The Biggest Loser Ultimate Workout - Xbox 360 Reviews

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I enjoyed the biggest loser on the wii, but found it frustrating. If the controller was low on batteries or if you didn't pass it in front of the sensor just the right way, or if you punched too hard it wouldn't register and no matter how hard you actually worked, you'd get a low score for your work out. It was also hard when they wanted you to put the controller in your pocket for certian work outs, and I didn't have pockets in the pants I wore to work out.

So when they came up with the game for the kinect... I was excited. I like that you can see yourself in the corner and see how you're doing the move, and what you can do to improve on the move, I liked the body scan thing. Someone reviewed that they're 5'7 but was told they were 4 foot something, and their neck size was 200 some "... that reviewer probaby did something wrong.

I'm right at about 5'7". (in fact, my doctor last said I came in at just under 5'7" but he rounded it up.) and the game registered me at 5'6". no matter my actual height, that's nearly right one. The scan also got my neck and hip inches right on the mark. (I measured myself and yes, they were right on.) So the scan does work. At least it did for me.

The game itself is pretty good too. Push yourself and you can work up a really good sweat. I also like the fact that every so often they ask you to record a video diary. It helps you keep tabs on how you're doing. Seeing yourself on camera, being as honest as possible puts things into perspective for you.

In game it will ask you how you're feeling and will give you usually three options. you don't have to stop what you're doing to use the controller to answer, you just need to say one of the options out loud as you continue what you're doing. if things are too hard, it adjusts accordingly.

this is not to say it doesn't have it's glitches.

When it asks you to jog in place... it's nearly impossible to do it in the exact rythem as the trainer, so you get a low score... same with the punch jab steps. It will always tell you to extend your punches even though you've gone as far as you can go...

but the glitches themselves are relatively minor compared to the glitches I always got playing Biggest Loser on the Wii.

I give this game an A-/B+

I get a good workout, I love the motivational tips, I love the video tips, I love the fact I can see myself actually doing the workouts in the corner so I can keep an eye on my own movements, I love the video diary function, and hands free gives you a much better workout than when you have to worry about not letting the controller fly out of your hand.

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So far, I've used EA EA Sports Active 2, Ubisoft Your Shape Fitness Evolved and Biggest Loser.

I think this is my almost-first choice.

It might be because my bias starting with Ubisoft. I think the tracking is better with Ubisoft, and correction of posture is better with Ubisoft... but...

This seems more like a weight-loss program + trainer + exercise program.

The interface is relatively kinect-friendly, although it's obvious that some of the menuing was designed for cross-platform support.

*Quick Start and Beginner friendly*

It's pretty easy and quick to get started. A few questions, and you can be off and running. I think there is considerable more sensitivity to those that might not work out that often. There is a testing/analysis section where you and the program can figure out what your current fitness level, and adjust accordingly. During this testing, the design and comments are decently encouraging and low-level that the beginner shouldn't feel too intimidated, but just happy to be moving their body. As it progresses, it can be more challenging to keep the more active interested.

*Ease of use*

Menuing is decent. Not the best I've seen on kinect, but definitely in the top 25%, but for a product that is cross platform, works well.

Voice commands. During your workout, there are voice prompts where the "trainer" asks you questions about your fatigue and need for water, etc. I thought it would be gimmicky, but it's really convenient being able to respond verbally. So much better than having to pick up a controller to answer a question.

*Body Analysis*

There is a section where the program scans your body to get some estimates of your measurements. I think it could be very humbling, but if you're trying to be honest about your weight loss, it'll be a good benchmark for your progress. I don't believe it to be absolutely accurate as it claimed I had a 200" neck. Oh, and you can enter your weight by the 0.1 of a lb. So I guess we're pretty serious about charting your proress.

*Exercise plans*

So far, I've just breezed through a few of them, but find them varied enough and not terribly silly (I liked them better than pretending to be riding a mountain bike [EA]). I find them decently challenging and I LOVE that you can choose when you begin a session, how much time you have available. It's nice to be able to choose a quickie 10 minute session, or a longer 40 minute session instead of having a fixed time

*Calorie counts, health knowledge*

Feel that this is a more rounded approach than ubisoft's workout-centric version. There are calorie goals, fitness tips, and an overall idea that you are entering a whole plan than having to figure it out on your own. But it doesn't seem to dumb it down too much for you. Considering their wide audience, I think was well handled.

*Personalization*

I thought i would mock the video-diary, but when it came on (actually first two times, the microphone didn't work), I decided to look at the image, and as Charles Barkley said "Just stand in front of the mirror naked and you can't lie to yourself." So I decided to make an entry to my future-more-in-shape-me with humility and sincerity and encouragement. I realize a journal is a very good motivator, and a video one for someone trying to see their body change would be even stronger.

*Show tie-ins*

I don't watch the show. Not that it's important, I just think if I knew the personalities and some of their catch phrases, it would appeal to me even more. I think the avatars for each of the hosts aren't horrible, but I think they look better in real life.

I'm sure that if I were a big fan of the show, the quotes from previous show participants would be inspiring, and feeling that "the same trainer" that is on tv is "training me" would be fun/exciting.

