EyeToy: Play

"Another great addition to the PlayStation family"

What will Sony think of next? It seems that Sony just keep on going with new idea and inventions for the PlayStation 2. Now by no means the EyeToy a completely new invention, as it shares similar appearances to a Web Cam, but linking one to a PS2, and playing games with it! That’s new!

The first memories I have of the EyeToy, were when it was displayed at the PlayStation Experience in London last year. The game on show was Wishi Washi, and every single person that tried it was laughing uncontrollably because of the hilarity of the camera. I couldn’t believe that such a tiny device made loads of people, actually get up and have ago. This obviously shows massive potential for the camera, not only to the public but to SCEE.

Since then, there has been the odd bit about the EyeToy, but nothing real new. But then Sony just released it, and it didn’t do them wrong by doing so.

I know it may be early days for the EyeToy, but hey, this game is sound.

Gamplay

There are loads of modes and games to play in EyeToy: Play, which is brilliant. There are 12 main games, plus a Playroom and Video Messaging.

People have said that the games are for children and that no one will play them. I’m 16 and I love it. Select multiplayer, and you have one cool party game, that will have you gagging for more.

As all the games and modes in EyeToy are activated by your own movement, no controller is needed, and so navigating the screens and options is child’s play.

The games offer much enjoyment, consisting of, Beat Freak, Keep Ups, Rocket Rumble, UFO Juggler, Kung Foo, Wishi Washi., Boxing Chump, Slapstream, Plate Spinner, Boogie Down, Ghost Catcher and Mirror Time. These are superbly playable, and any one of any age can pick this up in seconds.

In the Play Room, things start getting interesting and weird to say the least. Here there are different modes to choose from. Some, even more whacky then the next. There are 14 modes overall, here is a list of them.

- No Effect
- Sparkles
- Snow
- Spiders
- Copycat
- Nervous
- Mirrors
- Rainbow
- Underwater
- Bubbles
- Leaves
- Ballons
- Bees
- Materialise

All these effects are worth a look at, and some are very funny indeed.

Video messaging, is another handy but some what useless feature of the EyeToy: Play game. You can select different backgrounds for your message, and have up to 60 seconds of recording time. But when you want to save a 60 second video on your memory card, just remember to have nearly 7000kb free. This feature would make use of the Hard Disc Drive when released.

Graphics

The graphics are probably the most important aspect of the game, because you interact with the all the time. So Sony have had there best go at making the graphics look crisp and clear, but also making them look slightly cartoony. So, after saying that, the graphics are superb. From the exploding fireworks of Rocket Rumble to the spooky ghosts of ghost catcher, the graphics never faultier.

Quality of Camera

The quality of the camera is brilliant. The images displayed on your TV are great and the sound that the microphone records are also crisp. With the focusing ring, to adjust the image quality further and two blue and red LEDs, which let you know whether the camera is on, or the room is too dark. These little features just finish of the camera. The camera is fixed onto rotating ball, so positioning the camera is a breeze.

Replay value

Masses, this game goes on forever…and ever! There is so much to do within the game that it will make you go back for more. It is a must for parties, and even for any PS2 owner with friends.

Buy or Rent?

Definitely buy this game. Come on £40 for a camera AND a game. You cannot beat that!

OVERALL

Gameplay – 10/10
Graphics – 9/10
Sound – 8/10
Replay Value – 10/10

OVERALL – 10/10

Reviewer's Score: 10/10, Originally Posted: 07/09/03, Updated 07/09/03