EyeToy? Do Not Even Think of Purchasing Unless....

Author's Rating:

Pros: Wonderful technology, easy to use, kids must have it, lots of different games

Cons: Games can be limited when playing alone

The Bottom Line: 
A wonderful adaption for your PlayStation that will keep the kids (and adults) occupied for hours on end.

Author's Review
Remember a decade ago when we were all assured that "virtual reality" was the wave of the future? It never really happened, did it? Sure, there are some arenas where virtual reality is a huge plus- flight simulators come to mind- but for the most part the virtual reality world never really happened. The EyeToy has changed all this.

Are you a video game fanatic or do you just enjoy playing the occasional game? Ya know what, it does not matter. You will find that the EyeToy makes the experience much more enjoyable. Suddenly, you have virtual reality. Why? Well, you can put yourself into the game as a character in the actual game.

So what is EyeToy? Well, it is a "device" and a software program that essentially makes the player the star of the game. One way to think of it is like this: You are playing a game and you, yes you and your image, are suddenly trying to escape the bad guys, rather than some silly looking guy who looks the same on every single game in production.

The EyeToy involves a webcam and a number of discs that allow you to become the player. The webcam plugs into your Playstation machine and the discs can be inserted into your computer just like any other. At that point the webcam and the disc work to superimpose your actions to the screen in order to literally "insert" you into the game as a player. The game is controlled by moving your body in the manner that you would within the parameters of the game. In other words, if you are in a boxing match, you would punch as just like you would if you were in a fight.

Understanding and picking up the way EyeToy works is fairly simple. I learned in a matter of minutes while playing for the first time ata friend's house. We did not play all of the games- the disc contains 12 games- but my guess is that if you know how to play a few and get the motions down, you will be able to play all the games.

Which brings me to the negative that I have found with the EyeToy. Quite simply the games are not the ones we have grown to love and to expect bigger and better things from everytime there is a new edition. The 12 games provide a good deal of variety, but they are not likely to be the games that your kids want. Some of the games include Kung Fu, Boxing, Soccer, and Beat Freak. While I am not a huge game player, I know that these games do not compare to the Madden 2004 or the PGA Tiger Wood's games.

The games are fun enough when playing alone, but I think you would find that after awhile you will get bored with them. Why? Well, despite the high tech approach to the EyeToy, the games will remind you of the games of a decade ago. No they are not not that technologically poor, but they are simply not as graphically superior as the games of the last few years. I think the games are best played when in a group. In other words, you can play the boxing game and beat on one of your friends. Playing this way is wonderful and will keep you from getting bored quickly. However, my gut feeling is that EyeToy will eventually develop a way for the better games to work and then you can see yourself at QB for the Cowboys and avoiding the oncoming rush of your friend who plays for the Eagles. Now that would be cool.

So you know what it is and how it works, but how about a few things that I have learned that may not be as obvious? For instance, the area between the camera and the participants needs to be clear of any debris in order for the EyeToy to work properly. You are also best off with a solid color wall as a background. The EyeToy seems to struggle to pick up your motions when there is a background that is busy. You can also move the camera around in order to find out which position makes for the best result. Another tip is that is best to watch the person playing the games if you are in an audience, rather than the screen. The images will crack you up as you watch your friends trying to shadow box with someone else or attempting to dodge Kung Fu kicks. Heck, you can even watch your friends play a game called Window Cleaner. The game involves cleaning the window (Screen) and you will be surprised at how silly and difficult this silly game really is.

I spent a rainy afternoon playing the EyeToy games with a friend who purchased the "gadget" as soon as it became available and I must say that I had a ton of fun. I got a decent workout from the constant moving around, a few good laughs as we watched ourselves play the games, and a new appreciation for how amazing technology has become.

Would I purchase the EyeToy for myself? Yes, if I had kids. Otherwise, no. I think any kid who enjoys video games would love the EyeToy and they will also get more of a workout (Exercise that the health officials seem to think all the kids are missing) than they do with any other video game. I am also sure that the games would provide a great deal of after school fun and would be perfect for a birthday party. I would pass on the EyeToy for myself for the simple reason that I do not play a ton of video games and do not have enough times where I would use it. Hey, it is great, but I just would not use it that much. Of course it does not cost that much either and that would be the temptation that will be tough to pass up. The bottom line is that if you have kids, the EyeToy is a must have.