EyeToy: Kinetic for PS2: Video Game Review

EyeToy: Kinetic is a PS2 exercise program/game that uses the EyeToy to sense the player's movement. It has four "fitness zones," as it calls them, which each test a different area of fitness: cardio, combat, toning, and mind and body. Each zone has several games that encourage you to move your body in a certain way. I first played EyeToy Kinetic about three years ago in 2005 when it first came out. I was very pleased with the overall game. I wasn't sure how to classify it for this review. I chose simulation because the game simulates targets for you to hit, avoid, follow, or touch depending on the game. This program also includes non-game elements where no screen interaction is used in the toning fitness zone. It utilizes a scoring system to motivate you to compete against yourself so you will do your best.

Graphics and Audio: The graphics were good, although not great. I definitely wasn't blown away. I have played it on a large television (61") so that may be where my criticism of the graphics is coming from. As you play the games the EyeToy projects your image on the screen. While playing cardio, combat, and mind and body games your image is projected on the screen so the graphics are you and the room you're in. In the remaining zone, toning as well as the warm ups and cool downs, you are also accompanied by two views of a 3D model (you have the choice of either Matt or Anna) doing the exercises the way you should. I could visibly see pixels and hard lines on the models and the background they were against. That being said, I must add that graphics are not paramount in this game. You'll probably be more focused on checking your form against theirs and not how real they look. I was pleased with the graphics of the virtual objects you interact with. Their change is very satisfying when you come in contact with them. They audio was good as well. The voices of Matt and Anna were always crisp and clear. There was a nice selection of music to exercise to as well. It isn't extensive, though, and could get boring. A nice feature they added is the ability to turn the music and helpful commentary off while a game is in progress. That gives the player the chance to play their own music.

Gameplay: I give high marks to the gameplay of this program. The presence of several different games in each fitness zone keeps the player from becoming bored. The scoring system spurs you to push to compete with your last scores. Although, getting the playing conditions to be just right may be difficult, though. This is very important. If the correct conditions are not present the games become quite frustrating. If the back of the room is too similar to the color of your hands or feet then the EyeToy will not "see" them. When that happens you can't hit the targets you need to and therefore do not get the opportunity to gain points. The room must be bright enough for the EyeToy to be able to detect you, but not too bright to wash you out. The light must also be completely stationary. When anything, including light, moves the system counts that as an object and will trigger any virtual object it comes in contact with. Another thing that must be correct is the EyeToy camera position. It must be stable enough not to move while you are playing. It must also be almost directly in front of you. In the center of the top or bottom of the television are the best spots. Once these conditions are satisfied the game works beautify.

Creativity: I found EyeToy Kinetic to be very creative. I've never seen a game or work out program like this before Kinetic came out. The novelty of interacting with virtual objects on screen never seems to wear off. Sometimes people see me playing/working out and can't stop watching. They see me on screen doing something they've never seen anyone do before and want to play too. It's that kind of excitement over the game that really shows how creative the developers are. There is one game that I find particularly creative. It's in the mind and body zone and it's called "energyflow." A gently winding trail appears on screen and your goal is to guide a disc along that trail with both hands. It's almost Tai chi like. Although the games are creative, I think the most creative element of the program are the controls. The player uses their body to navigate through menus and select preferences. The option to use the controller is always available in case the EyeToy or room is not set up properly.

Fun: This work out program and the games in it are very fun. The cardio games are rhythmic and exciting while the combat games make you feel powerful and energized. A game that I find especially fun is the combat zone's "protector." You must keep small flying objects away from a large floating object by punching or kicking them away. It's goal-oriented fun that's starts out slow and lets you build up to faster levels. A testament to how fun this game is, is how long I've been playing. It's been three years and I still play it. The variety of games keeps the work out fresh, as does the music options (the option of two tracks or no music at all) for each game.

EyeToy: Kinetic has fairly good graphics, great gameplay, is quite creative, and very fun. This is only be completely true if you can get the lighting and camera conditions just right. It can turn from fun to frustrating in a heartbeat if they aren't so it's worth it to make proper adjustments before starting. I personally think the inovation of it's developers makes it the first of its kind. It definitely scored high marks in all categories (with minor exceptions) with me.