Video Games | Evolving Consumer

PlayStation Moves One Million Units

The world is moving at a faster and faster pace every day, and some are doing the Move directly in the living rooms. In fact, more than one million might be doing so it seems. This week Sony Computer Entertainment America announced that it has shipped more than one million units of the PlayStation Move in North and Latin America in the first 30 days since its release.

The system is one of the latest innovations in video game development, getting gamers off the couch and being a bit more active. “PlayStation Move is the most recent example of how product innovation continues to provide our customers with new and exciting ways to enjoy our technology,” said Jack Tretton, Chief Executive Officer, Sony Computer Entertainment America LLC.

Currently 24 titles are available for the PlayStation Move, with 15 additional titles slated for release in the upcoming months. The PlayStation Move is now available at retail, as a bundle with PlayStation Eye camera, and PlayStation Move motion controller as well as Sports Champions on Blu-ray and a demo disc add-on for $99.99.

Sony PlayStation Official Site

17 Controller-Free Games to Launch With Microsoft’s Kinect for Xbox 360

Will gamers get off the couch and get fit? That’s certainly the hope with the upcoming release of Microsoft’s Kinect for the Xbox 360. The motion-control system – which sort of makes the hype about “controller-free” seem not quite accurate – is already sold-out in pre-orders.

Despite that fact, Microsoft has now announced the launch of a multiyear advertising campaign, and more importantly revealed the lineup of 17 controller-free games. Of those, the ones that are most notable for the fitness crowd include:

Your Shape: Fitness Evolved (Ubisoft)
Dance Central (MTV Games/Harmonix)
The Biggest Loser Ultimate Workout (THQ)
DanceMasters (Konami)
EA Sports Active 2 (EA Sports), which comes with Total Body Tracking that includes heart rate data
Zumba Fitness (Majesco)

Kinect for Xbox 360 will be available worldwide starting on November 4. It will be released as part of a new Xbox 360 4GB console bundle for $299.99, as well as a standalone unit for $149.99.

For more information:

Microsoft Xbox 360

Shred in the Mall with Tony Hawk

While many shopping malls and other community establishments have banned skateboarding, this fall you’ll be able to grind your way with Tony Hawk during an upcoming tour. The Hawkman won’t be making personal appearances however, but this could be the next best thing as Activision is taking Tony Hawk: Shred on a national mall tour – but totally unlike those old mall tours with Tiffany and Debbie Gibson.

The 10-city Mall Tour kicked off this past weekend, and is giving fans a chance to jump on the game’s unique board controller and experience the thrill of skate and snowboarding. The best part is that no one will chase you away for being possessed to skate.

Upcoming dates include:

Rockaway Town Square, New York, NY – October 23 – 24
Plymouth Meeting Mall, Philadelphia, PA – October 30 – 31
Virginia Center Commons, Washington, DC – November 6 –7
Orland Square, Chicago, IL – November 13 – 14
Mall of Georgia, Atlanta, GA – November 20 – 21
Katy Mills, Houston, Texas – November 27 – 28
Irving Mall, Dallas, Texas – December 4 – 5
Brea Mall, Los Angeles, Calif. – December 11 – 12
Stoneridge Mall, San Francisco, Calif. – December 18 – 19

Shred will be in stores on October 26.

Tony Hawk Shred Official Website

Tee Off With Prostroke Golf for PlayStation Move

Bowling pretty much remains the de facto demo game for the Nintendo Wii. Even after several holiday seasons, bowling is the game that just remains the gold standard for the Wii. And soon golf could do the same for the PlayStation Move, but not just any golf. We’re talking about O-Games newly released John Daly’s ProStroke Golf, which will arrive next week in North America. Continue reading Tee Off With Prostroke Golf for PlayStation Move

Get a Full Body and Brain Workout on Kinect

The recent craze for Soduku puzzles and brain teaser games such as Brian Camp now adds a new component: the body. Namco Bandai is adding a physical element with its upcoming Microsoft Xbox 360 Kinect title Brain and Body Connection. Working with Japanese neuroscientist Dr. Ryuta Kawashima, the party game aims to stimulate both mind and body with topics such as math, logic, reflex, memory and physical-related questions. The game uses Kinect’s full-motion capabilities with its sensor, which picks up on movement for tasks such as creating a bridge with your arms to allow cars and busses to drive over gaps and even change levels.

A lot of these games are either all mind, or mindless. Brain and Body combines the two. While it might not make you sweat, the combination of thought and movement tasks is stimulating. It’s also done in a fun atmosphere so you can enjoy playing it to get some activity in your day, or throw it in to play with a few friends and even add laughter to your workout.

Namco Bandai Games official website

Luv the Racquet on PlayStation 3 and Move

The U.S. Open recently wrapped. The PlayStation Move is just now in stores. So now you can pick up a racket of your own with Racquet Sports for PlayStation Move on the PlayStation 3. Try your swing in five different sports including tennis, ping-pong, badminton, squash and beach tennis.

Players can team up or go head-to-head in multiplayer mode. Of course you’ll need more than one Move if you want to play a tournament with friends. The game has 30 environments inspired by real-world landmarks such as the beaches of Copacabana, the foot of Mt. Fuji, overlooking Dubai’s skyline, and the middle of Ha Long Bay. In these settings you can play one of 11 different athletes, or should we say characters? They each have unique personalities — though don’t expect one to have complete temper tantrums on the court a-la John McEnro.

Five racket courts gives Racquet Sports from Ubisoft added life. It’s more than just tennis, and you can vary the level of seriousness or fun based on the sport and setting. Whatever your game, you will get some exercise running all over your living room to hit the ball.

Racquet Sports official website.

