 |
 |
Ubisoft’s new Kinect fitness game “Your Shape – Fitness Evolved” is arguably the most anticipated title for the XBox 360′s Kinect control system. It uses the Kinect’s visual interface to let you do workouts naturally without having to hold controllers.
The Kinect can measure over one million points of movement allowing complete tracking of your body, a first in this segment. This lets the game accurately represent your body on-screen while providing feedback on your exercise form. Menus follow your body so you can simply reach out and touch what you want. Gameplay with Your Shape Kinect involves matching your avatar with the instructor or by interacting with on-screen objects. When learning a new exercise overlays are used to help line up your body to get the correct position. This is a major boon to those new to yoga who would otherwise require an instructor or a well-placed mirror and some neck craning to observe and correct their form.
Fitness in Your Shape is tracked by body measurements taken by the Kinect at the beginning of each session. These include body height and the width of your chest, waist, and hips. From this information the game can create a personalized workout program, letting you track calorie and weight loss. A multiplayer mode is also included, letting you compete against a friend over XBox Live, or personal exercise data can be shared to set up offline competitions.
Players have the option of using a personal trainer or can take classes covering specific subjects. The game comes with a martial arts class taught by celebrity trainer Michael George while Michelle Bridges from Australia’s “The Biggest Loser” teaches a weight loss class. Tai Chi is also available under the label “zen,” both as both a class and part of the personal trainer mode. This mode includes hundreds of exercises developed in partnership with “Men’s Health” and “Women’s Health” magazines to give players variety. Downloadable content releases are planned to add additional classes and workout routines to further expand the game’s scope.
While some games may not need the full four feet of space recommended with the Kinect, it’s probably a good idea to make some space available when playing this title. Anything breakable nearby is likely to get smashed as you jump, punch, and kick your way to health.
You might also like:
 |
 |
 |
