Login or Register

The Best Aerobic Exercise Game on Wii

May 26, 2011 | By Andrea Reuter

With the introduction of Wii Fit in 2008, Nintendo brought more fun and functionality to console exercise games. Since then, Wii games have utilized the console's balance board and MotionPlus accessories to provide players with workouts of varying intensity. Many Wii-exclusive games -- even ones that don't have the word "Fit" in the title -- offer aerobic exercises.

Accessibility

For aerobic exercises that are easy to learn, Wii Fit Plus fits the bill. This game and its predecessor contain the same aerobics games -- Hula Hoop, Step, Rhythm Boxing and Jogging -- but the sequel improves upon the earlier title and has some new balance and yoga games. Also new to the series is a calorie counter, which tells you how many calories you've burned after each exercise and over the course of your workout. Wii Fit Plus, which received a score of 8.2 out of 10 from IGN, offers a light- to moderate-intensity aerobic workout, and its exercises can be learned and performed by players of all fitness levels -- most games are easy enough for grade-school children. Wii Fit Plus requires a balance board and a Wii remote.

Intensity

EA Sports Active 2 provides a more intense workout. The game is packaged with motion sensors and a heart rate monitor that track your workout progress. EA Sports Active 2 is compatible with the Wii balance board, but that accessory isn't necessary to play this game. Active 2 has more than 70 exercises, including boxing, dance, track and upper- and lower-body routines. Other features include customizable workouts, a fitness goal journal and the ability to upload your game profile to your computer so that it can be viewed and shared online. IGN gave EA Sports Active 2 an 8.0 rating.

Multiplayer

While it isn't packaged as a fitness game, Wii Sports Resort offers plenty of opportunities to work up a sweat. This game launched with the Wii MotionPlus, a sensor that attaches to a standard Wii remote and provides more sensitivity to the controller. Wii Sports Resort has single-player options, and up to four players can compete in and get an aerobic workout from sports games, such as basketball, swordplay, cycling and canoeing. Each player needs a Wii remote and MotionPlus sensor. G4 gives Wii Sports Resort a perfect score of 5 out of 5 and calls some of its events "realistically exhausting."

Dance

Just Dance 2 sold more than 5 million units throughout the world in its first three months. This game, which requires only the Wii remote, includes more than 40 songs in a variety of genres ranging from 1960s tunes to current hits. Just Dance 2 has party-game appeal, with duet dances designed for two players. For a solo workout, the game's Just Sweat mode includes a calorie counter and offers dance recommendations to meet fitness goals. Just Dance 2 received a score of 8.0 from IGN.

References

Article reviewed by Helen Covington Last updated on: May 26, 2011

Must see: Photo Galleries

Member Comments