Excluding those who went over to the Nintendo World Store on Monday, today is the first day that U.S. gamers can purchase Wii Fit for themselves. It's clear that Nintendo's fitness game is going to sell like hotcakes, but is it worth fighting through crowds and waiting on lines in order to pick one up? Here's what the critics have to say:
IGN (80/100) thinks that Wii Fit isn't a perfect workout tool, but was ultimately impressed by the title: "To its credit, the device is no joke. It very accurately measures your every subtle movement and momentum nuance as you step and shift to and from on the Balance Board. It's much more accurate than the WIi remote and it independently analyzes the input from your left and right foot, compiling the data into something meaningful and potentially encouraging within the context of the challenges, whether you're doing yoga poses, push-ups, or partaking in a host of mini-games created specifically for the device.
1UP (83/100) thought the game offered a good workout, but didn't necessarily make exercising fun: "A couple of days into the game's workout regimen, I didn't want to keep playing -- it is exercise, after all. But I persevered, and eventually I improved at the minigames, felt physically challenged on some exercises, and generally felt better after racking up 15 or 30 minutes a day of Wii fitness. But I never really wanted to play. Which, I suppose, is the rule of exercise -- it's exhausting, but keep it up, and you'll feel great at all other times of the day. That's mostly how Wii Fit is."
GameDaily (80/100) was somewhat bothered by the fact that Wii Fit isn't multiplayer friendly: "The most noticeable omission is serious multiplayer or a party mode. Like DDR or Wii Sports, it's actually fun to watch other people play and would be great to be able to switch off trying out different activities without having to retreat to the Wii Fit main menu and load a new profile. Furthermore, the fact that games only accommodate one balance board at a time seems almost anti-Nintendo. Isn't this supposed to appeal to the whole family?"
Reader Comments (27)
Posted: May 21st 2008 9:16AM (Unverified) said
Sorry. Not interested in this game in the least. Oops, I didn't mean to say "game".
Wiifit seems like a betrayal to core gamers, and it hurts.
Wiifit seems like a betrayal to core gamers, and it hurts.
Posted: May 21st 2008 9:29AM (Unverified) said
wiifit may not be for the "core" gamers, but the balance board is. I can't wait to see how many other games use it.
But even from a "hardcore gamer" point of view like you think you have (too cool for wiifit), you have to admit its pretty innovative, and I'm sure you'd be surprised how well it works.
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But even from a "hardcore gamer" point of view like you think you have (too cool for wiifit), you have to admit its pretty innovative, and I'm sure you'd be surprised how well it works.
Posted: May 21st 2008 9:47AM (Unverified) said
"Wiifit seems like a betrayal to core gamers, and it hurts."
Really? A betrayal? "It hurts"? Are you a fan of RPGs? If so, do First Person Shooters "hurt"? Just because it's not for you doesn't mean it's sacrilege. Get over yourself.
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Really? A betrayal? "It hurts"? Are you a fan of RPGs? If so, do First Person Shooters "hurt"? Just because it's not for you doesn't mean it's sacrilege. Get over yourself.
Posted: May 21st 2008 10:00AM (Unverified) said
"Nintendo, you've made a game I don't want to play, I...I thought we had something. Something special. I can see now things can never be like they were...back in those days. We were so young. If you really loved me, you'd release another Mario game! Remember, like old times? Even though it was only 6 months ago, it seems like it was an eternity. I'm afraid, Nintendo, we're through."
You know usually when I don't like a game I just don't buy it. The other method seems to make for good daytime television, though.
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You know usually when I don't like a game I just don't buy it. The other method seems to make for good daytime television, though.
Posted: May 21st 2008 10:16AM dngrhm said
Ah crap... beesnipe isn't interested in Wii Fit? I guess I'm I can't be interested in it either. :( I was really looking forward to getting my yoga on. I wouldn't want to betray gaming. That doesn't sound like fun. /sarcasm
I'm not completely sold on Wii Fit, but I think it could be really fun. I'm not expecting a body-building workout. Just a means to track progress do some light activity in the morning and a little fun off the couch. I would go buy right now if not for the lack of multiplayer workout and party mode activities.
