Wii Fit Plus Training Plus Part 6: Bird's Eye Bullseye

Part 6 of our Wii Fit Plus Training Plus Playthrough has us ditch the Segway for an aerial flight of WuHu Island…granted that flight comes in the form of a Chicken Suit:

Wii Fit Plus Training Plus Playthrough Part 6: Bird's Eye Bullseye

Bird’s Eye Bullseye

This is truly one of the best activities on Wii Fit Plus.  It helped launch the title, it is a great workout (believe it or not), and it is just pure, good old fashioned fun.  Best of all, in true Wii Fit Plus fashion, you look like a complete idiot when you stand on the Balance Board flapping your arms…your friends or family will likely burn as many calories just laughing!

This one is also broken down into three levels: Beginner, Advanced, and Expert.   I have spent the majority of the time I’ve played in Beginner and as you saw in the playthrough I had never once tackled Expert.  I really should play this one more and on a regular basis, it is a ton of fun and a good workout.   I’m not sure why, but for whatever reason I just seem to do other activities and don’t play this one often; I think I will change that!

You basically fly around the island from start to finish and have the option of landing on platforms for bonus time.  Some platforms have multiple time bonus rings, just like a dart board…it is actually quite difficult to land dead-center.

The easiest way to 4-Star any of these levels is to get a good score and then land on the rooster icon in the dead center of the final target…it will give you a significant bonus and can turn your ordinary 3-Star score into a 4-Star with ease.

Beginner is pretty straight forward, but Advanced gets a bit more challenging.  First off, there are multiple path options.  Second, some platforms sink below the water, land late and you’ll drown!  Both Advanced and Expert put the final target aboard the blimp, which makes it very difficult to land on that big bonus point (the blimp is moving constantly).

We clicked off a 163, 3-Star Early Bird on our Beginner Run which was good for 8^th Place where my personal best is 233 (4-Star).  Advanced saw us muster a 6^th Place Rank with 124 points as a 3-Star Early Bird rank, with my personal best being a 157 (3-Star).  Expert, which is really fun and challenging, saw me score 180 Points good for a 2-Star “Spring Chicken” Ranking (keep in mind this was my first and only time to play Expert).

I definitely plan to play this a lot more after the playthrough is complete and maybe even see how close I can get to some World Records.  The best thing to do is practice, learn the course, and perfect your skill to land those big bonus points.  I’ll definitely be coming back to 4-Star Advanced and Expert.  Bird’s Eye Bullseye is a great activity for Wii Fit Plus and shows how getting a workout can be very fun!



Wii Fit Plus Training Plus Playthrough Part 5: Segway Circuit

Part 5 of our Wii Fit Plus Playthrough has us ditch the golf car for a Segway!  The Segway Circuit was a real treat being included on Wii Fit Plus.  It basically came out of nowhere, but it makes perfect sense as the Balance Board and Wiimote team up to make a very realistic Segway experience, check it out:

Wii Fit Plus Training Plus Playthrough Part 5: Segway Circuit

This game is broken down into three distintct levels: Beginner, Advanced, and Expert.  Each level has its own section of the island, route, and music.  Beginner puts you rolling the segway across the beach.  You learn the basic controls and then have to chase down the moles and pop the beach balls.  Granted, not all of them just pop up out of a hole, some will move and make you chase them!  The last mole has one beach ball and he doesn't just burrow from hole-to-hole, he also has a Segway!  This is a ridiculously fun exercise and helps with total body control and your reflexes.  It won't burn off a hundred calories, but it is a ton of fun!  We made quick work of this level and pulled off a 4-Star Ranking!

The Advanced level is where I used to play...that was some time ago, now I mainly play Expert.  That said, it took me some time to readjust and learn what route to take and how to best handle the moving moles.  I think we netted our 4-Star Ranking on the 3rd attempt.  It all comes down to learning the positions, which moles move, and understanding whether it is best to follow a burrowing mole, or continue with your route.  The big catch here is that the final mole has 2 beach balls and is a bit trickier to rundown.

