Sports Champions is the game that will come with the PlayStation Move when you buy it. It contains six different games: Disc Golf, Swordplay, Archery, Beach Volleyball, Bocce Ball and Table Tennis.
All these games can be played with one Move “wand,” but there are three games (Archery, Swordfighting and Beach Volleyball) which can played using two controllers.
And while all games can be played with two-players, Disc Golf and Bocce are also four-player turned base game.
The overall look, feel and design of Sports Champions seems geared towards teens, and even young adults. And while games like disc golf and table tennis can be enjoyed by all ages, the inclusion of swordfighting seems to indicate that Sony is definitely aiming towards an older market with the PlayStation Move.
Since this is the game that will come with the Move, you don’t necessarily have a lot of choice on whether or not to buy it if you decide to get a Move. But families should definitely be aware that although there may be something for everyone in the family in Sports Champions, not every game here is appropriate for all ages.
One of our favorite mini-games is Table Tennis. We found that this title to do a nice job of recreating the feel of playing table tennis, though you can experience a few problems hitting some balls back to your opponent.
Archery is a pretty solid choice and a fan favorite in demonstrating what the MOVE can do as far as motion controlling. The ability to hold a bow steady with one hand and fire an arrow a la Robin Hood is a cool thing to behold. However this game is best played with two PlayStation MOVE controllers that way one controller acts as you holding the bow, while the other controller will be the arrow as you pull it back to shoot. The game doesn’t just consist of you shooting a bullseye but has other mini-games with in it like the tic-tac-toe board game.
Another game that benefits from having two MOVE controllers is gladiator duel. One of the MOVE controllers acts as your shield and the other one is your sword. You slash with one hand while you defend with another. This is a more natural way of playing this game, then playing with one MOVE controller which is possible.
Bocce ball and disc golf are both fairly straightforward adaptions. Although fun, they actions did become quickly repetitive.
The last game in Sports Champions is volleyball; we think this game can make you more active than some of the other ones. This is also another game that can be played with either one or 2 MOVE controllers. And like the other games, the experience is greater when you use 2 MOVE controllers over the one as you get a better sense of playing a real game of volleyball. The ability to spike the ball, set and do all the other motion that you would in a volleyball game can be done here.
You may not feel like a champion after tackling this game, but you will have a greater respect for what the MOVE can and will do as well as how to use it.
**Many thanks to GamingEvolution.info, one of our partners, for their help in compiling information for this Report Card. To read their full impressions please visit http://gamingevolution.info/?id=11351.**
INFORMATION FROM COMPANY FACT SHEET
Reign supreme as the leading sports champion as you defeat the competition in this ultimate sports showdown. Sports Champions introduces players to six sports challenges that leverage the PlayStation®Move’s precise gameplay and 1-to-1 control. So whether you’re tossing a disc toward a target, spiking a ball, or perfecting your serve, Sports Champions precisely simulates your exact movement, delivering a realistic and ultra-sensory experience. Casual gamers will enjoy Sports Champions’ intuitive pick-up and play gameplay, while core gamers will find the game’s precision and accuracy challenging as they strive to perfect their athletic techniques and take home the win.
KEY FEATURES:
• Choose from 10 athletes from around the world to compete in six rich sporting activities - Disc Golf, Gladiator Duel, Beach Volleyball, Archery, Table Tennis and Bocce.
• Experience three gameplay modes – Free Play, Challenge Mode, and the Champions Cup career mode.
• Reign supreme on worldwide online leaderboards and become the ultimate sports champion among your PlayStation®Network friends.
• Progress your way through the Champions Cup mode to unlock characters, outfits, equipment, and additional extras.
• Capture photos of your winning moments with the PlaySation®Eye and upload them to your Facebook page.
• Enjoy all six sporting events with a single PlayStation Move motion-control, or use an optional second controller for activities like Archery, Gladiator Duel or Beach Vollyball.
• Sports Champions supports 1-4 players through intuitive, pass-and-play gameplay or head-to-head challenges.