Joystiq impressions: Wii Fit mini-games
by Zack Stern 
{ Apr 15th 2008 at 9:00AM }
Sure, Wii Fit is about health and lifestyle, but I'm looking forward to the games; I sampled some of the lesser-known modes at the recent Nintendo Media Summit. We've already played with the hula-hoop, soccer, ski-jump, and other basics, so I jumped straight to tightrope walking, floating in a bubble, and other later unlockables. But first, I warmed up with jogging.
Gallery: Wii Fit
- Jogging: One or two players can jog together by stepping off the balance board and sticking a Wiimote in a pocket. I trotted in place while my Mii avatar ran through a sparkling park. Easter eggs and strange events amused me, such as a pack of dogs running straight at -- and past -- me and a hidden, 8-bit Mario graffiti tag. But I decided to phone it in later, shaking the Remote like I was playing Samba. The Nintendo representative and a few onlookers scolded me, but I raced on.
- Tightrope walking: On the balance board, I lifted alternate feet, like I was walking ahead. But I had to keep my weight centered the whole time, otherwise the Mii would tip off the high wire. I was supposed to jump over a chomping bear-trap near the end of the path by crouching and extending my legs. (The motion is similar to the ski jumping game.) But I was off-center before I tried the hop, and just launched myself sideways off the narrow path.
- Bubble in a river: My Mii was trapped in a bubble, and I steered down a narrow, winding river with my leaning. If I grazed the edge of the riverbank, the bubble popped, and I lost. This mode works like a Super Monkey Ball variant. Speaking of which, hey, Sega, how about a Balance Board-tuned version of that game?
- Penguin-eats-fish: With my Mii donning a penguin suit, I stood on a teetering iceberg. From a side view, the platform tilted only left and right with my movements, sending my Mii to those edges. Fish flopped up onto the floe, and I slid in their direction, catching them for points. If I fell off, I automatically hopped back on. And I tried to fling myself up in the air, like tossing ingredients in a skillet, to grab giant fish.
- Snowboarding: I tried slalom skiing first and later rotated the balance board 90° for the snowboard simulation. I shifted my weight downhill to speed up, back to slow down. I bobbed up and down like a drinking bird to steer, and the process was challenging but worked well.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
samfish @ Apr 15th 2008 9:05AM
Damn Europe...gettin' all the good games first these days.
xFenixKnightx @ Apr 15th 2008 9:07AM
Sarcasm....right?
baby sea tuna @ Apr 15th 2008 9:17AM
Something tells me no.
samfish @ Apr 15th 2008 9:20AM
Not sarcasm. All the reviews for it are usually extremely positive, especially considering how cynical of it people are before they play it.
Even though nearly everyone who posts here probably thinks it's the lamest thing ever, to me, if they can make it abouot as fun as Wii Sports is, I see no reason not to be excited for it.
baby sea tuna @ Apr 15th 2008 9:24AM
I think the $90 price tag is a fucking excellent reason not to be excited for it...
xFenixKnightx @ Apr 15th 2008 9:26AM
$90.00?!!! HOLY RIPOFFS BATMAN!!!
samfish @ Apr 15th 2008 9:32AM
$90 dollars is no big deal to me, really. Especially since I'm supposed to be getting an 'economic stimulus rebate' from the gubbermint.
It's a bit pricey, but at least it's more or less in line with other games that come with controllers, ala Time Crisis 4.
baby sea tuna @ Apr 15th 2008 9:41AM
$90 isn't a big deal to me either, but it is still far too much for a minigame collection and a peripheral that, in ten months, is going to be taking up valuable space in a landfill along side the equally useful Kongo Bongos, GBA link cables, Super Scopes, Power Gloves and so on. Fool me once, Nintendo, shame on you...fool me 20 times...
Besides, I'd much rather spend my economic stimulus check on firearms, hookers, and booze. It's the American way, after all.
xFenixKnightx @ Apr 15th 2008 9:45AM
Well said baby sea tuna, well said indeed. +1
Gaucho @ Apr 15th 2008 9:51AM
$90 for Penguin-Eats-Fish? where do I sign up? And to think I spent almost half of that on Brawl. . . what a waste. I should have waited for Jogging . . . or Bubble in a River.
