Well, we’re here to help celebrate and shine a spotlight on some of the latest, greatest and unforgettable games through the years. For our ongoing series of articles depicting the best video games, our attention this time turns to fitness games. From rhythm-based games to ones that encourage you to throw several punches, there are many here to whet your appetite. Of course, if we’ve missed any of your favorites, feel free to comment below and we’ll get them added on!
Ring Fit Adventure
Nintendo’s known for doing weird experimental games with each console release. The Wii gave fans motion controls and Wii Sports. The Wii U gave fans a gaming pad with Nintendo Land. Eventually, the Nintendo Switch introduced players to HD Rumble and rolled out 1-2 Switch. This title didn’t receive much praise because it harbored lackluster gameplay in comparison to past games. Thus, Nintendo went back to its roots and released the RPG exercise game, Ring Fit Adventure. This new take on the Wii Fit formula has players embark on a quest to defeat the evil muscular dragon Dragaux. To defeat Dragaux and his goons, players must perform several exercises with the game’s Ring-Con periphery. From Shoulder Presses to Ab Guards, there’s a slew of exercises for you to master. Each level boasts incredible items and ingredients for you to attain by defeating enemies or sucking them up in the overworld. You can use the ingredients to create smoothies that can boost your attacking and defense power or HP. The game also boasts an incredible customization system where you change your character’s clothing to boost your attack and defense stats. This is an incredible game that mixes the adventurous aspects of RPG with the tiring routines of daily exercise. If that sounds up your alley, I’d recommend picking up Ring Fit Adventure.
Wii Sports Resort
Wii Sports was such a fun title on the Wii that Nintendo went ahead and created a sequel. Wii Sports Resort feels more expansive than its predecessor. It offers more activities themed around the Summer time. From basketball to table tennis, there are a lot of exciting games for you to play in Wii Sports Resort. This game also requires players to utilize Nintendo’s Wii Motion Plus peripheral. This device can be attached to your Wii Remote as it’s meant to make your time with the game feel more immersive. Unfortunately, the game doesn’t offer any online functionality. Those wanting to play the games with others will need to do it the old-fashioned way. On that note, the title boasts several cardio-based activities that’ll help strengthen your stamina and get your heart beating. If you’re looking for a new spin on one of Nintendo’s best-selling properties look no further than Wii Sports Resort.
Wii Fit
Although Wii Sports and Wii Sports Resort got people to get off their seats to play, Nintendo went ahead and created a game solely focused on getting players “fit”. Enter Wii Fit, a game that comes included with the Wii Balance Board. This title boasts multiple mini-games for players to tackle as they perform many noteworthy yoga-like poses. The game modes were split into several categories from Aerobic exercises to Yoga and Strength training. The visuals weren’t as impressive as Wii Sports Resort, but they get the job done. The mini-games you can expect to participate in include Rhythm Boxing, Hula Hooping, and imitating poses given by an instructor. The Nintendo Wii offered a channel dedicated to the game called the Wii Fit Channel. This channel allowed players to monitor their BMI information without having to open Wii Fit’s gaming application. Although it may feel like a relic of the past compared to titles they’ve released now, it set the stage for Nintendo’s future health-based properties moving forward.
Fitness Boxing 2: Rhythm & Exercise
At last, we reach a fitness game not developed by Nintendo. Developed by Imagineer, Fitness Boxing 2: Rhythm and Exercise is a phenomenal boxing-based rhythm game with iconic songs, decent visuals, and fun gameplay. It’s a title that may take you a while to produce sweat, but when it does, you’ll complete a session feeling stronger than before. This game boasts excellent tutorials and helps you monitor the number of calories you’ve burned via its useful options and modes. It’s more grounded in realism with its gameplay. This game has to you take on a boxing-themed pose and asks you to perform several attacks based on the profession. From ducking to uppercuts, it offers everything you need to be a competent boxer. That said, players shouldn’t expect this game to help them become the next Mike Tyson. Instead, you should enter the game’s world with the thought of burning calories and losing a few pounds.
Zumba Fitness: Burn It Up!
Zumba Fitness: Burn It Up is a fun rhythmic-based dancing game. It’ll get your body moving through dancing and leaning heavily in exercising. It doesn’t contain a practice mode, so it might be bothersome for people who’ve never danced before. The dances themselves range from simplistic to complex. The dance styles you can expect from this outing include merengue, salsa, hip-hop, and others. Like other dancing titles, this game boasts a decent number of iconic tracks. The game’s live-action segments are nicely executed. Players will adore the wonderful backdrops and find its instructors appealing and helpful. Players will adore the game’s options. It allows you to see personal weight loss goals. Fans searching for a fun dancing game with iconic music tracks should look no further than Zumba Fitness: Burn It Up.
