Let's not start trying to make this a competition between what the Move can do apart from games versus the Kinect. There's already a clear winner in that contest.
I don't think the title is correct. Is it the popularity of the Move that has the company concerned? Isn't that implying the Move is very popular, ie many have it? But reading the article suggests that the concern is that at this point Move lacks popularity, and hasn't sold enough to interest the developer into doing more with it.
It's a cute remark to just dismiss this as mistake as "lost in translation," but really, it's not that hard to translate German into English. I wonder if we can find the original German quotation.
If your one to read a lot of gaming websites, you've probably noticed that almost everyday there is news of some new homebrew application using Kinect, usually for the PC. MS has even announced their intention to see the PC using Kinect. This has the ring of Sony trying to catch up or stay relevant. I mean, I know the Move is great for the PS3, and frankly, as it stands, has more interesting game applications than Kinect. And I know it's not really a competition as both products can do well in their own markets. But I wonder if Sony fears falling behind in, if nothing else, perception.
I'd like to see a developer try using the Move a bit more like a mouse, so the crosshairs are locked center screen and moving the Move controller is like moving your head.. not sure I'm being clear, but it's a different approach than what's being done currently in KZ3, ModComDom...
Great review and spot-on. The "game" ultimately fails for a number of reasons that boil down to the developer not really doing much with it. The game does use the Move controller, but it in no way tries to measure whether your motions mimic what the instructor is showing you should do. Indeed, there is always a cool down, that's always the same boring routine (as far as my limited play would reveal). In that short cool down, there are periods of no to micro motion. Yet if you want to score high, continue to shake the controller as vigorously as possible during that time as well as any other time.
This is not a game as it simply isn't fun, apart from the music. And while I concur the music is decent and enjoyable within the context of the game, it's also not good enough, IMO, to remember or want to listen to outside of the game.
The one thing that could have made this game work as something decent, should have been done, and that the developers didn't include it shows how little they cared: The game ought to put you in it, so you can watch yourself in relation to the on-screen instructor. Even if the thought makes you cringe, give us the option at least. I might actually use this for some exercise and dance instruction if I could watch myself and learn, and develop. But the feature isn't included. In fact, the game doesn't seem to use the Eye at all as I've played with my hat over it and did, according to the game, as good as ever.
Why anyone would go online with this eludes me, when the surest way to "win" is to simply shake the controller vigorously. If they could also have a video feed (bandwidth permitting), so you could see your opponent, it might actually be pretty fun. But please, at least let me see myself when playing offline, if that dream is beyond capabilities for technical reasons.
The one small credit I will give to Zumba, and it's the principle reason I purchased it (besides the sale price when I bought it), is that for an exercise game, it requires very little space. I mean, the setup does ask for something like an 8 ft. by 9 ft. area, but since the Eye isn't even used, you can try to follow the routine more minimally.
I also have EA's Sport Active 2 and will offer my impressions soon, but I haven't gotten into it at all yet since I'll have to reconfigure my room for it. Nevertheless, like the reviewer, I cannot recommend this disc to anyone. You won't enjoy it, and won't use it. Even if you wanted to, you won't really learn the dance moves either since there is so little instruction and no feedback.
OK, please enlighten me, just so I'm clear: This game, available for $15 on PSN, also comes on the Dead Space 2 disc? Is it every Dead Space 2 version, or just a limited, more expensive release?
I already have 2 fitness titles, Zumba and EA's Sports Active 2. Besides providing a well thought-out workout, what will be the difference between being successful or not, IMO, is how well it motivates one to "play" it.
Using the camera to show yourself on the screen is a good idea, and the lack of that basic function makes Zumba, for instance, fail.
One plus for this game is that is has good connectivity, by which I mean that I can play it even with my really slow internet connection AND so far, never have any problem jumping in a match quickly, although all rooms I've joined are simply running deathmatch, and none of the other game modes.
I don't mind the gun buying scheme, but maybe because I've only leveled up one step and unlocked only one item, the sniper rifle. But you can always afford the MP5, which seems to be the best gun, IMO, anyhow. It keeps the game on a pretty level playfield. But I also didn't experience the spawning issue described, though my experience is limited to about 4 online and 4 offline matches.
