EyeToy: Kinetic - Includes Camera (PS2)

The program is so well designed and so intelligent - but also incredibly simple to use. It's also bloody good fun - I often find myself laughing out loud whilst playing it. And even if you play in a sort of half-arsed way, you'll still be getting a lot of exercise. It offers up a lot of variety - and you can set up the Personal Trainer option so that it 'surprises' you with what you'll be doing.

I agree with everything the other reviewers have said, but want to add a couple of minor observations - but these are just small niggles against the thousands of positives:
1) You do need a lot of space. I'd say you need to be at least 2 metres back from the screen (with some space behind) and have a minimum of a metre on either side of you, ideally more. If you're nervous about hitting things in the room (and you will be reaching out a lot), you won't get the most out of the program. Most of the games work on a side-to-side basis, so space on either side of you is crucial.
2) The light does need to be good. I've had no problems in the day, but have had a few problems with light in the evening. The program becomes massively sensitive and things happen, even though you're standing stock still. There is a 'Dim Light' setting, but this doesn't make a huge difference.
3) Having a larger than normal profile means you inadvertantly score or lose points in a lot of games! The outline in the centre of the screen is that of a slim person, and let's just say, I exceed that outline by a considerable margin. In the precision games, where your movements have to be exact, I find that unexpected bits of my body are losing me serious points simply by being larger than average! And I don't have the space to keep stepping back to shrink myself on camera. It would be useful if there was a 'larger' person option that gave you a bit more breathing space in some of the games - it's rather upsetting when your bum is losing your points every time you turn the other way!

Other than that, it's fantastic. Brilliant fun. And it's something anyone of any age or fitness level would enjoy. Hats off to the people behind it.


Compliments abound!   December 21, 2005
K. Gregory (Salford, UK)
18 out of 18 found this review helpful

I have only good words to say about this game having now reached the end of my first 12 week programme. I can honestly say that I have never had so many compliments about my weight loss on any other exercise plan. I have managed to finally reach my weight target with this game and have re-gained curves where they're supposed to be and a flat stomach. This game is perfect for toning without realising with all the twisting and bending involved in the various games.

I had initial problems with the room layout but have now got small marks on the TV. One shows the 8 inches that I need to pull the TV away from its usual location on the TV stand, this then stops the shadows caused by one armchair and knocking into it. Another mark allows me to line the camera up in the centre of the TV without needing to re-find it each time.

Final realistion is that you just have to suffer in the dark nights with shadows. I have pretty much got the lighting right with overhead lighting but have learnt that certain games won't work. You can shuffle the games given to only choose the ones that you know won't cause problems with the shadows.

My only complaint is that when you reach about week 11 in the 14 week programme it tries to make you exercise 6 times a week, which annoys me as it gives no accounting for other exercise you may do outside of the programme. I therefore find myself getting low scores due to skipping workout sessions.

All in all, this is the best money I have ever spent and have never felt so motivated or interested due to each work-out being slightly different to the previous. Only shame is being stuck with the same warm-up and cool down for every session.


Eyetoy kinetic exercise without embarrassment!   September 26, 2005
15 out of 15 found this review helpful

I have just played the game on the training program. It was really good and just like an aerobics class in my own home. You work out for up to 60 mins starting from a warm up, an exercise routine from one of the zones (2 more there after), then it lets you choose what area you would like to tone especially and a warm up at the end.

I have just canceled my gym pass which cost 30 per month, but this justs costs a one off 30 and you have even got a personal trainer included! If your scared or embarrassed exercising in front of people this is the game for you. Also it is for different levels of fitness, it is worked out when you play the game. It's really fun too, i would recommend it for any one from beginners to advanced levels of fitness. There is also a wide angled lens to attach to the camera that detects more movement during the game.


Genuinely enjoyable   January 6, 2006
13 out of 13 found this review helpful

Being someone who finds exercise a chore and would much rather be doing almost anything than going down the gym/ doing an exercise dvd, I was very pleasantly suprised by the Eye Toy Kinetic game. I've started on the Personal Trainer part of the game and did and hour of exercise without realising (including optional routines) and can't wait until my next session! It was entertaining because you're not just doing boring set exercises but are trying to actually do things (e.g. destroy walls using a ball) and the personal trainer was extremely encouraging. I definitely recommend this game!


an excellent product   October 1, 2005
12 out of 12 found this review helpful

As someone who has not exercised for sometime I found this engaging and fun, suitable tips and warnings feature throughout the game environment, which as a 37 year old with occasional back trouble I appreciate, my only critiscism would be the camera focus is decidedly awkward, however once set its fine, the more light available the better.
This product is not a gimmick but very well thought out and clearly presented, It also takes into account your height/age/weight/current activity level making the personal trainer mode tuned to you the user, if you lie it will either be murder or slackers 101.
cheaper than the gym without the stigma of how you look and all that nonsense.
A big screen television and plenty of space are essential,
My Advice buy it and enjoy!