BABY
UNIVERSE
BABY
UNIVERSE was released Sept/98
by Sony Computer Entertainment Europe.
It's a totally unique image-making tool developed by Sony and
produced by Fumiya Fujii the renown Japanese artist and musician.
Baby Universe allows PlayStation owners to create and interact
with three-dimensional kaleidoscopes. Owners can select patterns
that fit their own individual style and then synthesize them with
their favourite music. It contains five different 3D Kaleidoscope
modes: Jewel Case Mode - where owners can select
two jewels form a selection of sixteen. Console Mode-
where the owner can ‘dress’ the jewels with different
graphic expressions such as movement, colour cycles and drawings.
Sound effects and volume can also be adjusted in this mode. SoundScope
Mode - where the owner can select from ten graphical
patterns. The waves react to the digital data on a music CD and
create amazing ‘kaleidoscope graphics. Colours and frame
rate can also be selected in this mode. Electric Scope
Mode - where kaleidoscopes can be painted with seven
different colours. Psychedelic Scope - where
‘players’ can view and appreciate their kaleidoscopes
in 2 dimensions.
This game has already made a big impact in Japan and is proof
once again that Sony is pushing the boundaries of game
development.
Website: www.playstation-europe.com
Developer: Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. Genre:
Music/Adventure : No of Players : 1
Peripherals: Analog Controller, , Memory Card
Review follows:
In short: A
dynamic addition to every arsenal of mass-appeal video effects
generators
What does
the name "Baby Universe" have to do with the complex 3D
shapes morphing and rotating on my TV screen?
Having not long since stopped frequenting all-night multimedia
parties and venues whose business it was to dazzle slightly
crazed partygoers, it is easy to imagine at least one application
for Baby Universe. 3D polygons in throbbing psychedelic colours
which can be manipulated and rotated in real-time using a
standard playstation controller is every rave VJ's (video jockey)
dream come true.
Even better, the movement and morphing of the on-screen shapes
can be set to synchronise, move and mutate "magically"
with your favourite music CD. By hooking up your CD player to
your Playstation you can use the music to "generate"
shapes, colours and movement.
Beyond that it would be hard to imagine any child, teenager or
adult being engaged by the simplistic nature of this activity for
more than a few minutes. And the fun would only last this long
because of the catchy, ambient techno soundtrack which adds to
the atmospherics of the kaleidoscope of shapes and colours
floating magically on your screen.
Lacking any real "reward" for the time spent generating
and swivelling the kaleidoscopic shapes on the screen, it is
unlikely that this product will catch on in the home games
market. But as a multimedia tool to be added to an arsenal of
mass-appealb video effects and psychedelic, synthetic 3D imagery
Baby Universe is a must. Don't start your next party without it.
hallway | reception | tools | library | lab | lounge | hangar | school