'EA Sports Active' (Wii)

Also available on: N/A
Genre: Fitness
Developer: EA Vancouver
Publisher: Electronic Arts
Release date: May 22, 2009

For the majority of 2009, Nintendo's Wii Fit has flexed its muscles at the top of the Wii and all-format chart. In fact, it lasted a massive 19 weeks as the Wii's number one game. With only Ubisoft's My Fitness Coach as competition, Nintendo was enjoying the financial benefits of being the biggest fat fighter in town - that is until the powerhouse that is Electronic Arts swooped in and stole its crown. EA spotted a gap in a popular but sparsely represented market, and has consequently released EA Sports Active for the Nintendo Wii.

While it's true that there aren't many titles of its kind on the shelves, it doesn't necessarily mean that we need another fitness game at all, which raises the question, does EA Sports Active offer something different to the competition? And more importantly, does it actually work?

The short answer to the above questions is yes. EA Sports Active is a genuine alternative to Wii Fit thanks to its focus on fast-paced, aerobic-based workouts. Although the balance board can be used, Sports Active arrives with its own set of tools to make the workout experience increasingly vast and varied. The game comes bundled with a leg strap and resistance band, which are both used in conjunction with the Wii Remote and Nunchuck. The leg strap is designed to be secured over the right thigh and features a small pouch to house the Nunchuck, which in turn monitors leg movements. The resistance band is a large elastic band with hand straps on either side, and is used to perform exercises like bicep curls and shoulder extensions. The rest of the exercises simply require the Wii Remote and Nunchuck in order to play.

The game begins by asking you to create a profile/character, which unlike most EA games lacks any detail and depth (and doesn't make use of the Miis). Once a profile has been created, you are free to begin a 30-day workout programme; chart progress, set goals and complete numerous surveys in the journal; or complete a number of pre-set or customised workouts. The journal acts as the game's hub and should be the first port of call for anybody who wants to get the most out of the title. Within the journal, players are encouraged to set a number of goals, such as the number of calories to burn and workouts to complete; the calendar suggests days to rest and days to workout, while the trainer feedback offers generic advice and praise. The journal also gives players a daily checklist to complete, which includes the workouts themselves, as well as the nutrition, lifestyle and activity surveys. The daily surveys monitor what you eat, as well as other activities you perform throughout the day, and charts answers against the recommended amount you should be eating/doing.

The primary workout mode is the 30-day workout challenge, which was designed by celebrity trainer Bob Greene. Before exercising, players can set the intensity of the workouts, select a male or female coach, as well as fiddle with their musical requirements (although unfortunately there are no licensed tunes). The 30-day workout programme focuses on particular exercises and body parts on different days, while the intensity gradually increases as you get going. Players are free to remove or skip exercises if they see fit, while custom regimes can also be selected if you have something more specific in mind. Graphs are shown before and after workouts, with your progress charted against your targets. It should be clear by now that EA Sports Active contains a wealth of options and customisation features to make the experience as personal and rewarding as possible; and while there may be lots to do, the game remains simple and accessible, to ensure everybody can participate. The accessibility is helped by a series of videos and help screens that act as visual guides to the correct way of performing exercises and using equipment.

The exercises themselves are grouped into four categories - cardio, upper body, lower body and sports. Players will almost always take part in running and walking drills, which call upon the leg strap and Nunchuck, while there are also a number of stretches that tend to make an appearance more often than not. Players should be warned that plenty of space is required to perform some exercises, with a small room not the ideal setting for leg lunges and other such manoeuvres. If done correctly, nearly all of the exercises feel like they are fighting the flab, and even on the lower intensity levels, you're almost always guaranteed to work up a sweat. Unfortunately, for anybody hoping to experience another Wii Sports, the sports games lack any competitive edge, and are largely disappointing in that they generally fail to get the heart pumping in quite the same way as the other drills.

Also disappointing is the game's occasional failure to recognise the movements performed, which unfortunately calls into doubt the credibility of the feedback and ultimately the progress made. Examples of software blunders include the computer dishing out praise while I bent down to grab the resistance band's handles, my on-screen counterpart walking a snail's pace despite my on-the-spot rendition of Usain Bolt's record-breaking sprint, registering dance moves twice or not at all, and picking up a knee lift three seconds after lowering my leg. The resistance band also suffers from a dubious trade description, as on exercises such as the bicep curl, there's very little resistance at all.

The good news is that most of these problems can be overcome with a few manual tweaks and some consideration for space. The resistance band, which generally works fine for anything at shoulder height, can be folded over, or the hand straps twisted around your knuckles. Making some room and ensuring that you are stood at a suitable distance from the television seems to help the game pick up movements with greater accuracy, while simply taking some time between exercises to ensure the leg strap is on tightly and the controller wires are untangled also increases the in-game recognition. These precautionary measures do tend to upset the flow of the exercises, and the constant switching and checking of tools leads to a slightly stifled experience.

Despite the negatives having potentially game-ruining connotations, the ability to sort them out helps to redeem the title no end. Performing the exercises correctly and on a daily basis does genuinely leave the body feeling better, and the beads of sweat present after every workout suggests that the game is delivering on its promise to burn calories. Whether you buy EA Sports Active over Wii Fit depends on your fitness requirements; if you're looking to tone your body and improve flexibility, Wii Fit is the way to go, but if you're looking to shed some weight and work up a sweat, then run to the shops to pick up a copy of EA Sports Active.


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