I'm still frustrated by Move controls, perhaps I will be for a very long time in ANY FPS as the DS3 is just so familiar, and Move is something new, but I feel like things would feel more natural with one of those machine gun accessories.
Personally, graded on a scale with a $60 game release, this game is about 5/10 in my book, but graded as a $6-$8 game, I'd actually put it much higher at around 8.5/10. For me, most DLC games this good are usually of the $15 variety when new.
But there is (for me) the occasional lag hiccup, and one time I spawned in the air, unable to move or fire, so it's not without minor bugs.
Had a chance to play for about 10 minutes and it does seem like fun. But wanted to add that the whole game can be played offline, though you won't level up, but 8 vs. 8 offline the games were fast and fun. Saw 2 maps, and have to explore more, but seem decent. I'm not sure I like that the enemies will often be highlighted by a flag over their head indicating their team color... before I even see them (I can see them, but didn't notice them until the flag brought their attention to me.) I would have preferred a different enemy indication system, but there is the option to turn friendly fire on and off, so something is needed when FF is on.
PSN always updates late. Saw ME2 too, but gear not, Modern Combat Domination (terrible title!) will be there. And please add me to your PSN friends as well. din_djinn
Waiting for a review to say more, but for anyone curious, I've been using this title for about 2 weeks now, and unless you specifically want a Zumba exercise routine for your PS3, I can't recommend this title. I believe a plain dvd exercise routine would be better.
There is one good thing I will add in fairness. If you try to follow the routines presented, you will get a workout. And as this game doesn't seem to use the Eye at all, space requirements for a workout game are pretty minimal.
On a positive note, I find that as far as the Move goes, I'm playing the downloadable PSN games the most, currently: Tumble, Auditorium, and Beat Sketcher. These games all use the controller well, are something different, and can be played for 10 minutes or two hours as time permits.
I'm not really disappointed as I think they need another year to work on Move controls in general... or maybe it's just me. The truth is as great as this game is with the DS3, I don't think I'll ever play it, 2K12... with my Move. But hey, let them surprise me and show me the Move is the better controller. Won't happen in 2K11, but maybe they'll get it worked out by next year.
Generally I agree with this review. But now having owned EyePet since it's release for the Move, I want to provide my opinion for those considering buying the game.
The game itself is enjoyable enough, but I find the need to move the EyeToy to a very low position enough to make me stop playing short of getting everything the game has to offer. At first I demoed it for friends, now I simply can't be bothered because more than any other Move release I've tried, it requires me to reconfigure my room setup. And even then I spend an, IMO, unnecessarily long time making things right to play this one game.
I can either play EyePet enjoyably, or I can play all my other Move titles, but not both. For some I'm sure this camera placement isn't as big of an issue, but for me I now consider it a deal breaker.
Since lipnox brought it up, I'm going to agree: EyePet is a shame because it requires the EyeToy to be moved. I own the game, played it for a while, but it really became to much of a nuisance for me to continue playing, even if my daughter thinks it's charming.
And NBA 2K11 really hardly works with the Move, IMO. It's a great, 9/10, game, but only if played by a controller. If played as a Move game, it's 2/10, IMO.
I do find the reviews on this site to be the most informative I've seen on Move games, though, so please, keep it up!
Will be among the first new games of 2011 for me, though not day 1.
With the original LBP, I made the "mistake" of buying the Asian version, which was among my first PS3 purchases. I was excited to have a version in both English and Chinese as my wife's Chinese. Only later did I learn that all the DLC on the NA PSN was only for the region 1, NA, game. (This practice is unusual as other Asian titles I have can play the DLC from the U.S. PS Store.) I even purchased DLC for the game which I cannot use. So, I'm not making that mistake twice, and will pick up the game from the U.S. when I can.
MAG doesn't have separate servers, and frankly, the PC gaming world allows a myriad of controllers with perhaps some imbalance, but nothing deal breaking. So, I'd be more concerned if they decided they had to go with separate servers.
