EyeToy
The Eye Toy is a digital camera device for the Playstation 2 similar to a webcam. It plugs in via a USB port on the console. It is an input device that features a 640x480 resolution display and built in microphone. It is not intended for use as a normal PC camera, although some people have developed unofficial drivers for it. The camera is manufactured by Logitech.
History
The Eye Toy was originally thought of by Dr Richard Marks, who had the idea of connecting a web camera to a Playstation 2 and using it to play games with. The idea of using cameras in games is not new, as used previously in many arcade games and toys such as the Game Boy Camera, But, with the resolution of modern cameras and the processing power of the Playstation 2 there were new ideas possible. The idea was taken up by S.C.E.E. London Studio, who showed a concept in 2002 with four games. The idea was a success and first real game, Eye Toy : Play was launched in late 2003.
Games
Eye Toy : Play
Eye Toy : Play was the first game available for the Eye Toy. The player has to play in a series of 12 mini-games. They are played by moving their body parts which movement is detected by the camera. The software recognises features such as the head, arms, hands and legs and uses them to play the game. Users who get a high score get to take a photo to "taunt" other players.
Eye Toy : Groove
Eye Toy : Groove is a dancing game. You must move your body to the beat of the music, making sure the faces in game smile by hitting them in the right place. Miss too many faces and its game over. There are 25 songs from many different artists including Elvis, The Cheeky Girls, Groove Armada, Madonna, Fatboy Slim, Las Ketchup, Village People and more. The game is also great for exercise. It includes a built in calorie counter based on your weight in kilograms. The game rewards you for burning high amounts of calories.
Other Eye Toy games
- Sega SuperStars (Sega 2004)
- U Move Super Sports (Konami 2004)
- Eye Toy: Chat (Sony) - a videophone system for use with the network adaptor
- Eye Toy: Play 2 (Sony 2004)
Games with optional Eye Toy features
- SingStar (Sony 2004) - singers can optionally see themselves when singing
- Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (EA 2004) - features Eye Toy minigames
- Dance Dance Revolution Extreme / Dancing Stage Fusion (Konami 2004)
- The Urbz (EA 2004) - players can have their faces on in-game billboards