GameTrak plus Dark Wind game (PS2)

Move over Eye Toy, your time has come! The Gametrak controller which comes with Dark Wind is simple, yet stylish. It consists of a base unit which sits on the floor and plugs into your PS2 USB port. It has two spring loaded cords attached to it, which in turn are attached to gloves. When you put the gloves on and raise your hands, the hands of your character on screen will move exactly where you do. This puts you straight in the action - punching, blocking, jabbing, and even performing special magic attacks when you become more advanced, by making certain shapes with your arms. The device also has a footmat which allows you to select options, and to further your interaction by way of side stepping etc.

Overall, I found the number of game modes, unlockable characters, and huge array of options - including a difficulty mode, enough to keep me coming back again and again. I have owned this for over a week, and I still rush home every night to play it. AWESOME!!! A must have game for Christmas!

But there's also the game itself, Dark Wind. Previously known as Black Wind. Its also great fun, I have to admit. But it does suffer in areas.
You start on easy level and to be fair the tutorials are fantastic, introducing the features a round at a time, block, rage, magic etc with examples before the fight. Each round is a tougher fighter for one reason or another, speed, strength, magic. Each enemy also has their own hidden weak points which if you hit three times in a row you can stun them. Great. Except they can use magic without any charge time and to much greater effect than your character.
And then there is the end guy. I only just beat him on easy - despite wiping the floor with all the others far too easily! He suffers immensely from the "i can kill you in one hit - aren't I great idea for a boss!" problem. And he proves it constantly. You have to hit him over 20 times of course - his head also seems out of range at times even when he isn't moving away. It is so unforgiving it becomes frustrating! We're talking easy level here. All the fun built up starts to waver and that's a great shame. Beating him is also the key to unlocking some of the other areas. And there is a fair amount to unlock, new characters and costumes, survival mode, new levels and others yet to discover.

The fastest punch at the end of the round seems random at best. I had the amazing 65.8 mph punch but for when I've being doing nothing more than what usually gets me 24 - 34mph in a round. Sometimes just 11mph haha!

The practice bag should have more options and data, like the speed, or the damage, is it good/bad, or include magic attacks or even be able to attack you to practice blocking. Anything other than just punch a weeble because you may as well just play the game or "one on one".

The commentator tries to help out if your doing bad with words of encouragement like "fight harder" and "come on" with great gusto. Yeah, thanks. Nice touch though. He also blurts out "impressive" or "excellent" from time to time but for doing what is not always clear.

In summary, great system and a game that shows it off well but has its own flaws. For the price here? Worth every penny. Get it and start having some fun!

The Gametrak itself is a fine addition to the PS2 library with more and more games coming out in 2005. The gametrak and Dark Wind are the next step in fighting games and a great form of exercise but hopefully a Dark Wind 2 will add more new content and more variety in the fighting styles and balancing of the characters.