Step to the Beat

Step to the Beat is a good motivational game that promotes stepping in time with the music that is played through the game. Therapy potential = GOOD

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The game setting and scenario is that of an island - 'Rhythm Island' where the player walks around freely to the beat of the music. 'Step to the Beat' is a simple game that requires the user to jog/shake the Nunchuk in time with the music tempo.

The Nunchuk is normally put into a pocket but can also be held - depending upon the purpose of the therapy. The game is compatible with the Wii Balance Board, the Wii Dance mat or with the Wii Balance Board being used when the user is sitting down (with feet on the board). Walking is sufficient to 'jog' the controller with some songs being a quicker tempo and requiring a brisker pace. None of the songs require the player to run and the game continues even if steps are missed.

As the player walks the on screen character also walks, moving along the paths of the island and allowing the player to explore.

At the same time as the Nunchuk is being 'jogged' the WiiMote can be used to point at 'capsules' that enable the player to open up new music and new areas of the Rhythm Island. The cursor pad on the WiiMote is also used to decide the direction that the character walks in and is often best controlled by the therapist/assistant therefore allowing the patient to focus and concentrate on quality of stepping and rhythm.

The game is good for those wanting to explore lower limb exercise/dynamic balance, either in sitting or standing or for those wanting to work on rhythmical upper limb movements, which could just be the control of movement or t focus on reaction speed, consistency of movement or general co-ordination.

The only down side to this game is its popularity and it can be expensive to buy.  An alternative way to at least trial the game is to rent it - see link below:

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Rayman Raving Rabbids - Go Home and Travel in Time

Both good playable games in their own right but not as easy to integrate within therapy as other games within this series or on the market.  Therapy potential = LIMITED

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Following the successful use of Rayman Ravings Rabbids 2 with some clients, due to its variety of easily accessible mini games, its always worth considering the sequels. Both Rabbids Go Home and Travel In Time do have similar themes of mini games but the navigation is complex making it more difficult to individually pick games out as with Rayman 2.

Both games are stories whereby the player is guided from scene to scene.  The story line within Go Home revolves around collecting as much rubbish as possible to make a tower in order to reach the moon and go home.  The controls require both Wii remote and Nunchuk with a good degree of co-ordination and dexterity.

The Travel in Time storyline takes the player to different stages of the game by transporting them in a time travelling washing machine.  As bizarre as it sounds some of the games within this Rayman plot were quite good but again the use of the Wii remote and Nunchuk quickly makes it less friendly for use in therapy.  Travel in Time consisted of numerous mini games - similar to the successful Rayman 2 but lacked easy navigation and consequently reduced its ease of use.

Both are good games if you have enjoyed the crazy world of Raymans Raving Rabbids previously.  They both require the use of the Nunchuk so need bilateral control, dexterity and co-ordination.  With games similar to Rayman 2 available to use within a therapy session I struggle to identify why I would need or want to use either of these titles.


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