PlayStation Move

[ffocus]

Much as I like it, I won't buy it.

What's the hold-up?

But played with two Move controllers, as intended, the game�s tactile delivery is a joy. Once you�ve adjusted your aim (you always punch into the screen, not at the camera, and punching straight makes your fighter punch screen, regardless of the camera angle) the actual fighting is down to little more than your own stamina and aptitude, your capacity as a boxer instrumental in your progress through the game. If you�re thinking The Fight is another Wii Sports Boxing, you�re going to be in for a shock.

The Fight plays hard, and although you�ll be dispatching the first few opponents without much fuss, it doesn�t take long to realise that you�re not as tough as you think you are, and although your own stamina might outlast that of your avatar�s that just gives you more of an excuse to hit the game�s gym and collect a few points to spend on your leveling � you can concentrate in specific areas (speed, strength etc.) but it�s wise, at first at least, to edge your bets and spread the marks equally. Single player progress is via a pyramid of locations set in a fictional Los Angeles, and each plays host to an increasingly difficult to beat pack of fighters; stereotypical throughout, but charmingly so, and although there�s no let-up in what you�re asked to do, various requirements will be offered up both for level completion and for maximum points. For example, you might need to down someone in a specific time limit, or land punches with a certain degree of accuracy, which helps break up the monotomy.
The Fight also offers a split-screen two player mode (you�ll need two controllers each, it doesn�t matter which but at least one Move each) and an online mode, both ranked and unranked. We couldn�t test the online mode properly at the time of going to press but it at least worked, finding rivals reasonably quickly.

Any concerns over any lag between you punching and the game punching can be put to bed, there�s nothing here that would cause a problem � The Fight not only matches exactly what you�re doing with your arms we reckon it does it as close to instantly as possible. When coupled with the game�s head tracking (which requires some even light and a fairly plain background) the game makes a strong case for Move�s technical grunt, and offers a convincing, accurate way of interacting.



Pros:

• The fights are tense affairs, a mix of skill and strategy
• There�s loads of opponents to work through
• Danny Trejo

Cons:

• Trejo aside, it�s a little too serious for its own good
• LA is a very monochromatic place to scrap
• Perhaps too single minded