*Feedback*

I like that there's a blobby silhouette, similar to Ubisoft. It moves and bobs like I do, making me feel more like an active participant rather than a marionette for some avatar.

There were more corrective comments than I expected, "dip lower" "hands higher", given both audibly (I like that) and visually (some bars change color and warn you), but I find that I like ubisoft's skeletal tracking a little bit easier for me to understand the feedback.

*Problems*

There were sections of the program that either because of my sensor's position, my body position, or somewhere lost in the software, some movements weren't being tracked correctly. Even when just standing there making menu choices. I'm very glad that I know I have some pretty solid programs that track well, so I can tell it has to do with the software.

*Bottom Line*

Wow, after all this praise, I think I should highly recommend and promote this product. But truthfully, it's not taking advantage of the kinect tracking as much as I think it should/could. But I like the exercise "program" (not the software) overall. I think it's comprehensive, personal and motivating.

I like that Biggest Loser emphasizes a "community feel" with other avatars working out with you (and their body shapes aren't quite hardbody as well), how they take advantage of the cooperative friend workout so you can encourage your friends. (you can do that with the other products, it's just seems a little stronger emphasis on here)

I just like the Ubisoft program's use of the tracking better. It seems more accurate, more responsive. Ubisoft's workout programs have appealed to me, and maybe I just need more time with this one.

If there were a dead heat, I think ubisoft would win by a hair in my eyes, but I think the best idea is to buy both and rotate them. You'll have more variation, and appreciate their differences, but your calorie burn and tracking won't be consolidated automatically

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I think the problem people are experiencing with the controls is due to the sensitivity required for this game. It senses your form and provides feedback while you work out. This required sensitivity may make the menu controls a touch sensitive. The controls are not that confusing.

I just bought it, ran through a workout and it was more personalized then I expected. Instead of just running through the routine, it waited until you got the form right then it balanced the workout on the other side. I was asked how I was doing durring the workout and was able to respond with my voice if I needed a water break or to turn up the heat. The water breaks were short if you didn't need them. It counted your calories and let you know how you did after. This is a much better product then I was expecting. It truly felt like I almost had my own personal trainer.

The only improvement could be the support of 2 people working out at the same time. I dont see this happening based on the body position sensing possibly getting confused as the workouts cover more area.

Overall an awesome product.

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I'm actually shocked by the reviews. This work-out is like having a personnel trainer. I see a lot of complaints about the set-up, sensitivity of the game, in my experience it usually operator error. First off you have to have your kinect set-up right for it to work properly. If you experiencing errors you should probable check into where the kinect is located, do you have proper room etc. This is great work-out worth every penny, I felt the pain of it the next day and I didn't have to leave the house or drag the kiddeo's out. Most importantly you are being encouraged, corrected while working out and those are great ways to keep you coming back while making sure you are doing the exercises properly. It customizes it for you body type, weight, while giving you time for water breaks, and checking in to see if you may need to adjust to your speed etc. Helping you with healthy tips to change your life style and recipes to boot! Love this work-out is very nice and I have not had any problems with the sensitivity of the game. The set-up is fine it is just like anything else in life it takes time and nothing is perfect if you are looking for perfection you will be solely disappointed in life but this game is fantastic and you will see if done properly results. I had to add a review after reading the others because I didn't want someone to pass this by when it could possible be life changing.

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I too hate to submit a negative review but I'm disappointed with the "game". In addition to the problems cited by previous reviewers (endless loops, difficult to navigate) the body scan measurements were a little off. Although the circumference measurements seemed pretty close it had me at 5'3 where I'm 5'9. Oh well, I can fix that with a manual height adjustment. There are certain exercises (pushups for instance) where it is difficult to see the screen, and for safety and proper body alignment you shouldn't look at the screen, but they don't provide you with enough voice cues to do the exercise with the necessary timing. Also, there seems to be a problem with voice recognition. It asks questions as you are working out (you doing ok?) but doesn't seem to hear my answers no matter how loudly and clearly I speak them. I did a video diary and found my voice was so static I couldn't hear it at all. I re-calibrated but still it's not working. Our other games seem to pick-up voice okso I'm supposing it's just this "game". I did a 50 minute workoutand it was a good workoutbut I'm disappointed with the "fun" factor. I could put in a workout video and get the same thingwhy pay $50 for a "game"? After my workout I went to the "burn extra calories" section to see if I could find something fun. There was a boxing option and I thought that would be fun. But the closest it came to boxing was that it was in a ringI was still doing planks and butt-kickers. So, still looking for something funI went to the "Challenges" section. The challenge was to punch a bag faster than the other contestants. Unfortunately whether I punched fast, or in time with the trainer it was not picking up all my punches and I lost miserablyI'm afraid I might be eliminated... ;-)

I think the manufacturers of these fitness "games" are missing out on the real beauty of a gaming system platformand that is to make working out FUN! I enjoy the Adventure game, but there are only about 4 activities. I can get lost in the fun and competition and forget I'm getting a workout, but I need more variety. Jillian's first gameFitness Ultimatum was on the right trackbut it had it's own set of issues.

In summaryif you are looking for a workoutthis is a pretty good "game". You'll get a workout, and it will keep track of it on a calendar. I am still waiting for the holy graila game that gets me moving, is fun, and challenges me competitively.