Excelling at the new Goji Play video game system isn't all about hand skill, but also endurance. Characters in the exergaming system only move when you do.
The $99 system connects with any type of modern cardio machine, from stationary bikes to treadmills to stair climbers, PC World reported. Goji owners must also be iPad or iPhone owners and must first download the app and games onto their device. Once the system wirelessly connects to the piece of equipment, gamers must strap an activity monitory to their hip or shoes and the left and right hand controls (two buttons each) to either the bars of the machine or to "batons" if that is more convenient. Running, biking, climbing, or whatever cardio engagement the machine demands activates the game and the game's character.
The idea behind Goji is to both distract exercisers and motivate them at the same time, though that effect hasn't actually been proven by unbiased research, according to PC Mag and Goji co-founder Kai Huang, also one of the creators of Guitar Hero. Huang's company did conduct its own informal research and found that 30 percent of test subjects worked out longer than they had intended.
"One of the things we learned back in our days working on Guitar Hero was really how great games can immerse people and inspire them," Huang told Tech Crunch. "And that's not only have to fun but also to get more active. We really are all about active gaming and so after we moved on from Activision, we started to have this interest in health, fitness and wellness."
During her test run, PC Magazine writer Jill Duffy didn't feel it quite hit that sweet spot between distraction and motivation because of short levels.
"I found myself craving something in the game that would put me into a trance but keep me motivated, rather than engage my brain to make decisions," Duffy wrote.
She enjoyed the racing and adventure games, but is not sure if she can give Goji her full endorsement.
"Fitness games are definitely part of the future of exercise and video game development, but I'm not sure a $99 set of controllers is the way forward."
Tech Crunch had a more consistent endorsement.
"The idea and the video below may look pretty goofy at first glance. But if you think about it or actually use the product, Goji Play ends up being a decent mental distraction," Tech Crunch wrote.
Goji currently comes with twelve titles, including the usual mix of fighting games, racing games, and mission-based games, PC Mag reported. It's slated to add more in the coming months.
