Will EA Sports Active 2.0 Take Fitness Games To The Next Level?
Regular readers of this site know how I feel about Wii Fit, but you might not know that recently I purchased EA Sports Active just to have a little variety. Having played both, I have to admit I still prefer Wii Fit in general, but EA's title does have its pluses. And things might get even better now that EA has revealed that they're continuing the franchise with the fall release of EA Sports Active 2.0.
The sequel will feature a completely new wireless control system that uses new leg and arm straps with motion sensors, and a heart rate monitor (pictured above). This is a major step up from the previous title which had you using the Wiimote attached to the Nunchuck that you would periodically insert into a leg strap for lunges, squats, running and the like. Not having your arm connected to your leg by a too-short cord is a major plus. And it looks like they're trying to beat Nintendo to the punch with the whole heart monitor gadget thingy.
Additionally, EA Sports Active 2.0 will have an online component, something I've felt all these fitness videogames have been lacking. Through an online hub, you'll be able to track and share all of your workout data, joining a global community to keep yourself honest and motivated.
Even more interestingly, the title is not a Wii exclusive like its predecessor. No, the sequel is going to also appear on the PlayStation 3 as well as the iPhone and iPod Touch. Now, the press release had no details on the iPod/iPhone versions, but I'm going to assume that they're just going to be stripped-down portable versions with very limited functionality. The PS3 version, on the other hand, will have the added benefit of extra workouts and exercises that you can download to keep things fresh.
EA Sports Active had its limitations, but it looks like some of them are being addressed in the sequel, and I'm going to have to keep an eye on this one. I'm intrigued.
Wootini
Posted to Video Games on 10 March 2010
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