4cr Impressions – Wii Fit Plus

We all know the original Wii Fit from Vinnk’s Wii Fit experiment, but how many of us stopped using it after the first few weeks? I know I did. So part of me was hesitant to pick up Wii Fit Plus, but when I saw that the standalone disc was only $20, I figured I’d give it a shot.

I’d spend that much money on pennywhistles and moon pies anyway, so why not fake being healthy for another few weeks? So I ordered the disc from Amazon and popped it into my drive. Was it worth the cash? Read on.

I will say this up front: If you have a balance board and DON’T have Wii Fit Plus, you are missing out. Sure it has all the same stuff from the original Wii Fit, but there is so much more to be had here, and for the $20 asking price, I have to recommend it. Heck, even at $99 for the full version with the balance board, I’d have a hard time telling someone to skip it.

The first thing you’ll notice at the new home screen for Wii Fit Plus is the ability to create Miis for your pets. Now the original Wii Fit had a limited pet weighing function, but here it feels more fleshed out. My wife and I added in our four cats, and checked their weight (one weighs about 22 pounds!)

Not only can you weigh your pets, but you can keep track of their weight as well, just like you can keep track of yourself. Of course, they can’t do any exercises, but it’s still really neat. Plus once they are loaded in, you can find your pets running around in different games, such as the Island Run or biking.

Speaking of the island, they’ve added a lot more to do with Wuhu Island in this game. There’s all the original games, plus a whole new selection of “Plus” games, with added functionality.

Take the Plus version of the Island Run for example. This time you’re tasked with not only running at a steady pace around the island, but also keeping your eyes peeled for different things around the island, which you’ll be quizzed about at the end of the run. Sample questions include asking which of three different Super Mario Bros sprites you passed on your trip around, or how many dogs you passed by.

It’s a welcome addition, in that not only does it get your body active, but it keeps your mind occupied, too. In the original Wii Fit, I’d run through an Island Run once and then move on to something else. With Wii Fit Plus, I find myself running through two or three times. Trying to keep my eyes peeled for what I’ll be quizzed on later really takes my mind off of the fact that I’m running on the spot.

Wii Fit may not really be a heavy workout, but I’ll be damned if it’s not just plain fun – there’s a tonne of it here. Aside from the aforementioned biking and running, there are all sorts of new games involved. From juggling, to snowball fighting, to chicken suit flying, to marching to the obstacle course (my personal favorite), it will be awhile before you’re at a loss for activities. Even the “Wii Fit Age” checking balance games have been tweaked, with many involving use of the Wii Remote as well.

Going into the more exercisy additions, Wii Fit Plus has some new tricks up its sleeve as well. For example, the game keeps track of approximately how many calories you’ve burned through your workout, giving you extra motivation to keep going (I have to burn off that piece of fried chicken!)

Additionally, Wii Fit Plus has the ability to create custom workouts. The only problem that I have with the custom workouts is the fact that you can’t choose from every game and exercise – at least not that I have found, so I haven’t really used the custom workouts that much. Really though, this is the only true complaint I can think of, other than the fact that I have absolutely no clue how I am supposed to dodge during the rhythm boxing. Seriously, can someone explain that to me? I am tired of getting punched in the face by that damn heavy bag.

Maybe I’m just a Nintendo fanboy – I even liked Wii Music, but it seems to me like these Wii ___ games are just getting better and better. I think Nintendo has finally found out how to best use their own control schemes, as shown with Wii Sports Resort, and now with Wii Fit Plus.

They seem to be going back to their old ways a bit – making games fun for the sake of having fun. Certainly some people will look at Wii Fit Plus as being just another cash in title: take a game and add in a couple of other things, and sell it to those unsuspecting “casual gamers”. But, if Wii Fit Plus is considered a casual game, then I am proud to call myself a casual gamer.

I could go on and on about the different games, but really, this is one of those games that you need to experience for yourself. I know that’s a cliché, but in this case it’s the truth. Never before has running in place made me so happy.

Just do yourself a favor: if you pick this title up, make sure you try out the obstacle course – I consider that alone worth the price of admission.