We Support an R18+ game Classification

With the Playstation Move launch date less than two months away, that rhythmic pitter-patter in my chest feels strangely familiar. Four years ago, the same rhythmic reminder greeted me shortly after the Wii launch, a constant reminder –turned obsession – that resulted in a frantic search to fulfill an urge for motion sensitive gaming bliss.

After three weeks’ time, I finally got my hands on one of those beloved consoles, and played the living hell out of Wii Sports. My spouse, it turns out, is a ridiculously patient women when it comes to Wii Tennis and Baseball.

Several months in and a half dozen purchased Wii titles later, I was convinced that beloved white box wasn’t the friendly chap who once walked me through creating endless Michael Jackson and Chewbacca-inspired Mii’s. Sure, Rayman Raving Rabbids was a natural party gaming (accompanied by lots of bourbon) fit. Super Paper Mario was extraordinarily clever and occasionally laugh out loud funny.

Still, as Wii peripherals (extra controllers, nunchuks, gun/crossbow add-ons, charge stations, Guitar Hero axes, etc.) continued to grow in number, unfortunately the enjoyment factor didn’t increase in tandem. There was nothing flat-out ‘wrong’ with this console, per se. Ditto the motion sensitive ‘hip’ factor which – while flawed – didn’t wholly disappoint.

Wandering through local game stores, pangs of envy accompanied the sight of top-notch sport and/or action/adventure titles for the 360 and PS3. When NHL 08 emerged on the scene, the Wii went on eBay. I broke even in this transaction, rolling over all returned funds into a backwards compatible 80GB PS3.

Years later, no regrets. The PS3 does everything it promised and more. Moreover, brief gaming sessions on the Wii confirm it an excellent ‘second’ system, a wonderful party outlet but no prime time gaming solution. Also - and while the Balance Board and accompanying exercise titles are intriguing, - visions of even more Wii peripherals cluttered across my living room bring a quick end to that fantasy. Besides, I actually like the gym and its non-white plastic, workout equipment.

With the Move around the corner, I again meet my true love in motion sensitive gaming. Now married to a higher end console, the ceiling seems more substantial in the PS3 (and ultimately 360, Kinect) iteration. Early video, however, does nothing to remedy déjà vu sensations of disappointment in waiting. The Move controllers –akin to their Wii counterparts – are not cheap. Launch titles themselves are ridiculously expensive (RRP) for what appear tech demos (i.e. original Red Steel) versus substantial gaming experience.

To elaborate and in dollars and cents, a Move controller, accompanying navigation controller add-on, Playstation Eye, and finally a Move-centric game equates to  $210AUS.  A lot of coin for an entry ticket…but not much different than estimated costs for mirror Kinetic and/or Wii configurations.

For all the posturing above, addiction will no doubt trump pragmatism in my ordering a Move solution set.

Playstation Move and/or 360 Kinetic: Will you be taking the plunge? Does owning a Wii affect this decision?