Nintendo’s recent quest to change the way we look at gaming and their wonderful Wii console continues full steam ahead with the release of the newest addition to their lifestyle range, Wii Fit.
Wii Fit is not just a game, it is a life coach, assisting you with many aspects including posture and hopefully fitness.
The board itself is a very sleek design, most unobtrusive and will slide under a coffee table or desk, making it simple to pull out and play. As expected, getting used to the control is very difficult, even if you have a good sense of balance. The slightest move will cause a reaction on screen. The Board is very versatile, being able to work out weight, process pressure for jumping, and leaning around the board.
When you start the game you are introduced to the Wii Balance Board, using the Wii mote you input details like age, height and the type of clothing, from here it will test your balance, weight and BMI. Unfortunately, if you use your Mii in connection with the game, they will expand or shrink depending on your current weight. There have been a few people who have got offended by this but in the end, what else did you purchase the game for? That sounds harsh but I do get fed up with the constant complaining and reactions of people that get offended so easily. Well that’s of my chest, back to Wii Fit. At pre-selected intervals you are able to choose a goal, it could be to lose a few pounds or to try and retain the same weight, the game will always ensure your goals are reachable to make sure you don’t get put off and to keep you motivated.
Once you have registered your details and shown your Wii Fit Age you are introduced to the main part of the disc. Here you can choose from 5 areas, Yoga, Balance Games, Aerobic Games, Muscle Workout and Favourites. Initially there are not many options to choose from in each area, however as you play more games you earn Fitcash, which is used to open more training and games later on.
Yoga and Muscle Workouts are quite similar, you have a trainer who will go through some basics to make sure you understand what each move compromises of. Yoga will teach you the basics of breathing, and then go through many different positions available. Muscle Workout is very energetic, including pushups and stretches. Some of the initial moves are crippling, days after you will feel aches in numerous parts of your body, but this is a good thing as you are exercising new body parts.
The more fun aspects are included under the Balance and Aerobic Games. These are more of the classic Nintendo approach to mini games that they have done so well in the past. These games include hula hoops, where you have to circle your hips as fast as possible and lean left and right to catch extra hoops, later you will open Super Hoop which lasts ages and will really test your stomach strength. Tightrope walking involves great balance, walking slowly and trying to avoid obstacles like high winds and metal teeth. Heading the ball requires you to lean left and right to return a football, trying to avoid the panda heads and boots which will make you lose your combo. My personal favourite is the skiing challenge, where leaning forward speeds you up and moving side to side helps you manoeuvre your way between coloured flags. Another favourite of mine is the Ski Jump, where you gain speed and then push up being careful not to jump on the board, this will then result in your skier jumping and trying to beat the score for the longest distance. Your Mii is always part of these games, dressing up as required in ski and football equipment, you will also notice other Mii’s from your collection interacting in the games. So you could see your Mum refereeing the football heading game or your sister running beside you in the jogging game.
Whilst each game is short and fun, if you play a few together you will feel the burn after not too long, the boxing will leave your arms feeling like spaghetti in the end. Wii Fit will also let you know if you have done enough for the day, making sure you do not over-do it.
Wii Fit offers plenty of mini games to unlock and I feel there is enough to keep you interested over long periods of time. If you are looking for just a game this is not really the best to go for as it is more of a lifestyle guide with some added fun to keep you interested, however if you want something different that may help you get those muscles moving then you should give this a go.
