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Wii Fit gets some time in the spotlight on Dutch TV [update 1]
Update: Daily reader (and one heck of an awesome guy) Rowdy decided to lend a hand by translating the linked TV spot for us. As it is his native tongue, we're sure he knows what he's doing. Check past the break for the translation.Carlos Lens, a personal trainer, recently took his time to get into Wii Fit and a Dutch TV crew was right there to document it. While we have no idea what they're talking about, they seem to like it. After Carlos' segment, they cut back to the studio where the crew discuss Nintendo's product.If you're looking for someone's opinions on the whole thing, be sure to hit up Joystiq and read their hands-on write up.%Gallery-4745%[Via Go Nintendo]
Wii Fit set to make your New Year's resolutions easier
When Nintendo said Wii Fit was set for release in early 2008, it looks like they meant it. Online retailer Amazon has the game-and-board bundle listed for January 1, just in time for all those weight loss resolutions. As rumored, it seems you can pick up the happy fun-time fitness aid for $69.99, which is considerably less than most pieces of multi-use workout equipment. At press time, Wii Fit is hanging around at #75 in Amazon's video game rankings, just ahead of the $600 80GB PS3 bundled with Motorstorm.We assume that those of you who believe Wii Fit will singlehandedly kill the gaming industry and deliver its headless corpse to nongamers will be skipping this one, but anyone else interested? This blogger must admit that it seems like a nice supplemental workout tool, especially if extra space is fast becoming a hot commodity (as is the case in our house). [Via NeoGAF]
Alpha moms not sympathetic to hardcore gamers' plight
Jenny Lauck and Stefania Pomponi Butler, both of them "Alpha Moms (influential matriarchs)" and Wii Ambassadors, sat down with Electronic Gaming Monthly's podcast crew to chat about Nintendo's efforts to attract mothers to its consoles. Though they didn't take to the Nintendo DS, both women were eager to talk about how much they enjoyed titles like Cooking Mama, Wii Play, and, yes, Boogie.When asked about the often touted complaint that casual releases like Wii Fit and Wii Sports are pulling resources and funding away from games meant for the hardcore audience, Ms. Lauck reasoned, "I don't think developers are going to start ignoring them. I think there's definite room ... for both markets."She continued the argument on her blog with an analogy that puts these irrational fears into perspective: "I think studios should stop making lame sitcoms and focus solely on new episodes of Lost, for example. But you know what? There's a market for sitcoms, and even though I'm a hard-core supporter of Lost, there are other genres out there that other people watch."Read - She Just Wouldn't Shut UpRead - EGM LIVE 09/03/2007 Podcast
DIY Wii Balance Board
Every week, sister-site Wii Fanboy's weekly REVOLUTIONARY feature takes on the exciting task of exploring the possibilities of the Wii. This week, they made up their own Wii Balance Board using nothing more than some tennis balls, some blue, some plastic trays, some foam strips, grip tape, and of course, a Wiimote.All that's left is to find a PC game to test it out with – snowboarding sim Stoked Rider does the trick nicely – and whip up a script in GlovePIE to convert the Wiimote actions into input. Throw everything together and, voila, you can be balancing like a pro. Now, let's try to play Resident Evil 4 with it ...
EU GameStop list filled with placeholders, excitement
Did we miss an official announcement for Red Steel 2? Apparently GameStop didn't, because they have it down for a fall release in Europe. Of course, it's listed on a placeholder date, but the mere fact that it is there is what piques our interest. GameStop may have a lot of faults, but making up games is not something they're known for. Are we ready for another Red Steel? Some of us found many redeeming qualities in the flawed title and are excited about a sequel, but we hope for a lot of fixes in the meantime. Ubisoft has apparently been working on the sequel since wrapping up the first title, but we can only hope they've taken enough time this go-round. But enough about that -- let's talk about the rest of the list, which you can find after the break. Wii Fit in February? That sounds about right, though the actual date is probably a placeholder. But the best news for European gamers is that it looks like a lot of these titles aren't suffering from the massive delay that so often plagues releases. That can only be a good thing ... for everything except your wallet, that is.
