Wii Fit’s been sitting high in the charts for months. It seems that Nintendo’s Wii is in people’s consciousness as much for being a fitness tool as it is for gaming.

So it’s hardly surprising that a Wii Fit contender has stepped onto the scene. What is surprising, however, is that it delivers a far more compelling and well-rounded package than Nintendo’s own personal trainer. Thanks in part to its bundled resistance band (one of those long stretchy things you can use instead of free weights) and a leg strap you tuck the Nunchuk into, as well as Balance Board support, EA Sports Active is a pretty comprehensive fitness game.

It helps that it’s more personable too. Wii Fit almost plays up its virtual reality style trainer and revels in its clean visuals and packaging. EA goes for two different helpful, chatty instructors instead. In between the standard running and weight training are more fun exercises to keep things entertaining, such as boxing and inline skating. You can follow a 30-day workout, create custom workouts, record all your daily activity in a journal, and complete surveys to gauge how healthy you are. It’s certainly more varied than buying the latest celebrity workout DVD and watching it 50 times.

At times the game doesn’t recognize your movements, which is frustrating. And the wires connecting the Wii remote and Nunchuk can get in the way of your shoulder presses. Fitter players might find the resistance band included doesn’t offer enough resistance too, although there’s nothing stopping you using your own. Overall though, it works admirably well.

Jun 24, 2009