10 of the Best Games for PS3 That Require PlayStation Move

The PlayStation Move controller saw renewed interest with its compatibility with the PlayStation VR headset for the PS4. The controller’s origins, however, are on the PlayStation 3, which has a dedicated library of games built around its motion-tracking capabilities. These titles require the peripheral and offer experiences that are not possible with a standard controller.

Required Hardware

To play these games, a specific set of hardware is necessary. The core components are a PlayStation 3 console, a PlayStation Eye camera, and at least one PlayStation Move motion controller. The PS Eye camera tracks the glowing sphere on the end of the Move controller to determine its position and movement in 3D space.

Some games also make use of the PlayStation Move Navigation Controller, a one-handed sub-controller with an analog stick and D-pad, primarily for character movement. For multiplayer games or titles that support dual-wielding, a second PlayStation Move motion controller is often required.

Action and Adventure Games

Medieval Moves: Deadmund’s Quest

Developed by the same team behind Sports Champions, Medieval Moves: Deadmund’s Quest applies precise motion controls to an on-rails action game. Players use natural movements to attack: swinging the Move controller like a sword, aiming it to fire a bow and arrow, and flicking it to throw ninja stars. The game features a main campaign with alternate routes to encourage replayability. It also includes several cooperative and competitive multiplayer modes that can be played both offline and online. Medieval Moves: Deadmund’s Quest was released on November 15, 2011.

PlayStation Move Ape Escape

This title is a departure from the traditional formula of the Ape Escape series. Instead of a 3D platformer, PlayStation Move Ape Escape is an on-rails game where the primary goal is still to capture monkeys. The Move controller functions as various tools and gadgets needed for the task. Players use it to aim and capture the apes as they appear on screen. While different from its predecessors, it provides a fun and accessible arcade-style experience for fans of the franchise. The game was released on July 5, 2011.

Sorcery

Released later in the Move’s lifecycle on May 22, 2012, Sorcery is an adventure game that puts the player in the role of a sorcerer’s apprentice. The PlayStation Move controller acts as a magic wand, allowing for the intuitive casting of various spells. These spells are used to defeat enemies in combat and to solve environmental puzzles. The game was designed from the ground up for motion controls, offering a more traditional single-player campaign experience compared to the many mini-game collections available for the peripheral.

Sports and Party Games

Carnival Island

Among the many mini-game collections for PlayStation Move, Carnival Island stands out with its charming theme and variety. It features over 35 carnival-style games that can be played alone or with friends in multiplayer modes. The game also integrates the PlayStation Eye camera, allowing players to take photos and share them online. For those looking for a family-friendly party game that makes good use of the motion controller, Carnival Island is a solid choice. It was released in North America on November 15, 2011.

Sports Champions

Sports Champions was a launch title for the PlayStation Move and was often bundled with the hardware in a starter pack. The collection was an excellent showcase of the controller’s 1:1 tracking accuracy. The standout experiences were archery and table tennis, which felt remarkably responsive. The collection also included Disc Golf, Gladiator Duel, Beach Volleyball, and Bocce, each with its own distinct control scheme. The game launched on September 17, 2010.

Sports Champions 2

The sequel, Sports Champions 2, expanded on the original with a new lineup of activities: boxing, golf, skiing, and tennis. It also brought back an updated version of the popular archery mini-game from the first title. The game introduced new features, including the ability to set up custom tournaments and create personalized avatars. Released on October 30, 2012, the sequel is a must-play for anyone who enjoyed the first installment.

Puzzles and Simulations

Echochrome II

Echochrome II offers one of the most inventive uses of the PlayStation Move. In this puzzle game, the motion controller functions as a flashlight. The player shines the light on a set of abstract blocks to cast shadows on a wall. These shadows form a path for a computer-controlled character to walk across to reach its goal. The game includes 100 puzzles and a level editor that allows players to create and share their own stages, providing a great deal of content. It was released on the PlayStation Network on December 21, 2010.

EyePet

Originally released without Move support, EyePet was later updated to incorporate the motion controller, enhancing its augmented reality gameplay. The game uses the PlayStation Eye camera to project a virtual pet into the player’s living room. The Move controller allows for direct and creative interaction with the pet, such as bathing it, playing catch, and teaching it tricks. EyePet demonstrated how the controller could be used for experiences beyond traditional sports or action games. The Move-compatible version was available from September 5, 2010.

EyePet and Friends

As the name suggests, the sequel allows players to interact with two EyePets at once. EyePet and Friends builds on the foundation of the original with more activities, additional customization features for the pets, and the ability to share experiences with other players online. For those who enjoyed the first game, the sequel offers a more expansive and refined version of the virtual pet simulation. It launched on November 15, 2011.

Tumble

Tumble is a puzzle game focused on physics and precision. Using the Move controller, players must carefully stack objects of various shapes and materials to build stable towers and complete challenges. The game features more than 50 levels that test dexterity and strategic thinking. It also includes cooperative and competitive multiplayer modes. Though its concept is simple, Tumble is an immersive and challenging experience that effectively demonstrates the accuracy of the PlayStation Move controller.