A great game to get you up and moving with a few flaws along the way
After reading the reviews I went to the store and picked up the game. When I got home I popped it in the Wii just to give it a try. I tried a couple of exercises and they were a lot of fun, but with little time to play I had to stop after trying three things.
Later that night I went back to the game, this time to star the 30 day challenge. I was excited to get started and began the routine. I put in all my information and created my profile. I selected easy for the workout level knowing that I'm not in the best shape and knowing I would want to ease my way into the game.
After getting everything started I was able to start the routine. It started out with running around a track, it said it was the easy level on a short run, so I thought it would be okay. By the time I was done running my heart was definitely pumping and I knew I had burned a lot of calories but I was nearly ready to die. I know the best way to burn some calories is to keep pushing on so I continued through the routine anxiously waiting for everything to be complete. Finally, after what seemed like hours, I was done. The trainer told me I did a great job and gave me a recap of what was coming the next day. Unfortunately after all that work it said I'd only burned about 130 calories. I personally feel like I burned a lot more calories than that, but that is what it said.
I think most people that buy this game are going to be buying it in hopes to lose weight and therefore are most likely a little out of shape as well. This is the main reason I decided to write this review. I myself want to lose some weight and I'm also out of shape. I thought this game was going to allow me to burn some calories but ease me into a full workout routine, since I did have to put height and weight in. That is definitely not the case. The exercise routine you start with on day one is no where near what should be used for a first workout. For me it was over 20 minutes of running, jumping, doing lunges, etc. I was so excited to see the cool down period coming up, thinking it would be something simple, like walking, but instead the game thinks 2.5 laps running around the track is cool down, which doesn't make any sense to me. I was so tired and sore after the first exercise I just wanted to go to bed. By the next morning I was so sore from the workout I could hardly move, I've never been so sore in my life. However, that does tell me that game is definitely doing what it is supposed to, but I think it would be a huge benefit to the game if they would ease players into it based on their profile. Just be very careful when starting with this game because it is a real workout from day one.
It has been several weeks now since I purchased this game and I still really enjoy it. Despite wanting to attack my trainer at some points I really feel I'm getting a good workout. The thing I really like about the game is that it is fun to play and easy to use. You don't have to go to the gym or anything you can just do your exercises in the comfort of your own home. I really like that fact. I've done my exercises every day since getting the game (even though most days I didn't feel like it) because I didn't have to go far out of my way or waste a big amount of time going to a gym and everything, plus, the exercises are a little more fun. When you are done with the workout you really feel like you have burned some calories, your pulse is racing and your exhausted, I think this is a great thing. I've not really tried any other exercise games on the Wii yet (I do plan to get the new Wii Fit) but I definitely think this is a good choice if you are really looking for something to help you lose some weight.
There were a few additional things I did not like about the game, aside from the fact it just throws you into a full exercise routine. The cord between the nunchuk and the wiimote always seems to be in the way. When you are boxing the cord keeps hitting you in the face, when you are dancing you cannot fully extend your arms, when you are running it pulls, when you are using the resistance band it often gets tangled, etc. This is definitely a game that needs a wireless nunchuk to make it a little easier and more enjoyable. The order of the exercises in the routine can be really annoying. It would be so much nicer if all of the resistance band exercises, leg strap and remaining exercises were put together. Half of the time you are exercising is putting the nunchuk in the leg strap, taking it out, putting it back in, getting the bands, putting them down, doing something else with the bands. It isn't anything terrible, but it just seems like it would make more sense to pair them up together. As I mentioned above the calorie counter seems to be a little off, but I'm not certain. The game is pretty easy to cheat on. I had read in reviews that unless you did things perfectly it wouldn't count so it was really difficult, but I don't really feel this is the case. There are ways to easily cheat on several of the exercises, so you really need to be motivated and want to do the exercises or it just won't work out. I also found some of the exercises had a hard time following my movements and you have to have the sensor bar placed perfectly, especially on volleyball, tennis and basketball. I also wish you could customize the workouts a little more. Some nights I have to exercise I've already done something else and don't want to do all the running or something and one night I had a sore ankle from a bad landing from the previous night. The only way to change the routine is to remove an exercise and I've not found a way to replace it unless you go in and create an additional workout to complete when the main workout is done. Finally, I think that the game is a little overpriced. Considering most games like this can be purchased for $30 to $50 depending on the game, at least $20 for the resistance band and leg strap seems a little steep. The resistance band is not really the best. I know a lot of people have complained that the resistance bands have already broken for them and for me personally they don't provide very much resistance. I read that a lot of people have purchased Pilate's bands to replace them, so I went to Wal-Mart and picked up a pack of 3 for $10, unfortunately these straps are not even half as long as the original band, so I can't use it for any of the overhead exercises because I'm a little worried they may snap.
Overall I really do think this is a great option for an exercise game on the Wii. It definitely has some less than perfect parts to it, but they can be overcome. The game gives a good workout and makes it fun in the process. If you are looking for a great game to help you lose weight and overlook some of the problems you will be very pleased with EA Sports Active!
Pros:
A fun way to lose weight
Definitely feels like you are getting a good workout
Cons:
Doesn't ease you into the routine
Nunchuk is almost always in the way
Weird order in the routine
Calorie count seems too low
Easy to cheat
A little overpriced for what you get