CVG tries on Wii Fit
Lacking access to our customized equipment, CVG had to settle for testing Wii Fit and Nintendo's version of the Balance Board.They actually had some problems with the soccer-heading game seen in the E3 demo: pushing off with the opposing foot, of course, caused the on-screen avatar to lean in the direction opposite of that intended. In the end, they were advised to lean only slightly in either direction, which "completely ruins the illusion that you're heading the ball," causing them to liken the experience to "standing on a giant D-pad."They enjoyed other minigames much more, like a ski-jumping game and a Monkey Ball-like game in which shifting on the Balance Board tilts an onscreen board, with the goal of rolling balls into holes.Overall, CVG had a very positive experience with Wii Fit, going so far as to say "we're certain this is going to be the next Wii Sports - a fantastic party game and one that will have everyone jumping in for a go." Check out their full post and their video, and decide for yourself if you think standing will be the new waggling.
Wii Exercise tries to outwit Wii Fit
If it weren't so funny, we'd be more interested in this one. Rocket Company, a Japanese publisher/developer, is looking to beat Nintendo at their own game -- literally -- with their planned release of Wii Exercise. It's not exactly like Wii Fit; there's no balance board, and it seems there's a lack of minigames. Instead, Wii Exercise focuses on a nutrition program and a set of boxing moves to help gamers get fit. So, balance board or nutrition program? It's hard to argue with Nintendo on their own turf, but both titles may be worth looking at for those really interested in using their consoles to get into shape. [Thanks, hvnlysoldr!]
Diner Dash devs dance, debate Wii Fit
Two employees of Gamelab decided to have a little STEEL CAGE CHALLENGE friendly debate about the viability of Wii Fit in the US. If anyone is qualified to discuss casual software, it's Gamelab, developers of the casual hit Diner Dash. K. Thor Jensen (of Portal of Evil fame!) and Naomi Clark debated the issue of whether Nintendo's newest peripheral-based game would take off in the US like it undoubtedly will in Japan.Both sides make some interesting points: Clark cites Americans' general distaste of extra peripherals without extremely compelling games behind them (DDR, Guitar Hero), and Wii owners' desire to have fun outweighing their desire to be healthy. Jensen notes the interest in lifestyle software like Brain Age and the simple fact that people have gone in for the weirdo Wii already, and Wii Fit looks like an extension of that idea.They then "settle" the debate by having a dance-pad vs. controller DDR competition. That certainly solves that issue.[Via GameSetWatch]
MTV News foils Wii Fit, invents Wii Sit
After finding one of the Wii Fit games to be lacking in challenge, MTV News reporter and master of balance, Stephen Totilo, hoped to up the ante by lowering himself to the ground and turning the game's Balance Board into more of a stability seat. The resulting video confirms that Wii Fit can be played in full couch potato posture, most likely with a beer in one hand and a bag of nachos in the other. Take that, exergaming!Of course, even minimal effort unlocks countless gaming possibilities and we honestly can't wait for the likes of Warioga, Metroid Meditation and of course, Mario and Ghandi at the Non-cooperation Gatherings. Careful you don't strain yourself too much though -- despite popular opinion, Wii Fit is not good enough... for you to poop on. (highlight to read)Watch -- Wii Fit Played While Seated
Third-party Wii Pedometer available for the fitness-oriented gamer
We're sure all our readers out there are gearing up for the forthcoming Wii Fit and the plethora of exercise accessories that are sure to follow. In the spirit of that, you can now purchase a quirky "Wii"-branded pedometer to track your fitness goals in a more traditional way. Although it appears a little light on features, the Sports "Gage" Pedometer for Wii Gamers is as inexpensive as it looks at only $6.98, though why it comes shaped like a dog bone is beyond us. The vendor and producer also seem unable to agree on the proper spelling of the word Gage... or is it Guage? (For the record, it's Gauge) But don't let little details like that discourage you! A word of caution, however: the ever-so-slight alteration of the trademarked Wii logo (and complete absence of the word "Nintendo" from its packaging) likely indicates this to be an unlicensed product without any approval from the big N, so don't be fooled that this is any kind of official companion to Wii Fit's balance board. But for such a low price, it might still be of interest to Wii-oriented gyms out there.
