The World is Ready to Party With Zumba

ZumbaCan nearly 10 million people be wrong? When it comes to fitness video games we don’t think so. The Zumba Fitness franchise is still going strong, and that is something to celebrate. This month saw the arrival of Zumba Fitness World Party for Microsoft’s Kinect for Xbox 360, the Nintendo Wii and Nintendo Wii U. The game will also debut later this month as a launch day title for the Xbox One. Continue reading The World is Ready to Party With Zumba

An Object in Motion

Motion-TennisWhile the Wii was a huge hit with casual gamers – including those who wanted to get off the couch – the Wii U hasn’t exactly delivered for Nintendo. Instead it could be that Apple TV could fill the void with games such as Motion Tennis, which utilizes an iPhone for a controller. The game takes advantage of the iPhone’s magnetometer, gyroscope, and accelerometer to accurately interpret your movements.

For those who want to go from Mii (the onscreen characters on the Wii) to I – as in the iPhone, then Apple TV might get you there.

Motion Tennis Official Website

Next Generation of Zumba

httpv://youtu.be/vKOZ3Y6z0Yc

The party won’t stop – the video game fitness party that is. Majesco Entertaiment Company announced today that Zumba Fitness World Party will launch in October for Microsoft’s Xbox 360 and Nintendo’s Wii U and Wii game systems. This fitness game will also arrive later this year for the upcoming Xbox One from Microsoft.

The new game promises to deliver more than 40 high-energy routines with an international soundtrack featuring Lady Gaga, Pitbull and Daddy Yankee, and allow gamers to burn up to 1,000 calories per hour. Continue reading Next Generation of Zumba

Zumba Goes to the Core

This week Majesco Entertainment announced that Zumba Fitness Core has arrived for the Nintendo Wii and Kinect for Xbox 360, delivering 40 new songs and routines with 33 international dance styles from the around the world. Plus there are new fitness goals, more nutrition tips and more gameplay that will help players get in shape. Launch trailer after the jump

Game Time: Hollywood Workout

Ever notice how celebrities often seem in excellent shape? That’s because they have a professional trainer to help them on the way. If you can’t afford one but want to work out like they do in Hollywood a new video game might just be the thing.

Majesco Entertainment Company announced this week that Harley Pasternak’s Hollywood Workout will be available in stores on September 18 for Kinetic for Xbox 260 and for the Nintendo Wii. This upcoming title will give players access to the 5-Factor Fitness program, which is used by Hollywood’s A-list to stay in shape. The game was developed by Heavy Iron Studios and requires 25-minutes a day, five days a week. Continue reading Game Time: Hollywood Workout

Hollywood Workout Coming to Xbox 360 and Wii

“Going Hollywood” usually doesn’t have the best connotation, but that could change with the newly announced Harley Pasternak’s Hollywood Workout. This upcoming exercise video game from Majesco Entertainment will arrive this fall for Kinect for the Microsoft Xbox 260 and Ninteno Wii, provides gamers with access to the fitness program used by many in Hollywood today. To help players get fit best-selling author and celebrity trainer Harley Pasternak arrives in digital form with the 5-Factor program that promises to make it easy to get fit.

While we doubt it will transform the average gamer into a Hollywood super star it should beat another round of Halo or Mario Kart!

Majesco Entertainment Company Official Website

President’s Council, ESA Join to Promote Active Video Games

Several forces recently joined together to promote the Active Play Presidential Active Lifestyle Award (PALA+) Challenge. Those forces include the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius; the President’s Council on Fitness, Sports & Nutrition (PCFSN); the Entertainment Software Association (ESA); and leaders from the U.S. video game industry.

The Active Play Presidential Active Lifestyle Award Challenge aims to highlight active video games as one way to help Americans lead more active lives. Continue reading President’s Council, ESA Join to Promote Active Video Games

Wii Will Cycle

Video games have opened possibilities beyond mere “gaming.” While no one is actually going to be a rock star playing the various musical themed games, the wave of Rock Band and Guitar Hero have reportedly inspired some young musicians while more recent releases have actually utilized more realistic instruments. On the fitness side of things games have tried to encourage exercise, with motion control opening up new possibilities.

But just as real music isn’t actually being created with video game controllers, real exercise isn’t happening either. And the interesting part is that it should be so hard. Dr. Werner Schoeman is one researcher who thinks that video game systems could be used as exercise machines.

