EA Sports Active (Wii, 2009)

My wife and I love this game. It is very easy to use, with instructional videos and an on screen character to follow while doing the exercises or the different sports. You can choose from either a set routine or create your own. It has different difficulty levels as you progress in getting healthier, so you can make it harder as you go. There is a 30-day challenge where the workouts get harder each day that you use it, you are rewarded with trophies as you reach goals.

I would say that this game is more for adults wanting to get into shape or stay active. My first workout was on the easy level and I was sweating and my heart rate was definately up during the workout.

You can have up to 2 people exercising at a time, with a split screen feature.

The only drawbacks I can find is that the game only comes with 1 resistance band and 1 leg strap used to hold the nunchuck. To purchase another set of these adds $20.00 to the purchase price. I also had trouble keeping the leg strap on my leg, it would fall to my ankle in the middle of an exercise.

I would rate this game/workout rountine as excellent!! The drawbacks are only minimal, compared with the cardio and other beneficial exercises it provides.

A few months ago, I invested in the new Wii Fit, hoping that I could finally get myself into an excercise routine. However, after about a week, a lost the motivation to continue given the lackluster excercises and lack of routines.

Fortunately, Wii Active is everything that Wii Fit wasn't (and then some)!

I've only had Wii Active for about a week now, but I can honestly say that this game makes me sweat and feel the burn. Also, it provides good incentive to keep going...

POSITIVES:

+ AUTOMATIC ROUTINES - As someone who doesn't frequent the gym, I must say I wouldn't know where to begin as far as developing a routine. Fortunately, this game has a LONG list of preset workouts for you to follow. Unlike Wii Fit, it jumps you right into the next excercise without clicking a bunch of stuff. This keeps your heart rate up and frustration down.

+ IT WORKS - OK, I can't officially claim this yet as I'm barely a week into it, but I work up a sweat, my muscles ache, and I feel much more energized than I did just a few days ago. I'm confident that this trend will continue through the next several weeks/months.

+ CO-OP PLAY - Even though the game fails to give you an extra set of workout equipment, you can still play a few of the exercises with a friend. It provides a nice break from the solo routine.

+ VERY CUSTOMIZABLE - Nearly EVERYTHING in this game is customizable: your profile character can be changed to look like you, you can create your OWN workout routine, you can change the difficulty of the workout, heck, you can even change what music plays in the background! There should be no two Wii Active's in the world that are identical.

+ WII BOARD COMPATIBLE - If you have your Wii Fit board (like me), some of the exercises can utilize it to enchance the feel/workout. However, unlike Wii Fit, the board (in my opinion), is NOT a critical piece to the game. So, don't feel obligated to buy a board just for this game.

+ INCENTIVES - Lots of trophies to earn and your given goals to meet each week for your 30-day routine. Lots of incentive to play again and again!

NEGATIVES

- OFF-AND-ON REMOTE DETECTION - I have a few issues with the Wii remote not being detected during a certain excercise or two. For example, when I lift my arm up and down, it doesn't detect me moving it down. I must say that this is rather minor and that 95%+ of all moves are flawlessly shown in real time. It just gets a tad frustrating when your running low on energy to repeat a move again and again.

- ROUTINE-CENTERED - On one of my 'rest days', I tried to just play a few of the many games offered by Wii Active (rather than a full workout). Unfortunately, it is set up more for an 30-minute excercise routine, rather than a 5-minute play-for-fun routine (like Wii Fit). Still, I was able to customize a routine in order to play what I wanted.

CONCLUSION:

So, does Wii Active completely eliminate the need for a gym membership? Probably not. However, does it provide me with a good workout routine right in the comfort of my own home? Absolutely.

Those who were dissapointed wit the Wii Fit results, should give the video game workout genre one more chance. While I'm still young in my workout, I'm feeling results.

