An extended piece from the Guardian on the EyeToy, by Andrew Losowsky: "Instead of studying the manual and tapping complicated combos, you should be able to record and then replay your own special moves in a dancing or a fighting game. With bonus points for style.".

Foe Romeo expands on this with specific reference to girl gamers: "One of my most enjoyable EyeToy moments was during my hen weekend, when the girls starting 'hacking' the boxing game by picking up objects lying around my livingroom - like a handbag - to increase the size and impact of their hits. It didn't exactly help them score higher but it was bloody funny so they kept doing it."

We found this with Donkey Konga - the fun of a roomful of friends helping a new player by clapping along for them (or hindering an expert by doing the same thing out-of-tune) adds to the game. It's all about distance and timing...