PlayStation Moves to Bowling Lanes

There is just something about bowling and video games. The Nintendo Wii’s success owes no small share of success to the Wii Sports bowling, and clearly other video game developers are taking note. Carve Games clearly was at the head of the class, as it is the first out of the gate to let player knock down the pins with its new Brunswick Pro Bowling, which shipped today for the PlayStation3. It will of course be fully compatible with the PlayStation Move motion controller.

The game allows players to compete in one of six bowling environments – smells not included fortunately – and each lane will have its own unique characteristics. There will be five different gameplay options, including exhibition, league play, tournament and spare challenge, as well as online functionality for players to join teams and compete in multiplayer matches. Who needs to go to the bowling alley anymore it seems if you have this one at whole.

While this one features accurate ball and pin physics for an accurate and fully realistic bowling simulation, there is also a kid-friendly bumper bowling option to prevent gutter balls – something that probably won’t be utilized just by the kids.

“Brunswick Pro Bowling brings to life all the fun and excitement of live action bowling by delivering a high-quality virtual experience that appeals to both casual and hardcore gamers,” said Betsi Gijanto, Executive Vice President, Crave Games. “With the addition of the new motion controller technology, this game brings together bowlers, gamers and families of all ages.”

And since the game has the full licensing of Brunswick, you can expect to see the authentic shirts, shoes, balls and other equipment in the game. It’s the next best thing to go to the lanes, so get your bowling shirt out and get off the couch. It’s time to bowl.

Crave Games: Brunswick Pro Bowling

PlayStation Move(d) to Retail

It is time to get moving, as Sony Computer Entertainment America LLC announced that the PlayStation Move is now available in stores.

“The launch of PlayStation Move is the latest in a long line of innovations over the past 15 years that demonstrate how the PlayStation® brand continues to push the videogame industry forward,” said Jack Tretton, Chief Executive Officer, Sony Computer Entertainment America LLC. “We’ve spent a lot of time perfecting the motion control technology of PlayStation Move, and we are confident this is a benchmark in entertainment innovation that will change the way consumers interact with games.”

We’ll be sure to report on the latest games for the new motion control system and let you know whether or not we’re actually moved.

Sony Computer Entertainment America

Your Shape: Fitness Evolved Partners with Men’s and Women’s Health

You say to yourself you’re going to do those targeted workouts you see in the pages of Men’s Health and Women’s Health magazines… until you turn the page. With Your Shape: Fitness Evolved you’ll choose the workouts from the game, or opt for Men’s Health‘s “The Sleeve-Busting Arms Workout” and “The Ultimate Men’s Health Fat Loss Workout.”

Knowing that men and women workout differently, the game offers a fully different routine for the fairer sex. Women’s Health will provide workouts such as “The Perfect Legs and Butt Workout,” “The Toned Arms and Shoulders Workout,” and “The Skinny Jeans Workout.”

Your Shape: Fitness Evolved publisher Ubisoft has partnered with Rodale to provide these targeted, magazine-prepared workouts on its upcoming title. Expect Your Shape to provide dynamic, interactive, customizable and convenient at-home workouts. The team that brings you workouts in the magazines creates these workouts. Continue reading Your Shape: Fitness Evolved Partners with Men’s and Women’s Health

Skateboard Controller Improved for New Game Says Hawk

There is the timeless question about building a better mousetrap, as most of the time simple is usually the best way. The same can be said when it comes to building a better game controller. The team behind the upcoming Tony Hawk: Shred video game realized this as well, and addressed the numerous flaws with the game’s skateboard shaped controller. The device had been developed for the previous title in the series, Tony Hawk: Ride.

Many of the reviews suggested it was more like Tony Hawk: Crash and Burn, as the skateboard peripheral failed to deliver. But the flaw it seems was the result of the game’s code, not the device itself says the Hawkman. Continue reading Skateboard Controller Improved for New Game Says Hawk

PlayStation to Move on QVC

Want to be among the first to get a PlayStation Move? Tune into QVC on Sunday, September 12 at midnight, again at 10am and at 7pm (all times ET), to take advantage of the QVC “Today’s Special Value” item – which just happens to be the PlayStation Move Launch Bundle.

This special bundle, created just for QVC will include the PS3 Sports Champions Move Bundle including a PS3 and the PlayStation Move (320GB PS3 system with PlayStation Move motion controller, PlayStation Eye Camera, Sports Champions game, PlayStation Move game demo disc); PlayStation Move Power Pack and PlayStation3 Starter Game Bundle. This includes the accessories to enhanced the gameplay, as well as the Blu-ray remote, PS3 system Slim Stand, HDMI cable, 2 silicon skins for the Dualshock 3 controller and even a system bag. Bonus software includes the game Ratchet & Clank Future: Tools of Destruction and the Surf’s Up Blu-ray movie.

The PlayStation Move Bundle will be available for approximately $599.00 as part of QVC’s Today’s Special Value. The PlayStation Move will make its debuts in stores on September 17.

Sony PlayStation Official Site

Mel B Puts on the Weight

Former Spice Girl Me B is packing on the pounds. But not as you would think. While many aging rock/pop stars let themselves go, the once Scary one has become a healthy lifestyle advocate. As we previously reported Mel B is also working with video game accessory manufacturer BLAZE on a line of Fitness First licensed products.

The newest announced product is the Wii Fitness First Wrist and Ankle Weights that will let users get a little more impact on their console-based workout, while still leaving hands free to take control with the Wii-mote. The BLAZE wrist and ankle weights are designed for use with a variety of fitness games. The are made of soft, cushioned fabric, and weight approximately 520 grams, which is considered an ideal weight to add resistance without being too heavy.

The BLAZE Fitness First Mel B Wrist and Ankle Weights will be available in October.

BLAZE Fitness Official Site

Category: Video Games