PlayStation Move has been on the market for more than three months, and has found its way into millions of homes in that timeframe. A majority of those users likely never owned a PlayStation Eye camera before the release of Move, and found themselves purchasing the Sports Champions Bundle, essentially PlayStation Move's starter kit. So Sports Champions has essentially found itself in the daunting role of proving whether or not PlayStation Move deserves the hype is has received. Luckily, it's up to the task.

PlayStation Move has mercilessly been compared to the Nintendo Wii in the days since its reveal. And yes, it is a wand-like device based on motion controls, released several years after the launch of the Wii. But it offers PlayStation fans a new way to play, and unlike the waggling primarily associated with Wii, Move offers fans more one-to-one motion responses. That is to say, Move actually offers one-to-one motion responses. And Sports Champions does a stellar job of proving just that.

Sports Champions offers gamers a collection of six sports - Disc Golf, Beach Volleyball, Archery, Table Tennis, Gladiator Duel and Bocce. At first, it seems like a rather unorthodox collection of games, especially in comparison to Wii Sports' offerings, but as the motion comes into play, it starts to make a lot more sense. And with games supporting between two and four players apiece, Sports Champions also serves as a great party game at the same time.

Disc Golf is the first solid display of its motion controls. Players use the trigger to grab a disc and toss it just like a Frisbee, trying to reach a hole in as few shots as possible. While holding the disc, it is easy to see that when the player tilts his hand, the disc tilts in that direction. Depending on this tilt and how hard the disc is tossed, it will curve and travel farther or shorter (respectively). It is precise, and with a variety of holes and the ability to play four players with a single controller, it is a highlight of the collection.

Archery also does a lot to help this title gain some well-deserved attention. Gamers can play with a single controller, but the better way to do it is with two. The player holds one out in front like the bow, and reaches behind his head with the other, using the trigger to grab an arrow from the quiver. While holding the trigger, the two Move controllers are brought together to nock the arrow. One is pulled back to stretch. The "bow" controller can then be moved to aim, and the trigger released when the shot is lined up. It goes a long way in showing how direct and complex the controls can be with PlayStation Move, and may serve as the best showcase of the collection.

Table Tennis is the easiest to pick up and play, allowing for a no-buttons experience. Players simply use the Move controller as the paddle. The one-to-one motion is apparent once the gamer moves closer to the table for short shots, back for smashes and turns the paddle to put spin on it.

Especially nice about Sports Champions are the options that are left for gamers. Every game allows for at least two players, while some allow for up to four. Within that structure, there are also a variety of controller options. A four-player Bocce game, for instance, can be played with four separate Move controllers. But maybe acknowledging that not everyone can drop $200 on controllers to start but still wants to get friends in on the action, Sony allows for players to pass one controller, as Bocce only features one person playing at a time anyhow.

Of course, head-to-head games like Table Tennis, Beach Volleyball, Archery and Gladiator Duel require extra controllers for extra players. The latter three also feature options for use of one or two controllers for each competitor. Gladiator Duel, for instance, is better played with two, in which case one acts as the shield and the other the sword. But for players with fewer controllers, the trigger lets players switch between control of the two combat tools.

For the single-player minded, or those just wondering what enjoyment they'll get out of the title when friends aren't available for a gaming session, Sports Champions also features an extensive Championship Mode for each sport. In this mode, players can compete against computer AI to complete certain cups. Completing these championships unlocks new characters, venues and variations on play.

If there's one major negative for Sports Champions, it is the game's interface. The menus can be overly tedious at times, with layer upon layer to get to the game. Similarly, having to recalibrate for each player and each sport is an unfortunate (but understandable) necessity. It is just a shame player profiles or something of that nature cannot be saved to expedite the process. Seasoned gamers shouldn't have many problems with the interface, but seeing this game in a large demo setting indicated just how fast newcomers can get lost without assistance.

Still, Sports Champions sets the bar high for the PlayStation Move technology. Whether they are all favorites in real life or not, there is something to enjoy about each of the six sports included in the title. The gameplay modes are extensive. The controls are incredibly refined for a debut title, and the considerations for gamers easing into the new technology are ahead of the game. Despite a few minor flaws, Sports Champions does a fantastic job of serving as more than just a tech demo; it serves as a fun starter to the world of gaming opportunities Move opens to the PlayStation fan base.

Final Score: A