EA Sports Active (Wii)

Raises the bar for the genre, new sensors and heart rate monitor allow for much better workouts, online component essentially create a metagame not unlike an RPG, rock-solid routines

Graphics are functional but plain, some odd timing in certain activities

Danielle Riendeau is a regular contributor to GameShark and is the cohost of Jumping the Shark , GameShark.com's official podcast. She's also a serious workout warrior.

Some exercises are actually fun ; Enough different activities to keep workouts fresh ; Very effective alternative to Wii Fit

Not exactly exciting graphics ; Sometimes doesn't recognise your movements ; Resistance band doesn't offer much resistance

At times the game doesn’t recognize your movements, which is frustrating. And the wires connecting the Wii remote and Nunchuk can get in the way of your shoulder presses. Fitter players might find the resistance band included doesn’t offer enough...

Jumping into the videogame-fitness craze with both feet, EA looks to take on Wii Fit as the preeminent interactive exercise regimen of choice with EA Sports Active.

EA Sports Active is a really great first effort game. The developers at EA Sports laid a really nice foundation for the next game that will inevitable come in the series. Hopefully they will tighten up the controls as this will make for a better game....

Plenty of exercises and activities, a fantastic 30-day structure, great presentation

Occasional control issues, the included resistance band is a bit wimpy

My friend, you?d best heed my words: the bar has been raised by a considerable margin. Whether you?ll be content to sit on your laurels and reap the rewards of being the first remains to be seen, but you?d better not ignore the ambitious runner in the...

If you like to exercise or serious about starting, then there is no reason you won't love this game. Anybody else is best to steer clear.

EA Sports

A more serious approach to fitness. Fun and effective activities. Very appealing complete package

Occasional issues with controllers. Lack of exciting music. Cheap resistance band