This exciting Wii exclusive game set can get your body moving while adding high entertainment into your daily routine…so much that you might forget you’re working out.

Punch-Out (Nintendo)

Punch Out

Little Mac, King Hippo, Glass Joe … even if you don’t know these references, you’ll still have an active, visceral experience playing Punch-Out, Nintendo’s latest remediation of a classic Nintendo Entertainment System game (sans Mike Tyson). Veterans of the original title, released in the early 1990s, will get a deeper experience during this physical, retro game. Even additional characters like the Disco Kid fit into the game fighting mode perfectly just like the two revised control schemes. The remote and nunchuk controller combo is a simple right hand/left hand attack (hooks, uppercuts, jabs, etc.) and can be used with the optional Wii Balance Board (included with the Wii Fit game, another Nintendo blockbuster) to duck and dodge punches. The classic NES-style control works by using the Wii Remote horizontally.

The cell-shaded visuals keep the cartoony atmosphere fun as unique touches like the comic strip like introduction of each character make this game special. Trainer Doc Louis provides guidance for offensive, defensive and special moves like extra powerful “star punches”. The ability to fight as each character and the two player split-screen mode provide a lot of replay value. It’s relatively easy to overcome opponents, even when they’re in the bigger, monster-like mode, with skilled timing and controlled coordination, so don’t panic. Developers provide a nice punch counter in the top middle screen, so you know how to strategize your actions better (****, rated E10+ for cartoon violence and comic mischief).

Dance Dance Revolution Disney Grooves (Konami)

This essential Dance Dance Revolution game version will keep the kids (and adults) moving, but needs more strong song remixes, improved control response and a wider range of picks from the Disney library. These limitations may stem from simple budgets for licenses…or maybe developers are waiting for the next likely installment. This game is essential because it accommodates one to four players and includes two dance pads for a little bit more than a regularly priced Wii game, so you can really get an active jump on dance games if you’re new to the genre. It’s also a great opportunity for older gamers to teach the young ones those rhythm rumbas.

Disney Grooves

The game does a great job promoting the dance moves, especially by not penalizing most incorrect moves throughout gameplay and only giving the ending performance in star ratings after scores at the top. Developers make an admirable attempt to get the whole body moving by combining the Wii-mote and nunchuk for dance moves. The controls can be challenging at times and require some practice. Some areas don’t require the nunchuk while other areas do.

The overall game library consists of more than 40 songs with a very enthusiast announcer and audiences that never boo you off the stage. You can get encouraging comments even with a 0 score, so the young tikes can really participate in this game. A co-operative friendship mode tallies the best score of each dance step, which rewards some fun tag team play where veterans can help the little ones improve. Some remixes are hot or cold. A remix of “Chim Chim Cher-ee” really gets you bouncing, but then “Hakuna Matata” disappoints. You can even slow things down with “He’s a Tramp” from Lady and the Tramp. Older players might cringe at synergetic titles like “Ice Ice Mickey”.

You get Mickey Mouse, Minnie, Goofy, Donald, Daisy and Pluto as danceable characters. Developers also incorporate your Mii into the dances as well as the Studio mode where you can mix your Mii in with the Disney characters and take pictures. Over 35 colorful settings add appeal and 60 costume changes help too. You can also view high score records any time and select autosave so you don’t lose progress.

Essential for Disney fans who are sure to recognize all the content, even songs from the famous Disney theme parks, with enough modes (free play, workout, etc.), unlockable content and difficulty levels for decent replay value (***1/2, rated E).

Gold’s Gym Cardio Workout (UbiSoft)

This very affordable Wii workout game gives you a personal trainer right in your own home. You get a calendar to follow and can choose from a set workout or choose your own lesson, exam or exercise. The instructions include clear visuals and text, so your pace doesn’t get interrupted. Settings include the standard gym and exterior places like the beach or forest and you choose from six possible instructors, beginning with Alex or Nina, (others with outfit changes are unlockable). You’re under the honor system to put in your current weight to begin your workout journey.

Gold's Gym

The simple controls offer options like two remotes or one remote and nunchuk while incorporating the Wii balance board. Besides making responsive movements, knowing your right hand from your left hand become the biggest challenges here. Exercise difficulty can be set initially and increases as you progress. Boxing movements like dodging while punching can be especially challenging. Exercises actions involve back strengthening, dodges, ducks, leg raises, push-ups, reverse sit-ups, squats and upper cuts. The unlockable exercise modes add more variety (log chopping) and comedy (check out “Roadwork”). Overall, the exercises focus more on the upper body especially on the arms and shoulders. Some exercises encourage lower body motion, but don’t require it.

Statistical information includes your physical age, BMI (body mass index); calories burned and body weight progression. This performance-based information can discourage in the short term, but fun compilers like the punch count and the calendar can be very rewarding over time. You can even set a goal for a specific weight you want to achieve. As you progress, your accrued “gold” becomes your currency for shopping for clothes and other accessories. Music motivation comes from a huge tune cache to preview and play. Other instrumental song versions, like “Eye of the Tiger” by Survivor…of course, for the boxing, are included during exercise sessions. The graphics are minimal and could use improvement. Incentives are there as long as you’re accountable to yourself because a virtual trainer is pretty easy to avoid. This affordable workout game includes a coupon for a 7-day VIP membership to Gold’s Gym (***, rated E for comic mischief).

Tags: Disney Grooves, Gold's Gym, Punch Out, Video games

This entry was posted on Friday, July 24th, 2009 at 6:48 am and is filed under Arts and Life, Video games.
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