It's really odd to see gamers be so closed-minded while a wider audience is being more open-minded about gaming. Is there a fear that there will be no more GTA, CoD (mmm... fishy), Haloz b/c of games like Wii Fit?
@beesnipe Stop trolling. It are dum
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I'm not completely sold on Wii Fit, but I think it could be really fun. I'm not expecting a body-building workout. Just a means to track progress do some light activity in the morning and a little fun off the couch. I would go buy right now if not for the lack of multiplayer workout and party mode activities.
It's really odd to see gamers be so closed-minded while a wider audience is being more open-minded about gaming. Is there a fear that there will be no more GTA, CoD (mmm... fishy), Haloz b/c of games like Wii Fit?
@beesnipe Stop trolling. It are dum
Posted: May 21st 2008 10:51AM (Unverified) said
"Core gamers" is just a nice way to refer to the majority of the market.
Judging by the success of the Wii and casual gaming in general, I don't think "core gamers" and "hardcore gamers" are one in the same nowadays. At least not on the Nintendo platforms.
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Judging by the success of the Wii and casual gaming in general, I don't think "core gamers" and "hardcore gamers" are one in the same nowadays. At least not on the Nintendo platforms.
Posted: May 21st 2008 1:07PM (Unverified) said
What the fuck is a "core" gamer? Fucking scene brat bullshit. A game is a game, if it's well made, entertaining and enjoyable, it's a good game. If the premise of the game doesn't appeal to you, then go play a different game. "Core" gamer is a bullshit term, there are gamers and casual gamers. Gamers play games regularly because they like them, (regardless of genre), casual gamers play games occasionally because they like them.
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Posted: May 22nd 2008 8:38AM (Unverified) said
Please stop getting in a fit over my opinion. It's what a lot of people think. You all sound worse than me.
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Posted: May 21st 2008 9:43AM (Unverified) said
I picked mine up at Target at 8AM, crowd of perhaps 10 people waiting in front... After an hour of play, I can say that I am not going to enjoy the strength training, because it isn't a game, its like following a workout video. But, I loved nearly everything else, even though I thoroughly suck at most of it. Well... yoga seems absurdly easy, I racked up 5 star ratings on all the open poses on the first try.
However, We Ski, is really fun using the balance board, I can't wait for my kids to get home and check it out. My husband is doing the ski jump right now and saying in a surprised (I am serious gamer) voice, "This is really cool".
However, We Ski, is really fun using the balance board, I can't wait for my kids to get home and check it out. My husband is doing the ski jump right now and saying in a surprised (I am serious gamer) voice, "This is really cool".
Posted: May 21st 2008 10:05AM willxcore said
I've badmouthed Wii Fit on this site before countless times. I would never pay the price to buy it and I know I would hardly ever play. But I am intrigued to see what it's like to actually play and use the Balance Board. Ah well.
Posted: May 21st 2008 10:10AM kastonie said
so a bunch of gamers gave a not so hot score to a exercise tool...im a fat guy and i plan on using this to help get in shape...yea this is not a game its for the most part exercising....wii fit looks like a winner in my book....mario made me fat, hopefully wii fit can help reverse that....
Posted: May 21st 2008 12:20PM (Unverified) said
80 is a "not so hot score?" I'd say that's pretty good.
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Posted: May 21st 2008 10:19AM (Unverified) said
No lines... The beauty of Amazon. Should be on my door step when I get home :)
Posted: May 21st 2008 10:27AM Hamster said
Well, it's been nearly a year since it offended me back at E3, and though I honestly have tried, I can't say I've warmed to Wii Fit much since then. I think I'll always hate it and everything it stands for (ie. bland, opportunistic, casual mediocrity), but I'm willing to give it a go and see if it's not as awful as I think it is.