Gaucho @ Apr 15th 2008 10:08AM
In all honesty though, this thing looks like it could have potential. I just wouldn't pay $90 for it and I'm kind of tired of all of the Wii peripherals. Soo . . . much . . . white . . . plastic
Sir Fidlious Wong (Zeon Defense Force) @ Apr 15th 2008 10:13AM
You know, I'm pretty known for being a Nintendo hater around here but I have to take offense at one thing... Bongos in a landfill? I have four sets....
Kye - NDF Sniper @ Apr 15th 2008 11:34AM
Damned Americans and their NOT getting shafted on the price!
xFenixKnightx @ Apr 15th 2008 9:06AM
NO WAY?!!! Mini Games? I never woulda guessed it. Wheres mah Mario Potty Training with mini crapper peripheral included?
tmacairjordan87 @ Apr 15th 2008 9:09AM
hooray more mini games
rc @ Apr 15th 2008 9:10AM
This has to be the dumbest idea for a "video game" ever. So I'm sure it will sell millions. Really people, are you honestly going to buy this crap?
Prof_Chaos @ Apr 15th 2008 9:45AM
Yes.
redneckvampire @ Apr 15th 2008 10:07AM
Well, the elite hardcore gamers that sit around on gaming forums all day will turn their noses up to it, but everyone else will buy it.
Now if I can just get the elite hardcore gamers that sit around on gaming forums all day to realize that they make up less than 10% of the total market maybe they'll realize that a game doesn't have to appeal to them to be extremely successful.
ck @ Apr 15th 2008 1:21PM
Well put, redneckvampire. I've talked to a lot of people who have the Wii and don't play that much that are actually very excited about this. Anything to get them up and moving, especially when the weather's bad - this could be another huge success for Nintendo. Although that $90 price tag is a bit steep for some. We'll see the results soon enough.
SoulBlade @ Apr 15th 2008 9:12AM
My guess is most people on Joystiq will flame this as they are all probably too large to use the balance board and are quite upset by that fact. Obviously, if you're going to bitch about it, why waste your time here when you could be playing your 360 or PS3 or whatever else you prefer?
I like what Nintendo's trying to do - still don't think I'll buy it, but it's not a definite no. Maybe w/ a price drop. Who knows, other people I'd like to play games with could be interested in this as well.
baby sea tuna @ Apr 15th 2008 9:18AM
Zing! You're a bunch of fatties!
tmacairjordan87 @ Apr 15th 2008 9:20AM
So because people don't agree with nintendo's shitty idea of a money waster it means we're fat then?
I'm pissed that people would waste money on this garbage thinking they'll actually get in shape with it when they could just easily lug their fat dumb ass outside and jog an hour a day.
xFenixKnightx @ Apr 15th 2008 9:22AM
"if you're going to bitch about it, why waste your time here when you could be playing your 360 or PS3 or whatever else you prefer?"
Trust me I wish I could be at home playing either or, but for some reason I have to work and pay the mortgage and all taht good stuff so Im stuck here at the office from 7am-4pm. So I am doing what I like right now (on down time that is)...chillin on Joystiq/ESPN/IGN/Gametrailers/Myspace and Youtube =P
Oh, and I weigh 170lbs so no...Im not mad that my normal ass wont fit on that balance board I just cant take these gimmicks man thats all.
SoulBlade @ Apr 15th 2008 9:51AM
Yea.. I normally don't make such comments, so I apologize. Maybe Joystiq is wearing off on me.
I can see why people don't like it, but as stated in other posts, you don't have to buy the game. There isn't really any point in complaining about it - no company is going to care what you have to say if their product is raking in the cash. Plus, if the product is making a ton of money, then a lot more people in games like it than dislike it.
Nintendo's just trying to get more people into games and I think they're taking the approach of Wii Fit to remove the negative perception of games that certain individuals have. The hardcore gamers will never have issues finding their games, so why bust on a company who's reaching out to others? Clearly, the game isn't meant for the hardcore.
ViagraFiend @ Apr 15th 2008 10:17AM
I just do real exercise like push ups, sit ups and running. So no, I'm not fat. I just hang around Joystiq because I have a job that affords me the opportunity to mess around.
I hope you dont think Wii fit is actually going to make you "fit".
ThePremierAssassin @ Apr 15th 2008 9:27AM
This thread will be epic...
Personally I don't see why this "game" is a bad thing and why people are hating on it.
