Following from the success of Wii Fit in getting people moving while gaming, Nintendo has launched Ring Fit Adventure for the Nintendo Switch. In a similar way to which the Wii Fit was coupled with the Wii Fit Board, the Ring Fit couples with a tension ring called a Ring-Con and a leg strap.
The game features various adventures and modes that are set in immersive maps. Each mode features its own daring challenges, powerful enemies, and even a villain that players must fight. The trick to winning in the game world is putting in the real world work. The exercises mimic common exercises like jogging in place, squats, and overhead shoulder presses. These actions are masked behind fun gameplay that makes it feel like one isn’t doing strenuous workouts.
Before starting the game, users need to remove the Joy-Con controllers from their Nintendo Switch console. The left Joy-Con fits into the leg strap, which must be fasted to the left leg, while the right Joy-Con is attached to the Ring-Con. The Ring-Con provides resistance when it is squeezed or pulled apart by the handgrips.
The big plus of the Ring-Fit is the varied experience levels. This means the fit and unfit alike can start their fitness journeys where they feel comfortable. Players can also change the exercise intensity at any time to suit their fitness level from day to day. It’s worth noting that this same approach is what made the Wii Fit so successful.
In the game’s Adventure mode, players run through stylised worlds, with the end goal of defeating an evil bodybuilding dragon called Dragaux. Each level along the way offers different challenges by focusing on different body parts like arms, legs and one’s core. As players progress through the game, they earn experience points and collect ingredients to craft in-game smoothies that help them on their virtual fitness journey. Nintendo says the fun aspect of the Ring Fit Adventure can help players remain on a fitness journey for longer.
Transportation is supported by players performing actions like doing a squat to use a launchpad, and using the Ring-Con against one’s abdomen to use paddleboards, among other actions that incorporate difficult exercises into in-game events.
If players are strapped for time and would like to fit in a quick workout, they can select the Quick Play mode. It offers similar adventures to Adventure mode, but in bite-sized mini-games, which range from breaking boxes with gusts of air triggered by squeezing the Ring-Con, to flying a parachute by pulling the Ring-Con overhead.
For those who prefer a more straightforward workout, there is a mode called Simple, which does away with flashy animations. This mode allows players to pick the part of the body they would like to work on, and lets them work it out. Along with Simple mode, Set mode offers the same functionality, but allows players to line up workouts in a playlist.
With the power of Nintendo Switch, the game can be taken anywhere, letting players work up a sweat away from a TV. For those who don’t have their Nintendo Switch with them, the Ring-Con can be taken around (with a Joy-Con attached) to track exercise while away from the console. When a player returns to their Nintendo Switch, the exercises will be synced to their profile to earn experience points and in-game items.
Ring Fit Adventure is available in retail stores and includes the game card, Ring-Con and leg strap accessories. For more information about the game, visit here.