The Expert Level is probably my favorite.  I spend most of my time in Segway Circuit here and it shows.  Just as with the previous two, this one is all about knowing when to follow, and when to stay the course...sometimes doing one or the other can be the difference between a record run and a 3-Star Ranking.  We pulled off the 4-Star Rank on our first attempt.  The final mole here has 3 beach balls (you have to pop them in succession).  He can go any number of ways, if he goes back into town and takes the tight corners it is that much more difficult to keep up with him.  The difference between a record run and just  another good 4-Star score can be as simple as hitting one or two moles before the burrow. 

Segway Circuit is a game that probably wasn't on the list of "most anticipated," but it sure is a lot of fun.  I find myself playing this one about once a night.  It is laid back, but has enough of an edge to keep you stimulated.  If you really get good you can go for a world record to add even more intrigue to the game.

This is definitely one of my favorites and a true bright spot for Wii Fit Plus and a perfect example of how well the Balance Board and Wiimote work together to mimic real life action!

Wii Fit Plus Training Plus Playthrough Part 4: Driving Range

Part 4 of our Wii Fit Plus Training Plus Playthrough sees us move from the hilltop dojo down to the links where we leisurely take on the challenges at the Driving Range:

Wii Fit Plus Training Plus Playthrough Part 4-1: Driving Range, Approach Shot

Wii Fit Plus Training Plus Playthrough Part 4-2: Driving Range, Iron

Wii Fit Plus Training Plus Playthrough Part 4-3: Driving Range, Driver

Driving Range

The Driving Range portion on Wii Fit Plus is a very leisurely paced activity and very relaxing.  They break it down into three sections: Approach Shot, Iron, and Driver.  These are obviously reflective of your wedges, irons, and drivers just like you would have in the bag on the course.  The approach shot is 100 yards out, the iron shot is 160 yards out, and the driver is a full 250 yards to the pin.

Obviously, just as with real golf, the farther away from the pin and the larger the club you swing the greater your chances are that something goes wrong, lol.

Testament to that was my score of 195 on the Approach Shot and a much lower score with the Driver.

I will say that not being centered with the tv does compromise my swing ,and likely will your swing...if you are struggling, make sure that you are centered with the tv screen...it sounds irrelevant, but it can help.

You basically want to swing the Wiimote (please wear the wrist strap!) just as you would a golf club.  This is actually pretty natural to do while standing on the board.  You will have to get a feel for how hard to swing to send the ball just the right distance: to soft and it won't be a "nice shot," too hard and you'll risk a "miss."  Once you have established the feel and rhythm you should be set to go...

On the Approach Shot Playthrough I got an okay on the first shot, landed the second shot, and went on to score a 195, which is 5 short of a perfect round.

The scoring is straight forward:

Nice Shot=10 Points

OK=5 Points

Miss=0 Points

As you can see, netting one "miss" can really kill your chance for a good score.  As for finite adjustments, you can utilize the "Swing Analysis" for an idea on how to really improve.  In all honesty, this is a pretty good tool.  If you have ever been to a pro shop, most of them have some sort of "golf simulation" that helps customer's select clubs and improve their swings.  This is as good as most of the software out there, or atleast it was based on when I was last in such a golf shop.

The thing I really like, aside from how relaxing this exercise is, that it offers encouragement to hit the links in real life when you perform well.  Overall this is a great change up with the leisurely pace and offers a chance to hone your swing and maybe inspire you to hit the driving range yourself.

Wii Fit Plus Training Plus Playthrough Part 3: Rhythm Kung Fu

Part 3 of our Wii Fit Plus Training Plus Playthrough sees us move from Island Cycling to a mountain top dojo where we practice Kung Fu moves in rhythm with the music.  Let's take a look:

Wii Fit Plus Training Plus Playthrough Part 3: Rhythm Kung Fu

Rhythm Kung Fu

This is a pretty fun exercise.  You have elements from rhythm boxing, but this might be a little easier to follow along with and execute.  You simply perform the moves you see behind you in the mirror...sounds simple, but it will take some time to adjust.

