One of the most popular components of Nintendo’s Wii Fit is the games. Designed to teach better balance, these games are fun, challenging and are arguably some of the better parts of the Wii Fit. The balance games utilize the balance board. This board is able to detect minor shifts of balance and translate it to the game you’re playing. The board is surprisingly durable, although they do have a weight limit, making the Wii Fit unsuitable for some would-be players.
Some of the balance games also utilize your Mii that you create when you first sign in. The games have some interesting twists and with some you must unlock harder levels instead of having them just progress as you go. There are eight balance games. Some are ready at the beginning, others you earn by spending more time working at Wii Fit.
Ski Jumping is more challenging than you’d think. Just when you think you’ve got it nailed, you hesitate a split second too long and find your Mii tumbling down the slope instead of soaring gracefully above it.
There are two Slalom games; you can try your hand at skiing and snowboarding. Again, this one seems deceptively easy only to prove a bit more challenging than you thought. It’s fun, too!
Heading Soccer Balls adds more challenge by adding shoes and pandas coming along with the soccer balls. You don’t want to get hit by them, however… only the balls.
Table Tilt is really challenging. You shift your balance, which tilts the surface that shows on the screen. The varying surfaces come in different shapes. They all have something in common though… they all have edges, a hole or two, and balls that you must keep from falling off the edge. Instead they must go through the hole to get to the next level. This is a game that takes concentration and skill. The simple premise belies how fun and challenging this game truly is.
The Balance Bubble is fun. Your Mii is in a bubble which you must maneuver down a curvy river. The first level is fine. After that, more obstacles appear that can pop your bubble. The further down the river you get, the better score you earn.
Tightrope Tension is easier for some than others. Your Mii must walk a tightrope while avoiding snapping jaws that come towards you. Jumping seems easy, but the timing is what is tricky on this challenging balance game.
The Penguin Slide is really fun. You’re a little penguin on a piece of ice that tilts depending on where you stand. Fish are jumping out of the water, and you must try to catch them without falling off the ice. This game (and probably several of the other balance games) would be great fun at a party.
Finally, you can try the Lotus Focus. During this game, you must remain as still as possible while staring at a flame.
Each time you play one of the games, you earn FitCash, which is deposited into your piggy bank. When you have enough points in there, new games are unlocked. This is the way the Wii Fit keeps track of the time you spend working out. Minutes earned are based on the number of minutes doing an activity instead of the number of minutes of overall play. You can also get harder versions of a game by being the best at an activity and achieving a 100% score, or by playing a game a certain number of times.
The best thing about the Wii Fit game component is that it appeals to all ages. The games are fun for the entire family, and anything that encourages more activity is a good thing.