The sequel to EA Sports Active , EA Sports Active 2 adds new exercises, workout plans, and brings the series to the Wii console alongside the Xbox360 and PS3.
The major inclusion to Active 2 is a wireless heart rate monitor worn on the arm. The player's heart rate is displayed on the screen along with five activity targets giving encouragement to faster rates (for pushing themselves harder). The heart rate monitor is not meant to be a safety device, and workouts do not appear to change in any way based on its readings.
Active 2 's major change from the previous title is to move away from using handheld sensors to track activity. The PS3 and Wii versions include additional wireless sensors worn on the arm and leg ("Total Body Tracking" system), while the Xbox360 version uses only the heart rate monitor and the Kinect to track movement. All three platforms thus allow players to freely use hand weights and perform floor exercises - two limitations of the first game.
Players can choose from three week or nine week programs. These programs are rigidly guided systems that track players through the range of weeks selected. Four exercises are scheduled per week, and the contents of each session are preset by unspecified fitness experts. The game also encourages filling out an in-game journal, inviting the user to fill in eating habits, weight, hours slept, and additional activity outside of the program.
Each workout session has a warm-up and cool down period with various stretches. Floor exercises include push-ups, sit-ups, and more stretches. Minigames are also used as part of the exercises, such as basketball, mountain biking, and boxing. Additional games like dodge ball and soccer are available on Xbox/Kinect, while Balance Board games are exclusive to Wii.
The Wii version is limited to one player. The 360 supports up to two players locally. The 360 and PS3 versions include online multiplayer, allowing two players to perform the same workout session at the same time. Players can also track and share their workouts from the web, as well as join a "Workout Group" for total group goals.
EA Sports Active 2 was released on November 16, 2010, for the Wii, Xbox360, and PS3 consoles.