Common Sense Media Review
By Marc Saltzman
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Innovative virtual pet game uses PS3 Move controller.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 6+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Play
Videos and Photos
EyePet
What's It About?
EyePet, which works with the new PlayStation Move motion-sensing controller and PlayStation Eye camera (required) is a fun virtual pet game that puts a little furry creature into your family room. That is, on the TV screen you'll see a cute, nondescript animal – that resembles the once-popular Monchichi toy, if you will – playing on your floor or coffee table as a backdrop. Because of the camera (placed on top or below your television screen), kids will also see themselves interacting with the EyePet in front of them. The PlayStation Move controller you hold turns into different objects on the screen (\"augmented reality\" technology), such as a shower head or blowdryer to clean your pet. The game involves more than 60 challenges and 250 unlockable items (such as clothing and accessories), and more via an optional download.
Is It Any Good?
EyePet is a clever game that takes full advantage of the new PlayStation Move and PlayStation Eye peripherals. The little rascal, which you can name and dress, is adorable, so kids (and mom and dad) might grow attached to the furry pet. While it didn't work all the time, one of the more impressive features is a sketchbook that lets you draw something on a piece of paper, hold it up to the camera and within a few seconds the EyePet will pull out some crayons and replicate it for you. You'll also be instructed to draw specific items -- such as a biplane, robot, RC car, puppet, and so forth -- and not only will the EyePet recreate it but it will turn into a 3-D object for your pet to play with. Because of its clever "virtual" interaction, high-definition graphics, and plenty of objects and challenges, kids and young tweens (and both boys and girls) should enjoy this PS3 exclusive.
Online interaction: You can't play the game online but it's possible to download extra content from the PlayStation Store. Plus, be aware you can look at uploaded photos and videos of gamers with their EyePet, therefore it's possible (but not probable) you could see inappropriate imagery. There is a "Report" option if you see something you don't like in other people's photos. This is an optional activity that families might want to avoid since uploaded photos can include photos of your children.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how new technology can create new and fun video game experiences. EyePet, for example, uses the PlayStation Eye camera (to put the pet in your family room), the PlayStation Move controller (to interact with the creature), and if you have a 3DTV and glasses, a three-dimensional effect, too. Gaming is often at the cross-section of technology and art. Would you like to see more innovative titles like this? Or do you resent having to buy new accessories to play these games?
Game Details
- Platform : PlayStation 3
- Pricing structure :
- Available online? : Available online
- Publisher : Sony Computer Entertainment
- Release date : September 17, 2010
- Genre : Simulation
- ESRB rating :
- Last updated : February 13, 2020
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