Let's pretend for a moment that, just like us, you absolutely love physical exercise. With that out of the way, we can dive right into discussion of EA's new fitness game, EA Sports Active. Developed in collaboration with Bob Greene (he's Oprah Winfrey's personal trainer, it says here), the Wii-exclusive sweat-em-up will launch in Spring 2009.
Though deemed "perfect for the whole family," EA Sports Active also claims to be "designed specifically for women seeking a simple, fun and cost-effective way to achieve a healthy lifestyle." Said lifestyle is achieved through a variety of cardiovascular workouts on a "Fitness roadmap," coaxed along by on-screen feedback and enabled by two Nunchuk-holding leg straps, as well as a resistance band for upper body training. The Wii's Balance Board peripheral will add further functionality to several exercises.
And don't think this is just EA warming up. According to EA Sports president Peter Moore, Active "is a true fitness revolution and a space in which we intend to be leaders." Let's see if the publisher has the stamina to keep up with the runaway success of Wii Fit.
Reader Comments (18)
Posted: Nov 13th 2008 8:51AM Mr Khan said
It's possible that this could find more traction over here than Wii Fit, since it's a more classical Western-oriented exercise regimen
However, conventional wisdom sez "Don't bet on a 3rd party game on a Nintendo platform"
At least don't bet on it to perform equally to a Nintendo game, especially with the neat catch-22 that, if people want to buy this game, they have to buy Wii Fit to play this game
Reply
However, conventional wisdom sez "Don't bet on a 3rd party game on a Nintendo platform"
At least don't bet on it to perform equally to a Nintendo game, especially with the neat catch-22 that, if people want to buy this game, they have to buy Wii Fit to play this game
Posted: Nov 13th 2008 9:01AM (Unverified) said
Give me more boxing I'll be happy. It's still my favorite part of Wii Fit is smashing the punching bag.
Reply
Posted: Nov 13th 2008 1:35PM The Blank Mage Returns said
@Ludwig
I think part of my bwain jos7 kioll;wesdfbnkkkkkkkkkk
Reply
I think part of my bwain jos7 kioll;wesdfbnkkkkkkkkkk
Posted: Nov 13th 2008 9:39AM MindTheGap76 said
I'm a huge Wii Fit fan and have lost over 20 lbs with it. I was looking forward to EA's competitor, but this doesn't look particularly great. I just don't think the nunchuck is sensitive enough for these leg strap things to work; kind of like the gimmicky put-the-wiimote-in-your-pocket running game on Wii Fit.
I'll wait and see how reviews pan out though. I really hope my pessimism is unwarranted.
Reply
I'll wait and see how reviews pan out though. I really hope my pessimism is unwarranted.
Posted: Nov 13th 2008 9:59AM Nigeria said
Well, you could argue every game is a gimmick. All games require unique selling points to command the interest of the buyer. This is not a new phenomena; you see the copy all the time on the back of video game cases extolling the new 'gimmicks' in this title.
And EA were your favourite childhood video game developer? I know Road Rash was cool, but come on.
On topic, sorta: where's Fight Night Wii with motion controls?
Reply
And EA were your favourite childhood video game developer? I know Road Rash was cool, but come on.
On topic, sorta: where's Fight Night Wii with motion controls?
Posted: Nov 13th 2008 10:17AM Temidien said
I'm sorry, you're right. That comment was a quick reaction to the photo. I didn't see that it was EA that was putting out the title, I assumed it was Nintendo. My bad internets, my bad.
The gimmick comment was also me being upset about the lack of solid core titles on Nintendo's slate for the next few quarters. I understand that games need to be marketed by exploiting how theyre different from other games sometimes and I applaud any step taken towards re-examining the way we play games, but I don't want companies to ignore the fans that carried them to their current status by ignoring their needs. IMO, developers should handle it like film studios used to: one film to please the masses, one film to please fans, one for masses, one for fans, etc.
FYI, Road Rash was awesome.
Reply
The gimmick comment was also me being upset about the lack of solid core titles on Nintendo's slate for the next few quarters. I understand that games need to be marketed by exploiting how theyre different from other games sometimes and I applaud any step taken towards re-examining the way we play games, but I don't want companies to ignore the fans that carried them to their current status by ignoring their needs. IMO, developers should handle it like film studios used to: one film to please the masses, one film to please fans, one for masses, one for fans, etc.
FYI, Road Rash was awesome.
Posted: Nov 13th 2008 12:02PM Shagittarius said
You can argue anything but it doesn't mean its a good argument.
Reply
Posted: Nov 13th 2008 9:47AM Vcize said
"Let's pretend for a moment that, just like us, you absolutely love physical exercise. With that out of the way, we can dive right into discussion of EA's new fitness game, EA Sports Active."
If you're looking forward to this game providing you with "excercise" then no, you don't love physical excercise, even if you say you do.
Reply
If you're looking forward to this game providing you with "excercise" then no, you don't love physical excercise, even if you say you do.
Posted: Nov 13th 2008 12:24PM (Unverified) said
Still waiting on the shovel attachment. If this is the future of gaming, its more depressing than my 401k.
Reply
Posted: Nov 13th 2008 1:17PM (Unverified) said
EA and Nintendo are geniuses
-EA gets Oprah's personal trainer to help develop the game
-The game debut's on Oprah, where she gives the game and Wii's out to the whole audience
-Nintendo moves more Wii's, thanks to Oprah.
The Wii shortage might not end until 2543 now
Reply
-EA gets Oprah's personal trainer to help develop the game
-The game debut's on Oprah, where she gives the game and Wii's out to the whole audience
-Nintendo moves more Wii's, thanks to Oprah.
The Wii shortage might not end until 2543 now
Posted: Nov 13th 2008 1:37PM The Blank Mage Returns said
Side effects may include looking like an idiot.
Reply
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