And for someone who'd rather play games than visit the gym, this is a rare chance for me to do both and better myself. Besides, who wants to use sweaty exercise equipment anyway...?

this game is a god sent to me, i first saw the commercial on tv and though to myself, hell yeah, a way for me to get back on track at home, instead of constnatly tugging my shirts to cover my fat rolls in a gym, i can work out in my home with a trainer and real results, if your 300 plus like me dont get discouraged with the leg band, it barely fit me either, i had to punch a hole in it and use a bungee cord to make it stay up on my upper thigh. If you go to walmart or kmart this will run you over 65 bucks, cause the tax and all, but this seller ( i love them ) csan get it for you under 60 bucks, and i mean i have never seen such fast shipping my entire 2 years of being an e-buyer, stay the course and use this game, i know my ass will!!!
Melissa
From GA

I am a Personal Trainer and I love this game!!! My only complaint would be that it's a little slow moving, I wish it would move to the next exercise quicker. It would be great if there was a way to set up the options to skip the tutorial between exercises. Besides that, it's great. I have completed two days of my 30 day challenge on the hardest level and I am sore! Great variety of everything.

I am very much enjoying my Wii Active so far. I am on my 8th day and boy oh boy am I still sore. Unlike Wii Sports you don't play the games on Wii Actiove you train to play the games. It is far more aggressive than Wii Sports you choose either a male or female trainer to talk you through and earn trophies along the way. You can make up your own workouts that don't count on the 30 day challange and my Wii clock was set wrong so I worked out on the second day but it was credited to the wrong day and i didn't have the energy to do it again. Instead I reset the clock and took the day of rest which is OK. I would have liked to have just volleyball or just dance to choose from but you have to build the workout and lable it so. I recommend shorts insted of sweats to keep the leg band in place but once you start using Wii active on a regular basis it is very easy to shift between the leg and hand exercises.

Another great game from EA Sports. But, what would you expect. This game really gets the blood pumping. Great features and work out charts/journal

A great "workout" for all ages... i put "work out" in quotes while me and my famly have so much fun "working out" with eachother we dont really see it as a "work out" but quality family time. its great looking around and everyone is keeping the other one going... the game gives a competitive and also team building skill that i have not seen in other games. A+

Purchased the Wii Active instead of the Wii Fitness. This is not just a game. Pay close attention to the directions or you will have some sore muscles. Reality is you are going to be sore anyway. This is going to be great. There will be no excuse for not getting any exercise. We are thrilled with this game.

was a little skeptical about this bought figured I give it a try. This is probably one of the best wii products available on the market. Workouts can be done either under a pre-programmed one, create your own, workout alone or with friends/family, etc.

Can be used with or without the wii balance board but the wii remote and nunchuk are required.

Would reccomend this product to ayone wishing to extend their wii collection, excercise program and overall system abilities.

Good product. Does what it is made for and is pretty user friendly. Fun to play with family members or alone. The workout is designed for you to customize it to your liking. Will recommend it to friends and family.

Wii Active has lots of different features to keep you from getting bored with it. Very easy to customize workouts to suit your needs and time. I recommend purchasing a more durable resistance strap, but everything else is perfect.

The price was fantastic - and so was the seller. he was so communicative. I have purchased items and have had not communication. I will buy from again.

GREAT WORK OUT GAME. THAT IS WHEN I GET IT IN. IM SURE WE WILL ENJOY IT AS SOON AS IT COMES IN THE MAIL. CANT WAIT TO START WII EXERCISING AND GETTING IN SHAPE.

I have been looking for another great workout for the Wii and have been disappointed with some that have come out, but this one lives up to it's reputation. This is a great game and if you put the effort in, it's a great workout! I almost think this is better than the original Wii fit! I would definitely recommend this game to anyone.

