Let's Yoga (Nintendo DS)

This review is for the Nintendo DS information title, Let’s Yoga, developed by Vanpool and published by Konami. The product is more of a guide to various yoga positions, so don’t expect any game play.

The product starts by offering a variety of yoga moves which you can view either individually, or as part of a longer programme. Each of these different poses is displayed by a model on the screen in great detail. You are able to tilt the ...
...from every angle, to help you recreate each pose. There are five different difficulty levels in the game, Naga, Krishna, Ganesha, Vishnu and Shiva, so it’s quite easy to get into the product.

You can use this product to be able to create your own yoga programme with a range of different positions. This takes a little bit of experience in using the product, but like most parts of Let’s Yoga, everything is quite easy to figure out and ... more

This review is for the Nintendo DS information title, Let’s Yoga, developed by Vanpool and published by Konami. The product is more of a guide to various yoga positions, so don’t expect any game play.

The product starts by offering a variety of yoga moves which you can view either individually, or as part of a longer programme. Each of these different poses is displayed by a model on the screen in great detail. You are able to tilt the Nintendo DS to be able to see the model’s position from every angle, to help you recreate each pose. There are five different difficulty levels in the game, Naga, Krishna, Ganesha, Vishnu and Shiva, so it’s quite easy to get into the product.

You can use this product to be able to create your own yoga programme with a range of different positions. This takes a little bit of experience in using the product, but like most parts of Let’s Yoga, everything is quite easy to figure out and the controls are logical and easy to use. You do of course have to move around with the console to some degree so that you’re able to read the next instructions that you have to follow.

There is also a set programme which you can work through, called The Master’s Lesson, which lets you work through the different poses in a set manner, and this is also a good introduction to the game. The Master’s Lesson has 25 different exercises some are quite easy, whilst some do take some effort to master.

Each of the different poses is explained well, and they are enjoyable to follow. They are all rated using three different criteria, energy, flexibility and balance. The effects of working through each exercise are given, as are the benefits, and you can choose which form of yoga you think would be best for you. You should be aware that breathing is important, and this product does remind you of that, and you shouldn’t over-exert yourself, as it is possible to over-stretch and cause yourself some difficulties.

The graphics are satisfactory, and sufficiently clear to be able to follow all of the different poses, despite some of these being quite complex. The models are in displayed in 3D mode, and as mentioned, you are able to see the move from all different angles. There isn’t much sound or music in the game, but there is a soothing voice which takes users through each of the poses. It’s certainly the most relaxing product that I’ve ever used on the Nintendo DS!

This product has no multi-player function, although this is rather to be expected with subject matter such as yoga. It is possible to see some possible benefits of being able to link different programmes with others, and this might be a useful addition for a future release of Let’s Yoga.

This product is currently available on play.com for 14.50 pounds currently, but if you are happy with a second-hand copy, these are available at the time of writing for around ten pounds on sites such as eBay and Amazon. The game is rated as 3+, so is suitable for children of nearly all ages.

In summary, this product is of really of interest to those wanting to learn more about yoga. With that premise, the product does work at being an informational tool and is more flexible to use than a traditional book or manual. If you can pick the product up for a reasonable price and this is a subject that interests you, then Let’s Yoga is an interesting addition to the range of Nintendo DS titles that are available.

(also on dooyoo under same user name) 

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