Video games have come a long way since the joystick controls of yore.
Small devices called accelerometers---or "tilt sensors"---are motion sensor games, detecting the tilting movements of players and translating them into interactive onscreen actions. Home video game consoles such as the Nintendo Wii and PlayStation 3 feature motion sensing technology, as do portable devices such as the Apple iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch. Be sure to check the Entertainment Software Ratings Board rating to choose a game with the appropriate content, especially for young gamers.
Wii Sports Resort
Developer Nintendo presents Wii Sports Resort for its motion-based Wii video game console. Using the Wii MotionPlus accessory to heighten the movement range and response of the motion-sensing Wii remote, Wii Sports Resort puts players in the virtual midst of varied tropically themed sporting events. Players take on the roles of customizable "Mii" avatars as the Wii remote simulates the motions of a dozen different activities. Activities include fencing, wakeboarding, Frisbee, archery, basketball, table tennis, golf, bowling, cycling and more. In conjunction with the Wii's joystick (or "nunchuck") players move the remote on a three dimensional axis up and down, from side to side and forward and backward in space; their characters recreate the actions on screen. Wii Sports Resort includes one MotionPlus accessory. Up to four players participate in the activities. The ESRB rates Wii Sports Resort "E" for Everyone.
Viking Smackdown
Game creators Hello Viking LLC bring the motion sensor game Viking Smackdown to the table. This online browser-based game---accessed through Apple's Safari browser---runs on the iPhone and iPod Touch, utilizing their built-in accelerometers for motion-sensing gameplay. In the game, players control a colorful axe-wielding Viking on a two-dimensional background. By tilting the iPhone or iPod on its horizontal axis, players "charge up" the Viking for an axe throw. By tilting the device back to its vertical position, the Viking releases and throws the axe toward a desired target, progressing to the next level if the target is hit. Viking Smackdown features online rankings for players to display and compare high scores. The ESRB has not rated this game. iPhone and iPod Touch users can play the game for free by visiting VikingSmackdown.com.
Warhawk
The Sony PlayStation 3's "sixaxis" controller technology allows motion-sensing control in some games. Warhawk, from Sony and developer Incognito Entertainment, puts players in the cockpit of a fantasy-based aircraft in the heat of battle. On graphically detailed three-dimensional landscapes, players spend much of their time flying, but may land and fight on foot or in a variety of land vehicles. Optional sixaxis control allows players to maneuver their flight using up and down tilts, which mimic an aircraft's joystick control. This motion-sensing input also applies to ground attacks and frees the players hands, allowing them to focus on hitting more buttons with their fingers for precision aiming. Warhawk boasts an online battle mode for up to 32 players, offering competitive and cooperative modes such as Deathmatch, Team Deathmatch, Capture the Flag and Zone (which revolves around capturing bases). "Booster packs," such as Broken Mirror and Operation Omega Dawn, add additional content to the game. The ESRB rates Warhawk "T" for Teen. Sony offers the game for physical retail purchase at video game stores or virtual purchase on the PlayStation Network.
Tags: Sports Resort, iPhone iPod, iPod Touch, video game, Viking Smackdown, ESRB rates, iPhone iPod Touch