Unless I read that this game is completely broken, I'll be buying this game right away. At this point my favorite Move games are all DLC (Tumble, Beat Sketcher, Auditorium). The only other strong option for this kind of play is MAG, but I feel MAG possibly requires a lot of dedication and clan membership to really enjoy. I want a $10 game to jump into and play for an hour when I feel the whim.
And some firmware updates remove features. Now that the PS3 has been hacked I'm sure we can look forward to more security updates every other month or so. I'm just saying that 3.40 and 3.41 were a month apart and even 3.30 was two months prior, with nothing major added in any of those (and those weren't about security). I'd prefer having them combined.
I was impressed enough with the what was on the demo disc that I was looking forward to buying this title and did so day one. Haven't put a lot of time into it yet, but it's about what I'd hoped for and I'm very pleased. I'm quite a bad artist, but I do like this game. I think when my baby is a little older, she'll like drawing with it too!
Just want to add my two cents and say this game is a unique and challenging experience. At times you'll be really close to solving the puzzle but never know it. And yet, it's not frustrating in that way. It's just enjoyable. Moreover, using Move is far better than the controller. The other works fine, but Move is really much easier and more intuitive, I feel.
Well, the Move controllers seem to be selling now as fast as they can make them with little marketing, and frankly, little quality content, IMO.
I think his point is valid for the long run. I feel quite certain I'll be using my Move for as long as I own my PS3. That's why I'm trying to get my hands on a second one, currently with no success. But I wonder how true that will be for Kinect. It comes down to content. I'm not knocking Kinect's technology. It's pretty cool what hackers are doing with the thing. But unless they add controller support, I really think there's only so much one can do without buttons. And I'm happy I can sit down comfortably and play Tumble or Beat Sketcher or Auditorium with my Move. I don't always want to stand.
My point is that I think the Move will have the content I and others want because it's an added feature to core games. But how many will pick up a Move when they can already use their Dualshock 3? Some good Move exclusives will go far in moving (no pun intended) units off the shelves and into homes.
I agree with both slapshot82 & SilentJ. Everyone with a Move also has a controller, let us decide. And this game even more than the other shooters mentioned would seemingly be a great fit for the Move. That said, I would prefer if a game is designed from the start to utilize the Move integrally, though not necessarily exclusively
I just checked and didn't see any changes to the Hong Kong site. Is this just a part of the EU's site? Does the U.S. have this?
Is there a way to change the homepage in the PS3's browser? Actually, never mind, I never use it anyhow, so my questions are more thinking aloud and rhetorical than needing answers.
But I did get a firmware update, and it seems like I've gotten about 6 in the last 6 months or so. IMO, that's just too much.
Comments 82
Re: Out Today: Killzone 3 (North America)
@ lipnox
Beat Killzone 3? It's only been out for like 12 hours, lol. Just curious, how long did the campaign take you?
Re: Move Can Be Used to Measure the Earth's Rotation
Let's not start trying to make this a competition between what the Move can do apart from games versus the Kinect. There's already a clear winner in that contest.
Re: Buzz! Developer Concerned by Move's Popularity
I don't think the title is correct. Is it the popularity of the Move that has the company concerned? Isn't that implying the Move is very popular, ie many have it? But reading the article suggests that the concern is that at this point Move lacks popularity, and hasn't sold enough to interest the developer into doing more with it.
Re: Apparently Portal 2 Does Not Have Full Move Support
It's a cute remark to just dismiss this as mistake as "lost in translation," but really, it's not that hard to translate German into English. I wonder if we can find the original German quotation.
Re: Move Creator Keen to Open Controller Up to PC Coders
If your one to read a lot of gaming websites, you've probably noticed that almost everyday there is news of some new homebrew application using Kinect, usually for the PC. MS has even announced their intention to see the PC using Kinect. This has the ring of Sony trying to catch up or stay relevant. I mean, I know the Move is great for the PS3, and frankly, as it stands, has more interesting game applications than Kinect. And I know it's not really a competition as both products can do well in their own markets. But I wonder if Sony fears falling behind in, if nothing else, perception.
