‘WiiFit U’
Similar to “New Super Mario Bros. U,” if you’ve played either of two previous iterations of this physical fitness game, you’ll know what to expect here. I was treated to only the fitness minigames, or the WiiFit frosting as I call it, for my demo. We’re re-using the Wii Balance Board here, which will be available if you missed it in the previous two titles, or you can skip it and buy just the disk.
Despite tasting only the frosting, each of these games were still workouts. I sat down, leaned back and tested my ab strength (or lack thereof) with a luge run; did squats and tested center balance with a trampoline jump; shot a water cannon aimed with the GamePad and pressurized by my foot on the Balance Board; and served up desert to a room full of impatient diners while walking in place on the Balance Board and holding the GamePad steadily horizontal.
Not all the games used the GamePad, but ones that did used it very effectively — once again showing the small touch pad’s motion-detecting abilities are just as good as that of the Wiimote. Nintendo also promised a small pedometer will be included with every disk, and that the entire game could be “pushed” onto the GamePad’s small screen.
One major qualm: the graphics. I actually saw two dozen Miis rendered as 2-D sprites in a background. On a system supposedly more powerful than a PS3, that’s just pathetic.
Takeaway: The familiar feelings of sweat, fun and realizing how not-in shape you are, are all here.
