Video Gamer is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Prices subject to change. Learn more
Billed as the ideal solution to the Christmas shopping Wii shortages, the Realplay system for PS2 brings motion sensitive control to Sony’s last-gen console. While it’s easy to scoff at the range of themed controllers and accompanying games, there is certainly space for more motion control. With Christmas becoming more expensive every year, and PlayStation 2s tucked under televisions across the country, Realplay has the potential to be an affordable way of bringing casual gaming to homes across the country.
The way the system works is that unlike the Wii, each title comes with its own specific controller. At £35 to £40 for a game with controller, Realplay might seem expensive by PlayStation 2 standards. However, compared to the trouble of finding a Wii, buying it and then purchasing a game, for most Realplay will be the most affordable option.
Each controller comes with a simple gadget that looks like an oversized USB memory stick. Plugging this device into your PlayStation 2’s USB port instantly connects the controller, but unfortunately you need to swap USB receivers as you jump from one game to another. There’s also no space in the PlayStation 2’s twin-USB ports for two receivers.
The controllers themselves feel rather cheap and plasticy, and certainly have a flavour of something you’d by from Woolworths’ toy section rather than from a game store. Still, the sensitivity of the motion sensitive controllers is quite surprising, as they are efficient, responsive and accurate. The real test for Realplay though, comes in trying the games themselves, which is exactly what we’ve done.
Realplay Golf
Compared to its label mates, Realplay Golf is by far the best looking of the games. It is far from perfect, but like Pool it is utterly playable, especially in multiplayer. There’s still a lack of polish, but turning a blind eye to the soulless nature of the game there’s fun to be had here. Playing with the tiny club feels slightly silly, but again the game is responsive and workable. Like all the Realplay games it does lack in terms of production values, depth and quality, but Golf is probably ideal for some Christmas Day hilarity with the family.
Other Realplay reviews:
