The introduction of motion-sensor gaming is really changing things in the modern household. For starters, we don’t have to hit the gym anymore to get our exercise. Games that get us up off the couch and active – from Jillian Michael’s Fitness Ultimatum to the Wii Fit – are helping us trim our waistlines. Structured, active play can get you jogging or dancing to earn points and burn calories all at the same time. Plus, it’s fun, which is enough to keep some gamers motivated.
Personally, I love the dancing games I have for my Nintendo Wii. It’s fun to sing along with the songs, perform the dance steps, and compete with friends. When we get all four remotes in use, you’re so focused on beating each other that you forget you’re also exercising. So if you’re looking for a new way to get the whole family active or just a way to incorporate more dancing into your own workout routine, here are a few of the games available for motion-sensor game consoles right now.
For the Microsoft Xbox 360 Kinect…
Full-body motion sensors and no controller allow you to get completely into your dance routine with this game console. Here are a few of the hit games to get you dancing.
- Dance Central ($39.99): This game is “immersive” and tracks your full-body moves for your score. Choose your level of choreography (from beginner to master) and progress up the levels as you improve. Enjoy today’s current pop, hip-hop and R&B hits while you dance, including Lady Gaga, No Doubt, MIA, Bell Biv Devoe, and more for a total of 90 dance routines. Some songs’ dances even use moves from the music video.
- DanceMasters ($39.99): Different gameplay modes help you get the full dance experience: Dance Mode, Lesson Mode, Status Mode, and Xbox Live. Downloadable content helps you expand the catalogue of songs and routines available to you. Use multiple difficulty levels (Light, Standard, Extreme, and Stealth) to challenge yourself as you dance to popular songs in a variety of styles. Dance to your choice of over 30 tracks that include club music, Hip Hop, R&B, Pop, and even Techno – or just set the non-stop dance setting until you can’t handle anymore!
For the Sony Playstation 3 Move…
A camera and sensor-enabled remotes do all the work for you with the Sony Move, so your dance experience is fairly easy. Choose from these games (and others) to get your family moving to the music.
- SingStar Dance ($37.99): You’ll need microphones AND controllers for this game, so get the party pack to make your life easier. Up to four players can sing and dance with the tracks on this game for a full Star performance. Hit the notes and move to the beat to outperform your friends, then do a few special effects with your controller. The SingStore connects you to more songs to download, adding to your initial library of 50 great tracks!
- Zumba Fitness ($28.49): Want to try out this new Zumba dance craze in the comfort of your own living room? Learn and perfect all nine different dance styles to burn calories: Reggaeton, Merengue, Salsa, Cumbia, Hip-Hop, Mambo, Rumba, Flamenco, and Calypso. You can choose from over 30 Zumba dance routines, some only available on the game. Choose from different came modes to either play against your friends for the high score or team up in Zumba Attack! This game is also available for the Xbox and the Wii.
For the Nintedo Wii…
The original motion-sensor gaming technology uses a sensor and remote to control your gameplay. The remote will determine whether your moves register, so it takes some practice to get these moves just right. Either way, it’s still a great workout! Here are a few titles to check out.
- Just Dance & Just Dance 2 ($29.99): I have both of these and prefer the songs and gameplay on Just Dance 2 (it’s cleaner and more responsive). Dance to a wide range of songs from the disco era to today’s hits, plus a few unusual styles that really get you seating. Compete against each other directly or with specially designed head-to-head modes. Up to eight players can dance at once. This one truly is a workout disguised as a dance game, so get ready to move!
- Dance on Broadway ($19.99): This one’s a bit different than the rest, but might appeal to you. Dance to all your favorite hits from the stage, including 20 authentic Broadway-style choreographies. The track list includes “Dreamgirls,” “Roxie,” and even “Cabaret” among many others. Supports up to four players and even has some duet numbers. Sing along for a full-out performance if you like, but either way you’ll get a workout with this one.
- Dance Dance Revolution bundle ($67.99): This game, based on the popular arcade game of the same name, requires a special mat for gameplay. Choreograph style mode allows you to dance with the model dancer on the screen on the mat, using the remote and nunchuk. The Traditional style involves matching the hits of the buttons on the mat and uses the Wii Balance board as well. Multi-player mode allows you to play without the mat so everyone can join, using just the upper body with the remote and nunchuk. This game is also available on the Sony Move and Xbox 360 Kinect.
Whatever console you own and game you choose to try, dancing is a fun way to burn calories, compete with friends and family, and sneak in a workout without any treadmills at all. All prices listed are based on Amazon.com, but these games can be purchased at other retailers as well. Make sure you visit our Video Games Coupon Codes before you buy to get the most savings possible.
