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#review The most futuristic thing you can do in video games so far this year is to play Start The Party. More »

#playstationmove We have a Move. and a Navigation Controller. The PlayStation 3's new motion controllers pose here, alongside fruit, a PS3 DualShock, an Xbox 360 controller and a Wii Remote and Nunchuk. Comparison videos and lots of button tests included. More »

#review The motion controller wars start now. More »

Four years after the arrival of Wii, Sony's take on motion controlled gaming is finally here. Well, at least it's here at Joystiq, where we got our hands on the final hardware and initial lineup of games a couple of weeks in advance of the peripheral's September 19 North American debut.
I spent several days with Move, from the initial unboxing to putting my thoughts on the hardware together for you in this review. I also played the Move launch games from Sony and one from Ubisoft, which I've reviewed in the companion piece to this article.
PlayStation Move, as you've no doubt read on the site, comes in a variety of configurations. There's the Move controller itself, the Move controller bundled with the required PlayStation Eye camera and Sports Champions and a system bundle that includes the latter plus a PS3 console. There's also the Move's "nunchuk" Navigation Controller, which isn't actually used by any of the Move-specific launch titles (but will be supported by future games and current titles, such as Heavy Rain, via patches).
I received two Move controllers, one Navigation Controller and a PS Eye camera. The Navigation Controller arrived in packaging styled to match other PS3 accessories, such as the DualShock 3. The Move controllers themselves were already unboxed, though it stands to reason that they come in similarly difficult-to-open-without-spilling-blood plastic packaging.
Anyway, enough background -- let's get on with the review.

As a dev team, we’re beyond excited to see the release of R.U.S.E. drawing near — it launches in the U.S. on September 7th, so we’re just about a week away!

R.U.S.E. enables players to use manipulation and trickery against their enemies. In fact, deception is at the very heart of R.U.S.E., and you’ll find that without it you cannot succeed. With R.U.S.E., we aimed to create an RTS that goes beyond the established rules of the genre — we sincerely hope we have succeeded. You will soon be able to judge for yourself, since we are making a demo of R.U.S.E. available on PSN today!

In the demo, players will be able to check out an exclusive mission from the Italy campaign and play as U.S. General Joe Sheridan, leading the U.S. army in a fight against Germany and Italy. The final objective: cut off a German offensive from withdrawing by attacking them from behind. Although the Axis forces are retreating in this mission, players will see that one should be very cautious when attacking a wounded beast… if you need a hint, or don’t mind spoilers, check out the “Divide & Conquer” video above, which outlines one of the numerous strategies you can use to bluff your opponent on the road to victory.

We’re really proud of the game’s compatibility with PlayStation Move. Since the early conception
phase for R.U.S.E., we wanted to create a strategy game plays equally well on PC and consoles, with simple controls and an interface that allows players to focus on the strategy, rather than the UI. Although the game plays like a charm with a standard controller, we couldn’t resist pushing things even further with PlayStation Move support. It is really a matter of matching philosophies: we want our game to play naturally, and PlayStation Move can provide games with this opportunity. So we used all the features of Move — optical, acceleration, and magnetic — to create smooth and natural interactions that allow you to change the view angle and zoom, control units and access the menu.

We hope you will have a great time trying the demo, please visit us at rusegame.com for more information about the game.

#move Should you buy the Playstation Move? What's the best motion game on the Playstation 3? What's the worst? What do you look like playing? Do dogs or cats cause interference? How do I set it up? How much does getting hit with a Move controller hurt? More »

As dark clouds have taken residence over London and the weather resembles a certain interactive drama, I don’t think I’ll be stepping onto a tennis court any time soon. Luckily, I have a PlayStation Move motion controller, a 3D TV and an early demo of Virtua Tennis 4 to tide me over.

I recently spoke to the game’s Executive Producer, Mie Kumagai, and asked why she had chosen to develop a tennis game when she served us the first in the Virtua Tennis series, back in 1999.

