Unlike other games in the Zumba fitness line, Zumba Fitness Core will kick your butt from the start. The game assumes you are already in half decent shape and even on the easiest difficulties, you'll definitely be feeling the burn by the end of a 20-minute workout. The game can be played in a variety of modes that include customizable 20-minute, 40-minute and hour long intervals, and Low, Medium and High intensity routines are available depending on your current physical fitness level. An in-game tutorial will get you started with learning recurring dance moves, becoming comfortable with your new hands free fitness software and choosing a routine and fitness plan that fits your individual needs. Playing on Xbox 360 Kinect means there is no need and no option to use a controller to navigate the game's menus, but you can easily setup sessions, choose songs and otherwise make your way through the game with motion controls or with your voice if you're not too winded.
Zumba Fitness Core has one of the best presentations in the entire series of games from Majesco. You'll receive in-game advice and coaching from your choice of several real life Zumba instructors and enthusiasts such as Beth Hochstein or Michael Bertrand, and the game does a good job of making you feel like you aren't working out alone. A nice selection of venues also goes a long way to keep your sessions always changing whether you're working out in a Venetian Ballroom or getting exotic on a Tiki Beach. Playing on Xbox 360 with Kinect will allow you to bring a buddy into your living room and into your workout provided you have a room large enough for two people to perform the choreographed moves safely alongside one another. Of course, it just wouldn't be a Zumba workout unless there was some great music to get in shape while listening to, and Zumba Fitness Core features over 40 great songs that will get you up and moving from top artists across various genres including Bob Marley, Enrique Iglesias, Sean Paul, Jupiter and plenty of Zumba original title tracks.
If there was a game that could inspire someone to get up and in shape, it would be Zumba Fitness Core. With a great soundtrack, easy to use menus and workout plans, and motivational coaches that could inspire you with real life stories as well as their in-game speeches, the game will make you want to get up and get in shape. Unfortunately, Zumba Fitness Core isn't for everyone, and its unrelenting pace and its learning curve will keep some from partaking in its rewarding potential. As long as it doesn't send the wrong message, Zumba Fitness Core would make a great gift this holiday season as a perfect companion for making New Year's resolutions a reality for Xbox 360 owners, but don't be surprised if initial enthusiasm quickly diminishes to skeptical procrastination despite the game being a piece of high quality workout software.
Zumba Fitness Core is now available from all major retailers and can be purchased for Xbox 360 and Nintendo Wii. Zumba Fitness Core is rated E by the ESRB for Mild Lyrics & Mild Suggestive Themes. For more information on the game, check out the official Zumba Fitness Core website.
Game Features:
Game Information: Developer: Zoe Mode
Publisher: Majesco Entertainment
Platforms: Xbox 360 (reviewed) & Nintendo Wii
Release Date: October 16, 2012
