Sony’s experiment to adapt the web camera principle for the PS2 and as EyeToy Combining it with a teasing collection of mini-games was a real hit – in times of general sales depression, that was a thing of the past Play-Bundle with USB lens and game over the counters in amazing six figure numbers. So it’s no wonder that the willing people are treated to the right supplies before Christmas. This time, however, there are no 15 disciplines, just one activity: As a dancer, you should be responsible for the necessary groove care for.
The gameplay is based on the Play-Exercise ‘Beat Freak’, but is much more sophisticated and complex: Thanks to the camera, your likeness is in the middle of the screen, while six sensor points are marked around the outside. Matching the rhythm of the music, symbols fly out of the center, which you should high five when they reach the markings.
That’s not all, but special actions provide variety: Occasionally, bows are on the way, where your manual work doesn’t have to be quite so precise, while you are supposed to keep your limbs still in certain places when poses are announced. In short freestyle sequences, you’ll bag plenty of points by waving around at will, while maintaining a precise trajectory when stars appear.
In addition to the normal game, in which you contort yourself as a solo artist, and the chill-out room, in which the 25 top-class titles can be enjoyed without stress, the two-player mode ensures a party mood: Here, two dancers position themselves side by side in front of the camera and handle the songs either with or against each other, alternatively there are some micro-games such as reaction tests or ‘Senso’ offshoots.
EyeToy: Groove is offered in two versions: Play-Owners access the game alone for 50 euros, the bundle with a USB camera is available for 70 euros.
