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Wii fitness games; which to choose?
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The Wii is anything but the average video game system. Its unique motion controls have opened the world of gaming to an entirely new audience, a more casual core that has not engaged with gaming since the days of Pac-Man and Space Invaders. The unique motion control and family/casual focus of the Wii has also opened an entirely new genre, one gamers have seen hints of in the past, but that is now going full speed and that is the fitness game. Why just sit and play when now gamers can shed a few pounds. The various dancing games, Dance Dance Revolution primarily, have been doing this for years but it’s the Wii capturing the casual audience again that has kicked down the fitness door.
So which game is right for the fitness oriented gamer in the family? Below is a quick summary of some of the current and upcoming titles, the types of audience they target as well as their overall fun factor. A workout needs to be enjoyable to be repeated and made a part of ones life. A workout is only as good as someone who keeps doing it. No workout ever shows results if it’s not done, it’s a lifestyle change and these games can help make for a longer and leaner life for gamers and their families. Please note these are not the only games in the genre, but they are the more popular, bigger name titles that separate themselves from so much fluff.
EA Sports Active – EA Games – Compatible with the balance board and it comes with a resistance band, hand straps and leg strap. The amount of exercise in this box, quick workout regimes that mix cardio and weight, really offers the full experience to gamers. There can be issues with nailing the exact motions but this happens with many Wii titles. The key to this game, two actually, are the new exercise peripherals (bands, leg strap) and the mix of exercises that are short and challenging. The 30 Day challenge, personalized trainers and real tips add to the motivation and running mixed with fun games (rollerblading to jump) keeps it fresh. EA Sports Active benefits from seeing how Wii Fit did and it truly shines as there is more exercise, a fresher feel for a longer time. Once a gamer does the 30 Day challenge they won’t stop, there is more to do. A great choice for any gamers looking into fitness with the right options from age to gender. Recommended (if budget allows) that this is bundled with the balance board.
Wii Fit – Nintendo – Nintendo steps up the game again with not only a deep and engaging fitness offering but the balance board. Gamers now must balance and utilize the board in various exercises that will test and tone muscle groups no other game has touched. The personalization is deep (BMI measurement) and there are clear offerings of strength training, aerobics, yoga and balance games. This last one is key as it brings in the fun factor. The impact of Wii Fit is seen in all the competition that now utilizes the balance board. Along with EA Sports Active this is really the must have way to go for general fitness on the Wii.
Wii Sports – Nintendo – The beast that started it all with easy to play baseball, bowling, tennis, boxing and golf. While not a traditional ‘fitness’ game Wii Sports did get many non-gamers tracking their progress and getting in shape. This is the gateway drug of fitness games and since it’s bundled with Wii, everyone has played it.
Daisy Fuentes Pilates – Sega – A new offering hitting in August 2009. Worth a mention as it targets a specific genre of exercise, Pilates. It also utilizes a celebrity in Daisy Fuentes that apparently is a Pilate’s advocate (guess those in the know knew this). Anyone looking to get into Pilates look like they could do worse as Daisy offers up basics, tutorials, pre-set workouts as well as Spanish language options. None of the fun mini-games seen in other titles so the jury is out on Daisy for now, but for the niche Pilate’s audience it should do quite fine.
Jillian Michaels Fitness – Majesco Entertainment – She’s kicked many a large contestant into shape on TV so why not in a game. Where Daisy is all peace and harmony Jillian is the in-your-face trainer most Americans’ need. Jillian offers up video tips and by enrolling in her multi-level boot camp program gamers can get a feel for what it’s like to deal with Jillian. While she is in the game the option for gamers to change and pick their path does not feel very Jillian. More time is needed with this program, but it’s use of the balance board and different setting will appeal to her fans and those looking for a boot camp type of workout.
My Fitness Coach – Ubisoft – There is nothing too spectacular about this fitness title. The series of My Coach titles on DS work very well, especially for languages, but this Wii fitness title feels a bit light and cold. While workouts can be tracked and there are over 500 exercises the game leaves too much to the gamer to decide. A personal trainer needs to ask basic questions about goals then go from there, not let the out of shape person decide what they should do. With EA Sports Active and Wii Fit on the market it’s tough to go with My Fitness Coach.
Your Shape – Ubisoft – Just announced at E3 not much is known about how the game plays but it does utilize a new camera system. A game that scans you, gives feedback and progress is very intimate. There will also be the ability to include non-gaming exercise equipment so this game has a lot of potential but may not offer as much out of the box or really not much more than a fitness DVD with a camera.
So there are quite a few choices but the clear cut choice comes down to Wii Fit with it’s basic, directed approach vs. EA Sports Active with it’s all over approach. No matter the choice made, and there are still games to be released, a workout is only as good as the person willing to stick to it and fix their diet. Good luck.
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