Active Life Extreme Challenge Wii Game Bundle with Mat Review

Active Life Extreme Challenge is a Wii game from publisher Bandai Namco Games that is designed exclusively for game play with the Active Life Mat.  The game can not be played without the mat but you can buy them together in a bundle.  A fun, energy-requiring action sports game, Extreme Challenge is rated E for Everyone and it was released on August 11, with a list price of $59.99 new.

To set up game play, you simply plug in your Active Life Mat to one of four accessory inputs in your Wii.  You use the mat and one Wii controller to play.  Play options include single player, multi-player in any of the three game modes, you can view and delete player data, view rankings, and explore other options.  Three game modes are Extreme Challenge (tournament style), Challenge Mode (new rules and goals), and Free Play (the quick play mode).

Play is simple.  The mat is laid out with central control pads and front, back, left and right buttons on each side.  Some of the games require use of the mat and a Wii controller, while others only require the mat.  The intensity of movement varies.  There are about 15 different activities across the various game modes.  There are six basic activities in Free Play mode to help get a feel for the game.  BMX races require constant up and down movement (virtually running in place) in a pedal like fashion with the mat while you also steer using the controller.  This coordination may be tough for younger players so you might have to team up for that one if playing with kids.

Street Luging is a bit more laid back as the player sits on the mat and guides the luge back and forth using the arrow pads.  Other cool games including jump rope, which works on timing and jumping coordination.  Other activities include rock climbing, base jumping, skateboarding and many more.

The Active Life Extreme Challenge Wii Bundle is a great value and a fun family game experience.  It is a great solution for parents who struggle to get kids to be active because they “just want to play video games”.  Parents and kids can play together and the activity is fun and energetic.

Active Life Extreme Challenge Product Features include:

Nyko Technologies Charge Base and Color Wand Controller Wii Accessories

Nyko Technologies is a leading provider of electronic gaming product accessories and devices. Two of the latest items that you might consider for your holiday gift buying for a Wii user are the Charge Base IC and the Color Wand Controller.

Charge Base IC

The Charge Base IC is Nyko’s first induction charging dock for the Wii™, and would be great for the gadget-lover on any holiday wish list. Instead of using metal contact points to recharge the Wii Remote or Nyko Wand’s batteries, the Charge Base IC utilizes induction technology to charge your controllers without having to remove any silicone jackets or attachments such as Wii Motion Plus. The Charge Base IC also features a powered USB port, which can be used for charging other devices.

The ability to charge without having to remove the silicone jackets is an especially nice feature of the Charge Base IC. This saves about five minutes of time for each charge. Another great benefit with the charger is its versatility. While it serves as a very effective charger for your Wii remotes, the ability to charge other USB devices is a huge plus.

Color Wand Controller

Experience new levels of immersion and innovation with Nyko’s Wand for Nintendo® Wii®. The Wand allows for complete control of all compatible Wii software and menus and features full motion control support, vibration feedback, and built-in speaker. With the Wand in your hand, you’ll have total control of all your Wii software as well as a rubberized B-Trigger, larger 1 and 2 buttons and an improved and re-worked d-pad for more comfortable and accurate classic and horizontal game play. The Wand is ergonomically crafted for left and right handed use with a form factor designed for maximum compatibility with 1st and 3rd party accessories. Expand your control possibilities with Nyko’s Trans-Port Technologies, exclusively developed for the Wand. Trans-Port Technology allows specially designed attachments to pass through key buttons to the attachment, allowing for more responsive attachments that can easily integrate with your Wand controller for a variety of games. Also available in Blue, Pink, Purple, and White.

At a list price of just $29.99, the Nyko Technologies Color Wand Controller is an excellent alternative to other standardized Wii controllers. It is easy to use, has a nice grip for control and relaxed comfort. Bluetooth Technology allows for play up to 20 feet and the sync and range with your Wii’s monitor is excellent, which means you can comfortably play at a reasonable distance in your gaming room. There is full rumble support as well. Considering the technology built in to the Color Wand Controller and the strong play capabilities, the $29.99 price point makes for a nice value. There appears to be little issue with range of motion or click control during game play, a common issue with some types of Wii remotes.

Wii Accessories Review by Neil of Game Room Reviews