Full Review for Wii Fit by pokefreak934

Introduction

This game is an awesome way to mix video gaming and exercise. With many of the activities, you don't even notice when you start to break a sweat, because you're having so much fun trying to beat your high score. Or add multiple user accounts so you can compete with others for the best scores! This game is divided up into four sections: strength training, yoga, aerobics, and balance games. There is also a Body Test, which measures and records your weight, BMI, posture, and balance, so you can track your progress. After completing the balance minigames on the test, you will be presented with your WiiFit Age.

Graphics

The graphics for this game are overall very well done. The menus all look great. For strength training and yoga, your trainer demonstrates the activities or poses perfectly for you to copy - their body motions look completely real. The trainers themselves look a little strange though, as their skin is whitish-grey and their mouths don't move to match their speech. The other sections, aerobics and balance games, have wonderful graphics using Miis - both from the game and your own. They are fun, exciting, colorful, and put you in the game. The graphics for the running island are especially good, as you can take any number of different routes and see the same scenes from different angles.

Sound

The sound in this game is great, whether you're listening to the calm, ocean-like sounds while practicing Deep Breathing, or trying to stay on beat with the catchy music for Step games. Even when running, the footsteps in the game match your own pace. The balance games also have fun sounds that go with the games: whistles in soccer heading, swooshing sounds as you race down a ski slope, and the quiet outdoor sounds of the night in Lotus Focus. Overall, the sounds are very good and contribute to the mood of whatever activity you're doing.

Gameplay

Use the Wii Balance Board for most activities. In strength training, follow your personal trainer's instructions to work out your core, arm, or leg muscles, or some others as well. Try to stay balanced while doing pushups or planks to achieve a better score! You can even unlock some challenges where you face off with your trainer.....

In yoga, you again mirror your trainer's movements to learn the poses. Some yoga activities do not use the Balance Board, but for those that do make sure to stay balanced to get a high score! Practice activities like deep breathing to increase metabolism, stretch your muscles with poses like the cobra, or work on maintaining your balance in exercises such as the palm tree. These poses are mostly easy to learn, especially with the built in demo feature where your trainer will walk you through them step by step. The game also has a special feature that will combine a strength exercise with a yoga pose that works the corresponding muscle groups, to create a full workout for that area.

The next section is aerobics. While these games may seem easy at first, try six minutes of hula-hooping and you'll realize they aren't as easy as they might seem. However, with their fun graphics and competitive scoring methods, you'll find yourself having loads of fun at the same time that you get a great workout. The aerobics section includes different levels, times, and intensities of step, hula hoop, running, and rhythm boxing. Some of these - step and running - include "free play" modes where you can continue your exercise by listening to the Wii Remote, and change the channel while your game is running so you can work out and keep yourself distracted by watching a show.

The last group is the balance games. These are undoubtedly the most fun, especially for kids. From snowboard slaloms to penguin sliding to bubble racing, you're bound to enjoy these activities. Use the balance board to control your motions on screen, and compete to see who's the best balancer!

The final aspect of Wii Fit is the body test. This weighs you, calculates your BMI, checks your posture, and allows you to set weight goals for yourself. It can be password protected! The second half of the test gives you simple balance minigames, where you may have to stand on one foot or shift your weight to either side according to the on-screen prompts, to measure your balance and calculate a Wii Fit age in comparison to your actual age. See who can get the closest to their real age!

Lastability

This game is a great one to work on a few days a week. While kids may become bored with it due to the game selection (only 9 balance games, with hula hoop and step also being favorites), adults or older kids who actually want to work out on the game will have a great time. Not a true substitute for a good long hard run, it still will make you work up a sweat, and competing against other users can get pretty intense. Not one I'd play every day of the week, but definitely a great addition to any collection, and one that can be played over a long period of time.

Overall

Wii Fit has a variety of activities, mixing hard-core strength training with relaxing yoga, heart-strenghtening aerobics, and of course a dose of fun too with balance games. This game may not be ideal for younger kids, because, besides balance games, it is a workout; but for any gamers (or non-gamers, too) seeking a way to have fun and exercise at the same time, Wii Fit is it.

Final Score: 92%