The best thing to do is practice.  Playthrough Beginner several times and you are sure to see your score improve.  Unlike Rhythm Boxing you don't have to leave the Balance Board, so foot work is a non-issue.  You do occasionaly have to raise a leg, but you always come down on the board, not the floor itself.  You will have some recovery time if you miss an intial move, think Basic Step. 

I had a pop-up processing and that somehow interrupted the recording process...it is all there, but so many frames were dropped it ends the video portion before the sync'd commentary does...at some points the Miis move in a much faster pace, that is the recording glitch.  It was kind of funny, so I opted to leave it.

I would like to 4 Star both of these, but that will happen after the playthrough wraps up here shortly.

This is a bit quicker than Rhythm Boxing, a lot of fun, and is a good change of pace from the norm.

Wii Fit Plus Training Plus Playthrough Part 2: Island Cycling

Island Cycling, what is there to say?  I love this part of Wii Fit Plus, and I am not alone.  Island Cycling is a ton of fun, and offers immense freedom to leisurely cycle or get competitive with online standings (not thru the game, but via other outlets).  The early segments allow you to go for the "shortest distance" while the Free Ride course lets you go for the greatest distance or the quickest time, something I hope to work towards this fall/winter.

There are 5 stand-alone parts to Island Cycling, so let's check them out:

Wii Fit Plus Traning Plus Playthrough Part 2-1: Island Cycling Beginner Course

Wii Fit Plus Traning Plus Playthrough Part 2-2: Island Cycling Advanced Course

Wii Fit Plus Traning Plus Playthrough Part 2-3: Island Cycling Island View Course

Wii Fit Plus Traning Plus Playthrough Part 2-4: Island Cycling Expert Course

Wii Fit Plus Traning Plus Playthrough Part 2-5: Island Cycling Free Ride

Island Cycling

Again let me stress that I really enjoy this.  I rank this as probably the most fun on the entire game disc, mainly due to the freedom's you don't have with Basic Run and Free Run, and the fact there is such a competivie nature to the game.

There are a few short comings, like not having an odometer in the early portions, but that is far from a deal breaker.

In all honesty, I would buy a cycling game for $49.99 that featured similar options.  Just expand it with more content and go WiFi for the leaderboard in distance, calories, and time and you'd have a FIT HIT!  That's right, are you reading this Nintendo?  Do the reasearch and prove me wrong!  This would be the next step up in exergaming.

Again, in all honesty, Island Cycling is a big reason I rushed out for Sports Resort.  I was a bit disappointed that the cycling on SR didn't have an option to use the balance board and to eliminate the "pace yourself" stuff...if I get tired, I will quit moving the nunchuck (or stepping on the Balance Board).  To compensate, just put in difficulty settings for beginners and diehards.  I plan to hit that segment some time in the near future as I have put it off for 2 years now waiting to get all lined up with recording equipment, lol.

Anyway, back to Island Cycling.  I spend most of my time being competitive thus far on Beginner and Advanced, and my scores reflect that.  When I first got into beating records, I was on Island View, at the time those scores were good...I moved to Beginner and then graduated to Advanced.  Last I checked, which admittedly was a while back, my Beginner and Advanced were both Wii World Records, although not submitted.  I'm sure that could have changed, but that is how dedicated I am to this and how much I enjoy playing.

I do plan to focus more this winter on Expert Course and Free Ride as I'll have more time inside and it is a great way to stay active.  I believe the best times on Free Ride are around 15 minutes or less!  I actually haven't played it much (not even 10 times!).  Hence why I had to play twice just to get all 20 beach balls, which some folks may have been oblivous too. 

