Video game consoles have come a long way from being the nerd’s best friend. In fact, some of the most fun games today are designed for quality family time. Gaming is both fun and a viable way to build and strengthen family bonds.
While parents have been trying to beat their kids (at video games) since the 1970s, the latest buzz in the gaming industry is motion-controlled games. It is a relatively new gaming genre, which came about with the increased popularity of motion control in 2006, and has allowed family members to get active together.
Another plus, playing motion-controlled sports and fitness games is a great way to get the entire family on a fitness regime. Load up these titles for the family game night for hours of fun!
Ring Fit Adventure
Nintendo Switch
Single Player
ringfitadventure.nintendo.com
Players explore a fantasy adventure world to defeat a bodybuilding dragon and his minions using real-life exercises. Some of the attack moves consist of overhead shoulder presses and getting into yoga poses.
The game requires two accessories, Ring-Con and Leg Strap. Built into the game itself, additional minigames and customisable workout routines. The minigames allow the Ring-Con and leg strap to be passed around different players who will compete for high scores.
Just Dance 2020
Wii, PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch, Xbox One, Google Stadia
Single/Multi Player
www.ubisoft.com/en-gb/game/just-dance-2020/
Dance games are arguably the most popular motion-control games. Just Dance Unlimited, which is a dance-on-demand subscription streaming service, lets you dance to new content all year long with a huge catalogue of more than 500 songs.
Additionally, the Sweat Mode will allow you to track your calories burnt. You can also team up with your family members for more fun with the Co-op mode. Play with up to six players simultaneously, even without controllers, as this game can work with smartphones running on Android or iOS. The only requirement is the Just Dance Controller app.
Fitness Boxing
Nintendo Switch
Single/Multi Player
www.nintendo.com/games/detail/fitness-boxing-switch/
As the name suggests, this is a boxing-based game, but with the added punch of popular beats. Rhythmic exercises are set to the instrumental beats of songs by popular artists. You can personalise your workouts by selecting from different fitness goals.
With 20 unlockable hit songs, the moves are pretty simple: punch and squat while gripping the Joy-Con controllers. Daily training ranges from 10 to 40 minutes and offers both Normal and Fast mode. The game software estimates your approximate BMI and daily calories burned so you can track your progress. Two players can enjoy working out cooperatively, as well as facing off against each other in a virtual ring.
Zumba Burn it Up!
Nintendo Switch
Single/Multi Player
zumbagame.com
Packed with groovy dance tracks, this game allows you to choose your dance style. This also determines the intensity of your workout, with a choice of fresh new routines and dance styles from around the world.
Featuring live-action visuals, they also respond to how you play and reward your efforts accordingly. Up to four players can join the dance sessions, with 30 classes that suit different fitness levels. They range from quick 15-minute workouts to hour-long dance marathons.
Sports Party
Nintendo Switch
Single/Multi Player
www.ubisoft.com/en-us/game/sports-party/
Sports Party is a beach-themed sports game which brings the sun, sea, and sports to the console. Players can choose from multiple games ranging from frisbee, jet skiing, basketball, golf, skateboarding, and beach tennis.
You can play each sport in various modes and controls, including motion-control. Up to four players can play at home on the TV or in the tabletop mode. For on-the-go play, the handheld mode is also available with classic button control.
Beat Saber
Valve Index, HTC Vive, Oculus Rift, Windows Mixed Reality, PlayStation VR
Single Player
beatsaber.com
Despite being a single player game, we feel that it’s worth mentioning the next generation of games that combine motion control and virtual reality (VR). Beat Saber is a VR game where players will need to pay close attention while the music plays, and use ‘sabers’ to chop blocks to the beat of the music.
Think of it as Jedi lightsaber training, but a lot more fun. It also tracks your body movement with a camera. Do note that it is not meant for kids under 12.
