We tend not to have carnivals in the UK, but if the HBO show Carnivale is anything to go by, it's just as well. That said, our equivalent – 'fun' fairs run by gypsies with no interest in health & safety issues – aren't that much more of an enticing proposition.

But who could turn down a visit to a carnival where animals come to life? Sure, those who are allergic to animals would probably struggle, but who else? Exactly.

Anyone who has had the misfortune to wander into one of those amusement arcades in some long-forgotten seaside resort (you know, the ones with the stained red carpet that's curiously squishy under foot), languishing at the end of some pier, will have an idea of some of the games to play here.

The game is controlled by Sony's Move controller, which, despite its unique-ness and accuracy, has still yet to find its killer app and really take off. It should be pointed out that this game certainly isn't it, but it's a valiant try.

In story mode you play either a boy or girl, who somehow has the power to bring to life an old decrepit carnival when you play through some of its games. The more games you unlock and get to play, the more colour comes back to carnival island.

There's said to be over forty games to play, which certainly sounds impressive, but that's not quite the whole truth. In reality, there are only really seven games available. Each game has pretty much the same mechanic, with the ability to unlock variations very much on the same theme. So when you select the basketball game, all of its derivatives will involve throwing a basket ball. The same can be said for the bowling, shooting, ball-throwing, coin-tossing, frog-bashing, ring-throwing etc. So if you're looking for real variety, this by no means a Heinz of a game. Also, if you have poor hand/eye co-ordination, or/and were born with the curse of being left-handed, you may also struggle with some of the games.

Roll up, roll up, get a ring over a bottle and win yourself a cuddly human!

The good news is what the game lacks in variety it makes up for with accuracy. It can take some getting used to, but after a while you get into the rhythm that each discipline demands. The bad news is, particularly where the so-called story mode is concerned, that it takes less than an hour to complete.

But this isn't a game that relies on a story mode – which is just as well really. It is a collection of mini-games that thankfully doesn't rely on your ability to dance to play the game.

It may not offer much in the way of variety, but it can certainly offer fun for both the young and old. As with most party games, the older gamers will benefit from some liquid refreshment of the alcoholic kind to really get into the swing of things (it's the gypsy- sorry carnie way after all), but will probably still manage to enjoy themselves playing dry with children if they have to.

There's no denying that the Move controller is a nifty bit of kit, but the repetition of these games doesn't go anywhere near close enough to showing it off to its full potential.

As party games go then, it's got enough going on to entertain a group for an hour or two; but saying that it has all the fun of the fair would be a bit of a stretch.