Our review will take a look at the PlayStation Move Starter Bundle, which will retail for $100 when it's released September 17. It includes a Move controller, a PlayStation Eye camera, and a copy of Sports Champions. We'll also look at other PlayStation Move titles we've been able to test out, along with whether we think the Move is worth a purchase if you already own a Nintendo Wii.
The standard PlayStation Move controller has a rubberized ball on top that's capable of switching colors via LED lights that are embedded at the bottom of the ball. We've been told that this functionality was included in the remote so that the device could change color if clothing or background interfered with what the PlayStation Eye could distinguish.
Most of the DualShock 3′s buttons are represented on the Move controller, except L and R buttons. Instead, the Move controller replaces them with a standard "T" trigger button and an "OK" central button that has the PlayStation Move logo emblazoned on it.
Though the Navigation controller is not included in the bundle reviewed here, it is available separately for $30. The Navigation controller can be used in tandem with the Move controller to play certain games, like SOCOM 4. That said, during our testing with the software samples that Sony supplied us, we almost never had to use the device.
The Move controller and Navigation controller each have USB ports (just like the one found on a DualShock 3) so it'll first need to be paired to the console via a wired connection. Additionally, that port is used to charge both devices.
The game included with the Move Starter Bundle is Sports Champions, Sony's take on Wii Sports. Though Sports Champions only includes Disc Golf, Archery, Table Tennis, Gladiator Duel, Beach Volleyball, and Bocce Ball, these games feel much more fleshed out and give the player a healthy number of options and unlockables.
To be clear, the PlayStation Move has shown that it's capable of some of the best motion controls we've seen in a game. That said, we're just not sure the launch library of titles provides a compelling reason to spend $100 on the new technology. Sure, we think adding on Move support with pre-existing and yet-to-be released games is a nice touch, but we don't think that justifies purchasing new hardware for only the option to play it with the Move.
As more titles release for the Move, we'll certainly reconsider our current rating. But for its launch date of September 17, we think gamers will need to think twice before they pull the trigger.
If there's one thing we're learning about motion controlled gaming, it's that we're not sure this is what the hard-core gaming audience wants. As we mentioned above, the Move can provide an entertaining and occasionally impressive experience, but it's never able to emulate the ultraprecise and never laggy gameplay that a standard button controller provides.
The good: Camera-based motion control system; starter bundle includes everything needed to play HD motion control gaming; color-changing controller adjusts to surroundings; can control XMB; Sports Champions game offers a lot of replay value.
The bad: Requires constant calibration; dependency on camera limits total movement; lackluster launch library; start and select buttons are oddly placed on Move controller; PlayStation Eye monopolizes a USB port.
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