“When we first started the series, we wanted to make a casual arcade game that everyone could pick up and enjoy,” she said. “Sport seemed like a good place to start because it appeals to many people that wouldn’t usually play games. That was the start of the series, but we reached a point where we were looking for something new; it’s around this time that we heard about PlayStation Move.”

Virtua Tennis 4 lets you step into the shoes of some of the world’s best tennis pros. Every swing of the racquet can be performed with the PlayStation Move motion controller and you can judge the approach of the ball better than ever, thanks to stereoscopic 3D support. I asked Kumagai for her thoughts on Move and her philosophy behind working with a motion controller.

“I saw PlayStation Move at quite an early stage in its development,” she replied, “and I remember being curious about what Sony [Computer Entertainment] had been working on and excited about the new technology.”

“We have two points of consideration when it comes to the game’s controls. The first is that we want the game to be playable without the user having to press any buttons at all; in other words, you are relying entirely on your own movement.”

“The second consideration is to achieve a good balance between first and third person points of view. If we wan the game to be totally realistic, then first person would be the way to go, but that way you kind of lose the fun of controlling top tennis players like Roger Federer, so we have aimed for the right mixture of the two.”

The demo available to play at gamescom (and my desk) features Roger Federer and Andy Murray. Your character’s left and right movement is automatic but each swing of the racquet must be performed by the player and you can drop back or rush to the net by physically stepping back or forward. There’s a dynamic camera system in place, so when the ball is in the other half of the court, the camera pans out so that you can see your position.

When the ball is coming towards you, it glides seamlessly into a first person viewpoint where you can see your racquet in front of you and time your swing accordingly. You can even twist the racquet to adjust its face when it connects with the ball, allowing skilled players to apply spin. It’s accessible and extremely intuitive, especially when playing in stereoscopic 3D.

“The balance between accessibility and realism in very important when it comes to gameplay, but I think that Virtua Tennis with Move has a really good system, where the gameplay and the controls are in perfect sync. Building the game up from this existing system wasn’t too hard for us,” Kumagai added.

Virtua Tennis 4 will be available on PlayStation 3 in Spring 2011.

#playstationmove Sony has released a new tech demo video for its upcoming motion controller, the PlayStation Move. It's a tech demo, sure, but the clip shows off avatar sculpting and GIANT ROBOT HANDS. More »

We saw a handful of neat non-gaming applications for the PlayStation Move when the peripheral was first announced during E3 2009. Yesterday, Sony released a video showing even more of the Move's capabilities, such as 3D sculpting, branch climbing and ... um, face stretching? Yes, it stretches faces.

Anton Mikhailov has become a rockstar of sorts, headlining a global tour with his favorite instrument — PlayStation Move. Armed with a collection of new tech demos, Mikhailov and our Research & Development group have spent the year demonstrating the technology and precision behind PlayStation Move to developers and the larger gaming community.

With camera and PlayStation Move controllers in hand, Anton and I locked ourselves in a room and captured a new peek at what you can expect to see from titles on the PlayStation Move. You may have seen PlayStation Move tech demo videos before — including the PlayStation.Blog’s three-part tech demo tour from E3 2009. But you’ve never seen them like this!

You’ll notice that Anton was comfortably sitting on a couch when using the PlayStation Move controllers and the PlayStation Eye never reacted negatively to its reflection from our wall of monitors. These aren’t gesture triggering animations, folks, but true 1:1 gameplay.

With Killzone 3, R.U.S.E, Dead Space: Extraction, Tumble, and The Fight: Lights Out already using some of the tools shown in these tech demos, developers — and gamers — will have plenty of high-tech new toys to play with.

#screens If ever a game begged to be controlled by a stick with a glowing ball on the end, it's Firemint's iPhone sensation Flight Control. Take a look at how the HD version for the PlayStation Move is shaping up. More »

Though you've probably already developed your own preconception for how the peripheral will perform, Sony Computer Entertainment senior vice president Ray Maguire recently aired out his expectations for PlayStation Move sales in an interview with Eurogamer. "Am I expecting a massive day one? Not particularly," Maguire explained. "We didn't with EyeToy, either. It went on to be massively successful."