As for tips and tricks, simple...Play through the course and learn where the checkpoints are located.  Now, try to pick a short route.  Try it out.  Tweak your route and try to improve.  This is really a trial-and-error process.  More time invested will yield a greater, or lesser, score.

My personal favorite is Advanced.  I just really like the diversity of the checkpoints and think it is a great distance for every day play.

Let me once again stress that I DID NOT TAKE MY SHORT ROUTES.  I simply wanted to complete these with a decent score for the playthrough.  I am capable of much better distances on the first 4, I just simply went about it casually as I do not want to reveal my personal routes etc to get the good scores.

This is truly one of the high points of Wii Fit Plus and it really shines.  The following Island Cycling gets is reflective of how much Wii Fit fanatics appreciate the diversity and open concept of the exercise!

Look for me to get into the competition on Free Ride later this year!

How to Download Virtual Console and/or WiiWare Games on your Nintendo Wii

I had a few folks ask, so I just decided to make a video to show how to do it...especially since I had been delaying my download of Jett Rocket for about the 11th month, lol.  It is really easy to do, the video should cover everything.  If you have any questions, just let me know and I'll do my best to help you out:

How to Download Virtual Console/WiiWare Games to your Nintendo Wii

Melty Molten Galaxy: Through the Meteor Storm, Star Roll

Hey, just spent some time tonight getting a little casual gameplay in...picked up SMG for the first time since May of this year and picked up where we left off with Melty Molten Galaxy.  A friend and I were taking turns, he go thru the first section and then I advanced us past the thwomp wheel and then on to the final "star roll" section.  He passed the torch to me as I tend to be a little better with these types of missions.

Well, it took 8-10 tries, hence why I recorded there...I kept getting thru the entire maze and would land the jump from the rock platform to the revolving lava platforms, but could never make the final, seemingly small jump to the final rock platform.  I even got a speed run and jump in that didn't clear it.

I finally got it as we decided to wait for the platform to get high and then jump off...money!

Granted we hadn't played in awhile, but this one really added insult...the stress and odd position of holding the Wiimote 90 from parallel proves to be tiresome.  Nonetheless, it was a big relief to clear the mission and collect the star.  I figured I would post it here in case anyone has the same trouble....that strategy will save you a lot of time, provided you can get there!

1ofWiisdom...Now on Twitter

Yeah, that's right.  I'm not a huge fan, but I think it will be fun and might even allow me to make a few more friends and expose folks to this blog and my YouTube account.

I will use Twitter primarily to alert folks to fresh uploads, blog postings, or  playlist links and anything else I deem pertinent or helpful whether that be retweeting Nintendo's tweets, or posting links to other videos I like.

I encourage you to follow me on Twitter and subscribe here on Blogger and YouTube as well to stay up to the minute.  Check it out:

http://www.twitter.com/1ofWiisdom

I actually made the Twitter account just before leaving on vacation last week, but spruced it up and added some content tonight.  Oh, and for your convenience I added the Twitter Feed to the blog's sidebar!

Not bad for a late night Wednesday I suppose...

Wii FIt Plus Training Plus Playthrough Part 1: Perfect 10

Finally, we have moved on to the last segment of our Wii Fit Plus Playthrough, Training Plus.  I saved this one for last as it is what really sets Wii Fit Plus apart from Wii Fit.  It features 15 awesome activities/exercises and is undoubtedly where a lot of Wii Fit Alumni spend the majority of their time.

We get things started with a totally unique challenge, Perfect 10:

Wii Fit Plus Training Plus Playthrough Part 1: Perfect 10 

Perfect 10

Okay, so I admit it...I honestly enjoy this one.  I like how the developers incorporated THOUGHT and action into this one.  They could have just had it be a balance game, but the extra challenge of having to think and sum a series of numbes to a pre-determined total adds another nice element.

The concept is very simple...you have to shift your weight to light up a series of balls that adds up to "10."  Often times there are more than one right answer, for example you might have 6, 4, 8, and 2 where 6+4 and 8+2 both equal 10.  Other times it might be 6, 2, 2, and 8 where 6+2+2=10 and 8+2=10.  This makes it even more of a challenge and you can easily get to a point where you over think things. 

