A Healthy Balance- Wii Fit Plus Review

It’s been nearly a year and half since Nintendo released Wii Fit in the U.S., subsequently creating a new genre of fitness software. While the disk was amazingly popular, becoming the third bestselling videogame of all time, the title did have a few shortcomings. Many owners sought a prescribed exercise routine; Wii Fit’s laissez-fair approach to fitness inevitably led to the under-couch stashing of some Balance Boards. Others chided the title’s mini-games for being excessively simple, and therefore lacking variety for enduring players.

Nintendo’s recently released, Wii Fit Plus doesn’t correct all the ailments of the original game, although it does significantly improve on the first title. Those expecting a true sequel, may be slightly dismayed, Wii Fit Plus is more of an expansion than a comprehensive reworking. Nintendo has included fifteen new mini-games, as well as six new exercises to broaden the title’s scope. Considering the disk costs twenty dollars for Balance Board owners (Players may also purchase Wii Fit Plus with the Balance Board for $100), the amount of new content undoubtedly justifies the cost.

Owners of the original disk will find that their previous profiles will migrate seamlessly into Wii Fit Plus. Those new to the exercise title will choose an avatar, enter their height and age, and weigh in before working up a sweat for the first time. Those seeking the immediate gratification of Wii Fit Plus’ new mini-games can delve right into the new diversions; they are sensibly unlocked from the title’s onset.

The game’s standout new activity is the Obstacle Course; which requires players to navigate a Super Mario World-esque stage. Players guide their avatar past giant swinging weights, and over precarious gaps in an endeavor that’s both physically challenging and sublimely intensive.  The walking speed of the on-screen protagonist is determined by rate player’s tread on the Balance Board, while a jump is initiated by squatting following by standing upright. The single drawback is the sporadic jumping command that isn’t recognized by the game, which often sends players back to the start of each stage over a missed obstruction.

Some of Wii Fits Plus’ other highlights include the Driving Range, which gives players an instant analysis of their golf swing, a Skateboarding Arena which allows players to jump and trick, and the Bird’s Bulls-Eye, which has players flapping their arms and balance as they take flight through the air. Nearly all the new activities are both enjoyable and offer just enough physicality to get players breaking into a healthy sweat.

One of the main flaws with the original Wii Fit was the lack of extended exercise routines. Players would either retry an exercise or return to the main menu to pick a new activity, failing to convey a sense of continuity. Wii Fit Plus now corrects this glaring oversight by allowing players to select from a pre-set schedule, or create their own from the game’s yoga and strength routines. Additionally, the game now tracks how many calories are burned during each session, allowing players to assess their progress each day. Still missing is any kind of online functionality; it would have been great to compete with friends to see who could perform the most pushups, or faultless yoga poses.