Re: Killzone 3 Dev: "Shooters Will be Played Like This in the Future"
I'd like to see a developer try using the Move a bit more like a mouse, so the crosshairs are locked center screen and moving the Move controller is like moving your head.. not sure I'm being clear, but it's a different approach than what's being done currently in KZ3, ModComDom...
Re: Review: Zumba Fitness (PlayStation 3)
Great review and spot-on. The "game" ultimately fails for a number of reasons that boil down to the developer not really doing much with it. The game does use the Move controller, but it in no way tries to measure whether your motions mimic what the instructor is showing you should do. Indeed, there is always a cool down, that's always the same boring routine (as far as my limited play would reveal). In that short cool down, there are periods of no to micro motion. Yet if you want to score high, continue to shake the controller as vigorously as possible during that time as well as any other time.
This is not a game as it simply isn't fun, apart from the music. And while I concur the music is decent and enjoyable within the context of the game, it's also not good enough, IMO, to remember or want to listen to outside of the game.
The one thing that could have made this game work as something decent, should have been done, and that the developers didn't include it shows how little they cared: The game ought to put you in it, so you can watch yourself in relation to the on-screen instructor. Even if the thought makes you cringe, give us the option at least. I might actually use this for some exercise and dance instruction if I could watch myself and learn, and develop. But the feature isn't included. In fact, the game doesn't seem to use the Eye at all as I've played with my hat over it and did, according to the game, as good as ever.
Why anyone would go online with this eludes me, when the surest way to "win" is to simply shake the controller vigorously. If they could also have a video feed (bandwidth permitting), so you could see your opponent, it might actually be pretty fun. But please, at least let me see myself when playing offline, if that dream is beyond capabilities for technical reasons.
The one small credit I will give to Zumba, and it's the principle reason I purchased it (besides the sale price when I bought it), is that for an exercise game, it requires very little space. I mean, the setup does ask for something like an 8 ft. by 9 ft. area, but since the Eye isn't even used, you can try to follow the routine more minimally.
I also have EA's Sport Active 2 and will offer my impressions soon, but I haven't gotten into it at all yet since I'll have to reconfigure my room for it. Nevertheless, like the reviewer, I cannot recommend this disc to anyone. You won't enjoy it, and won't use it. Even if you wanted to, you won't really learn the dance moves either since there is so little instruction and no feedback.
Re: Out Today: Dead Space: Extraction (Global)
OK, please enlighten me, just so I'm clear: This game, available for $15 on PSN, also comes on the Dead Space 2 disc? Is it every Dead Space 2 version, or just a limited, more expensive release?
Re: Ubisoft Challenges You to Get Fit in Six in March
I already have 2 fitness titles, Zumba and EA's Sports Active 2. Besides providing a well thought-out workout, what will be the difference between being successful or not, IMO, is how well it motivates one to "play" it.
Using the camera to show yourself on the screen is a good idea, and the lack of that basic function makes Zumba, for instance, fail.
Re: Review: Modern Combat: Domination (PlayStation Network)
One plus for this game is that is has good connectivity, by which I mean that I can play it even with my really slow internet connection AND so far, never have any problem jumping in a match quickly, although all rooms I've joined are simply running deathmatch, and none of the other game modes.
I don't mind the gun buying scheme, but maybe because I've only leveled up one step and unlocked only one item, the sniper rifle. But you can always afford the MP5, which seems to be the best gun, IMO, anyhow.
It keeps the game on a pretty level playfield. But I also didn't experience the spawning issue described, though my experience is limited to about 4 online and 4 offline matches.
I'm still frustrated by Move controls, perhaps I will be for a very long time in ANY FPS as the DS3 is just so familiar, and Move is something new, but I feel like things would feel more natural with one of those machine gun accessories.
Personally, graded on a scale with a $60 game release, this game is about 5/10 in my book, but graded as a $6-$8 game, I'd actually put it much higher at around 8.5/10. For me, most DLC games this good are usually of the $15 variety when new.
But there is (for me) the occasional lag hiccup, and one time I spawned in the air, unable to move or fire, so it's not without minor bugs.
