Preview: Wii Fit
Preview: Wii Fit
Is anyone as excited about the upcoming Wii game “Wii Fit” as I am? This game looks like is has everything it needs to be a smash (baby). Created by gaming genius Shigeru Miyamoto (responsible for other Nintendo hits such as Nintendogs and Pikmin), Wii Fit should be an absolute smash hit.
The game itself features over 40 different exercises, from Yoga-style poses to push ups, jogging, soccer, and more. The game accomplishes this through a special peripheral called the “Wii Balance Board“, a device that is unique designed to accomplish multiple tasks at once.
The Wii Balance Board: What is It, and How do You Use It?
The Wii Balance Board is a specialty peripheral that has been in development for more than two years at this point. It has been designed for the upcoming game “Wii Fit”, though there is no doubt in my mind that it won’t find it’s way into the programming minds of developers who will want to use it for other games. Rumor has it that Tony Hawk wants to use the Wii Balance Board for his next skateboarding game (that would be awesome).
The Wii Balance Board realistically accomplishes two main goals:
- It is able to determine your body mass index (BMI). For the game Wii Fit, users will be able to track their BMI over time and compare it with other users via the game’s own Wii channel in the Wii menu.
- It can measure your center of gravity. This allows it to track just about everything, from dance steps to hula-hoop motions (see the trailer video below).
Using the Wii Balance Board is as simple as simply stepping on to it and performing the motions naturally and as controlled as possible. Just as the Wiimote and Nunchuck combo is almost second nature to just about every Wii gamer around, the Wii Balance Board will become just as intuitive and second-nature.
Wii Fit as a Game: What’s Included?
Aside from the proprietary peripheral, Wii Fit will be shipping with around 40 different exercises. They are further divided up into four categories: aerobic exercise (lasting around 10 minutes), muscle conditioning, Yoga poses, and balance games. For those who are looking for a great way to balance their workout routine, Wii Fit should fit right in.
We don’t know which games are going to be included as of yet, but the first Wii Fit trailer (see below) shows us the following:
- Yoga exercises
- Push ups
- Rythmic dancing
- Hula hooping
- Soccer (as a goalie)
- Aerobics
- Balance games
Don’t take our word for it (even though you should), check out this awesome trailer:
I don’t know about you, but I’m “pumped” for this game (pardon the pun). Wii Fit is expected to ship in January, 2008. The Wii Balance Board has an MSRP of $69.99, though it will likely be bundled with the game for a little bit more change.