PlayStation 2 Eye Toy

The EyeToy camera plugs into your PS2

EyeToy has two components: a digital camera that plugs into one of the USB ports in the front of the PS2 and a disc of party games. In the EyeToy games--there are 12 on the disc, but some of them are little more than variations on the same theme--your image is at the center of the action. The game is totally controlled by moving your body in front of the camera. For example, in one game where the object is to beat back invading hordes of kung-fu fighters who come at you from the four corners of the screen, you must move your hands (or elbows, head, hips, whatever) to connect with the fighters onscreen and slap them away. Unlike most contemporary video games, EyeToy is so intuitive that most users will be able to play in a matter of seconds--even toddlers and senior citizens. Watching someone play EyeToy is fun: onscreen, the games are like the fanciful mix of live action and animation á la Who Framed Roger Rabbit, and off-screen, the player's movements are almost as goofy as those playing Dance Dance Revolution.

EyeToy is best enjoyed by groups

Setting up EyeToy is simple--just plug in the camera and drop in the disc--but fine-tuning it for your game environment takes a little effort. First, you'll need to have adequate, well-balanced lighting. We found that a bare 60-watt light bulb positioned behind the EyeToy camera worked pretty well. Next, you should clear away as many objects as possible between you and the EyeToy camera. Not only can extra objects impede the camera's function, they can present hazard when playing the game. A uniform background helps, too; we found that a light-colored wall worked better than a dark background. Before you drag the couch out on the lawn and pull pictures off the wall, try out the camera in different positions to see if you can find something that works without redecorating. The recommended placement of your EyeToy camera is right on top of your TV, but if your PS2 is situated farther than the 72-inch attached camera cord, you will have to get creative. We tried pointing the camera up at us from a coffee table and it worked fine.

The EyeToy games, while fun, are too simple to keep solo gamers interested for long periods of time. EyeToy is best as a party game played with groups of friends, or as a way to show off your PS2. And as a peripheral for future games EyeToy holds a lot of promise. Let's hope that Tony Hawk and John Madden find a use for this little camera. --Porter B. Hall

Pros:

• Totally unique approach to video game design
• Great for groups
• So intuitive that anyone will be able to play it immediately

• Only the pathologically vain will find lasting fun in this as a solo game

EyeToy is an entirely unique party gaming experience for people of all ages. Incorporating a unique USB camera that utilizes motion-tracking technology, gamers instantly become the main character in their own game as interactive entertainment is taken to a new level. It is simple, yet captivating, and the consumer friendly gameplay makes EyeToy the ultimate "party game" where children, teenagers, young adults, parents, and even grandparents can join in the fun.

Simply by plugging the EyeToy USB Camera into the USB port on the front of the PlayStation 2, the image of the player is projected on-screen, making them the star of the game. The player must use his/her hands, feet, knees and more to play and win the 12 exciting mini-games included on the EyeToy play disc. Each mini-game requires the player to use his/her body in unique ways, from quick jabs to beat back ninjas in Kung Foo, rhythmical feet tapping in Beat Freak, and even high-knees in Soccer Craze. With EyeToy’s instantly accessible gameplay, the opportunity exists to appeal to a broad range of consumers, regardless of age or gaming frequency.

Additionally, the EyeToy can also be used for video messaging. Users can record up to 60 seconds of personal video messages onto a Memory Card (8MB) for friends and family to review and enjoy. Various backgrounds are available, allowing each message to be specially made for the occasion. A visual indicator will alert others of a saved message.

Key features

• Revolutionary EyeToy USB Camera actually makes the player the "star" of the game.
• Unique motion-tracking technology instantly translates body movement into on-screen interaction!
• The EyeToy gameplay is so intuitive and simple that it appeals to audiences of all ages and experience.
• The EyeToy: play disc has twelve mini-games test players’ hand-to-eye coordination, rhythmic skills and reflexes, all while giving gamers a good workout.
• Simple creation of video messaging allows anyone to leave a personalized message with the push of a button.
• Playroom feature allows you to manipulate the video feed in a variety of ways such as being surrounded by killer bees, standing in a snow storm, de-materializing or twitching spookily - amongst other options.
• Multiplayer modes offer challenge and a chance to laugh with (and at) friends. Watch as players jump madly, flail their arms and legs, and literally do just about everything to beat your score.
• Funky and hip interface and graphical style appeals to all ages.

• Wishi-Washi – Scrub away the dirty windows in a frantic race against the clock.
• Beat Freak – Rhythmically hit the speakers in beat with the music
• Kung Foo – Use your martial arts skills to fight off relentless ninjas.
• Soccer Craze - Bounce the ball off every body part to keep it from landing on the ground.
• Boxing Chump – Enter the boxing ring and take on the maniacal Big Robo Bro.
• UFO Juggler – Don’t let those hovering UFO’s crash and burn.