Sony Playstation Move Review

Wii has had a long and fruitful stint at the top, but now it looks like Sony and Microsoft are itching to get their hands on some high quality action. Microsoft launched the bold, controller-free camera solution with the Kinect but Sony decided to stick to the middle path, combining the precision of a controller with an integrated camera that allows better reality applications and full body tracking.

It cannot be denied that the Move is highly inspired by the Wii, and there have been many who have been quick to point out the similarities. However, closer inspection reveals that the Move has expanded upon the Wii and incorporated a wide array of motion tracking technologies. Where the Wii relies on built-in accelerometers and infrared to detect motion, tilt, and orientation, the Move adds features like magnetometers, angular rate sensors, and LED marker tracking which gives you the luxury of one-to-one tracking.

You don’t need me to point out the most noticeable thing about the Move – the glowing ping pong sized ball on top that acts like the primary controller. When the controller is off, the orb is softly translucent; but when the controller is in full use, the orb lights up in a riot of colors which can be tracked by the PlayStation Eye camera.

If you are worried about the ball being fragile and breaking when it comes in contact with hard surfaces, but nothing really happens. After an impact the orb pops back into shape. So, no worries about damaging your precious Move in all the antics and animation of the game.

If you’ve played with the Wii for long and have switched to the Move recenlty, you will notice that the latter feels slightly more comfortable in your hand. This could probably be owing to the roundness of its shape. However, whether the Move is great for long periods of gaming is a debatable topic. Do not jump to the conclusion that the Move is uncomfortable or bad for you; but use it for too long playing wrist-bending games and the pain becomes noticeable.

Overall, the Move comes highly recommended as a piece of technology. It isn’t flaw free but it still impresses. The Move does not usher in a revolution in the world of motion control game, but the variety of options for the user as well as the precision in control is quite welcome. Finally, one has to admit that it is rather pricey, with the starter pack containing one Move controller and the PlayStation Eye camera costing £49.99. But, that’s how much you have to pay to experiment with such advanced technology.

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