Does EA’s new title have the stamina to leave Wii Fit in the distance?
Format: PS3, Xbox 360 (version played), Wii Dev: EA Vancouver Pub: EA Out: 19/11/10 Players: 1-2
Since Wii Fit was introduced for the Wii a while ago now, a new video game genre has emerged. It seems, as well as the endless amount of fitness DVDs and books there are on the market, we now crave interactive fitness as well. The success of Wii Fit is clear to see, with just over 22 million units sold as of May 2010, it is the undoubted king of the fitness genre.
Step in EA Sports Active 2, a real Wii Fit rival. The version I tried was for Xbox 360 with Kinect support. Now, there are other fitness games out there using Kinect at the moment, many of which have been played and reviewed by us, yet I feel Active 2 is by far away the best one currently available.
Up front, the price of the game is around £70-80, so it would be worth shopping around to get the best deal. However, it is worth the money if you are into this type of experience. It has everything going for it (including David Beckham’s endorsement) and when you open the vast packaging the game comes in you get the feel of a quality product, something you would expect from developers such as EA.
Not only is there the game disc, but also a heart rate monitor, which you strap to you arm while in play, and what can only be described as a giant elastic band (there is probably a real name for it, but I’m ashamed to say, not being a gym goer, I wouldn’t know), used for stretching and flexing those muscles when you’re getting a sweat on.
I found the heart rate monitor in particular, a great addition to this game. It works really well during the game and really enhances gameplay, because the feedback it provides while in play allows you to tune your workout to suit your needs and body condition at the time. The provided batteries appeared to run out quickly though, so be careful, you will be out regularly buying new ones.
The title itself, in terms of modes and workout are actually real hard work and it does feel as if your body is getting thorough exercise. It’s also quite a lot of fun too, especially when with a group of friends, as long as you’re not shy, as it does require you to run, skip, hop and pump your way around you living room.
At this point, it is important to say however, that the game is let down sometimes by jerky controls, which may be more down to the Kinect sensor rather than the software. Sometimes it feels like it doesn’t respond in the way you wish. You want what’s on-screen to match what you are doing, movement to movement. But sometimes it just doesn’t, which is disappointing – especially when you have spent well over £100 on Kinect and possibly £80 on the game. Responsive controls aren’t too much to ask for and there isn’t enough depth to the game before it becomes repetitive.
Saying this though, these are minor flaws to something which is generally an impressive and stylish title. Active 2 is available on other formats, so it is possible the game would perform better on PS3 or Wii. A great title for keen fitness freaks, if not die hard gamers.
Ian Davies
Tags: ea, ea sports active, fitness, kinect, Sports
I’ve been using it for the Wii, and Sports Active 2 is superb – I had the first one, but this is a step up in many ways. Also, being able to track progressing online is a great boon for net freaks like my generation! It does absolute kill, though. I can’t feel my legs right now (in a good way). Not without glitches, but I shopped around and got a great deal, and it’s a gazillion times cheaper than a gym membership.