Maguire later added, "exactly as with EyeToy in the PS2 days, it's a product that needs to be sampled. You need to get your hands on it. You need to understand it. You need to try it." We certainly get what Maguire is saying, but for some reason, we doubt people are going to have any trouble wrapping their minds around the whole "one-handed motion-sensing controller with analog stick dongle" concept.

The fact that PS3's Planet Minigolf is getting PlayStation Move support has been known for a while -- now we know the game will be patched for precision putting on September 19, just after Sony's newest peripheral launches. Keep reading for a video of the Move-enabled game in motion.

Siliconera spotted a GameStop listing for a brand new Ape Escape title coming to the PS3 on November 1 of this year. While Sony actually has two Ape Escape (known in Japan as Saru Getchu) titles on tap, Ape Escape 4 is farther away from release than Ape Escape Fury! Fury!, so this listing probably refers to the latter.

Fury! Fury! is a Move-enabled title that has the player trying to catch monkeys from a first person perspective, while controlling all of the series' gadgets using the Move controller. The series has been sliding a bit lately with spin-off sequels, but maybe this game will be able to innovate with the Move controller the same way it did with the dual analog sticks back in the day.

PlayStation takes the fight to an Excel document.

European PS3 owners can look forward to playing No More Heroes in HD, with Move controls, courtesy of Konami. Those of us in North America, so far, can only look forward to importing No More Heroes: Heroes' Paradise, as the publisher hasn't made any announcements regarding the title.

The screens released by Konami today look about how you would expect: No More Heroes, in HD, with little (non-pixelated!) Move controller icons in the UI where Wiimote simulacra once stood. However, it seems that Konami (or developer feelplus) took the initiative to put even more controller icons on screen than were in the Wii original, as seen above. In the original game that was just an arrow -- and we all figured out what it meant.

Next Tuesday, we’ll be bringing PlayStation Move out to the nation’s capital to show to some local and national media outlets. But why should they have all the fun?

We cordially invite you, the PlayStation community in the Washington DC area, to go hands-on with PlayStation Move a month before it starts showing up in stores. We’re going to outfit Current Sushi & Lounge in Dupont Circle with final or near-final versions of Sports Champions, Kung Fu Rider, echochrome ii, Start the Party!, Tumble, and some brand new tech demos showing what the future of motion gaming may look like.

Attendance is, of course, free, and we’ll pick up the tab on hors d’oeuvres and drinks (for those 21 and up). And all attendees will score the much-in-demand PlayStation Move tee.

Here’s what you need to know; be sure to read and then RSVP:

• When: Tuesday, August 24, 6-9pm
• Where: Current Sushi & Lounge, Dupont Circle, Washington DC, USA, Earth
• Who: PlayStation fans 18 and up (must have valid ID). Kids under 18 must be accompanied by a parent/guardian.
• RSVP here.

Our previous Move Meet-ups have been a great time – but they’ve taught us that showing up early is a good idea.

Now, does anyone have a connection to get the President to show up?

Ubisoft today announced the first set of tracks licensed for Michael Jackson: The Experience, the multiplatform dance-n'-sing-along game coming this holiday. Only seven cuts deep, the list was accompanied by the publisher's assurance of "many more" -- eh HEE HEE! -- songs to be revealed:

• "Bad"
• "Beat It"
• "Billie Jean"
• "Earth Song"
• "The Girl Is Mine"
• "Who Is It"
• "Workin' Day And Night"

The Wii Experience is indeed playable for the first time this week at Gamescom, but Ubisoft is focusing its marketing efforts on the company's so-called "proprietary Player Projection" technology -- sham on! -- featured in the Kinect version of the game. As it sounds, and demonstrated in the promo shot above, Player Projection superimposes the player into the game screen via the image captured by the Kinect camera. (It's not be specified whether this common effect will also be featured in the camera-equipped PlayStation Move version of the game.)

