Posts Tagged ‘Nintendo Wii’
Written by Peter Suciu on 30 August 2010
Every step you take, every move you make, the Fitbit will be tracking you – and it will keep track of calories burned, steps taken and distance traveled. And unlike a traditional step counter, which needs to be worn at just the precise spot on your waist to be accurate, the Fitbit can be placed on your waist, in your pocket or even tucked away. This sleek device contains a 3D motion sensor – which the company claims is just the one found in the Nintendo Wii, except this one won’t help your score on Mario Brothers.
It will instead track your movement in all three dimensions and then converts that movement into easy to understand information on your daily activities. So it can track all your physical activities, as well as track how long it took you to fall asleep and how often you woke up. Thus it can give a 24-hour picture of your entire day, not just the time you’re going for your power walk. Read the rest of this entry »
Tags: 3D motion sensor, calorie counter, Fitbit, Nintendo Wii, step counter
Posted in Equipment, Exercise, Gadget | No Comments »
Written by Peter Suciu on 19 August 2010
After the last game it looked like the Hawkman’s wings were clipped for good, as Tony Hawk Ride wasn’t so much a thrill ride as outright spill. But you can’t keep a good skater down, and the champ of the board is rising from the ashes, proving he’s a video game phoenix. All indications say it looks like he’ll back in full video game form with the upcoming Tony Hawk: SHRED, in part because this arcade style game isn’t just about the usual sidewalk surfing either. This time the game includes both skateboarding and snowboarding action, and more importantly puts players on a truly revolutionized controller to get the wannabes off the couch and on a virtual deck. Read the rest of this entry »
Tags: Activision, Buzz Monkey, Chaz Ortiz, Corey Duffel, David Gonzalez, ESRB, Geoff Rowley, Louie Vito, Lyn-z Adams Hawkins, Nintendo Wii, PlayStation 3, Rated E, Robomodo, Sean Malto, SHRED, Skateboard, snowboard, Stevie Williams, Tony Hawk, Torah Bright, Video Games, Xbox 360
Posted in Gadget, Video Games | No Comments »
Written by Peter Suciu on 18 August 2010
While Sony and Microsoft prepare to roll out their respective motion-centric game system add-ons this fall, Nintendo isn’t taking it lying or sitting down. The company, which has essentially danced its way to the bank with the Nintendo Wii, now will let gamers do the dancing. This week Ubisoft announced that Gold’s Gym Dance Workout is available for gamers to shake their way to better fitness.
The game offers a variety of dance routines with workouts that include Latin dance styles, as well as choreographed boxing dances and even mini-games that target specific muscle groups. Gold Gym Dance Workout includes multiple training modes to appeal to a range of fitness levels, whilst the difficulty of the gameplay can evolve as the player’s actual fitness level increases. Virtually players can hit the gym and visit some of the most iconic locations, including those in Japan, Egypt, India, Australia or even the legendary Gold’s Gym in Venice Beach. Read the rest of this entry »
Tags: Gold's Gym Dance Workout, Nintendo Wii, Ubisoft, Video Games
Posted in Gym, Video Games | 1 Comment »
Written by Peter Suciu on 11 August 2010
With the aboutGolf simulator you won't have to search for lost balls in the woods
People pay good money to join a golf club, and even more money to travel to some of the world’s most scenic courses – but despite this fact there are times when you just can’t get outside for a round of golf. One way to avoid the weather and still get in a full 18 holes is to take advantage of the latest indoor golf simulator technology. And we’re not talking about a simple putting green in the corner or even golf on the Nintendo Wii, because while the video game experience is good, it isn’t quite like the real deal. For that you’ll have to turn to companies such as aboutGolf, which recently announced that it was the “secret weapon” in Canada’s University of Waterloo recent season.
