STRAYLIFE

So I finally caved. I’ve managed to avoid buying a ‘next-gen’ console for some time, instead being more than happy with a PS2 and an original XBox that a friend didn’t need any more. I have a PC, and it’s filled with great games that I don’t have enough time to play as it is. So why would I buy a new console? And what would it be?

The title of this post says it all. We went out to buy a new answer phone and came back with a Wii and Wii Fit (and 3 new phones, but that’s another story). I wanted something I could enjoy with the whole family, as there are already too many games I can’t play when the kids are around. Before we even got to playing games I knew we were onto a winner – creating ‘Mii’ avatars and playing with the weather channel were great fun. My wife and I barely touched it on the first day, our kids were having too much fun – playing tennis, skiing or tight rope walking.

In the day and a half since we bought it, most of the extended family has had a go and enjoyed it – from 3 year olds to Grandma. This is what games should be. As for Wii Fit, it’s my (not so) secret plan to get back in shape. With three kids it’s not always easy to get out of the house or go to the gym. Wii Fit is simple to get into, far blunter about my weight than a real person would be and doesn’t feel like a chore. It also will track my progress over time as an incentive to do well. I wouldn’t call it a game per se, but it’s enjoyable enough. There’s a lot of nice touches, for example when you’re ‘out’ exercising you pass the Miis of your friends and family, who wave and encourage.

So, having never been a Nintendo fan before, I can now say I’m hooked. Congratulations Nintendo, Wii Fit is a perfect example of Meaningful Play in action.