Is the Sony Playstation Move Worth All the Hype?

After experiencing a test run of the new Sony Playstation Move this weekend, I now know why it hasn't reached the level of hype it originally received right after its launch. The Playstation Move, while similar to the Nintendo Wii in many respects, is just too complicated to offer much fun.

Don't get me wrong - the Playstation Move isn't a bad platform. However, most Playstation gamers are more interested in intense, fast-action gaming. The Playstation Move is too intricate a tool to accommodate that sort of gaming.

Like the Nintendo Wii, the Playstation Move is controlled largely by remote movement rather than toggle movement. But unlike the Wii, the Move is heavily centered around body movement and is thus rather difficult to control decisively. One wrong move with your left foot and your character might fall off-kilter.

Playstation Move setup for each player is a rather lengthy process. The Move features a video camera receiver that projects your image onto the computer screen as it adjusts the controls. You must point the remote in several directions for proper calibration. If you're not standing in just the right position, the screen will prompt you to "move it."

There are some slick features on the Playstation Move, however. The platform itself, unlike the Nintendo Wii games that feature Mii's, accommodates polished graphics, which in my mind makes for a more enjoyable gaming experience.

The Move also seems to take older, more experienced players into account. Instead of using just the remote control movements, entire body movements can make the whole experience much more realistic. For instance, when gamers play sports games, they, too, must posture themselves in proper form to launch and hit objects whereas on the Nintendo Wii, players merely fling the remote toward the receiver and their moves register correctly.

Respawning time on the Playstation Move also leaves something to be desired. Each time I launched a Frisbee in Frisbee golf, it would take me through the whole motion of the missed throw - every tree it crashed into, every bump it made on the ground - you name it. While that's interesting to see the first time, it's unnecessary to wait an extra ten seconds for the scene to close and the character to pick up another Frisbee.

Perhaps a better name for the device is "Playstation Curve," to better represent its learning curve challenges. Is that to say you won't enjoy the Playstation Move? Not necessarily. However, if you're expecting high-octane gaming, you can probably forget about it.

I would probably avoid purchasing this game because I believe it's one I'll tire of quickly. It's a novelty to play at Best Buy or a friend's house, but I wouldn't want to store it for the few times I feel like really testing my coordination.