The technology was utilized by the University of Waterloo’s engineering school, which took it to a new level with UW golf equipment and biomechanics researchers. This included studies of the technology, where engineering students used the aboutGolf PGA TOUR Simulator with new shaft and clubhead deisgns, as well as biomechanic modeling, motion capture, and golf ball simulation and optimization. This collaboration allowed UW’s men’s and women’s golf teams as part of their training for the 2010 season. Read the rest of this entry »
Tags: aboutGolf, aboutGolf's PGA TOUR Simulator, Dave Hollinger, golf, Nintendo Wii, University of Waterloo
Posted in Gadget, Pro Sports, Research, Software | 1 Comment »
Written by Peter Suciu on 10 August 2010
Global popstar and former Spice Girl Mel B has teamed up with BLAZE and Fitness First to spice up the fitness video game market with a range of new products for the Nintendo Wii. The erstwhile Scary Spice began her relationship with Fitness First last year, when she became the not-so-scary face of National Fitness Week, and followed up with a workout DVD titled “Totally Fit.” Now she’s jumping into the video game arena with a range of products, with the first being released next month. Read the rest of this entry »
Tags: BLAZE, Blaze Europe Ltd., E3, Electronic Entertainment Expo, Fitness First, games, Jason Cooper, Mel B, National Fitness Week, Nintendo Wii, Scary Spice, Spice Girls, Totally Fit, Video Games
Posted in Exercise, Video Games | No Comments »
Written by Peter Suciu on 09 July 2010
Game, set and match… and all in your living room. This is what Ubisoft’s Racquet Sports allows users to do, with a multisport game that includes tennis, ping-pong, badminton, squash and beach tennis. While originally released with the Nintendo Wii, this get-off-the-couch game will be heading to the PlayStation 3 this fall. It will of course be compatible with the PlayStation Move so you’ll get the chance to hit the court in your living room. The game promises pinpoint gameplay mechanics that bring every serve, swing and backhand to life.
Racquet Sports features 30 rich graphical environments, and many probably look better than your local tennis court too, and are certainly places where you’d expect to get in the swing of things. These include real-world landmarks such as the beach of Copacabana, the foot of Mount Fuji and even the skyline of Dubai. These include animated backgrounds, dynamic sounds and even day and night modes. Players will further have the ability to customize their onscreen persona, and can perform with 11 different athletes, each who has a distinct personality and flair. There are 30 outfits, 30 hairstyles and even 15 different racquets available as well to keep things fresh.
Players will also have the chance to play together cooperatively or against each other, with up to four players taking the court. About the only thing missing is the chance to jump over the net, but at least you won’t have any balls to chase when this one arrives this fall!
Racquet Sports Official Site
Tags: Badminton, Beach Tennis, Nintendo Wii, Ping-Pong, PlayStation 3, PlayStation Move, racquet, Racquet Sports, Tennis, Ubisoft
Posted in Exercise, Software, Video Games | No Comments »
Written by Peter Suciu on 02 July 2010
Not enough time in the day? That’s not an excuse any longer, especially if you have a Nintendo Wii sitting there. If you have enough time to play some games, you’ll have 10 extra minutes to get your heart pumping. This week Activision Publishing and 
Anchor Bay Entertainment announced that the companies have brought the popular 10 Minute Solution workout DVDs to the Nintendo Wii.
And price isn’t an excuse either, as the workout pack is available now for just $19.99. As with the video workout version, the Wii edition offers users the choice of cardio boxing, mixed games and step aerobics at varying levels. There are nine workouts that are also compatible with the Wii Balance Board too – but this accessory isn’t required however. The game even provides health and wellness tips from fitness spokeswoman Jessica Smith.
10 Minutes Solution for Wii is rated E for Everyone, and is recommend (by us anyway) for those gamers who can’t find the time to squeeze in a workout. Now that there is this solution, you have no excuses.
Activision official site
Anchor Bay Entertainment official site
Tags: 10 Minute Solution, Activision, Anchor Bay Entertainment, DVD, Fitness, Jessica Smith, Nintendo Wii, Video Games, Wii Balance Board, Workout
Posted in Equipment, Software, Video Games | No Comments »
Written by Peter Suciu on 25 June 2010
Wounded Warrior Project Rehabbing the Troops
We can never say thank you enough to our men and women in uniform who serve overseas, often in dangerous and hostile regions. Sadly our thanks are not nearly enough, and this is especially true to those soldiers who have been wounded in the line of duty. Fortunately there are programs to help, including the newly announced Rehabbing with the Troops from the Wounded Warrior Project. This project has a simple goal, to create a virtual community, called the Wounded Warrior Arena, in which soldiers can find common ground and a mutual understanding while working on their physical rehabilitation and emotional well-being.
