Publisher: Majesco Entertainment

Developer: Zoë Mode

Platform: Kinect for Xbox 360

Genre: Dance/Fitness

Release Date: February 13, 2012

Price / Rating: $49.99 / E10+

On January 31st 2012 GamerFitNation got a sneak preview of Majesco Entertainment’s Zumba Fitness Rush for the Kinect System. Zumba Fitness is world-renowned for it’s ability to combine both dance and fitness in an exciting way. If you played Zumba Fitness 2 for the Wii it’s most likely that you’re already in love with the system. Before I go further I need you to not see this game as a workout. See it as an opportunity to have fun while dancing with the added benefit of burning loads of calories while you do it.

Gameplay:

Zumba Fitness is another great example of a Kinect title that detects everything you do with pen-point accuracy. From your head, hands, and hips down to your feet the Kinect tracks every move your body makes. That’s the key difference from the Wii’s Zumba Fitness 2. Don’t get me wrong the Wii Version is great, but it only tracks the wands movements. Where as Rush tracks your full body movement. The way you dance is kind of like “Simon says” you follow your on screen instructor as she or he shows you the steps. What’s cool about this game is the fact that if you don’t know any of the moves there’s a cool tutorial that will help you with both your technique and pace.

Rush also allows two players to dance at the same time. So your friends & family can dance with you. What’s cool about this feature is that while you both dance the game counts both your points as a combine score adding to your over all star rating. This makes it about fun rather the competition, still when the dancing end’s your individual final scores are shown on the next screen.

Game Modes:

Feel the rush with three different game modes you can play solo or with a friend:

– Single Song: Dance a single routine of your choice from the 42 included in game. The new song preview feature gives you a feel for each rhythm before you dive in and lose yourself in the music.

– Full Class: A workout block of routines in 20, 45 or 60 minute formats. You can now create your own custom workouts by saving a playlist of your favorite music and choreography.

– Learn the Steps: Revamped tutorial mode lets you learn at your own pace by breaking down the four core dance styles into the basics. Slow down or speed up each module as you receive focused per limb feedback that helps you master each move and build confidence.

Features:

There are way more awesome features In Rush than in the previous. You have a wider selection of venues, and instructors this time around offering more of a variety. Also it has voice control making it easy for you to navigate the in game menu. Plus right off the back you receive post launch DLC (Download Content) offering a new “dance style packs” and hit music via Xbox LIVE.

Now for the Fitness part. There are 42 new routines made to turn up your body’s heat working your arms, legs, and core. This help’s get you the calorie burn you need to tone your body. In fact you’re going to break a sweat while dancing so keep a towel handy.

Rush still has a great list of music tracks that you will love. Including 10 Kinect exclusives featuring today’s top artists such as Pitbull, Nicole Scherzinger, and Yolanda Be Cool.

Every character in this game is model after a real person who attended the Annual Zumba Fitness Convention. By choosing true to heart Zumba Fitness followers Majesco Entertainment demonstrated their appreciation for Zumba fans. You also get to dance along with celebrity dance instructor Gina Grant. Erica Pierce, Zumba Fitness Instructor and Zumba Fitness Competition Winner is also available in the game to dance along with.

Just looking at the title screen will get you excited about what’s to come in Zumba Fitness Rush. You will get the feeling that you’re in for a festival of dance rather than a hardcore workout secession. It comes as no surprise to me that Rush will deliver a more exciting, heart pounding, body moving, experience. So, if you’re truly curious about Rush, I encourage you to run not walk better yet dance your way to the nearest retailer and find out why this game’s so CALIENTE! For more visit www.ZumbaFitnessGame.com

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