Re: Out Today: Modern Combat: Domination (North America)
Had a chance to play for about 10 minutes and it does seem like fun. But wanted to add that the whole game can be played offline, though you won't level up, but 8 vs. 8 offline the games were fast and fun. Saw 2 maps, and have to explore more, but seem decent. I'm not sure I like that the enemies will often be highlighted by a flag over their head indicating their team color... before I even see them (I can see them, but didn't notice them until the flag brought their attention to me.) I would have preferred a different enemy indication system, but there is the option to turn friendly fire on and off, so something is needed when FF is on.
Re: Out Today: Modern Combat: Domination (North America)
Hope to play some tomorrow. I'll download it over night.
Re: Out Today: Modern Combat: Domination (North America)
PSN always updates late. Saw ME2 too, but gear not, Modern Combat Domination (terrible title!) will be there. And please add me to your PSN friends as well. din_djinn
Re: Zumba Fitness
Waiting for a review to say more, but for anyone curious, I've been using this title for about 2 weeks now, and unless you specifically want a Zumba exercise routine for your PS3, I can't recommend this title. I believe a plain dvd exercise routine would be better.
There is one good thing I will add in fairness. If you try to follow the routines presented, you will get a workout. And as this game doesn't seem to use the Eye at all, space requirements for a workout game are pretty minimal.
Re: First Modern Combat: Domination Trailer Shoots to Thrill
I'm in, day one, I suspect. Wonder how many maps there will be. Could be boring quickly if there are only like 2 maps.
Re: Features: PlayStation Move Buyer's Guide
On a positive note, I find that as far as the Move goes, I'm playing the downloadable PSN games the most, currently: Tumble, Auditorium, and Beat Sketcher. These games all use the controller well, are something different, and can be played for 10 minutes or two hours as time permits.
Re: Navigation Support is Not Coming to NBA 2K11 After All
I'm not really disappointed as I think they need another year to work on Move controls in general... or maybe it's just me. The truth is as great as this game is with the DS3, I don't think I'll ever play it, 2K12... with my Move. But hey, let them surprise me and show me the Move is the better controller. Won't happen in 2K11, but maybe they'll get it worked out by next year.
Re: Review: EyePet: Move Edition (PlayStation 3)
Generally I agree with this review. But now having owned EyePet since it's release for the Move, I want to provide my opinion for those considering buying the game.
The game itself is enjoyable enough, but I find the need to move the EyeToy to a very low position enough to make me stop playing short of getting everything the game has to offer. At first I demoed it for friends, now I simply can't be bothered because more than any other Move release I've tried, it requires me to reconfigure my room setup. And even then I spend an, IMO, unnecessarily long time making things right to play this one game.
I can either play EyePet enjoyably, or I can play all my other Move titles, but not both. For some I'm sure this camera placement isn't as big of an issue, but for me I now consider it a deal breaker.
Re: Features: PlayStation Move Buyer's Guide
Since lipnox brought it up, I'm going to agree: EyePet is a shame because it requires the EyeToy to be moved. I own the game, played it for a while, but it really became to much of a nuisance for me to continue playing, even if my daughter thinks it's charming.
And NBA 2K11 really hardly works with the Move, IMO. It's a great, 9/10, game, but only if played by a controller. If played as a Move game, it's 2/10, IMO.
I do find the reviews on this site to be the most informative I've seen on Move games, though, so please, keep it up!
Re: Review: Top Darts (PlayStation Network)
While 1080p is impressive, the lack of online play is very disappointing.
Re: Forget Christmas, The LittleBigPlanet 2 Countdown Starts Now
Will be among the first new games of 2011 for me, though not day 1.
With the original LBP, I made the "mistake" of buying the Asian version, which was among my first PS3 purchases. I was excited to have a version in both English and Chinese as my wife's Chinese. Only later did I learn that all the DLC on the NA PSN was only for the region 1, NA, game. (This practice is unusual as other Asian titles I have can play the DLC from the U.S. PS Store.) I even purchased DLC for the game which I cannot use. So, I'm not making that mistake twice, and will pick up the game from the U.S. when I can.
