EyeToy: Play Sports

Daniella gets her head bashed in a fun look at the newest EyeToy title from SCEE.
Version
 PS2		Developer
London Studio		Publisher
SCEE		Genre
Action



By Daniella Lucas

EyeToy: Play Sports is the latest addition to the EyeToy family from Sony's London Studio. Sporting over 101 playable minigames, from sumo wrestling to substitute teaching (that's a sport now, apparently), EyeToy: Play Sports is definitely bringing a lot more to the table than is predecessors, but does it measure up?

The latest EyeToy endeavour comes out at a time when the whole gaming industry seems to be harping on about innovative new ways to control games, so it's nice to see that Sony hasn't forgotten that. But for such an original piece of hardware, the latest games that accompany it haven't showed us anything really new, as is the fate of EyeToy: Play Sports.

"Where this game really makes its mark is in its multi play possibilities."

The noticeable difference is that there are now two modes of play: 'Par-on-Par' and 'Tag In, Tag Out' instead of just picking out the specific game you want to play as in previous titles. Par-on-Par revolves around a gold match of sorts, where you can either make a long shot or short shot, and to make it you must successfully complete a randomly selected minigame. Taking the least amount of shots to get to the hole is the aim of this unoriginal mode. Tag In, Tag Out is equally unremarkable; set in a boxing ring the aim is to be the first to complete three minigame rounds successfully and be crowned champion.

If you're as socially inept as, let's say, the disgraceful videogame UK BATFA programme initmated recently, this game will definitely not be one for you, as playing solo is not what this game is designed for. The first few minigames smack you hard in the face, and by the time you figure out just what it is you're supposed to be doing the game is already over. It takes about five tries until you finally get into the swing of things and manage to get your body moves to make what you're doing on the screen go in the direction you want it to.

"By the time you figure out what you're supposed to be doing it's over."

Where this game really makes its mark is in its multiplayer possibilities. Up to 8 players can play, with 4 people battling it out on the screen at once. Although this can prove to be quite hazardous as I found out when leaning from side to side to move a truck and head butting my younger sister in the process, she has a thicker skull so I was the one that came out worse for wear.

I still have a slight bump on my head. She managed to overtake me in a rather heated sack race, and beat me up in a boxing match leaving me feeling rather red in the face. I've demanded a rematch though, and I've practiced looking like a loon so I'm sure to beat her next time...

The minigames themselves are pretty fun; my favourite so far being the weightlifting, as I seem to be pretty good at that - but they all seem pretty similar to games featured in previous EyeToy Play titles, so there's not much new to call home about.

Overall, this game is fairly average, but certainly still worth investigation thanks to a healthy dose of multiplayer madness that's admirable for its inventive ideas and concepts, while not taking itself too seriously and thus getting the right balance for a good old laugh.

Struggling to visualise how EyeToy: Play Sports works? Have a look at the video below for an idea...











Graphics Sound Gameplay Depth Presentation OVERALL
6.0 7.0 6.5 4.0 7.0 6.5


THE VERDICT: Perfect for winter nights where you'd rather stay in then brave the cold - just invite some friends over, and prepare to make a fool out of yourself...

















Video Coverage
(See Latest Videos & Video FAQ Here)
PLEASE DO NOT DIRECT LINK TO ANY MEDIA FILE ON KIKIZO
DescriptionDur.SizeDetails
EyeToy: Play Sports
Direct feed trailer		 01:09 18MB DF, SD, 16:9
640x360p30
2.3Mbps