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Review of Active Life: Outdoor Challenge on Nintendo Switch

by Gemma Looksby Gemma Looksby photo Sep 2021
Cover image of Active Life: Outdoor Challenge on Switch
Gamefings Score: 7
Platform: Switch Switch logo
Released: 03 Sep 2021
Genre: Fitness / Mini-game compilation
Developer: h.a.n.d.
Publisher: Bandai Namco Games

Introduction

Welcome to 'Active Life: Outdoor Challenge' where the hopping, skipping, and serious sweating begins! If you thought gaming was all about sitting on your couch and stuffing your face with snacks, think again! Prepare to embrace the great outdoors... well, sort of. You won't need to worry about mosquitoes or sunburns, because you'll be indoors pretending to hike while your couch beckons you back!

Gameplay

So, how to play? You got this mat that looks like it's from a gym and feels like a workout in itself just trying to set it up! Depending on your choice of mini-games-from racing to jumping and even canoeing-you'll find yourself hopping around like a caffeinated rabbit on a treadmill. The big innovation here? No more classic buttons! Instead, you're using your feet to stomp, press, and glide around on a mat! The Switch release made some changes, trading the mat for leg straps that capture movement using Joy-Cons. Honestly, who knew gaming could feel like a mix of Olympic training and a game show? There are tons of mini-games that will have you running, jumping, and attempting to replicate the agility of a squirrel on caffeine. Want a break? Upending the mat and using it as a surfboard sounds like an exciting choice. Just make sure not to accidentally jump on your cat, because it won't find that funny! Multiplayer mode invites your friends to join in on the chaos-just remember to practice your apologizing skills for when you elbow them in the ribs mid-jump.

Graphics

Let's discuss the graphics-'Active Life' does not exactly break the bank on AAA visuals, but it gets the job done. Think vibrant splashes of colors and cartoonish environments that scream 'we are all about fun here!' From the minimalistic nature of the game aesthetics to the jolly character designs, anything more realistic might just remind you that you're not actually mountain climbing. Just be careful-you wouldn't want a graphics overload while you are trying to leap a puddle, or you might just fall face-first into...well, nothing.

Conclusion

So, is 'Active Life: Outdoor Challenge' a must-have for your gaming collection? If you're looking for a unique way to get your heart rate up while enjoying the comfort of your living room, then yes! Just remember, it's still a workout disguised as a game, so don't forget to stretch out those limbs. It's like Wii Fit but with a lot less yoga and a whole lot more energy drinks! In the battle of couch potatoes versus active gamers, this game wants you in the athletic lane-without leaving the house. Just don't blame the game when you wake up sore the next day! Overall, it gets a solid 7 out of 10; it's quirky, fun in short bursts, and a goofy way to pretend to be outdoor adventurers without stepping on a single blade of grass. Now grab those leg straps and let's get squeaky!

See Latest Prices for Active Life: Outdoor Challenge on Switch on Amazon

See Prices for Active Life: Outdoor Challenge on Switch on Ebay

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