Active Life Explorer is proof that not every exercise game has to look like gym class. Like Microsoft Kinect's similarly named Adventure, this is a jump-duck-and-run game. Since Konami can't rely on the Kinect's sophisticated body tracking features, they use a floor mat to register the action. This game, designed for kids 8-12 is a hidden treasure trove of fun to get your kid moving.
The activities are exciting enough to get kids up off the couch willingly. Borrowing on an Indiana Jones like setting, you get to play through many of Hollywood's favorite action sequences. You'll go running across the top of a moving train, leaping from car to car. Need to get across that rope bridge? Better hurry or you'll fall to the river below instead!
Unlike many Wii "action" games, this one really does require that you burn off some calories to play.
Some of my favorite children's games use "stealth learning" to sneak education under the radar. That's exactly what Active LIfe Explorer is: stealth exercise in a very appealing form.
