No, you can play with a controller as well, but its a better experience with the mat... You can also buy the Eye Toy USB Camera for ps2 that will allow you to see your self on the T.V.
Do you know, when I buy the eye-toy camera, I HAVE to have the disc that goes with it to use it? 'Cuz i've seen the disc around for the camera I think. But the mat definitely seems like the best experience for this game.
No, you don't need a disc to use the camera its a USB camera, but What you do need is a ps2 game that's compatible with the eye toy and this one is... you can buy the eye toy on amazon for about 5 bucks