If you're hoping to avoid the rather unpleasant experience of falling flat on your face while watching yourself fall flat on your face, then you had best study up on some of MJ's dance tricks. Thankfully, the game will include -- eh hee-hee-hee -- the "Michael Jackson School" mode.

Konami Europe has picked up the rights to No More Heroes: Heroes' Paradise, the Feelplus-developed HD port of No More Heroes -- but seemingly just the PS3 version and not the Xbox 360 release. To make the news even more baffling, Konami is adding PlayStation Move support. That's right, the motion controls that were replaced in the game's transition from Wii to PS3 are back!

Both previous No More Heroes games were published in Europe by Rising Star Games, which was first a subsidiary of -- and then a content partner with -- Japanese publisher Marvelous Interactive. We're following up with Konami's American branch to find out whether Travis Touchdown will appear in HD in North America. The European release is scheduled for 2011.

You won't have to wait until SOCOM 4 to see PlayStation Move owners duke it out with standard DualShock players. During Sony's Gamescom press conference, Zipper showed off an enhanced version of MAG which adds support for Sony's motion controller. Hopefully, someone will coordinate a 64v64 battle of the controllers to see exactly which control scheme reigns supreme, once this update goes live.

In addition to MAG, another surprise announcement during the conference was Virtua Tennis 4. Sega's tennis franchise will be back next year to explore the sorely-underrepresented motion-controlled tennis genre. In addition to Move support, this entry will support 3D, as well. Check out a press release after the break.

The third announcement of a 160GB PS3 is the most meaningful one yet, because this time it's officially from Sony. The company announced the new hardware configuration at its Gamescom presentation, along with a new 320GB configuration!

The 160GB model will arrive in Europe in October, for 299 Euros, according to our man on the ground at Gamescom. It will replace the 120GB model as the standard. The 320GB version will be available September 15, as part of a Move bundle, for 349 Euros.

Update: Sony announced a North American release for both of these on the PlayStation Blog. The 160GB is shipping to retail now for $299.99, and the 320GB Move bundle, with Sports Champions, a Move controller, a PlayStation Eye, and a demo disc, will be out September 19 for $399.99.

You won't have to wait until SOCOM 4 to see PlayStation Move owners duke it out with standard DualShock players. During Sony's Gamescom press conference, Zipper showed off an enhanced version of MAG which adds support for Sony's motion controller. Hopefully, someone will coordinate a 64v64 battle of the controllers to see exactly which control scheme reigns supreme, once this update goes live.

In addition to MAG, another surprise announcement during the conference was Virtua Tennis. Sega's tennis franchise will be back next year to explore the sorely-underrepresented motion-controlled tennis genre.

Hi everyone! If you’re like me and use your PS3 to store all your favorite digital content, larger storage capacity is a must. This fall, we’re introducing two new models of the PS3 system– a 320GB PS3 system, which will be included in the PS3 Sports Champions Move bundle; as well as a 160GB PS3 system, which will be available as a standalone. These new higher capacity models will continue to offer the same advanced features and functions of the current models, but with approximately 33 percent more capacity and at compelling price points.

The 160GB PS3 system brings you more storage for the same price as the previous model — $299.99 (MSRP) — and is shipping to retailers nationwide now. The 320GB PS3 system will hit store shelves on September 19, in conjunction with the launch of PlayStation Move. It will be part of the PS3 Sports Champions Move bundle, which includes one PlayStation Move motion controller, PlayStation Eye camera, a copy of Sports Champions on Blu-ray disc, and bonus Blu-ray game demo disc– all in one complete package for $399.99 (MSRP). The value included in this bundle is incredible and we know this will further add to the exceptionally high demand for the new platform.

These new, larger hard drives mean more room for storing all the great content that PlayStation offers: thousands of games, movies, TV shows, as well as your personal photos, videos, music and so much more. There’s never been a more convenient, cost effective way to join the PlayStation family and bring the future of entertainment into your living room.

