"EA Sports Active" and "EA Sports Active: More Workouts" launched for the Wii console in 2009, and "EA Sports Active 2" arrived for the Wii, PS3 and Xbox 360 in 2010. Almost everything you need to play "Active 1" and "Active 2" is packaged with the games, but console accessories and traditional exercise equipment can enhance the workouts.
"EA Sports Active" Equipment
"EA Sports Active" on the Wii uses both the Wii remote and the Nunchuk accessory. The game box includes a leg strap, which fastens the Nunchuk to the player's thigh during workouts. Players use the included resistance band for upper-body exercises. "More Workouts" is designed as a supplement to the basic game and doesn't include any equipment.
"EA Sports Active 2" Equipment
"Active 2" for all three consoles comes with three motion sensors -- one for each arm and one for a leg -- and a heart rate monitor, plus a resistance band. Console-specific game controllers used to navigate game menus are also required.
Accessory Packs
The "Active" games support multiplayer workouts, but each person requires her own leg straps or sensors. EA sells accessory packs with all of the necessary equipment for additional players or as replacements should the original items become damaged.
Xbox 360
"EA Sports Active 2" for the Xbox 360 is designed for use with that console's Kinect motion-detecting accessory. Kinect, which is sold separately and bundled with newer consoles, is required for play on the 360.
Wii
All of the "EA Sports Active" games for the Wii are compatible with the Wii's balance board. This accessory is not required, but it gives more functionality to some of the games' exercises.
Traditional Exercise Equipment
Some game reviewers complain that the resistance band packaged with the games is too flimsy, so some players may wish to replace it with a stronger band. Alternately, players have the freedom to incorporate their own equipment into their workouts. Ankle and wrist weights can act as substitutes for the resistance band. In "Active 2," which is largely hands-free, you can use hand weights. You can select the types of weights you're using in the game's menu to receive accurate information regarding the number of calories burned during the workout.
Member Comments