GDC 10: Move: The Shoot has me spinning

6:40 PM on 03.11.2010   |   Dale North

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On-rails light gun action is what you're getting with this PlayStation Move game called The Shoot. It's called The Shoot because you'll find yourself traveling through mock movie sets. Think of an updated Virtua Cop that takes you through generic film lots and you'll be on the right track. We saw a science fiction-based "set," and we were told that others are coming. In the end we'll see a "Wild West" set and a haunted house/horror one among others.

I played this game last night over drinks. It's a fine game to play when your drunk, actually. It uses one Move controller. You point it at the screen to aim, and the underside T trigger button fires. The game is best known for the crazy motions you'll have to perform to do special moves. Jabbing down at the ground throws a shockwave. Jabbing the controller up does a rampage-ish attack. Leaning your entire body from side to side dodges projectiles. The most entertaining move requires you to twirl your entire body around in a circle to trigger a sort of slow-motion mode that makes it easier to shoot enemies. I was in the company of friends, piers, and hot women, so I was really hesitant to do the spin. It turns out that I'm not alone.

Senior producer James Hawkins admits that some that play are hesitant to do the motions, though he also feels its likely due to the setting.  He thinks that letting loose would help people appreciate the game more: "With all of the moves, you're getting a bit more than the standard rail shooter, where you would shoot five times, reload, shoot five times."

The game is still early. I played the entire two stage demo, but Hawkins told me that I've only seen about 1/5 of one stage, and that there are 5 stages in all. I was told about secret stages and more special moves, but those will be revealed at a later time.

The Shoot will be released right around the Move's launch.