Ever since the PlayStation Eye was released in late 2007, not nearly enough games have utilized the PS3 camera in unique ways. Sure, some sports games allow you to use the Eye to put yourself in the game, and LittleBigPlanet employs it as a level creation tool, but overall, I can’t say that there are an overwhelming number of reasons to shell out forty bucks for the accessory. Sony is looking to change that with EyePet, which is exactly what it sounds like: a virtual pet existing within the room viewed by the PlayStation Eye. At a Sony event in New York City yesterday, we got a closer look at EyePet, which is sure to be the family-friendly PS3 game of choice this holiday season.

Though it is technically a “game”, EyePet is more of an ongoing experience than something you just sit down and play until it is beaten. The PlayStation Eye displays your living room setting (or wherever you have your PS3) on the screen, and your new virtual pet roams around the reflected version of the room. The pet, a made-up species, looks a bit like a baby monkey, and even more like a Monchhichi. The set-up we saw had a fairly good-sized coffee table in front of the TV, which seems to be the ideal setting for EyePet, though we were told a clear space on the floor could work as well. As long as the pet’s roaming area doesn’t match your skin tone too closely, you should be able to make space in your home (and heart) for your new virtual friend.



When creating a new pet, you can customize its fur length and color, and completing tasks and challenges unlock new outfits to adorably dress up the precocious creature. Your pet will react to you, and you will be able to reach out and “pet” it. Checking up on the little guy’s needs will be a vital part of EyePet. He needs love, attention, regular baths, exercise, and basically everything that a real pet would need. This may make EyePet sound like a next-gen Tamagotchi, but it’s really much, much more interactive and enjoyable. Placing a certain card in front of the Eye brings up an X-ray machine, which will reveal your pet’s health needs, while daily challenges give you more options as far as activities your pet can learn and enjoy.

The area in which your EyePet can outperform a real pet is in the tricks department. Sure, most critters can learn to come to you or roll over, but can your dog sing? Does your cat know how to draw? These are two tricks that we saw displayed with EyePet. Drawing is especially interesting because the things that you teach your pet to draw can then turn into 3D virtual items for your pet to interact with. We watched a crude drawing of a car being shown to the EyePet, which he then (with a crayon in his mouth) replicated; as time goes on, your pet will increase his drawing abilities. After scrawling the car down on virtual paper, it then turned into a vehicle that the pet could ride on. I don’t know what the limits are as far as things that can be brought to life within the virtual realm of EyePet, but I’m definitely curious enough to want to find out.



EyePet was charming, amusing, and more intriguing than I expected. While it may not appease more hardcore PS3 owners, any gamer with a soft spot for adorable creatures will probably be interested in EyePet. It should be an especially big hit with family-friendly gamers, and will give PlayStation Eye owners a reason to use their cameras again. My biggest concern was be how much room the pet would need to work properly, but we were informed that as long as the lighting in your living room is even, EyePet is fairly forgiving (though he might go off the ends and walk on air if your coffee table is too small). There seemed to be a good amount of customization options, and downloadable content after launch is also a possibility. After seeing it in action, I’m definitely paying more attention to EyePet than I was before.

EyePet will be out this holiday season for the PlayStation 3.