Dance Central Spotlight
With motion controls being of the age at the time, it made sense for Microsoft to want to capitalize on the phenomenon popularized by Nintendo. The company released the Kinect, which served as a gaming peripheral that’d allow its developers to craft gaming experiences that leaned toward exercise. One of those titles was Dance Central Spotlight. Like other dancing games, Dance Central Spotlight boasts phenomenal music tracks. Its gameplay involves players mimicking the game’s instructor’s dance movements to earn points. You’ll receive a grade based on your performance after you’ve completed a song. This encourages players to continue playing the game to achieve a better score. The motion controls were accurate and fair. The music tracks available in Dance Central Spotlight may not appeal to everyone, though. This game boasts a simple interface, allowing players to hop into a dance session swiftly. If you have a classic Xbox 360 game system lying around and want to lose some pounds, give this game a try.
Dance Dance Revolution (Series)
Dance Dance Revolution “revolutionized” the way people perceived rhythm games during its inception. This series includes a variety of iconic tracks from multiple genres. From rock n’ roll to Japanese pop, there was enough soundtrack variety to excite players. This game adopts a simple gameplay formula. In it, players must choose a song from its many categories. Once selected, you’ll be greeted with that screen that features four arrows pointing up, down, left, and right. Arrows will appear from the bottom and work their way to the top of the screen. When the arrows connect, you must tap the correct symbol on your dance pad to score a point. You’ll be awarded a score when you’ve completed the song. Players can return to the songs they play to achieve a better score. This game promotes physical fitness and targets music enthusiasts. Some knock-off games can be found in restaurants like Chuck E. Cheese or Dave and Busters. If you ever stumble upon a Dance Dance Revolution machine, give it a try!
Mario & Sonic At The Olympic Games (Series)
Despite being rivals during the 16-bit era, Mario and Sonic have been in many collaborative projects over the years. One of their most well-known crossovers happened in the form of Mario & Sonic At The Olympic Games. This gaming series comes complete with many noteworthy Olympic sports and characters to choose from in the Mario and Sonic universes. Some sports these characters compete in the range from Track & Field to table tennis. Eventually, the series would expand into the sports catalog and include characters who hadn’t appeared in previous installments. Some activities require players to get off their seats and move in unison with the characters. The game boasts a fun online mode and ranking system. This allows you to compete against other players over the world to see who can achieve the best score. These games also contain a fun mission mode for those seeking a mightier challenge. If you want a fun hodgepodge of mini-games to play with members from the Mario and Sonic universes, this one’s well worth a play.
ARMS
Nintendo isn’t a stranger to boxing games. From Punch-Out to Wii Sport’s boxing mini-game, the company has dabbled in the sport on multiple occasions. However, these games don’t compare to the scope and scale of ARMS. Developed and published by Nintendo in 2017, ARMS is a refreshing take on the Punch-Out formula. The game doesn’t offer the best story mode nor does it do its best to develop its cast. However, each character has a unique ability and personality that helps them stand out. From the trademark hero Spring Man to the evil doctor, Dr. Coyle, ARMS boasts a fabulous roster of colorful personalities aiming to wow you. This game makes use of Nintendo’s Joy-Con controllers and HD Rumble phenomenally. You’ll find yourself needing to dodge, weave, and punch your way through many enemies if you hope to become the champion. The game features a variety of mini-games for you to play. From basketball to volleyball, there’s a slew of sports for you to play with friends offline or online. If you’re looking for an advanced version of Nintendo’s Punch-Out, consider picking up ARMS.
Beat Saber
Unfortunately, titles like Guitar Hero and Rock Band have ended their run. However, that hasn’t stopped new game developers from wanting to give fans similar experiences. Beat Saber offers a modernized take on the Guitar Hero formula. It’s a VR game with incredible longevity, smooth controls, and mesmerizing gameplay. In it, players must slash through many music notes that are hurled toward them. Think of Fruit Ninja but with a rhythmic focus. Beat Saber encourages players to utilize their bodies to their best potential. This game will provide you with an excellent workout regime. Those who might be put off by that remark can tamper with the game’s difficulty settings to make it more comfortable to play. Beat Saber’s community is kind and active. Some fans offer mods that’ll allow you to personalize your Beat Saber experience. If you miss the glory days of Guitar Hero or Dance Dance Revolution and own a VR headset, consider picking up Beat Saber. So, there we have it, our pick for the best fitness-based video games through the years! What do you think of our picks? Do you agree? Are there any notable omissions? Let us know in the comments below!
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