Review: Fitness Boxing 2: Rhythm & Exercise (Nintendo Switch)

Fitness Boxing 2: Rhythm & Exercise is a sequel to the surprise million-seller, Fitness Boxing. If you have the original, you can transfer your profile and keep moving to the groove. Since this is my first full-game experience with the series – there are free demos – I approached it fresh.

I also approached it in need of some exercise. Pandemic pounds plus colder weather equal a Trev who’s not in his best shape. After entering my height and weight (curiously defaulted at Meters/Grams), I was ready to start feeling the burn.

And feel the burn I have. I’m no manual laborer, so I experienced aches others might not. Punching with the Joy-Con controllers works out my arms and shoulders, which isn’t to say it’s the most accurate workout. To quote Kirk from his review of the original game, “You’ll get “hit,” “perfect” or “miss,” and the Joy-Con never felt a whole lot more accurate than the old Wii Remote and Nunchuck combo.” Nonetheless, I felt it the next day.

After building up strength in my arms, I soon discovered the leg pain that follows from ducking. True, you can cheat this by just moving the Joy-Con controllers down, but you’d only be cheating yourself. Fitness Boxing 2: Rhythm & Exercise offers more of a full-body workout than I anticipated.

Before and after a good workout, you’ll do stretches to warm up or cool down. No pressure, as these are ungraded. I especially like the cooldown ones if they follow a lengthy daily workout. My one gripe is that wrists and ankle stretches only get six seconds.

For those who played the original beyond the demo, this sequel may feel closer to an update. The instructor count has increased by a third, and the game has substituted a Teen rating for Everyone, but it seems pretty similar. Replayability is what you’ll make of it.

And there are replay incentives. Achievements are so plentiful I quickly started ignoring them. But unlocking music is worthwhile. The selection is on the smaller side, but there’s a nice mix of older and newer songs. I’ve found the some of the tunes I might generally find annoying fare better as instrumentals.

You can also unlock new outfits for your trainers. Some of these seem less practical, but you’re likely to stick with your favorites anyway. I find my choices based on vocals over appearance, as the trainers regularly talk at you. This input makes working out less lonely, but the instructors do tend to repeat.

If you’re looking for some exercise, Fitness Boxing 2: Rhythm & Exercise is a good option on the Nintendo Switch. With the Just Dance series stagnating, and Ring Fit Adventure expensive, this is a solid alternative. Even if you aren’t a fan of boxing (I’m not), you’ll be able to enjoy this sequel.

Time will tell if this game endures, though. And If you’ve kept playing the original, this one might not be worth the full $49.99 price for the few changes it brings. Still, I suspect to see a sales spike in January when people resolve to burn off holiday indulgences.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AJK5JxB-Tfo