The Wii Workout machine: more unique exer-gaming for Wii
Written by Alexis M. (Rivithed)
Sunday, 07 June 2009
Nintendo, EA, Ubisoft and SEGA are planning to get you in shape, each in their own ways. If there is one place the Wii is going where other current generation systems aren't, it's fitness gaming. E3 2009 showed even more fitness games are in development by third parties besides Nintendo. Below are some of the games announced, with workout equipment varying from the Wii Balance Board, resistance bands, camera and fitness gear. Nintendo also introduced the Wii Vitality Sensor, something that could possibly further the Wii fitness gaming experience.
Wii Fit Plus (Nintendo)
MSRP: $89.99 with Balance Board; will also be available as standalone disc
Accessories: Wii Balance Board support
Release date: Fall 2009 See video below.
Official website: www.nintendo.com
Summary:
"Wii Fit attracted millions of new players to the world of video games. Now Wii Fit Plus offers a range of new features and enhancements to help players reinvigorate their workouts, along with exercises and balance games designed to keep them fun. Players will find a new dimension to the Wii Fit experience as they easily set their own customized workout routines or choose 20-, 30- or 40-minute workouts based on how much time they have available. Users will also be able to choose from specialized workout routines that focus on an individual’s personal fitness goals or certain target areas. And with the addition of activities like Skateboarding and Rhythm Kung Fu, players will be using the Wii Balance Board accessory in a variety of new and fun ways."
EA Sports Active Expansion (Electronic Arts)
MSRP: unknown
Accessories: Wii Balance Board support, leg strap, resistance bands
Release date: Winter 2009
Official website: www.easportsactive.com
Summary:
"EA SPORTS will expand the genre this holiday season with a new expansion pack for EA SPORTS Active, designed to work with the product just released. The expansion pack will bring the EA SPORTS Active workout to the next level by adding more challenge and variety, and users will keep their heart pumping through interactive circuit workouts featuring 30 brand new activities and exercises that target the upper and lower body, as well as cardio.
New to the EA SPORTS Active expansion pack will be an emphasis on core exercises including curl ups, crunch & punches, and a warm up/cool down feature. Sports activities will include step aerobics, an obstacle course, squash and water skiing, while a new emphasis on combinations will populate the upper and lower body exercises. An all-new presentation will bring users to the tropics and will immerse them in warm weather activities in a picturesque setting. The product will also feature the Six-Week Challenge – another step in the journey towards better health and fitness with new daily workouts that ramp up in intensity each week. This personalized full body challenge will give users a new customizable weekly schedule and a weekly check-in with the virtual trainer to track calorie, weight and workout goals."
Your Shape (Ubisoft)
MSRP: $59.99 (includes camera)
Accessories: Camera, incorporates fitness equipment
Release date: November 2009 See video below. Official website: yourshapegame.us.ubi.com
Summary:
"Your Shape is a revolutionary new fitness product that is laser-focused on you, ensuring you get the most personalized, effective and fun workout possible. The Your Shape camera comes with the game and, using proprietary fitness tracking technology, scans you, giving you a full body shape analysis. The game combines that analysis with the results of your fitness test and your goals to create a personalized fitness program to help you meet your goals as efficiently and effectively as possible. Unlike any other fitness product, when you begin your workout, the camera projects your image onto the TV. Because the camera tracks your movements, your coach can give you real-time input on how you’re doing and advice on how to do it better. And, you get all of these benefits without having to hold a controller as you workout, leaving your hands free to focus on the exercises. In fact, the game encourages you to incorporate your own exercise equipment (weights, balance ball, etc). Just tell it what you have at home, and your coach will add it to your personal workout. No other fitness product provides this level of personalization and interactivity while leaving your hands free. "
Summary:
"Daisy Fuentes Pilates, the first self-titled Pilates endeavor, goes beyond the one-way, static workouts of traditional DVDs using the Wii’s controls to monitor movements and offer instant feedback, ensuring proper body motion so players get the most from every Pilates session. Players stay on track following the integrated, on-screen “timing bar” as well as the real-time feedback from Daisy Fuentes herself, whose voice guides the exercises. Players will be able to choose between English and Spanish."