If you don't like it don't buy it. Simple as that.
However it doesn't change the fact that Nintendo has created something revolutionary and innovative that will probably sell extremely well despite the bitter angry haters that call themselves "hardcore gamer"...
Sir Fidlious Wong (Zeon Defense Force) @ Apr 15th 2008 9:38AM
Coming from you, this statement is odd.
However, as Chris said in the podcast, most hardcore gamers are not concerned at the success of things like this, but rather the message it sends out to developers. Or as he put it.. "Flash training costs all of $20 to develop and look at those sales, why would developers take the hard route when the easier one makes a lot of money for basically no effort."
That, I think, is the real fear. After all, everything BUT Carnival Games flopped for Midway last year. Why would Midway, as a developer, have ambition on the next gen consoles? The cheapest and laziest game they made last year was their runaway success.
samfish @ Apr 15th 2008 9:46AM
Did Midway even put ANYTHING out that was worth buying last year?
Fearing that "hardcore" games will stop being made is irational and over blown. Ultimately, if you're making a million dollars or whatever in profit from a piece of software, you won't really care, from a business perspective, what kind of game attains those profits, unless you're small or indy.
If people want to make "hardcore" games and they know they'll make money, they will.
The only downside is that they'll be less likely to try new things and play it safe and cookie cutter.
...but that's pretty much already happening in full force anyway, so it'd be disingenuous to blame that on "casual" games.
Sir Fidlious Wong (Zeon Defense Force) @ Apr 15th 2008 10:18AM
Not saying it's my belief but I am parroting the beliefs many people had. Frankly, each new generation brings this fear. I remember when the Playstation was going to ruin the gaming industry, and before that, Nintendo and Sega were the intruders.
But as long as hardcore games like COD4 and Assassin's Creed and multimillion sellers on both consoles they are on, I don't see hardcore gamers going away.
Also, Midway did release a few big budget flops including Area 51. I guess it disproves Dubbya's theory, you can't outspend a problem.
FOXHOUND @ Apr 15th 2008 12:03PM
samfish--
UT3 is the only "good one" that comes to mind. And even that was lost slightly in the tide of FPS titles of '07.
xFenixKnightx @ Apr 15th 2008 9:32AM
Oh my good buddy samfish you have no shame in your game do ya? If this very same thing was being brought out by MS on 360 then I wonder what your stance would be on it? Youd be first in line to bash but because its good ole' Nintendo its all rainbows and lolipops...
samfish @ Apr 15th 2008 9:34AM
I'd laugh at Sony and MS for trying to ape Nintendo in rather shameless way, but otherwise I don't think I'd ultimately care.
Sir Fidlious Wong (Zeon Defense Force) @ Apr 15th 2008 9:41AM
http://www.amazon.com/Eye-Toy-Kinetic-With-Camera/dp/B000BY5YWE/ref=pd_bbs_1?ie=UTF8&s=videogames&qid=1208266796&sr=8-1
http://www.amazon.com/RESPONDESIGN-30002-Yourself-Fitness/dp/B0007PNEGA/ref=pd_bbs_2?ie=UTF8&s=videogames&qid=1208266832&sr=8-2
http://www.amazon.com/Casual-Living-8931300000-Yourself-Fitness/dp/B00061NL7W/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=videogames&qid=1208266869&sr=1-1
Just saying is all....
baby sea tuna @ Apr 15th 2008 9:45AM
Yeah, but none of those games cost almost half as much as the system they're being played on.
FOXHOUND @ Apr 15th 2008 9:50AM
Honestly, if it were on *any* system, this still would be a silly extra accessory. And given Nintendo's track record with accessories... expect 5 individual games(not mini game shovelware like WiiPlay)for this device at most.
It's a nice idea and device... but I'm not going to be reeled into buying it just yet. Hell, I'm still spiteful after buying the broadband adapter for the GCN; and getting PHANTASY STAR ONLINE as pretty much the only worthwhile use of the adapter.
xFenixKnightx @ Apr 15th 2008 9:51AM
No, Im not saying if MS copied Nintendo and brought something like this out. Im saying if this was MS's idea in the first place and THEY were the ones introducing it to the gaming community. I doubt you would have anything positive to say about it.
