Dance Central 2 (Video Game) for Xbox with Kinect

Dance Central 2
for Xbox with Kinect
Harmonix, 2011

GENRE: Dance, Exercise, Video Game

HONORS: None known

REVIEW:  Dance Central 2 is the sequel to the Xbox Kinect game Dance Central. The game allows players to use their bodies as the controller, since the Kinect can detect and even record the movements players make. In this game, players mimic the dance moves being shown on the screen by the animated avatars and get points for how well they are executed. Players can break down and practice dance moves, and play with or against other players. This sequel features a workout mode that tracks the approximate calories the player is burning, and allows players to set up playlists of their favorite songs/dances to serve as a workout. Players can also play a story mode to eventually join an in game Dance Crew.

OPINION: Dance Central is another, and in my opinion more fun and effective video game that gets players off the couch and moving. The dances are fun and challenging both in physical effort and to perform them accurately. I am guaranteed to be sweating and out of breath after a good 30 minutes of playing this game.

IDEAS: So You Think You Can Dance is a popular reality television show, and would make for a great program theme using Dance Central 2. Attendees can battle for high scores on certain songs and crown the library’s best tween dancer.

Wii Sports Resort (Video Game) for Nintendo

Wii Sports Resort
for Nintendo Wii
Nintendo EAD, 2009

GENRE: Sports, Video Game, Exercise

HONORS: None known

REVIEW:  Wii Sports Resort is the sequel to the popular Wii Sports that was sold as an in-box companion to the Wii upon its debut in 2006. Wii Sports Resort features new and different sporting events, including archery, wakeboarding, golf and table tennis, and requires the addition of the Wii Motion Plus add-on to the original Wiimote to provide greater accuracy and recognition of movement.

OPINION: I love videogames that can get kids (and adults) off the couch in order to play them, and Wii Sports Resort is a great active game. Actual workout programs have been designed around this game since it can serve as exercise that doesn’t feel or seem like exercise. The game can be played by up to 4 players at a time and can teach cooperation, teamwork as well as friendly competition.

IDEAS: Video game events are popular among the tween age group and space and equipment provided, this would be the perfect game for such an event.