Fitness Boxing achievement. Review of Hatsune Miku

Initial release date: September 5, 2024

Genres: Fitness game, Music video game, Action game

Developer: Crypton Future Media

Platform: Nintendo Switch

Publisher: Aksys Games

Series: Fitness Boxing

Detractors frequently claim that video games are sedentary, and hence contribute to obesity. But what these faultfinders frequently neglect to disclose is that there is a whole genre of games based on physical activity, known as excergaming. From the release of Dance Dance Revolution in the late 1990s to the success of Wii Fit and Just Dance in the early 2000s, to the more recent Pokémon Go sensation, games have long encouraged us to work up a sweat.

With the release of 2018’s Fitness Boxing, developer Imagineer tasked players with gripping a pair of Joy-Cons and throwing a flurry of precisely timed punches. The Shinjuku-based developer was able to license pop hits from Lady Gaga and Maroon 5 to keep the tempo buoyant. But sadly, the game neglected to offer much visual dazzle.

Beyond two lanes of icons directing players to dodge, duck, step, and punch, Fitness Boxing and its 2020 sequel had a cast of uninspired teachers that lacked individuality. Recognizing this shortcoming, they sent in Kenshiro, Roah, Rei, and Mamiya to make Fitness Boxing: Fist of the North Star more interesting.

Declining Warmups is Triple Baka.

With the release of Fit Boxing feat. Hatsune Miku, the studio has sought the help of everyone’s favorite Vocaloid to promote some calorie burning. While Miku fans will definitely welcome the inclusion of the twin-tailed diva, the Switch hardware still limits this entry.

When you start the game, the teal-haired goddess will guide you through the basics, including an initial warm-up, workout, and cool-down. To participate, grab your Joy-Cons and hold one in each hand while assuming a boxing posture. While Fitness Boxing requires you to shift your weight in sync with the punches, the game does not monitor your legs like Ring Fit Adventure. I suppose you can cheat if you can deal with Miku’s implied displeasure.

Swinging like Baby Maniacs

However, the larger concern is that much of your workout is not observed. During a warm-up in which you make circles with your arms, the game will remind you of optimal shoulder placement. However, there is no immediate feedback on your form, and these shortcomings mean Miku and her two Piapro teammates are more cheerleaders than actual trainers.

When playing Fitness Boxing with a pair of first-time volunteers, the game neglected to register a few punches. Some of this stemmed from the inevitably of input lag, since the game begs to be played on a television screen. Sure, nothing is stopping you from playing Boxing on a Switch propped up by its kickstand. But unless you have 20-20 eyesight, reading the icons from across the room can be very difficult.

Give me more responsiveness.

Conveniently, the game allows you to compensate for this, with options for both scoring and graphics. Miku does not provide diagnostic aid, therefore you will need to make the corrections yourself. However, no amount of adjusting will improve the accuracy of Fitness Boxing’s punch measurements. When the volunteers were weary, they began performing hooks that resembled clumsy, off-centered jabs. Each was counted and scored, with no penalty for poor technique.

But if you can overlook the scarcity of guidance, Miku can motivate. Undoubtedly, Fitness Boxing is flexible, offering to keep players engaged through Free Training and Daily Workouts. Here, performance is tracked, and throwing one final punch to stamp a competition certificate is satisfying. The only downside is the shortage of in-game incentives. Yes, you’ll be rewarded with music, characters, and new costumes. But between the non-Piapro tracks, a paltry roster of four new faces, and the lack of any swimsuits, Imagineer doesn’t quite seem to understand Miku’s appeal.

Fit Boxing ft. Hatsune Miku was played on Switch using the review code provided by the publisher.

Review Overview

Gameplay – 85%

Controls – 90%

Aesthetics – 88%

Content – 83%

Accessibility – 87%

Value – 86%

Overall: 87%

EXCELLENT

Summary: “Fitness Boxing Achievement: Review of Hatsune Miku” brings a refreshing and energetic experience, combining fitness with the charm of Hatsune Miku. The gameplay is engaging, with intuitive controls that make workouts feel like fun rather than a chore. The aesthetics are vibrant and fit the Miku theme well, while the content offers a good variety of songs and routines. The game is accessible to players of all fitness levels, making it a great choice for both Miku fans and those looking to get active. Overall, it’s a well-rounded package that delivers on both fitness and entertainment.