PlayStation 2 Eye Toy

by Sony

Product Features

• Includes An Unique USB Camera
• USB Camera Includes A Microphone
• 12 Wacky Party Games To Play
• For 1 To 4 Players

Product Details

• Shipping: Currently, item can be shipped only within the U.S. and to APO/FPO addresses. For APO/FPO shipments, please check with the manufacturer regarding warranty and support issues.
• ASIN: B00009YEK0
• Product Dimensions: 7.8 x 5.5 x 2.8 inches ; 4.6 ounces
• Media: Video Game
• Release Date: November 4, 2003
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (159 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #16,453 in Video Games (See Top 100 in Video Games)
• Discontinued by manufacturer: Yes

Product Description

Amazon.com Review

Video game makers have been experimenting with live-action video in games since the early 1980s but EyeToy (a digital camera for PlayStation2) marks the first time it's been done right. The device magically superimposes video-game graphics onto a player's image and translates his or her movements into controlling elements of the game. It is the best improvement of video game controls since the joystick.

The EyeToy camera plugs into your PS2

EyeToy has two components: a digital camera that plugs into one of the USB ports in the front of the PS2 and a disc of party games. In the EyeToy games--there are 12 on the disc, but some of them are little more than variations on the same theme--your image is at the center of the action. The game is totally controlled by moving your body in front of the camera. For example, in one game where the object is to beat back invading hordes of kung-fu fighters who come at you from the four corners of the screen, you must move your hands (or elbows, head, hips, whatever) to connect with the fighters onscreen and slap them away. Unlike most contemporary video games, EyeToy is so intuitive that most users will be able to play in a matter of seconds--even toddlers and senior citizens. Watching someone play EyeToy is fun: onscreen, the games are like the fanciful mix of live action and animation á la Who Framed Roger Rabbit, and off-screen, the player's movements are almost as goofy as those playing Dance Dance Revolution.

EyeToy is best enjoyed by groups

Setting up EyeToy is simple--just plug in the camera and drop in the disc--but fine-tuning it for your game environment takes a little effort. First, you'll need to have adequate, well-balanced lighting. We found that a bare 60-watt light bulb positioned behind the EyeToy camera worked pretty well. Next, you should clear away as many objects as possible between you and the EyeToy camera. Not only can extra objects impede the camera's function, they can present hazard when playing the game. A uniform background helps, too; we found that a light-colored wall worked better than a dark background. Before you drag the couch out on the lawn and pull pictures off the wall, try out the camera in different positions to see if you can find something that works without redecorating. The recommended placement of your EyeToy camera is right on top of your TV, but if your PS2 is situated farther than the 72-inch attached camera cord, you will have to get creative. We tried pointing the camera up at us from a coffee table and it worked fine.

The EyeToy games, while fun, are too simple to keep solo gamers interested for long periods of time. EyeToy is best as a party game played with groups of friends, or as a way to show off your PS2. And as a peripheral for future games EyeToy holds a lot of promise. Let's hope that Tony Hawk and John Madden find a use for this little camera. --Porter B. Hall

Pros:

• Totally unique approach to video game design
• Great for groups
• So intuitive that anyone will be able to play it immediately

Cons:

• Only the pathologically vain will find lasting fun in this as a solo game

Product Description

BE THE STAR OF THE GAME, GET YOUR FRIENDS OFF THE COUCH AND START MOVING YOUR BODY. WITH EYE TOY YOUR BODY MOVEMENTS CONTROLS THE ACTION AND YOU BECOME THE STAR

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

198 of 206 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars silly, quirky and a heck of a lot of fun, November 6, 2003

By 

M. Turner "PhoenixFireDesigns . com" (Sunshine State - FL, USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: PlayStation 2 Eye Toy (Video Game)

My friend brought this item over yesterday and we spent HOURS playing the various games, multiplayer modes and playroom features. I'm 26 and he's 32 so right off the bat, you know it truly is fun for all ages.

First off, there really is no controler needed. Nada. Don't even bother plugging it in. Everything is handled on-screen via buttons you control by "touching" them.

Secondly, make sure you have a good light. We found that an overhead ceiling fan light worked better then a standing lamp.

Then, load up a game and be silly. Really, it's as easy as that.

The games are a good mix. The collective favorites were "Kung Foo" (where you have to bash the ninjas and evil monkies who are bent on your destruction. A GREAT way to be silly, make goofy kung-foo moves and kick their butts. Very satisfying.), the fireworks one (wow...pretty...and what a neat feeling of actually interfacing and controling something. it feels like half conducting something and half computer interface a la "minority report") and the window washer (here's a trick: jump up and down to use your body to help wash the windows!) where, as someone else said, you really DO work up a sweat. (It's the longest two minutes of your life!)

All the games though are fun and pretty diverse, though not all of the twelve are quite as replayable or enjoyable, it's a well-rounded collection.

This product and it's mini-games are like a cross between DDR and Para-Para. ;) It will definately appeal to those who enjoy that type of game and makes and EXCELLENT party game. (Especially when you get a new high score and you get your pic taken for your victory pose)

Some of the other things are neat too. You can record video clips and save them on the memory card (full motion complete with sound, although the built-in mic is pretty crappy). You can also just have the camera on with your choice of special effect for the times you want to just goof off but not actually play anything.

Kids will love it and you can even get your mom to join in. It's really utterly simple and there's no actual skill required. Just be careful you don't end up playing so long you're arms get sore the next day like we did!

38 of 39 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars brilliant, September 14, 2003

By A Customer

This review is from: PlayStation 2 Eye Toy (Video Game)

although i can see nobody in america has heard of this yet you can be assured you will soon as it is the most fun you can have with a PS2, especially if you have mates round. Its even been number 1 in the UK for weeks already, outseling pokemon. The eyetoy is a camera which sits on your tv showing you on the screen. you then have to move around doing certain things eg kung foo, hitting men that appear or wiping the whole screen in a window cleaning game. although it may not sound that great when you experiance it it really is well funny. a little tip is to watch the person playing, not the screen. it makes it all the more enjoyable. Get It!

137 of 154 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars THIS IS COOL! You Must have this technology!, October 20, 2003

By 

Theresa L. Lane "EnglishUnicorn" (Winchester, MA, USA and Swindon, Wiltshire UK) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: PlayStation 2 Eye Toy (Video Game)

WHAT A GREAT INVENTION!
I bought this for my house in the UK before it was released anywhere and I must say that it is one of the coolest inventions. Great for exercise, fun, and laughs!
Comes with a dozen ace games. Kung Fu is the best. Cleaning Windows will make you sweat, and you'll dance to the beat with the dancing games. Great for Kids and Big Kids (i am 26) This is a great technology and with games like Police 24/7 for EYE TOY for PS2 it is unstopable!
I am looking forward to the US release next month!

Buy this! It is so worth it! Must have!