Video Games were never really associated with fitness until Nintendo released a small console you may have heard of called the Wii. From there, an entire fitness empire spawned by allowing us to work out in the privacy of our homes while having a bit of fun doing it. Fitness Boxing feat. HATSUNE MIKU adds another unique aspect to the marriage of video games and fitness by adding a game based on the popular Vocaloid, Hatsune Miku. What’s it like, tighten your gloves, put on your headphones, and try to keep pace as we review Fitness Boxing feat. HATSUNE MIKU for Nintendo Switch.
Admittedly, when I applied to check out Fitness Boxing feat. HATSUNE MIKU, I thought it was an anime boxing game, and I was in for an education. For those like me who don’t know what Hatsune Miku is, it’s a Vocaloid or Virtual Celebrity/Pop Idol in the form of an anime girl. Hatsune Miku is by far the most popular Virtual Pop Idol and even has an upcoming concert here in Australia. As for boxing, well… thankfully, I’m all over that. While you won’t have to worry about mastering the sweet science to knock opponents down, you will have to do your best to keep up with some fitness combos while you’re encouraged by a virtual pop idol to work up a sweat and lift your cardio game.
The gameplay revolves around setting up workouts of varying intensities and getting into it. You will jab, cross, uppercut, duck, dive dip, dodge, and… duck, all in the name of fitness. There is a surprising amount of depth to the movement and actions and the game focuses on your footwork and springing off your heels to the beat which adds to the cardio workout. Movements are accurately tracked with the joy-cons and Fitness Boxing feat. HATSUNE MIKU eases you into your fitness boxing routine by gently introducing jabs and crosses, before intensifying workouts with uppercuts and dodging. Hits have to be timed similar to the Guitar Hero series, and when you miss a hit, sometimes it can be a hilarious series of unintentional body waggling to get you back on track.
The biggest surprise for me when it comes to Fitness Boxing feat. HATSUNE MIKU is just how intense the workouts can be, and instead of following the Wii Fit soft approach with light cardio, it opts to push you to the limits you set to give you a solid cardio workout. Once you complete your workout, you will earn in-game currency which can be spent to unlock more songs from the music catalogue the more you participate. You can also purchase some additional DLC from the E-shop that allows you to create custom punching and workout routines, but I found the intensity settings did a good enough job of setting workouts to your style. There are also daily workout challenges to unlock more currency, as well as a calendar to keep you engaged in an attempt to set frequent workout habits, it’s all very well done.
Graphically, Fitness Boxing feat. HATSUNE MIKU doesn’t have a lot going on, but your coach is well-animated, and the performance is solid. Hit indicators are easy to see, and despite the setting being rather bland, I found the lo-fi look appealing when compared to the flashing lights of the likes of Dance Dance Revolution. For my boxers looking into accessibility, I’m pleased to announce there are options to assist with your fitness routine depending on your mobility. You have the ability to autocomplete certain moves like dodging or uppercuts, or the ability to omit them from workouts altogether. This is a fantastic step towards accessibility, especially considering the intensity and physicality of the core mechanics.
The biggest hurdle for Fitness Boxing feat. HATSUNE MIKU is that the price of entry is $75 AUD in which only the hardcore fitness aficionados may want to invest, but all in all, I actually felt like I was getting a decent cardio workout while playing Fitness Boxing feat. HATSUNE MIKU. While I really have no idea about the background of the Vocaloid that is Hatsune Mike, the game itself serves its purpose of helping establish a fitness routine and keeping players engaged with its planning and scheduled challenges. Since I don’t believe in running unless I’m being chased by something, Fitness Boxing feat. HATSUNE MIKU is a great alternative to working out and while I’m at it, have a bit of fun as well.
So What’s it Like? Fitness Boxing feat. HATSUNE MIKU is like Wii Sports Boxing, crossed with going to the gym.