This partnership with the Wounded Warrior Project and the USO, and sponsored by Armed Forces Insurance, resulted in Pro vs. GI Joe creating Rehabbing the Troops, which uses the concept of connecting pros and troops through video games. These include workouts with the Nintendo Wii while professional athletes act as the trainers. This project will run through the summer season, with pro trainers from the Super Bowl Champion New Orleans Saints.
The 10-week season will conclude in New Orleans on August 21. Troops will complete their final workout, receive, receive awards at an AFI-sponsored luncheon and then get to watch the New Orleans Saints pre-season home opening game at the Louisiana Superdome.
Wounded Warrior Project
Tags: AFI, Armed Forces Insurance, New Orleans Saints, Nintendo Wii, Pro vs. GI Joe, Rehabbing the Troops, USO, Video Games, Wounded Warrior, Wounded Warrior Project
Posted in Exercise, Video Games | No Comments »
Written by R.J. Adams on 24 June 2010
Microsoft is taking video game motion controls to a new level with their new accessory for the Xbox 360 called Kinect. Kinect will allow you to be able to play video games hands free. While the Nintendo Wii Fit definitely revolutionized fitness gaming, it had some drawbacks. Having to hold controllers or be limited by the balance board was definitely a drawback for a true workout. Kinect will change all of that because it will be truly free of any hindrances. It will allow you to workout in the privacy of your own home, but also get the real-time one-on-one feedback on how well you are doing the exercises, just like you would get from a personal trainer.
Here are the Kinect fitness games
that will be available during the Kinect launch or shortly thereafter:
Your Shape: Fitness Evolution is a game that will be available on the Kinect release date. Your Shape will be able to give you a full body scan, and get your measurements in order to keep track of progress in your arms, legs, midsection, etc. It will also provide you with a trainer who will be able to take you through daily workouts. To not always be training hardcore, Your Shape also has mini-games that are fitness-focused, to allow you to have fun and get a good workout at the same time.
EA Sports Active 2.0 will be coming out a few weeks after the Kinect launch. The original EA Sports Active for the Wii defined what fitness gaming should be. This sequel takes exercise gaming to a whole new level. It will feature a wireless heart rate monitor that you’ll be able to wear on your arm, and you’ll be able to get the result on the screen, so you can always keep your heart rate in the optimal range for fat loss. As with all Kinect titles, it will truly be a controller (and distraction) free workout.
The Biggest Loser: Ultimate Workout is coming out around the same time as Kinect. You will be able to be trainer by Bob and Jillian, giving you a solid workout just as if you were at the ranch. It features nutrition and health tips to help you to lead an overall better lifestyle. You’ll also be able to change up the workouts, and add some fun while working out by competing in various challenges as seen on the TV show.
Tags: EA Sports Active 2.0, Kinect, Microsoft, Nintendo Wii, The Biggest Loser: Ultimate Workout, Xbox 360, Your Shape Fitness Evolution
Posted in E3 2010, Exercise, Video Games | 3 Comments »
Written by Peter Suciu on 18 June 2010
- Do you Wannabe in better shape?
When we first read that a former Spice Girl wanted to do a fitness game we assumed it would be Sporty Spice. Then we read it was Mel B and our thoughts were confirmed, but actually Melanie Chisholm, a.k.a. Mel C, is the former Sporty Spice. Melanie Brown, or Mel B, a.k.a. Scary Spice is the one who is actually going to be working on a title for the Nintendo Wii, Xbox 360 Kinect and PlayStation 3 Move.
“I have always been passionate about videogames and then when I grew up my preferences moved towards fitness and wellbeing.” she said in a press release. “Today I can finally mix together my two big passions, it’s been like a dream.”
The title from Black Bean Games will feature Brown as a celebrity trainer in Get Fit. It will build on the publisher’s previous Fitness First titles and will feature six types of aerobic disciplines and more than 100 exercises. The Brown fitness game will arrive for the holidays
Black Bean Games
Tags: Black Bean Games, Fitness, Fitness First, Kinect, Mel B, Mel C, Melanie Brown, Melanie Chisholm, Microsoft, Move, Nintendo, Nintendo Wii, PlayStation 3, Scary Spice, Sony, Spice Girls, Sporty Spice, Video Games, Xbox 360
Posted in E3 2010, Exercise, Video Games | 1 Comment »