Re: Blokus, echochrome ii and Top Darts Hit PlayStation Stores
At least there's a demo of Blokus. It's not a bad game, imo, but my money is earmarked elsewhere at this point.
Re: Dungeon Defenders Has the Most Colourful Dungeons Ever
Hope it's not $15! It's already on smart phones for $3.
Re: DualShock and Move Players Will Square Off in Killzone 3
MAG doesn't have separate servers, and frankly, the PC gaming world allows a myriad of controllers with perhaps some imbalance, but nothing deal breaking. So, I'd be more concerned if they decided they had to go with separate servers.
Re: Modern Combat: Domination Shoots for PlayStation Network Next Month
Unless I read that this game is completely broken, I'll be buying this game right away. At this point my favorite Move games are all DLC (Tumble, Beat Sketcher, Auditorium). The only other strong option for this kind of play is MAG, but I feel MAG possibly requires a lot of dedication and clan membership to really enjoy. I want a $10 game to jump into and play for an hour when I feel the whim.
Re: Fire Up the PS3 Browser for a New, Move-Enabled Experience
And some firmware updates remove features. Now that the PS3 has been hacked I'm sure we can look forward to more security updates every other month or so. I'm just saying that 3.40 and 3.41 were a month apart and even 3.30 was two months prior, with nothing major added in any of those (and those weren't about security). I'd prefer having them combined.
Re: Review: Beat Sketcher (PlayStation Network)
I was impressed enough with the what was on the demo disc that I was looking forward to buying this title and did so day one. Haven't put a lot of time into it yet, but it's about what I'd hoped for and I'm very pleased. I'm quite a bad artist, but I do like this game. I think when my baby is a little older, she'll like drawing with it too!
Re: Review: Auditorium HD (PlayStation Network)
Just want to add my two cents and say this game is a unique and challenging experience. At times you'll be really close to solving the puzzle but never know it. And yet, it's not frustrating in that way. It's just enjoyable. Moreover, using Move is far better than the controller. The other works fine, but Move is really much easier and more intuitive, I feel.
Re: Sony Europe Chief: Content, Not Marketing, Creates Success
Well, the Move controllers seem to be selling now as fast as they can make them with little marketing, and frankly, little quality content, IMO.
I think his point is valid for the long run. I feel quite certain I'll be using my Move for as long as I own my PS3. That's why I'm trying to get my hands on a second one, currently with no success. But I wonder how true that will be for Kinect. It comes down to content. I'm not knocking Kinect's technology. It's pretty cool what hackers are doing with the thing. But unless they add controller support, I really think there's only so much one can do without buttons. And I'm happy I can sit down comfortably and play Tumble or Beat Sketcher or Auditorium with my Move. I don't always want to stand.
My point is that I think the Move will have the content I and others want because it's an added feature to core games. But how many will pick up a Move when they can already use their Dualshock 3? Some good Move exclusives will go far in moving (no pun intended) units off the shelves and into homes.
Re: Insomniac Still Undecided on Move Support for Resistance 3
I agree with both slapshot82 & SilentJ. Everyone with a Move also has a controller, let us decide. And this game even more than the other shooters mentioned would seemingly be a great fit for the Move. That said, I would prefer if a game is designed from the start to utilize the Move integrally, though not necessarily exclusively
Re: Fire Up the PS3 Browser for a New, Move-Enabled Experience
I just checked and didn't see any changes to the Hong Kong site. Is this just a part of the EU's site? Does the U.S. have this?
Is there a way to change the homepage in the PS3's browser? Actually, never mind, I never use it anyhow, so my questions are more thinking aloud and rhetorical than needing answers.
But I did get a firmware update, and it seems like I've gotten about 6 in the last 6 months or so. IMO, that's just too much.
Re: PlayStation Move Shortage Draws Anger in New Zealand
I wonder how many Moves NZ gets. I mean, there are only like 4 million there. How many Moves could they possibly need?
But I'm having my own troubles finding one, so, yeah, they seem to be selling well with quantities in short supply everywhere at the moment.