokey and turn yourself around -- but that’ll be second nature in no time.
Why does it have a glowing ball on the end?
For starters, because it looks cool. Of course, there's a bit more to it than that.
The camera uses that glowing orb to pin down the controller’s location in 3D space. It lights up when the controller’s in use in a color that will best stand out against the background, which helps greatly with its accuracy. Additionally, some games can flash the ball different colors to give you feedback. One thing to note: if you get your body between the controller and the camera or do anything else that obstructs its view of the glowing ball, you’ll confuse the system.
How well does it work?
Remarkably well. If you’ve been disappointed by the Wii’s sensitivity with sword-fighting games like Red Steel, Sony’s system is what you’ve been waiting for. Compared to the Wii, it’s seriously impressive how sensitive Move is to even the smallest of motions. There’s no perceptible lag, and none of that characteristic wobbliness of the cursor you see on the Wii. In short, Move is the real deal; it delivers on the promise of motion control in a way the Wii has never managed.
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