I’m not really sure what to make of this. When Wii Fit originally came out, I thought it was quite a good idea, then they announced the Wii Fit Plus, but I now personally think they’re starting to go a bit overboard with this new Wii exercise bike release!
It will be called the ‘Cyberbike’ and has been developed by BigBen Interactive who says it’s “The very first video game that comes with an exercise bike”. Is that something to be proud of? Really? I think it might be the only game ever to come with an exercise bike for a reason!
Of course, something like this can only be developed for the Wii and only further backs up my point that the Wii is, unfortunately, becoming a very gimmicky console. In the game, you’ll be able to ‘ride’ around on different vehicles over 18 courses on land, sea and air in three different modes, which are Fitness, Story and Multiplayer. The multiplayer allows up to four players but, amazingly, you have to take turns. I’m surprised you don’t need four bikes at once, the Wiimote in your hand and the balance board strapped to your back!
The bike “comes with an adjustable saddle and handlebars so the whole family can have a go”. Well, that’s pretty much a given as it would limit the bike somewhat if it didn’t. The game is compatible with other games on the Nintendo Wii, but I don’t see the fun in pedalling a bike to play Mario Kart!!
How many people are going to get over excited when they want to powerslide around a corner and end up falling off the bikes? As funny as it would be to see on YouTube, I just can’t see the attraction in this.
There’s also going to another game called ‘My Body Coach’ which will give you your own personal programme dependent on your age, sex, weight and physical condition…..so Wii Fit then?! ‘My Body Coach’ will come with two 500g dumbbells which have a space for your Wiimote to slot into.
I used to love my Wii and thought it was great fun with some great games, and some people still will. But it’s things like this and countless sequels that forced me into trading my Wii in for an Xbox 360. Each person has their own personal taste, but to me, the Wii really does look like it’s starting to dry up and has had its day. Let’s hope I’m made to eat my words and the Wii will turn around and shock us next year.
The Cyberbike (Wii exercise bike) currently has a release date of January 2010 whilst My Body Coach should be available on 20th November 2009. Nothing on the price yet, but I can see the Cyberbike being over £100.
My advice, buy a proper bike and ride around outside! What do you think? Are you eagerly anticipating the Cyberbike (Wii exercise bike) release date so you can buy one?
Danny ‘Ender’ Martin has been part of the Zath team from pretty much the very beginning since he met Zath himself at Leeds Met University whilst studying Business IT. He’s an avid gamer and a big film buff. Danny graduated from the University of Bradford with a degree in Computer Animation and SFX and now currently works at one of the biggest UK games developers, which will hopefully see some of his ideas hit the gaming world.