Posted: May 21st 2008 10:31AM (Unverified) said
The term "hardcore" and "casual" gamer are just really stupid terms. You play the games to have fun. One of my friends keep telling me that I shouldn't play games like this, but I do because they are fun and (for Wii Fit) keeps me on my feet, instead of sitting on the couch. After Mario Kart Wii, I move my DS around, thinking that it should steer the kart on Mario Kart DS. Nintendo did something that made gameplay feel more natural. You can't do yoga, skiing, etc. with an XBOX360 or a PS3 controller naturally. That's why I think this is going to be fun. Wii Fit will get obese kids and adults on their feet and HAVING fun. Now that's a game.
Posted: May 21st 2008 10:39AM (Unverified) said
You guys are kind of stupid. First of all, saying crap like "this is a betrayal to core gamers" is a lot of crap. It isn't a game exclusively for one type of gamer. It's a game that was created for EVERYONE. Even the hardcore gamer.
But I feel really fuckin stupid calling it a "game" in the first place, because it's not. More on that later.
This is something Nintendo did out of the kindness of their heart to make exercise fun for lazy slobs like myself. As a hardcore gamer, I am truely thankful that Nintendo made this. I know that this is going to be the end of my weight problem.
Nintendo has proven that the Wii is capable of doing more then videogames. Why don't you guys buy it for what it REALLY is? Don't regard Wii Fit as a "game". Sure, it has games in the package, but it isn't really a game now is it? It's an exercise program. I am going to Gamestop in a half an hour to buy this EXERCISE PROGRAM. Maybe, while I am at it, I will get a game along with this.
But I feel really fuckin stupid calling it a "game" in the first place, because it's not. More on that later.
This is something Nintendo did out of the kindness of their heart to make exercise fun for lazy slobs like myself. As a hardcore gamer, I am truely thankful that Nintendo made this. I know that this is going to be the end of my weight problem.
Nintendo has proven that the Wii is capable of doing more then videogames. Why don't you guys buy it for what it REALLY is? Don't regard Wii Fit as a "game". Sure, it has games in the package, but it isn't really a game now is it? It's an exercise program. I am going to Gamestop in a half an hour to buy this EXERCISE PROGRAM. Maybe, while I am at it, I will get a game along with this.
Posted: Jun 6th 2008 2:00PM (Unverified) said
DO YOU GUYS KNOW IF IT WORKS ON A CARPET SURFACE??? I HAVE MY WII IN THE LIVING ROOM WHICH HAS CARPET NOT TILE. IS IT LIKE PUTTING A SCALE ON A CARPET INSTEAD OF A FLAT SURFACE? A SCALE IS JUST NOT ACCURTATE ON CARPET. CAN I STILL BUY THIS?
Posted: May 21st 2008 12:00PM (Unverified) said
SINCE THE STORE WON'T REFUSE TO SELL THE GAME TO YOU BECAUSE YOU HAVE CARPET IN YOUR LIVING ROOM, I ASSUME YOU CAN BUY IT.
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Posted: May 21st 2008 1:11PM (Unverified) said
IT COMES WITH EXTRA LITTLE FEET TO STACK ON THE BOTTOM OF THE ONES IT ALREADY HAS SO THAT YOU CAN SET IT ON THICK CARPET, SO DON'T WORRY ABOUT NOT BEING ABLE TO PLAY. MINE WORKED JUST FINE ON REALLY THICK CARPET AND STILL GAVE ME ACCURATE WEIGHT READOUTS.
(Gee, I hope he can hear me shouting over all the noise in this thread.)
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(Gee, I hope he can hear me shouting over all the noise in this thread.)
Posted: May 21st 2008 11:18AM (Unverified) said
I think all of these thoughts about core gamers is a joke. Anyone that says "I am a core gamer!" but never tries new ideas really is quite close minded about gaming. Nintendo has positioned themselves as the standard in video games again. Just wait MS and Sony will come out with their new consoles and it will have a distinctive family mode or party mode to copy Nintendo. Give it chance you might find that you like it and if not, they are on ebay for $150 right now
Posted: May 21st 2008 1:15PM (Unverified) said
People should only be allowed to call themselves "core" gamers if they've been playing since The Atari, and only play 8-bit or lower games, because games these days are super easy comparatively. Or they can play only Advanced Dungeons and Dragons, because real "core" gamers only play RPGs.
