If you’re like us you’ll already be swinging Move controllers around your head in an effort to slay your foes, defeat your opponents and otherwise claim victory in the digital playground. But it’s not all about Sony, Microsoft’s pitch at the motion-control market is looming on the horizon and there has been heated debate over which is best. Who will “beat” who? We think it’s all a matter of perspective…
The Games
We were probably all expecting nothing but a slew of mini-game compilations when Sony announced their motion controller at last year’s E3. Sure, we did end up with some of the staples; Sword-fighting, bowling, table tennis, hair-shaving – all are tried and tested motion control winners and there are bound to be more in the future too. But we’re also getting imaginative uses like Flight Control and EyePet for Move. Add to that the promise of more “hardcore” titles like SOCOM and Resident Evil 5 Gold Edition and Move has an extremely rounded catalogue of games either released or announced.
The Tech
The Wii was impressive with its waggle and Motion Plus, although perhaps under-utilised in software, is even more impressive. Move goes further than that with tracking and precision that works down to a sub-pixel level. The camera tracks the glowing orb but there are all manner of complicated gyroscopes, magnetometers and magic inside that little stick too. Sure, we all like waving our arms around at concerts, nightclubs and the funfair but it’s hardly the most precise way to pull off a headshot is it?
The Price
Alright, Move can get expensive if you’re buying loads of units and Navigation controllers. The entry level though, if you just want to try the tech and play a couple of games, is much lower than that of Kinect. You only really need one Move controller and the PSEye to get started and if you’re having loads of fun then you won’t mind adding extra units to expand on your experience.
The Control
Move is precise in all ranges of movement. You can point and move with pinpoint accuracy. The inclusion of those fancy buttons means you actually feel like you’re connected to something that’s happening. Go ahead; wiggle your index finger a bit. That doesn’t feel like you’re pulling a trigger does it? With Move you have feedback for your digits and that is a key point to making you feel immersed in the game you’re playing.
The Marketing
Pew pew. The venerable Mr Butler is not only Sony’s go-to guy for, well, everything. He’s also “Honorary VP of Bringing the Awesome” here at TSA, not many people (including Kevin and his Sony PR colleagues…) know that. Sony has stepped up a gear in all aspects of their marketing in this past year or so and Move is (at least in the US) no exception. Microsoft seems happy to follow Nintendo down the asinine path to plastic families miming to bad CGI. It’s degrading.
Don’t agree? See if the counter-points suit you better.
eirekun
Yippee!! I just got Move & it’s fantastic – even my game phobic family are getting into it. Tiger Woods is unreal, I can’t play golf & it showed. Then my brother who can actually play golf – picked up the move for the first time and hit it right on to the green.
Right, back to playing a lot more games and spending too much money in the store.
p.s. Sony thanks for releasing Move on my birthday, much appreciated!