“There remains a significant market segment untapped in the cycling game genre,” Dr. Schoeman tells KineticShift.com, “specifically it has been a practical hardware interface that has proven difficult. Most cycle simulator games require you to buy the whole cycle, such as the typical cycle simulator games found in up market gyms.” Continue reading Wii Will Cycle

Wii Gets Zumba Fitness 2

It looks like the music won’t stop, as Majesco Entertainment has announced that Zumba Fitness 2 has arrived for the Nintento Wii. The original game was the number one fitness title of the year, selling more than four million copies, and now the sequel builds on that and promises to take it to the next level, getting gamers moving.

Zumba Fitness 2 features new music tracks, electrifying choreography, new venues and double the number of dance styles from the original video game, inviting players to party their way into shape with a fun and proven program. The game sees the return of presenters Beto, Tanya Beardsley and Gina Grant as they guide players through each exhilarating routine, ranging from Merengue and Hip-Hop to Bollywood and Latin Pop. And for the first time, players can customize their own class with their favorite routines and track calories burned. Video after the jump

The Third Dimension of Training with Traq3D

httpv://youtu.be/8Y1I_soc_-Y

Fitness is now heading to a new dimension as Traq3D has announced the launch of the next generation TRAZER system, which utilizes the Panasonic Electric Works’ 3D Image Sensing Camera, D-IMager, as the preferred 3D motion detection device for this new product. TRAZER is an innovative interactive exercise technology that was featured on according to the company measures the previously immeasurable fundamental components of movement. It provides the power to detect movement asymmetries and weaknesses to guide rehabilitation, performance enhancement and injury prevention programs.

While this has the appearance of the technology used in current video games, such as the Nintendo Wii, Microsoft’s Kinect for the Xbox360 or the PlayStation Move, it is really a lot more says the technology’s innovator.

Continue reading The Third Dimension of Training with Traq3D

E3 Preview: Majesco Entertainment Looks to Add Fitness to Line-Up

While we know that Majesco will have new action games at this week’s E3 including BloodRayne Betrayal (PSN, XBLA) and The Hidden (3DS), the company will also have a few titles to get you off the couch and get your heart pumping. This week the company will be unveiled Zumba Fitness 2 for the Nintendo Wii.

We’re also hearing that Majesco’s E3 lineup will include:

Hulk Hogan’s Main Event (Kinect for Xbox 360): It’s all about the show in the first motion-based wrestling game on Kinect for Xbox 360 that lets players train with mentor Hulk Hogan as they build their own wrestling personalities and learn the art of showmanship to win over the crowd.

Take Shape (Kinect for Xbox 360): Turn game night into a hilarious interactive party with the fast-paced Take Shape for Kinect! Twist, stretch and shrink your body into hundreds of different shapes, animals and symbols. “Shape yourself” solo to beat the fastest time or team up in multiplayer mode to unite your on-screen silhouettes in fun new ways. Fit through forms, bend into shapes and animals, match a mirrored image… even clear stacked shapes lightning fast in this fun-for-all-ages experience. Be flexible; be quick; be the life of the house party in Take Shape!

Mind ‘n Motion (Kinect for Xbox 360): Think fast and stay coordinated in Mind ‘n Motion! This fun, family-friendly experience puts your motor skills to the test with activities that keep your entire body moving as fast as your mind can trigger your next move. From juggling to dodging shapes to jumping hopscotch, Mind ‘n Motion packs in ten levels per activity and mixes it up throughout with additional gameplay elements like inverse controls, faster pace and new tricks to make you think quick on your feet!

Check back all week for the latest in active video game titles from the Electronic Entertainment Expo.

KineticShift Heads to E3

This week KineticShift will be reporting from the Electronic Entertainment Expo 2011 (June 7-9) in sunny Los Angeles. We expect big news on the video game front from Microsoft, Nintendo and Sony – and we hear this will include more fitness games and activities that will help encourage gamers to get off the couch.

Check back all week for the latest from E3. This is one show we’d hate to miss.

E3 Official Website

ExerBeat it on the Wii

Move over Mario. Gamers looking to tone up can now put down the controller – well hang on to it as you’ll be needing it – and get off the couch and take part in more than 150 simple yet challenging exercises with Namco Bandai’s ExerBeat. The new interactive fitness game has arrived for the Nintendo Wii,

The games spans a variety of categories including dance, martial arts, body conditioning and even offers quirky mini-party type games. More importantly the games types allow for options for all ages and skill level, to help get those totally out of shape to tone up while still encouraging those who are their way. ExerBeat is compatible with the Wii Balance Board and Wii MotionPlus accessories.

(Trailer after the jump)

Continue reading ExerBeat it on the Wii