Wii games pepper nomination list for E3 awards
The Game Critics Association has released their list of nominations for the best of E3, and Nintendo is all over the place -- particularly with Super Mario Galaxy and Wii Fit. The DS may have been spurned for anything other than the handheld category, but the Wii sure seems to be holding its own against the 360 and PS3. Unfortunately, however, none of the Wii titles made it into the nominations for Best of Show. We'll skip over multiplatform titles like Guitar Hero III, but Wii games showed up in several categories: Best Social/Casual/Puzzle Game (Wii Fit, Zack & Wiki) Best Fighting Game (WWE SmackDown vs RAW 2008) Best Action/Adventure Game (Super Mario Galaxy) Best Action Game (Metroid Prime 3: Corruption) Best Hardware (Balance Board, Zapper) Best Console Game (Super Mario Galaxy) Best Original Game (Wii Fit, de Blob) An interesting mix of games -- some expected, some surprises. The winners will be announced next Tuesday. Think a few Wii games will pull out wins?
Feedback Fallout: Nintendo's Wii Fit
At ten o'clock and on the busiest of E3 mornings, Nintendo unveiled their latest plot to further expand their business outside the realm of gamers: Wii Fit. Along with the new Wii Balance Board, Wii Fit looks to do for fitness what Brain Age did for our math skills. Following the unveiling, Nintendo brain child and industry icon, Shigeru Miyamoto, took center stage, claiming Wii Fit held personal presidence over more widely anticipated titles such as Super Smash Bros Brawl, Super Mario Kart and even his baby, Super Mario Galaxy.Like most people, "Uh-oh" was the first thing that sprang to the mind of Electronic Gaming Monthly's managing editor, Jennifer Tsao, but in a more observational sense. "[This] is exactly the kind of thing that annoys hardcore gamers, even though it's an interesting application for the quirky Wii."Correct in her assertion, the hardcore populace had begun their meltdown.
Today's don't-try-this-at-home video: Homemade Wii Fit
Don't want to wait until later this year try the latest spastic exergaming craze, Wii Fit? Are the Wii graphics just too high-res for you? Wish Wii Fit looked a touch more dangerous?Gametrailers user, "neadha," answers the call to all three challenges, showing a homebrew balance game grafted to an old version of Pong. Standing on a skateboard deck on a cylinder, the Pong paddle slides up or down with every tilt. Or at least that's the idea. The game is so hardcore that the ball wings across the screen too quickly to react.With a little tuning, the game might be cool. But clearly, a helmet is advised, lest this turn into Jackass. See the video after the break.
Friday Video: Who needs a fancy balance board?
Okay, we (and by we, I'm pretty sure here I only mean me) may be fans of Wii Fit, but we still have to offer up some props to this guy for sliding in a humorous reference to the balance board and the forthcoming fitness title in naming his altered-Pong video and homemade controller. But we still laugh when he falls off. No idea what we're talking about? Then hit the break and check out this week's hilarious featured video! Now we just have to work on convincing our wonderful columnist Mike Sylvester to try out something similar (and film it for our pleasure).
