@Jargon

Your best bet is probably just Amazon-ing it.

Shouldn't this be kind of a huge deal for them? Or are they essentially admitting that the Wii Fit fad is over? It doesn't really look like they're trying to win over any new customers, but rather appeal to people who already have balance boards laying around.

@DrFinkelstein

But I have a Toys R' Us Groupon

Played the trial version last night, with Ninsage in attendance. Twas quite fun! I plan on getting the vitality sensor, making this game a great value. A few of the mini-games were fun, especially the dessert delivery challenge. Lots of fun!

Also, does anyone have any clue when Amazon will get more Wii Fit Meters? Not cool that other companies are charging 30 bucks for it, but supply and demand I guess...

I wouldn't mind getting one. Everyone keep us updated!

I ordered my Wii Fit meter online through Best Buy on Saturday, choose in store pickup, so it only cost $20. I was able to pick it up this morning, while I was there getting my copy of Ghosts.

I found a meter at a sort-of-local TRU. No one else had even heard of it. I'm glad that I called around before heading to the store(s).

@Anand

The guy at my Toys R Us, when I managed to take his attention from telling some guy how sweet GTA5 is, told me that "Nintendo isn't doing anything with Wii Fit anymore." That was quite annoying.

@Jargon
Yeah, every single clerk that I talked to had a different take on the existence of the product. It was like Rashomon.

Also, most calls took about ten minutes until I could speak to a human (if that even happened). At least rage against the dying of the light, retail!

@Anand

Yes! Well I'd talk to a human and then be put on hold. The worst is that the online system said three different nearby stores had them in stock, but none of them actually did according to the salespeople. Wtf

@Jargon
Yuuuup. At the local Toys R Us, I had to kind of gently coax the dude into searching the computer for the exact product name after he assured me that it didn't exist. It showed up in the inventory, so he went to the back to look for it. But couldn't find it. The kicker is, he didn't even come back and tell me! I had to fucking flag him down in a different part of the store! Ah, retail...

TheOldManFromZelda said:

Played the trial version last night, with Ninsage in attendance. Twas quite fun! I plan on getting the vitality sensor, making this game a great value. A few of the mini-games were fun, especially the dessert delivery challenge. Lots of fun!

Also, does anyone have any clue when Amazon will get more Wii Fit Meters? Not cool that other companies are charging 30 bucks for it, but supply and demand I guess...

wut

Got my Fit Meter in the mail today. I'll go ahead and sync it so that I can keep the game for good!

@TheOldManFromZelda

You live near Ninsage?

Man, that Core Luge is no fucking joke. My abs are killing me and I pretty much sucked.

I'd be interested in hearing what you guys are doing for routines. Same thing every day or changing it up?

I'm out of batteries for my Wiimotes so I haven't been able to try any of the exercises that use them, but my plan is to do a sampling of strength training exercises and then one longer Aerobics or Dance for cardio. Definitely will include pushups (wish you didn't have to have sideplanks in there), plank, and probably lunges even though I hate them.

Is there anyway to make it so you don't have to skip the demonstrations every time? And how it asks you if you want to do Mirror Mode the first time you play? I just want to get to the meat of the exercises as fast as possible.

ludist210 said:

@TheOldManFromZelda

You live near Ninsage?

This question saddens me. It means you didn't listen to the Negative World Podcast 053 - Zetroidvania. TheOldManFromZelda joined Ninsage live as they recorded together with on the other end. We talked about Wii Fit U in fact.

@ludist210

Glad you got your Fit Meter! I like this little thing.

@Jargon

I've had a busy post-work couple of days, but I'm trying to fit in some Puzzle Squash. My normal routines include a lot of the boxing and strength training exercises. Pushups, leg extensions, etc. Puzzle Squash is a new favorite and the Flamenco/Hula dancing is actually pretty great. Lunges kind of suck on my knees so I stay away from those.

I'm not sure if I understand your question correctly, but you do unlock non-demo versions of pretty much anything with a demo. Though I think you had to do the demo first. My first "half hour" with the game was really more like 60+ min with those explanations and such.

@anon_mastermind

Oops, I meant the Fit Meter!

@ludist210

It's more like Ninsage lives near me....

But yeah, I guess I'll keep checking Amazon. I'd like to get the thing, but not for 30 bucks!

@DrFinkelstein

What I mean is even for things I've done, it automatically starts with a demo. I have to press A to skip past, then press A to start the workout. It's just a minor inconvenience, but it adds up when doing lots of exercises.

I'll definitely try puzzle squash soon. Need to get some batteries for my Wiimotes, I put them all into the balance board. I actually have a coupon for batteries from Toys R Us, but I've been waiting for them to get the damned meter!

@Jargon (not sure why hyperlinks aren't working with this post)

Yes. This has been an issue with Wii Fit from day 1, and I'm disappointed it's still there. I like to randomize the exercises for a set number of minutes/calories, and here's how it typically goes.

"Starting up...!"
"Step on!"
"Ooh!" *weighs*
*exercise fades in* "Today we'll be doing the etc etc." *I mash A*
"Let's work on toning those arms!"
"You can use the D-Pad to view me from the front or back."
"You may find it easier to follow along if you view me from the front."
"You can use the Wii U GamePad as a mirror."
"Just mirror my movements."

THEN the countdown starts. 3...2...1...

[EXERCISE! Yay!]

(but then afterward)
*game shows your rating, you must press A*
"Your leg was a little shaky."
"Let's work together on strengthening your core muscles."
"Keep it up or whatever."
*game cuts to list of exercises, does a cutesy check for the animation*
*slow fade to white*

"Step on!"

That's ONE exercise! Holy cow. And none of this stuff happens at the same time, it's all one thing, then the next, then the next. I dunno what it is, but since the Wii era or so, Nintendo's been atrocious about making players wait through tons of pre-set animations and whatever. Would it kill 'em to simply go directly from one exercise to the other, or at least layer the trainer talking over your score and checking off the exercises and stuff? And why do we need to pick up the controller and arbitrarily press A at the beginning and end of each exercise?? It's really pointless.

Outside of that, I like the game, but I've mostly stuck with Aerobics, Dance, and Balance Games because of how sloooowwwww the Yoga/Strength ones are.

@TriforceBun

So I take it there's no way to turn that shit off. Ugh. You'd think at the very least it wouldn't happen in a set routine that you do all the time.

@DrFinkelstein

Took my dog for a walk with it this morning. I won't be able to use Wii Fit U today (aside from a body check), but I'll be active at work. I'll be interested to see how it tracks my movements.

@TriforceBun

But if you set a routine, it doesn't do the startup routine but once and then you get into the flow of exercising. You still have to press A to advance, but it breaks it up and lets you cool down for a few seconds.

@DrFinkelstein

I'm really behind on the podcasts. I still haven't listened to the one I was on with you, Anand, and Stache...