Oh and then there are negative numbers!

That's right, now you've got to sum it up with negatives in the mix.  Sometimes it'll be 12 and -2, while other times you'll have 8, 4, -2, and 2.  You can go 8+2=10, or 8+4+-2=10.  It seems simple enough and it is easy to watch a video and say, "Gee, I could go faster," but once you are the one on the balance board things change!  I tend to do great and then check the time to see how I am doing and loose a little.

I was able to 4-Star all three levels:

Beginner: Add to 10: <40 seconds, Personal Best 30.93 seconds

Intermediate: Add to 15: <45 seconds, Personal Best 42.88 seconds

Advanced: Add to 20: <60 seconds, Personal Best 57.08 seconds

I don't know what it is, but I had a really hard time getting the 4-Star rank on the "Add to 15" Intermediate level.  I can nail down 10 and 20s, but the adding to 15 proves quite a bit more difficult.  I am not sure if it is because it is a non-zero number or what, but it just seems to be more challenging.  And of course, with not having the time constraints of the trip etc, I had to make it happen....So a few attempts later, I clicked off the 4-Star Rank in Intermediate.

This may just be a personal issue, or it may vary for different people, but I really had a hard time getting the weight to shift to the back and hit the rearward ball...it seems like I usually hit left or right before getting the back position, but oh well.  This is just a minor issue and you can still adjust accordingly to make a good score.

This one won't be everyone's cup of tea, but I really enjoy the mind AND body challenge that comes with Perfect 10.

Wii Fit Plus Balance Games Playthrough Part 9: Lotus Focus

After winding down the slopes, we try to clear our minds with the unique Lotus Focus:

Wii Fit Plus Balance Games Playthrough Part 9: Lotus Focus

Lotus Focus

Talk about different.  Lotus Focus takes the activity level down a notch, but proves to be a very unique experience.  What you are trying to do is hold perfectly still...essentially maintain perfect balance.  Not too hard right?

Guess again!

The developers made sure to make this a true test of mind and body.  You don't just simply sit still on the balance board for 3 minutes...
There are footsteps on the creaky wooden floor, frogs in the background, a fly that buzzes about your Mii, and many more subtle distractions.  The biggest kick is when the fly goes thru the candle's flame and burns to a crisp.  It is still hard to see that and not laugh...which is bad, because a laugh will generate enough motion to cause your flame to flicker and burn out.

If you want a 4-Star Ranking you have to earn it...it requires a full 180 seconds (3 minutes) of maintaining almost perfect balance. 

I started out with a great first run (almost made it) and then we had a few not so good attempts.  I really didn't feel like I was moving, but whatever....you have to take what you are dealt.  I knew I could 4-Star this one and I became hell bent on doing just that, lol.  Luckily it didn't take too terribly long.

This one is truly unique, but doesn't really entice me to play it often.  I think it is fun to shoot for the Perfect Score, 180 seconds and achieve the 4-Star Ranking, but after that I'd say it is one that you might play once or twice a year...if at all.  It isn't really a bad activity, there are just so many more great options on Wii Fit Plus this one seems to settle in quietly at the bottom. 

That said, it would make for a nice group challenge amongst friends etc with your little group adding more of a distraction.  Very unique, fun for a moment, but not a lot of replay value here in my opinion.

Wii Fit Plus Balance Games Playthrough Part 8: Snowboard Slalom

Part 8 of our Wii Fit Plus Balance Games Playthrough sees us hop from the iceberg over the slopes for the Snowboard Slalom:

Wii Fit Plus Balance Games Playthrough Part 8: Snowboard Slalom

Snowboard Slalom

This one is no doubt a big hit with many Wii Fit veterans.  I personally prefer some of the other activities, but this is still a ton of fun.  The objective here is simple...clear the checkpoints and do so in the quickest time possible. 

