There has been a considerable amount of innovation that has surfaced over the last few years in the fitness gaming market. From dance pads to balance boards game developers are constantly thinking up new ways to get us moving in order to get healthy while we entertain ourselves. “Exergaming” seems to be one of the next great things in the video game realm and those of us who enjoy the genre eagerly look forward to the next big thing that is going to come down the line.
The folks over at Black Bean Games are hoping they have found the new hotness.
NewU Fitness First Personal Trainer was announced on June 1st during E3, and on the surface it appears fairly similar to other exergaming products we’ve seen in the past. The game was designed in collaboration with Fitness First and You Are What You Eat, and is billed as a “unique combination of Fitness, Nutritional Advice, and Daily Health tips” and claims to be the “first fitness product offering a holistic experience through personal goal setting and real professional advice resulting in actual well being.”
Pretty lofty claims to be sure, but from the screenshots the game itself really doesn’t look to be considerably different than something like Wii Fit, EA SPORTS Active, or My Fitness Coach.
What makes this new offering particularly intriguing, however, is that Black Bean Games is partnering with the Powerplay Corporation to promote their line of Riiflex accessories along with NewU Fitness First Personal Tainer. What is the Riiflex? Well, other than being a very easy product to make Duran Duran themed puns about, the Riiflex (is a lonely child…see?!?!) converts your Wii controllers into specialized dumbells. Initially available in 2 and 4 pound increments, the Riiflex accessories are made from sturdy, gym-guality materials and feature a custom-molded, egronomic grip for secure feel and comfort.
The 2 and 4 pound Riiflex accessories are available for pre-order now and are scheduled to be shipped sometime this Summer. NewU Fitness First Personal Trainer will be released in September.