Joystiq

Sony calls the quality of the visuals "Pixar-like" and in our opinion, that's not hyperbole. It's easy to understand why EyePet looks so good: it only has to render the one pet on screen. With all of PS3's rendering capabilities going towards a single character model, it's no surprise the visuals looks so impressive. The detail on the fur is remarkable, but what really sells the experience is the animation. I'll reiterate that the visuals you see in the trailer aren't pre-rendered -- the game really does look like that.

EyePet is clearly the precursor to what will undoubtedly be a growing number of Eye (and motion controller?) games. One of the cooler things to do in the game is to drop down the "magic card" on the floor. This simple black card will be detected by the Eye and a spinning holgraphic menu will shoot out of it. Players will be able to gesture Minority Report-style, around the menu to access various options, like toys and health check-ups.

Unless you're heartless, you'll want your pet to be happy and well-fed. You'll be able to transform the magic card into an X-ray machine and look at the insides of your friend. You'll see how happy he is, and how hungry he is. You can then transform the card into a food bowl, throwing food for the pet to catch.


There are a number of toys you can play with, each with their own goals, achievements and objectives. You can play EyePet "just for fun," but gamers will be able to try and beat high scores to the various minigames in the collection. For example, one game has you playing ping pong with your pet. You don't want to beat your pet. Rather, you want to continue the rally for as long as possible.

Should you get tired of the toys included in the game, one amazing feature that works better than we'd imagine is the ability to draw and import your own creations. You can play an airplane minigame, for example, by drawing a helicopter for your pet to drive. All it takes is a white piece of paper and a black pen. You'll have to draw the pieces necessary to make a working helicopter, and then you'll be able to scan the image with the Eye. The drawing then gets scanned into the world and your pet will attempt to recreate it. (The more you teach it how to draw, the better he will perform.) Your handwriting and drawing turns a real 3D object in the world. In the flying minigame, you'll use the PS3 controller to guide your pet in a balloon-colllecting minigame.

Obviously, EyePet won't be a very compelling experience for the hardcore gamer, but we can't help but be impressed by the confluence of technology and super-cuteness. The fact that EyeToy simply works is a true technological achievement that really clues us into the future of Microsoft's Natal and the PlayStation motion controller. EyePet has been announced for both US and European release, with a holiday target in Europe. The game will be available in two flavors: Blu-ray disc, or bundle which includes the game and PlayStation Eye.