Its cool though, I have no real "beef" with you lol. Hey for some reason I think Peach is showing less nipple now. Why deprive us Samfish, why? =P
Prof_Chaos @ Apr 15th 2008 9:53AM
Because the systems cost more, but thanks for coming out.
I'm looking forward to see if any other developers build games for the balance board. A new 1080 or serious skiing game with an option to use the board could be epic. Add an option for a Tiger Woods game where your stance is taken into consideration for your swing. Easter eggs is sports games and others could offer some real value (certainly more so than animated celebrations after a TD in Madden).
Phranctoast @ Apr 15th 2008 9:54AM
I thought it was a well known fact that this was a ripoff of Kinetic. Sony even has pics of Miyomoto using the Eyetoy kinetic at a convention.
TheHuntIsOn @ Apr 15th 2008 9:56AM
£70 and good ratings? I like the sound of that over certain mediocre PS3/360 games going for £50 on the high street.
PojoMofo @ Apr 15th 2008 10:17AM
I wonder if this thing can hold both me and the misses? Wii like to fornicate
Curmeo @ Apr 15th 2008 10:17AM
more like Wii Shit. Nintendonald's has sunk to new lows by charging $90 for a bunch of shallow minigames.
Sir Fidlious Wong (Zeon Defense Force) @ Apr 15th 2008 10:20AM
You know what would be awesome? If you died in a fire...
xFenixKnightx @ Apr 15th 2008 10:25AM
Woahhh settle down there buddy...I actually laugh at all of Curmeos posts now. Nothing he ever posts is serious or brings anything good to the table and he knows that himself.
SillyShiggy WSN (if it had one): lovsatan @ Apr 15th 2008 10:30AM
So Curmeo, another round of Mario & Sonic at my place this weekend? You promised to bring the chips and dip this time. Reggie let me know that he's supplying the Shasta!
Prof_Chaos @ Apr 15th 2008 10:33AM
"You know what would be awesome? If you died in a fire..."
Ha. Curmeo's posts just make me wish I hadn't read them. At least some of the flame posts have an ounce of wit.
Matt B @ Apr 15th 2008 11:29AM
Actually, Curmeo is my favorite poster. He always calls it like he sees it and doesn't care what you think. He trolls wii threads and you guys troll PS3 threads. Or are you saying there is a double standard?
Mat @ Apr 15th 2008 11:14AM
Ok everything still looks great, but what are the physical specs on this thing? I've seen the videos and for someone my size, it really dosnt look like I will be able to use the bloody damn thing...I'm 6'3" 245lbs, most of my friends are about 6-6'5" and all of our weight varies. It really dosnt look like the thing is wide enough or deep enough for someone with a bit of height and a wider stance to use, not to mention the weight limitations and size 13 feet, the thing looks as if someone my size were to stand on it that it would crack in half not to mention jumping up and down on the thing...I know Nintendo designs things for kids and from an Asian perspective but does this mean that people bigger that 5'8" and 150lbs will be able to use this comfortably or will all of us taller and bigger folk be left out in the cold? Hey Nintendo, why not just create a roll out exercise mat with the same tech? This would allow for any stance you wish as well as open up a broader horizon for getting into depth with yoga, pilates, any cardio routine I could think of honestly...and no, im not talking power pad, but something along those lines perhaps
ricefarmer @ Apr 15th 2008 11:26AM
$90? That's a bargain considering that I can now cancel my $50 a month gym membership. I can just play for this for an hour a day and be healthy.
Seriously, Wii Sports and this are a joke. I've played Wii Sports and if you actually get tired from this crap then you need to go out and excersice more. (Not counting old people though, because we know how this is such a huge hit with those hardcore senior gamers.)
Lynk @ Apr 15th 2008 11:32AM
It's great how people say stuff like "oh noez, more mini-games!" or "what kind of videogame is this?" and "what kind of gamer would buy this?"
It's great how people miss the entire point of targeting a new audience... the new audience being NOT YOU. I'm surprised you guys aren't bitching about the existence very of exercise DVDs...
Well, whatever... it just seems stupid that people can't seem to get their head around these kinds of games existing... it's not unlike certain ignorant people who can't accept the fact that there is violence in videogames and that videogames are meant solely for children...
*shameless plug*
http://forums.thecrisiscenter.net/
Lynk @ Apr 15th 2008 11:34AM
Correction:
*that videogames AREN'T meant solely for children...
... bleah