Playstation Move's "Sports Champions" Vs. Nintendo Wii's "Sports"

It doesn't take too many hours of playing Playstation Move's "Sports Champions" to figure out that it's more highly advanced than Nintendo Wii's "Sports" installments, including the regular sports game and Wii "Sports Resort."

However, just because the game is more complex doesn't mean it's more fun, as I found out upon a test run of "Sports Champions."

Is the game fun? Sure.

Is it better than the Wii sports installments? Not exactly.

On the one hand, "Sports Champions" is highly innovative in its graphics and its gameplay. Instead of waving a remote at the receiver and hitting whatever object comes on-screen, as players do on the Wii, gamers must use their entire bodies to swing, hit, throw or launch sports objects.

On the other hand, this "feature" of "Sports Champions" can get a little frustrating until you really get the hang of it - and by that time, you've probably lost interest.

For instance, while playing table tennis, I found it nearly impossible to tilt the paddle and hit the ball on a diagonal, where the other character was standing. Also frustrating was the fact that my onscreen "opponent" seemed completely disinterested until the ball hit her. Then she started paying attention and hit the ball back to me.

However, I do tend to think the Wii sports games are a touch on the weak side. Aside from getting tendinitis in my elbow from swinging the remote back and forth, I never have to put forth much effort for Wii games otherwise. This makes Playstation Move's "Sports Champions" a more attractive option.

Players might also not feel as dorky while playing "Sports Champions" as they might during Wii "Sports." Why? Well, I don't believe I'm the only one who thinks the Mii's looks a little... well, corny. And while the "Sports Champions" players are certainly optimized for total coolness, almost to the point of irritation, at least it beats all-out dork.

The scenery in "Sports Champions" is also more realistic. Sword fighting duels send you back to Medieval times with authentic armor and castle landscapes while gladiator duels take place in the Roman Coliseum. Each game is designed with ambience in mind, which makes it a very enjoyable game to watch and play.

So, if you're looking for a gaming challenge, the Playstation Move's "Sports Champions" is definitely the route to take. But if you're purchasing a game for younger children, I would recommend sticking to Wii sports games such as "Sports Resort."