I have to say, the controls here are not as precise as the Ski Slalom that we played earlier.  It is significantly more difficult and I had trouble with the board registering what my weight shifting should have produced...or in laymen's terms...my actions were not reflected as best they could be on the screen.  Thus, it becomes quite problematic to land a good score when you are leaning back and trying to steer right and the game still has you rocketing forward and to the left.

We improved quickly on the Beginner runs and netted a new Personal Best and 4-Star Rank of 26 seconds!

Advanced is a bit more difficult, longer course with tighter gates, and we managed to make a 3 Star pass with a best time of  52.95 seconds.  We seemed to miss the same 2-3 gates in each of the penalized runs.  Oh and don't miss gates, one miss is 7 seconds...you do the math.  I will have to come back and try to 4-Star this one later on, but it will not be a priority any time soon...too many other great games, lol.

Nonetheless, despite the somewhat questionable controls this is a lot of fun and a nice change of pace.

Wii Fit Plus Balance Games Playthrough Part 7: Penguin Slide

Part 7 of our Wii Fit Plus Balance Games Playthrough sees us slip our way to Penguin Slide:

Wii Fit Plus Balance Games Playthrough Part 7: Penguin Slide

Penguin Slide

The Penguin Slide is another feel-good classic from Wii Fit.  The game remains unchanged and you simply shift your weight left and right to gobble up fish and earn as many points as possible. 

Blue Fish are one point, and you will note that they flop in the direction that the ice berg is leaning.  Green Fish are two points and they will hop across the iceberg regardless of the direction it is tilted.  Red Fish are 10 points and they hang in mid-air for a few brief seconds, to catch them you have to slide with speed in their direction and quickly shift your weight back the other direction to catch some air!

The best strategy is of course to get all the 10 point red fish.  After that it becomes logic...if you can get a green fish and blue fish (3) points on the left side, but there are 4 blue fish and 1 more hopping out of the waters to the right (5) points, go for the bigger score. 

When I get good scores, I can usually get up to around 75 points or so without missing a fish.  We started out with a 4-Star, and kept playing to see if we could close in on the personal best of 133.  We had a few decent runs and some that weren't so great and ultimately settled for a 123. 

This game is a lot of fun and will help improve your mind-body coordination while you burn a few calories.

 

Wii Fit Plus Balance Games Playthrough Part 6: Balance Bubble

Part 6 of our Balance Games Playthrough shifted over to the river for Balance Bubble:

Wii Fit Plus Balance Games Playthrough Part 6: Balance Bubble

 

Balance Bubble

The Balance Bubble is a really enjoyable game, and was often a favorite amongst Wii Fit purchasers.  Testament to the popularity of the exercise is that Wii Fit Plus created a Balance Bubble Plus activity in the Training Plus section.

This one just requires the Balance Board.  You lean forward to control your speed, just level out to 50/50 to remain stationary.  The challenge of course comes from the banks of the river and of course, bees!  You have to shift left and right to avoid the shore line walls and juts.  When bees show up you have to either rush through them, dodge them, or slow down and let them pass.

The issue then becomes how to pace yourself to get a good score.  If you make it to the edge of the finish line it won't be a a good score.  In order to get a decent score you have to cross the finish line.

I had never finished the Beginner version with a 4-Star Ranking, but with a little persistence it came to fruition as we registered a time of 29.43 seconds! 

We follow up the Beginner level with Advanced.  It is a bit more challenging as the bees are out in full force.  I wasn't able to 4-Star it, but plan to after the playthrough wraps up.  The most difficult part is having speed built up to get past the last bee, which guards the finish line.  I never got it done in this limited playthrough (recorded it right before leaving on vacation).  If you wait, you can get across the finish line just fine, but it won't be fast enough for the 4-Star Ranking.

This is a great activity and a true staple of Wii Fit and Wii Fit Plus.  You will get a little bit of a workout in while improving your coordination and balance.