This woman doesn’t let up and just keeps pounding away at you until you submit or give up.

And apparently people like that in a gal [or at least a fitness coach] since her first Wii title has sold over 600k games and she’s following those whopping sales with the release of Fitness Ultimatum 2010 [for Wii] and Pocket Trainer 2010 [for DS].

Fitness Ultimate is a boot camp style workout that utilizes the Wii Remote and Wii Balance Board. They’ve also added a “Exercise with Jillian” feature that allows “players one-on-one time with a 3D avatar of Jillian Michaels that demonstrates pre-made or custom routines”.

Pocket Trainer 2010 has two different modes: “Jillian’s Training” and “My Training”.

Jillian’s Training has pre-made exercises while My Training allows players to customize the work-outs how they want them.

The Wii version will release October 6th and the DS version will hit October 20th.

Images|Majesco

Post from: EveryJoe

Jillian Michaels’ Fitness Ultimatum 2010

Back in January, it was shown that ratings for Wii games were, on average, 6-7% lower than reviews for PS3 and Xbox 360.  Pretty disappointing, huh?

Now, new market research is showing that Wii games are now considered to be on the level as those for the other consoles with all three of them getting reviews in the 66-68% range.  The report was based on games that were released between January and July 2009.

It would be easy to blame Nintendo for the quality of the games before January and the improvements we’re now seeing but it’s not their fault – it’s the developers.  I know it must be tough for a lot of them to make games that work with the motion-sensored Wii Remote (games like NHL 10 aren’t even trying) so it looks like they are finally figuring out how to do a better job.

Of course, the holiday season will be the big test as companies try to push out titles that will sell big at Christmastime so I’m expecting the quality to either greatly improve or tank.  I know it could remain consistent with what we’re seeing now but I’m hoping there will be a change for the better.

image: Amazon

Post from: EveryJoe

Are Nintendo Wii Games Improving?

Looking at the screenshots, I’m not 100% sure about how well they have adapted this game for the Wii but if you’re a Spectrobe fan, you probably will be willing to forgive any glitches considering the fact that you’re finally able to play it on the Wii.

The action-adventure game reveals secrets from the franchise’s past and makes use of the unique Wii controls but many elements from the DS versions have remained the same.   Nanairo Planetary Patrol Officers, Rallen and Jeena, are the main characters who fight enemies who threaten the solar system’s defenses.  In order to stave off the attacks from the alien scourge, Krawl, Rallen and Jeena must harness the power of the mysterious Spectrobes.

There have been some changes made in Spectrobes: Origins in comparison with the earlier games in the series.  Jeena is upgraded from a support role and becomes more of a partner to Rallen.  The graphics are in 3D so the Spectrobes look more realistic as they emerge from the raw earth and excavating fossilized creatures will become a lot more detailed since players will be using a variety of tools by manipulating the Wii Remote and Nunchuk.

Here’s a quick video to give you an example of what to expect from the gameplay.

Post from: EveryJoe

“Spectrobes: Origins” for Wii

If their theory is correct, they would use the knowledge they gleaned from the study to actually create video games that could boost the memory and thinking capacities of the elderly.

After six years of schooling in psychology, I have to say that I’m personally very excited about the Gains Through Gaming Lab and their attempt to improve cognition through video gaming.  I do believe that the study’s results will show improvement among the seniors.  I’ve read so many papers about how a person can remain mentally “sharp” throughout their lives by continually learning and engaging in activities like crossword puzzles.  Video games are even more interactive so the potential here is huge.

I also think that they picked great games although I would have also included Big Brain Academy.  I reviewed Boom Blox after it won for “Best Wii Game” at the 2008 Spike Video Game.  I think that it really does test reasoning and problem-solving skills and now I’m thinking of taking a copy over to my own grandmother.

image: GTG Lab

Post from: EveryJoe

Is The Wii Good for Aging Minds?

She told People magazine:  “It’s just a good example of how you can really get it done at home. You don’t need to have a big fancy gym membership. One of the things we talk about on The Biggest Loser all the time is just how difficult it is financially to lose weight sometimes. And that isn’t an excuse anymore. There are really reasonable options.”  I agree!

Naturally, the game is useful to anyone who wants to lose weight or get more fit and I really can’t say enough about how amazing I think it is (check out my preview).