http://my.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?MyEbay&gbh=1

After dominating the gaming industry for over 2 years, Nintendo is poised once again to “K.O.” the competition.
As some industry experts were silently whispering the eulogy of the Wii in late March, the folks at Nintendo were surely whispering something else under the breath—we’ll see. Yes, Wii sales did slip a little as 2009 began—despite the fact Nintendo released 50 million consoles earlier this year to ease the ever present shortage.Partially accounting for this was the hype surrounding the PS3 from Sony, and the growing following of the Xbox 360, especially the 360 Elite. These systems—boasting arguably better graphics that the Wii games to date—seem to have a steady following, especially with the younger crowd. However, those who prematurely wrote off the Wii perhaps didn’t pay full attention to the HUGE success of the Wii Fit.Nintendo execs, however, clearly saw colossal potential in the new niche of Fitness Gaming—which they alone created. And they are running with it.Clearly, what sets the Wii apart from other systems is the movement aspect.The incorporation of this into the Fit paid huge dividends for Nintendo, as it has quickly become one of the systems top selling games/accessories. Users can do a variety of different exercises on the Fit balance board—from Yoga to Endurance building. Each activity has an indicator showing the user the correct distribution of weight on the board. The Wii Fit’s graphics are typical of Nintendo games which are intended for the whole family-not overly impressive but user friendly and non-offensive.
With the release of EA Sports Active in early May, Nintendo definitely seems to be building on the success of the Fit—and improving on its “shortcomings” EA Sports Active—developed in collaboration with Fitness Trainer Bob Green—boasts markedly improved Graphics than previous games. Also, this game is definitely is the “next level” of Fitness when compared with the Wii Fit. The game is compatible with the Wii fit Board, although it is not required. Whereas the Fit focused a lot on Yoga and toning, EA Sports Active’s primary focus is aerobic. Further, it’s activities can be adjusted for a more intense workout than Wii Fit’s. With 25 different activities, users can keep it fresh. Users can run on a track, shoot some hoop, do some work on a heavy bag or do some in-line skating, just to name a few.
While users can manually pick single exercises, the best feature on the game is the ability to set up a custom exercise program with up to 9 different activities-and choose the difficulty level. An added motivator of this game is the 30-Day Challenge, which features famous “Trainer of Oprah” Bob Green. Users can also work out with a friend, keep a journal with a calendar, tracks calories, and has a nutrition segment.Also, the Graphics are noticeably better than those found on the Wii Fit—and other previous games.. Gone are the faceless Miis and the “happy” graphics—Users will definitely notice the “serious” tone and the much improved visuals of EA Sports Active. After using this game for a week, one can see how EA Sports Active has quickly become one of the best selling Nintendo game/accessory in a short period of time. A Sports Active is an excellent complement to the Wii Fit, as those who master the Fit can move on to the more difficult activities.Thus, the Wii definitely has earned the title “undisputed champ” of Fitness Gaming

Everything a person needs if they want to work out at home. Full body workout in the comfort of your living room. Resistance training for upper and lower body. Mild, moderate or intense cardio. Several different sports including basketball, volleyball, tennis, dancing, boxing, baseball, walking, running and much more. Create you personalized workout to suit your needs for every day of the week. Track you calories and progress as you go. You can use it with or without Wii balance board. Great alternative or addition to Wii Fit.

If you were like me, and disappointed with the Wii Fit, this is for you! This game has definately revved up the fun in my work-out!

This product is great. I love how much more you can do with it. I love the Wii Fit but find that this is more Structured. It also works with the Wii Balance Board. What a work out! A must have for anyone who has a Wii Fit and wants to up their work out.

This is more that a game is a personnal trainner in a box. I can not stop to do exercice every day.I love it!!

Wife loves wii active!! She really gets a good work out. Awesome interactive work out. Recommended to anyone who want to get ACTIVE.

This is an incredible work out! It has a great mix of activities and an over all work out!! The only draw back is more a Wii issue and trying to recognize that you have moved the controller.

Unfortunately, I had to return the item because the ad was misleading. It was just the standard game and not the bundle. In the picture of the ad there are 2 items and it reads bundle so I was excited to win the auction. When I recieved it I contacted the seller right away and he said as long as I didnt open it I could return it but it must be by priority mail. His ad stated no refunds so I was glad he allowed it to be returned. I had to pay $4.95 to ship it back and I asked for a refund. I am hoping that I get a full refund of the ad since it was misleading. He said it would be no problem...Let's hope so!

FASTEST TRANSACTION EVER---NEVER LEFT HOUSE ALMOST AS FAST AS GOING TO STORE TO BUY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! THANKS