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Posted: May 21st 2008 11:38AM jasenj1 said
Picked mine up at Costco for $80 when they opened. Lots of other people walking around with it in their shopping carts. I expect they'll be sold out by the end of the day.
Wife and 4 year old are in the other room playing now. So far happy. Didn't get WeSki; will see how Wii Fit pans out first.
Wife and 4 year old are in the other room playing now. So far happy. Didn't get WeSki; will see how Wii Fit pans out first.
Posted: May 21st 2008 12:14PM natureboy46 said
I'm on day 3 right now and I'm more and more impressed by just how well everything works.
I've just played through everything once (okay the ski jump a few times just because it's awesome) and I've got just as good of a sweat going as I do when I workout at the gym.
The balance games won't get you in shape but if you actually do a regime of yoga, strength and aerobics then you will see results. I was just as sore this morning as when I haven't been to the gym in a month.
And I love DDR but that is no more of a game than WiiFit (and no one seems to complain about that). In fact I would go as far as saying that WiiFit is just as much of a game as Guitar Hero et al.
I've just played through everything once (okay the ski jump a few times just because it's awesome) and I've got just as good of a sweat going as I do when I workout at the gym.
The balance games won't get you in shape but if you actually do a regime of yoga, strength and aerobics then you will see results. I was just as sore this morning as when I haven't been to the gym in a month.
And I love DDR but that is no more of a game than WiiFit (and no one seems to complain about that). In fact I would go as far as saying that WiiFit is just as much of a game as Guitar Hero et al.
Posted: May 21st 2008 12:27PM KaiCherry said
Wow.
Ok, um, if anyone here is laboring under he illusion that if you are a fat-ass** "old guy" (like myself) and this thing WON'T get you sweating/give you any sort of "workout" is SADLY MISTAKEN.
After banking my first 15mins, I was sold. If I had any illusions about how "not that bad" I am...
They have been...corrected. Maybe it is confirmation bias, but Wii Fit has for the first time, in a long time, made me want to *do something* about it, in no uncertain terms.
**5'11, 220lbs (allll fat, y'all) 35+ years old.
Ok, um, if anyone here is laboring under he illusion that if you are a fat-ass** "old guy" (like myself) and this thing WON'T get you sweating/give you any sort of "workout" is SADLY MISTAKEN.
After banking my first 15mins, I was sold. If I had any illusions about how "not that bad" I am...
They have been...corrected. Maybe it is confirmation bias, but Wii Fit has for the first time, in a long time, made me want to *do something* about it, in no uncertain terms.
**5'11, 220lbs (allll fat, y'all) 35+ years old.
Posted: May 21st 2008 1:12PM (Unverified) said
Picked mine up this morning around 8am. I have to say I'm very excited about the aerobic exercises and the balance games. The strength exercises and yoga are also pretty interesting (I went through each of the open ones at least once).
Having racked up a bit over one hour of Wii Fit Points/Minutes, I think I can safely say that Wii Fit will be given quite a bit of replay in my house.
Having racked up a bit over one hour of Wii Fit Points/Minutes, I think I can safely say that Wii Fit will be given quite a bit of replay in my house.
Posted: May 21st 2008 3:01PM (Unverified) said
Gotta love 1UP's reason for not persevering: "A couple of days into the game's workout regimen, I didn't want to keep playing -- it is exercise, after all."
If this is the majority of us gamers, we really need to get off our asses more.
If this is the majority of us gamers, we really need to get off our asses more.
Posted: May 22nd 2008 12:16AM (Unverified) said
bought this for my girlfriend the other week - she loves it so much, perfect for what she needed. Now she loves the Wii and we play stuff together. she now wants mario cart so she can "beat my ass".
Thanks Nintendo, finally, my girl is back into games :)
I wait patiently for Kama Sutra Wii Edition :D
Thanks Nintendo, finally, my girl is back into games :)
I wait patiently for Kama Sutra Wii Edition :D
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