The Playroom 1

The new PlayStation Camera for the PlayStation 4 is a peripheral that brings a higher-quality optical recognition interface to Sony’s latest system than any options before it. Boasting both voice control support and facial recognition software, it augments an exciting new way to play on the next generation console. But while the support is limited at launch, does The Playroom make the product worth a punt?

Pre-installed onto the hard-drive of every new system, the title can only be fully played with the aforementioned add-on plugged in, and does require some space. The facial recognition is particularly impressive, as it identifies any participating players by their mugs, rather than their DualShock 4 controller.

There are currently three main minigames available as part of the package, with Double Fine currently working on a free expansion pack for the experience. The most well-known option, dubbed AR Bots, was recently demoed on the Jimmy Fallon show in North America, and sees you playing with a slew of white robots which live inside your input device.

PlayStation Camera

With a swipe of your finger, you can shoot these robots out into the real-world surroundings around you, where they’ll play on the floor. You can choose to be cruel and kick the cute characters around, or alternatively wave at them and generally interact in a less aggressive manner. The technology works great, although, as mentioned, you will need some room to take maximum advantage of the minigame.

Instead of flicking the cyborgs out, a swipe down will let you peer into their living quarters inside the DualShock 4. Here the virtual controller will react to the rotation of the input device and your button prompts, allowing you to send the AR Bots into a beastly boogie. Meanwhile, covering the light bar with your hand allows you to turn off the lights for some ultimate twerking shenanigans.

Another distraction included with the package is Air Hockey. This game requires two controllers to be linked to the system simultaneously, and adopts an interesting take on the traditional game of Pong. The game space is linked between the two controllers courtesy of the light bar on each DualShock 4, and changes shape depending on your movements.

The Playroom 2

The neatest feature occurs when you win a round of Air Hockey, as your controller is filled with fluid. You can swish this around the device, which feels fairly convincing due to the handset’s enhanced motion sensors. You can also “pop the cork” on the liquid, and spray the celebratory drink around your room courtesy of the light bar’s tracking functionality.

The final minigame is ASOBI, which summons a giant flying robot into the room surrounding you. The spherical cyborg buzzes around your head, cowers in the corner when scared, and reacts affectionately when petted. The character is even able to recognize structures in the real world, and it may freeze or burn certain items that it sees.

All in all, The Playroom is mostly just a hardware showcase. There are several Trophies to obtain, as well as a DLC add-on that allows you to connect the PlayStation App (or PlayStation Vita) to develop your own toys for the aforementioned AR Bots to play with. An alien-themed pack is also on the way. In its current guise, though, the freebie’s a fun demonstration of the PlayStation Camera’s possibilities, and definitely worth a look if you already own the peripheral.

Have you purchased the PlayStation Camera yet, or are you waiting for more software that supports it? What are your thoughts on The Playroom, or haven't you tried it yet? Give us a wave in the comments section below.