Mii Fit on Wii Fit! (Wii Fit (Wii))

Member Name: dididave

Product:	Wii Fit (Wii)
Date:	27/04/09 (161 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Balance board a great device, entertaining games for all, physical activity.

Disadvantages: Wii Fit age a little suspect, balance board not for sitting on!

Wii Fit is the latest piece of genius released for Nintendo's market dominant Wii console. For me this release may well have secured the console as the market leader for a very long time. In the Wii Fit system, they have designed a product that appeals and more importantly is accessible to every age and ability.

The concept is simple; use the balance board provided and the wii remote to take part in a variety of exercises. However, were going the gym is an inherently dull thing to do, this is a fun and entertaining way to keep fit. Setting it up takes a couple of minutes requiring only the disk and four AA batteries. No unscrewing stuff either which is always a bonus. The balance board itself is fundamentally a rectangular step that is fitted with motion and wireless sensors. It is these sensors that gauge your activity and ability.

Before getting into the training you need to create a profile which involves providing your date of birth, height and choosing a character for yourself. Wii Fit then takes you through a number of tests that include what I believe to be a fairly accurate Body Mass Index and Weight. From these you can also pick a weight loss or gain target and it is nice to see that the product recommends you lose or gain no more or less than 2lb a week so you sustain the losses or gains. After completing a body test which is fundamentally some balance games you are given your Wii Fit age. This can be disheartening! Mine was fifty-four, twenty-four years older than I actually am. However, this does give you a target to aim for and I am now down to thirty-three, only three years to go!

The Wii Fit age is a small issue for me as it does not seem to be tested on fitness but rather on balance and core stability. I have no issue with this but it is a little misleading and I tend to use the BMI as a more reliable target. Once your body test is complete (it sounds long but it is only five minutes) you can stamp your own calendar, pick a personal trainer and then the fun begins.

As silly as the whole thing is, it is a refreshingly sensible game that encourage you to take breaks and set realistic targets. I love the family and friend involvement of the whole thing and despite a hefty price tag, feel it is worth the money. Particularly since the board can be used in other games such as Wii Music. The board itself is nice and sturdy but not at all comfortable to sit on for some activities so we may well purchase a silicone skin which will help this. It also eats regular batteries so our purchase of a rechargeable battery pack has paid for itself.

Of course, the training section of the game is were the excitement is. The exercises are split into four sections. Yoga, Muscle, Aerobic and Balance. The first two are very much "serious" sets of exercises and will appeal to people who want to do "real exercise". There are proper push ups and deep breathing exercises in here. Stereotypically, my wife loves the yoga whereas I like the muscle stuff (despite not quite looking like Jean Claude Van Damme yet). These exercises tend to be a matter of mirroring your personal trainer who comes complete with annoying words of encouragement.

The balance board often judges your stability leading to hilarious attempts at keeping still while balanced on one leg. I have noticed an improvement in my balance though and the fact all the games on Wii Fit have a score give it a seriously competitive element. Up to eight people can register a profile which makes for various people sneaking downstairs to have another go at a top score. Annoyingly, you will find your children are far more proficient at both the Yoga and Muscle exercises as you struggle to even stay on the board.

Far more entertaining than these sections however, are the aerobic exercises and balance games. The aerobic exercises are horrendously competitive as you compete in step classes, jogging and boxing among others. Nothing is funnier than watching a grown man trying to use an invisible hula hoop! These exercises are all full of simplistic but funny cartoon animations and as with all the Wii Fit activities, the more you do, the more you unlock including advance modes and bonus exercises. A personal favourite of mine is the advanced step class in which I can step, kick and side-step to my hearts content. A wasted of youth of badly choreographed eighties dancing seems to have finally paid off as I remain top of the leader board. All these games are great calorie burners and good for cardio and you will sweat a fair bit.

However, the most used section of our Wii Fit is certainly the balance games which are perfect for all the family. Skiing, heading competitions and a weird marble puzzle game are just a few of the addictive games on offer here and these are far less strenuous than anything else on offer. These games emphasise skill and patience and accuracy as your subtle movements determine what happens on screen and our four children certainly spend a hell of a long time in here.

I love the whole positive re-enforcement of the Wii Fit as it rewards you for your efforts and time. Games and activities are constantly unlocked as well as extras such as stamps and this gives it a genuine longevity. The Wii Fit board itself is brought to life in the game and will admonish you if you miss a day and there are some lovely touches such as your character sleeping if you miss a day or doing stretches if you are particularly active.

Anyone who owns a Wii needs to own Wii Fit. For me it is easily the most imaginative and rewarding title available on any system and it has the broad appeal that makes it fun for all the family.

Summary: The best thing to be released on a console, ever!