Kohler speaks with Miyamoto in a very revealing interview
Being the Nintendo maniacs we are, often the thought of finding and capturing Shigeru Miyamoto so that we may have him all to ourself crosses the darkest recesses of our mind. Of course, we realize these are just crazy thoughts and don't have them written down anywhere in the same book where we keep all of our homemade sketches of the iconic gaming legend. We would never do that.But, given how much we read about Shiggy, his latest interview with Chris Kohler is one of his best. Shiggy manages to touch on an icnredible variety of subjects, including price point talk for Wii Fit, the upcoming Wii Ware channel and even took time to offer his opinions on the violent video game debate. If you're going to read one interview from E3, this should be it.
Today's sweatiest video: Wii Fit
With all the fun of balancing combined with the appeal of yoga in front of a TV, Wii Fit isn't aiming for a gamer demographic. But gamers may still have fun getting physical later this year. GameTrailers shows some of the more playful elements: rolling balls into holes, ski jumping, and hula-hooping.Brain Age meets body? Or is Nintendo working its way up to a seven intelligences title? See the latest from Wii Fit after the break.
Sarcastic Gamer parodies Wii Fit
Maybe you are really excited for Wii Fit, or maybe you aren't all that excited for it. Either way, you have to be able to extract some humor from Sarcastic Gamer's latest video. A lot of truth is revealed in this video, as we can think of no better recipe for fun when it comes to children like graphs and charts. Also, the Wii Fit looks great ... with anything from Ikea!It's a pretty funny video, so be sure to check it out past the break (and try not to take it too seriously).
Square Enix interested in Wii Fit board for RPG
In an interview with IGN, Square Enix's Motomu Toriyama speaks about the upcoming US release of Final Fantasy XII: Revenant Wings and divulges a healthy little detail about the company's interest in the Wii Fit balance board. No, a Final Fantasy workout game isn't in the pipeline (though taking on a Gigas or two would be great for our quads), but Toriyama and company are "intrigued" by the idea of using weight and balance to control games. Full body interactive RPG combat, anyone?
Wii Fit pad similar to 25-year-old Atari accessory
While the mainstream press gets ready to crown Nintendo the innovator of fresh new gaming technology, Water Cooler Games points out the Wii Fit balance pad isn't as revolutionary as some may think. Way back in 1982 (yes, the same year Michael Jackson unleashed Thriller), Persuasive Games released a balance board accessory for the Atari VCS called the Joyboard. Only one game supported the peripheral: a ski jumping title called Mogul Maniac, and the technology wasn't nearly as advanced as the Wii Fit pad. The idea was there, however, Nintendo just came along with its magic touch and made it ten times better.[Thanks, Vlad]
Wii Warm Up: Warming up to Wii Fit
Wii Fit may seem shiny and new, but not only is it a concept that console-makers and game developers have tried before, but it's part of a philosophy Nintendo has long tried to pursue. Over at Water Cooler Games, Ian Bogost recently spent some time remembering the Joyboard, a peripheral for the Amiga -- which boasted a single retail game -- that is similar to the balance board that is set to release with Wii Fit. Of course, it's not the only example; many of us still have dance pads for Dance Dance Revolution lying around, and some of the old-schoolers may even have old NES Power Pads tucked away in a closet, collecting dust, while gamers fondly recall Dance Aerobics and Track & Field. What Bogost doesn't address -- which we think is a fascinating issue -- is Wii Fit's potential to succeed in the current market environment. Quite rightly, he calls upon gamers and critics to look back over the history of the industry in order to gain a better understanding of how we reached this point, and we agree with him that people should be less shocked by Wii Fit than they have seemed to be. Nintendo is no stranger to "non-games" and unusual peripherals. Particularly now, when the Wii has the potential to move even beyond the ubiquitous past presence of the NES and get into every home in America (and perhaps the world, huzzah!), it's no surprise that Nintendo is again angling to break the market wide open and offer something for everyone. Does Wii Fit surprise you? Obviously, we knew a health pack of some sort was coming, but this is rather expanded upon what we expected. We know some of you don't like the concept -- while others, like this blogger, think it's the bee's knees -- but does it surprise you? What other market-expanding ideas do you think we'll see from Nintendo?