I have been using it for about a month now and it never fails to make me sweat – a lot.  I already feel stronger and the wide variety of activities makes me feel like I’m getting an all over body workout.  If you want to focus on just your upper or lower body, there are premade workouts for that (along with those wanting to do low-impact, sports only, etc…).  It really is the best fitness game Nintendo has released.

If you want to play along with a friend, you can pick up the multiplayer pack or if you want an extra challenge, you can order the Riiflex hand weights.

I do want to mention that I have noticed a couple issues with the game (it can’t all be good!).  If you have a bit of a tummy (like me), you will constantly come in contact with the wire for the Nunchuk when it is placed in the leg strap.  I worry that this could affect the wiring of the device (I have had problems).

I also have noticed that the game seems to detect motion better on the leg that has the Nunchuk attached to it.  As a result, you have to hold your position on the other side (during exercises like lunges) for twice as long sometimes.  I do my best to try to equal out the repetitions but sometimes I get scolded by my “trainer.”

Still, the good far outweighs the bad.  This is simply an incredible game.

image: Bauer-Griffin

Post from: EveryJoe

Biggest Loser Host Chooses Wii Over Gym

Players have the option of rocking out as a single-player or they can battle a friend in the multiplayer mode.  Aside from that, the info I gleaned was basically that you can customize your avatar, there are a variety of drumming and musical styles to choose from and the songlist includes 30 cover tracks “inspired” by Queen, Fall Out Boy, The Clash, Gorillaz and The Police (and more).

Overall, I’m not really impressed by this but I will reserve harsh judgment until I actually play it or read a very detailed review.  I won’t be rushing to rent it, though.

image: Kontaku

Post from: EveryJoe

“Rolling Stone Drum King” for Wii

The plot unfolds as the Munchables’ home planet (yeah, they are aliens) is jeopardized when it is invaded by the evil Don Onion (and his band of nasty space pirates, of course!).  Knowing they must do something to save their way of life, they do what any good Munchables would do – they eat their enemies!  The goal is to not only get rid of their foes but to also grow big enough to take on Don Onion.  Crazy storyline, huh?  Kind of reminds me of The Maw on Xbox 360, though.

The music sounds addictive and it’s filled with overly exaggerated, stereotypical video game sound effects and, to be honest, I find it endearing as much as I am annoyed by it.  I foresee playing several rounds of this game and then having to fight off some family member who has been equally drawn in by it’s bright colors and crazy sounds.

This isn’t a trailer since I thought a video of actual gameplay might be better.  Check it out and tell me what you think!

Post from: EveryJoe

“The Munchables” on Nintendo Wii

Space Camp allows players to undergo training to develop the skills needed to be a successful astronaut.  As was the case with the 80s movie, the characters get rocketed to the moon during  a training session and you’ll have to rely on your faithful robot sidekick ARP, to help you find your way home.

On the Wii, you’ll use your Wii Remote to dig up space rocks, shake training simulators and drill in the lunar surface.  I can imagine that the environment for this game is probably pretty cool since it takes place at the training center and then in space.  Here’s a short trailer to give you a better idea about what the gameplay looks like

Post from: EveryJoe

“Space Camp” For Nintendo Wii and DS

Honestly, I can’t explain why finding out that the Queen has a pimped out version of the Wii thrills me but it does, especially when I look at what was done to it.  Are you ready for this?  The Queen’s Wii is gold-plated.  How awesome is that?!

I want to stress, however, that this is not something that she commissioned but, rather, is part of a PR stunt to promote the upcoming Big Family Games.  Geek.com writes “for a game that is meant to include the whole family from kids to grandparents what better family to send it to than The Royal Family in England?”  Makes sense to me!

I don’t know if an endorsement from the Queen of England would truly affect sales of this game worldwide but I do think that this special console could get a lot of requests.  Would you get a gold-plated Wii?

image: Joystiq

Post from: EveryJoe

“Royal Wii” for the Queen of England

I love my WiiFit much more than I expected and still I think EA Sports Active looks even better.  The more I’ve learned about it the more impressed I am and I just can’t say enough about how cool it is that Nintendo has come up with a way to make exercise more fun and accessible while maintaining the challenge.

To go along with the game (check out my EA Sports Active preview) you can purchase the EA Sports Active Multiplayer Pack which includes an additional resistance band and strap-on pouch so that more than one person can play the game at the same time (plus, I don’t think I want to share my sweaty leg thing with anyone else, do you?).

image: Amazon

Post from: EveryJoe

EA Sports Active Multiplayer Pack