EyeToy: Play 2

The fans are going fast and furious and even so, the game has produced a sweat. It’s not just the swatting, or the arcing swings of the arms, or the grabbing, but it is the body language that comes into play as you move around. It is a controller gone wacky, and in the case of EyeToy Play 2, you are the controller.

The SCEA title is the latest to offer a host of games in which players hook up the EyeToy camera to their PlayStation 2 systems, and then get crazy trying to accomplish a series of tasks by using body movement.

The idea is simple; the execution is challenging. Many of the 12 single-player games have the challenge ramping up as you move through. Much of this is arcade-like in that you are looking for a high score, which is captured (along with your posed image) on the memory card.

Perhaps, for the uninitiated, a simple explanation is in order. The EyeToy is a camera that hooks up to the PS2. You then use the outline the game brings up to position yourself within the visual range of the camera. The games start and you are the controller, using your arms and hands (for the most part) to full advantage within the games. Take Homerun, for example – you get 10 pitches and slap at them, and if the timing is right, you will knock them out of the park. But you can also hit singles and have to work your arms to propel the baserunner around the bases.

Can you say simple cardiovascular exercise?

The disk features 12 single-player games: Air Guitar, Homerun, Knockout (boxing), Bubblepop (pop matching bubbles before you are overwhelmed), DIY (sort of a handyman-fixit game with tree shredders and chainsaws and drills, oh my!), Drummin’, Goalattack (soccer and you play the part of a goaltender trying to stop penalty kicks), Table Tennis, Secret Agent (accomplish a series of tasks, but do not get caught moving when the searchlights hit you), Kung2, Mr. Chef (fill orders at a diner as quickly as possible and take on the master chef in a series of challenges), and Monkey Bars.

There are also some multiplayer games – Bomb Dodge, Weightlifting, Chopper Landing, Building Crush, Runnin’, and Sunflower (wave over rain clouds to water your plant).

While the games themselves are rather simplistic, both in terms of the gameplay and graphics, these still manage to be a lot of fun. Even camera shy people, once encouragement takes over, will be laughing and yelling for their “turn” in the spotlight. The sound is also kept simple, no intense tunes or voice acting to note. What carries this program is the way it weaves interactive entertainment together for a terrific time.

Yes, you will be sweating, but you will also be laughing. And that makes this a terrific little program. If you have an EyeToy, this is a must-have title. If you don’t have an EyeToy, Play 2 is one big reason to have one.

Skeptics are rapidly turned into believers thanks to this little device and game set. Just remember to keep refreshments on hand, and give the players a lot of space to flail about – they will need both.

Gameplay:  8.0
There are load times, but once you get into a game, you may be wishing for a break in the action simply because the games will keep you moving and wear you down.

Graphics: 7.5
Not the most intense you have ever seen, the graphical elements and animation are colorful and bright, and will keep you engrossed in the game. Sometimes the controllers look a little odd, but that is not the fault of the game itself.

Sound: 7.0
Nothing to get all worked up about, but still a nice addendum to the style of the graphics.

Difficulty: Easy/Medium
The difficulty levels ramp up in some games and you will always be working for better scores anyway.

Concept: 8.0  
This is a great and diverse collection of games, offering something for just about anyone.

Multiplayer: 8.0
It can get a little crowded with several people trying to move and accomplish tasks, but that is part of the fun.

Overall: 8.0
Being one of those people who shy away from cameras and such, Play 2 still managed to get its hooks in. This is somewhat addictive and highly entertaining. Playing alone is a cardio workout, of sorts; playing with others can turn into a laugh-fest. This is a very nice package of games.