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Show COMICS » GAMING TLL HAVE You KNOW, IT MADE THE BEST CELLARS LIST. Mastiff This video imageis from the game “PumpIt Up: Exceed.” I'M JUST A KID! MONEY'S TIGHT! THE FEW DOLLARS 1. DO HAVE ARE EAR- Gamesthat get you offthe couch,in shape Lou Kesten THE ASSOCIATED PRESS very article about Amer- ica’s obesity epidemic seems to mention video games. That’s not surprising, considering that video games havebeen blamed forjuvenile delinquency, low SATscores, teenage promiscuity, high gasoline prices andjust about every other problem facing the nation. But being a dedicated gamer doesn’t mean you haveto turn into a Jabba the Hutt-sized couch potato,particularly if your regimen includes selec- tions from the ever-growing genreof rhythm games. Toplay games like Konami's “Dance Dance Revolution,” you haveto replace your controller with a floor pad andtry to match the onscreen action by stepping on different sections. Eventhe most devoted gym rats will work up a sweat during a good “DDR” session. Anyofthe following games are a good bet to get you upoff keep thingsinteresting. “In the Groove” (RedOctane, $39.99, for the PlayStation 2): to the classic dance padlayout, butlike “PumpIt Up,” it throws in somethree- and four-button moves that will have youhitting the floor on all fours. with a laid-back novice mode that lets you ease your wayinto the game.A fitness mode asks THENGoU come DOWN AND FILL WH you to input your weight and thentells you how manycalories you've burned in session. The music,again,is a lot of bass-heavy techno,although disco-fied remakes oftunes like Natalie Imbruglia’s “Torn” and $49.99,for the PlayStation 2): Game”sentus into fit of '90s « nostalgia. “EyeToyPlay 2” (Sony, FRESH AIR, OF ALL = VERY CLARIFYING! «dG : a UM Mey SORTS, CAN BE “= Maybe you're looking for more of an upper body workout? “Play 2” is the latest application for Sony's EyeToy peripheral, a camerathat picks up your own movement. For example, 1] ee Ay > you can swing punches at an onscreen boxer, or use your hands as paddles in a gameof pingpong. You can play air guitar or drums,kick soccerballs orhit homeruns,wield a chain Ma\ IT’ TOO LATE 7 TO FILE MY Saw ora cheese grater. Attimes the lack of precise morelike dancing. “PumpIt Up”is not recommended for controlis frustrating, but all youto press three buttons at a time, so you haveto crouch and their arms about — make “Play those whoare outof shape or asthmatic; progressing through just thefirst few levels is exhausting. Later levels require THE FIRST THING WE'LL DOISDIGATRENCH AROUNDTHEINSIDE FOUNDATION. = five difficulty levels, starting Xbox): “Dance Dance Revolution” remains the most popular rhythm game in America, but in Asiait's being challenged by experts will find themselves challenged by this newcomer, thanksto a simple gameplay twist. Instead of having pressure pointsdirectly to the left, right, front and back of the player, the “Pump It Up” pad puts them on the corners,demanding quite a bit moreagility. Oddly, the additional movement makes the workout feel CRANKSHAFT Fortunately for someof us geezers, “In the Groove” has the Cardigans’ “My Favorite “PumpIt Up.” Likewise, “DDR” T LOVED THIS Book’ HAS CHE WRITTEN A SEQUEL? “DDR” fans impatient for Konami torelease somefresh beats haveflocked to this game from dance pad manufacturer RedOctane.“In the Groove”sticks your La-Z-Boy: “PumpIt Up: Exceed” (Mastiff, $59.99, for the PlayStation 2, Ss oy Daily Herald, Thursday, September 15, 2005 use your hands — good prac- tice if you have ambitions of becoming a break-dancer. The musicis the usual beat-centric techno, with enough elements of metal, classical and Latin to =~ COPYRIGHT ceaim. © the gamesare very simple, and there area lot of them. That simplicity and variety — along with the sheerridiculousness of watching yourfriends flail 2”anideal party game. — ie AH, THE STATUTE OF LIMITATIONS {: <—.../. § ONTHE NeM@ stature oF |:i IMITATIONS! :? i z ie |