Next month is set to be a historic one for us here at PlayStation – you’ll be able to pick up high capacity PS3 systems and come September 19, you’ll be able to purchase PlayStation Move, the new and innovative motion gaming experience for the PS3 system that delivers the most realistic and immersive high-definition gaming experience ever created. The future of gaming has arrived and PlayStation is the force behind these innovations.

Enjoy!

The third announcement of a 160GB PS3 is the most meaningful one yet, because this time it's officially from Sony. The company announced the new hardware configuration at its Gamescom presentation, along with a new 320GB configuration!

The 160GB model will arrive in Europe in October, for 299 Euros, according to our man on the ground at Gamescom. It will replace the 120GB model as the standard. The 320GB version will be available September 15, as part of a Move bundle, for 349 Euros. No announcements have been made about North America yet.

#ps3 Flight Control, which did very well as an app with the iPhone's multitouch controls, is getting a release for PlayStation Move at launch. It's also playable with the PS3's standard controller. More »

Having already soared onto millions of iPhones, iPods and iPads (and maybe like a couple dozen DSis), Australian developer Firemint's casual "plane landing game," Flight Control HD, is officially set for arrival on PS3 as a downloadable title on September 15. We first learned of the port last month, when it was revealed as an upcoming title by Sony Computer Entertainment Korea.

The PS3 version of the game will run at 1080p resolution and feature support for two heavily hyped technologies: PlayStation Move and stereoscopic 3D. Though it supports Sony's motion controller for guiding aircraft to a safe landing via "line drawing" gameplay that spawned an entire genre on iOS devices, Flight Control HD will also support old-fashioned DualShock 3 control and will bring to PS3 a four-player, drop in / drop out co-op mode, as well as an exclusive "Metropolis" map with changing day/night cycle.

Flight Control HD for PS3 will also arrive in the UK, Europe, Asia and Australia on September 15, followed up by an October 21 release in Japan. This post may also be used as a flotation device in the event of a water landing.

Sony and Subway are continuing their bizarre cross-marketing relationship. The newly-announced "Fiery Footlong Frenzy" promotion will award "more than $1 million in retail value" of prizes, at a rate of "one prize per minute." Up for grabs are PS3 systems, games (including collector's edition versions of Gran Turismo 5, LittleBigPlanet 2 and Uncharted 2), 3D HDTVs, PSP systems, and an exclusive opportunity to win the PlayStation Move motion controller before it goes on sale. Diners will be able to find codes on specially-marked 32 oz. drink cups, Monterey Jack Sun Chips, and breakfast sandwiches, starting today.

According to Subway's Tony Pace, partnering up with the PlayStation Move reflects upon Subway's image of a healthy lifestyle. "As a brand that values active lifestyles, Subway is pleased to join Playstation in the launch its new active gaming platform and offer our fans this exclusive opportunity," he said in a press release. Does this mean we'll be seeing Jared Fogle playing against Kevin Butler in a mascot-powered ad campaign? We hope so! See the press release after the break.

#screengrab Some additional suggestions for safe usage of PlayStation Move's wand, by Androsko, inspired by the Move's demo instructions. More »

Team IGN UK road-tests PlayStation Move and casts its verdict on The Last Airbender.

Do those feet of yours remember how to dance? Or, rather, how to flail about in four directions in accordance with a brightly colored song chart? We hope so, as you'll soon be charged with arrow-stepping once again when DanceDanceRevolution arrives on PS3 later this fall. Yes, it's just called DanceDanceRevolution. Apparently, no extemporaneous "Mixes" or "Maxes" or "SuperNOVAs," or even spaces, were required this time around.

This version of DDR -- the series' first outing on the PS3, no less -- includes some form of Move support, meaning dancers will have to move their arms in rhythm while simultaneously moving their legs, similar to the Wiimote controls of DDR Hottest Party. Also, using the PlayStation Eye, players can record their best routines and throw it on Facebook and YouTube using the console's Video Editor and Uploader. These videos are going to be absolutely thrilling, and we, for one, cannot wait to see your totally sweet moves.