Wednesday, March 10, 2010

EA Sports Active Sequel Coming This Fall for Wii and PS3!

EA Sports Active and EA Sports Active: More Workouts are, of course, on the top of my list of the best Wii fitness games. But EA Sports isn't resting on its laurels, as prestigious as this honor is. :)

In Fall of 2010, EA Sports will be releasing EA Sports Active 2.0. Details are still sketchy as to what the game will include, but it looks like it'll be a complete "reboot" of the game, including such improvements as:
  • A wireless control system, with arm and leg straps with motion sensors. For those of us who've been tripped up in the wires of the Wii remote and Nunchuk, this will be a welcome improvement)
  • A heart rate monitor which will monitor your heartbeat and adjust your workout accordingly.
  • A Web site to track your fitness information online, communicate with others who working out, and download new exercises.
  •  Compatibility with Playstation 3 and Wii (with other versions coming out for iPhone and iPod Touch)
We've still got quite a few months until launch, so I would still highly recommend getting the original EA Sports Active today. But this is definitely something to look forward to! 

Here's the text of the original press release:
EA EXPANDS INTERACTIVE FITNESS PRODUCT LINE WITH NEW EA SPORTS ACTIVE

Heart Rate Monitor and New Wireless Control System Highlight Innovation Coming to New Suite of Fitness Products This Fall

REDWOOD CITY, Calif. – March 9, 2010 – Millions of people around the world have experienced the revolution in home fitness since last spring with EA SPORTS Active™, the number one rated fitness program for the Wii™**. Today, EA SPORTS™, a label of Electronic Arts Inc. (NASDAQ: ERTS), announced that EA SPORTS Active 2.0* (working title) is now in development and will be available this fall on PlayStation®3, Wii™, iPhone® and iPod touch®. The new EA SPORTS Active 2.0* fitness program will deliver true fitness results by featuring an innovative wireless control system, powered by new leg and arm straps with motion sensors, a heart rate monitor to capture intensity, and a new online hub to track and share workout data. EA SPORTS Active 2.0* will make working out simple, effective and will go with you wherever you are.

“The launch of EA SPORTS Active 2.0* will define a new era of interactive fitness with the use of innovative motion sensor peripherals and a heart rate monitor that provide users with a fitness experience delivering real, measurable results,” said Tarrnie Williams, Executive Producer, EA SPORTS Active. “As the number one rated fitness program for the Wii**, EA SPORTS Active proved itself as the industry leader and provided the foundation for our fitness franchise. The success stories we’ve received from our users show that EA SPORTS Active is changing lives and we’re so proud to be part of it.”

The new EA SPORTS Active 2.0* innovative wireless control system will give users complete freedom of motion, making it even easier to get a workout that delivers great results. Using innovative heart rate detection technology, the heart rate monitor will help users monitor intensity, providing constant on-screen monitoring throughout the workout and tracking user data over time to optimize performance.
The EA SPORTS Active 2.0* online hub will allow users to track and share all of their workout data, providing a centralized destination for all fitness, wellness and training needs. It will host a thriving online global community of EA SPORTS Active users who can share their fitness journeys, interact with workout groups and send messages to each other online to stay inspired and engaged. Users will also have the ability to download new workouts and exercises to their online connected PlayStation3 console to keep their workouts fresh and maintain motivation***.

EA SPORTS Active 2.0* provides total body conditioning using progressive exercise in new prescribed programs. A three-phase, nine-week program provides a fitness roadmap to help keep users motivated and on track of their fitness goals. Additional mini-programs will also be available to add on, keeping workouts fresh and inspiring. The EA SPORTS Active personal trainer will walk users through their workout and provide continued encouragement with feedback to ensure an optimal workout experience.

EA SPORTS Active 2.0* is in development at EA Canada in Vancouver. It has not yet been rated by the ESRB or PEGI; visit www.esrb.org and www.pegi.info for updated rating information. For more information please visit www.easportsactive.com.

* Working Title
** According to Metacritic.com, March 9th, 2010
*** Internet connection and EA account required