I would give this game 5 stars if I didn't have to hold down the grip button, or if there was an option to not have to hold it. I don't understand why swinging arms couldn't be enough and I struggle holding grip down for that long, so it's an accessibility issue.

I go all-out in *Thrill of the Fight*, but I lose control and burn out within two minutes (I should probably be too embarrassed to admit that). *Sportvida*, on the othe
r hand, keeps my exertion sustainable without hitting the wall. I hesitate to say it beats *Les Mills BodyCombat* and that other subscription based offering... but honestly, *Sportvida* outshines them all.

I was hooked after the free trial.

UPDATE: When I first played Sportvida, I provided some suggestions to the dev team. Looks like they delivered! They added new modes to include race mode, which is just the tracks with no obstacles!! So excited to see this! Thanks, devs!!

I very much enjoyed Sportvida. The tutorial was thorough and helpful. Take your time with the tutorial and practice mode on easy. I was able to grasp the movement quite quickly and pleasantly surprised how awesome it felt to skate. I didn’t even experience any motion sickness but it takes rollercoasters in VR to make me sick (intense comfort). The comfort rating for Sportvida is “moderate” to compare. Check out my YT video @misschiefvr for demo gameplay.

I enjoy the sensation of speed you get in this game. I really currently have only one issue and that is the need to continously press down buttons to run. If running is continous holding down buttons while swinging your arms seems superflous.

**My Mini Guide for an Easier Start**

Sportvida – An Intense VR Fitness Game with a Steep Learning Curve
Sportvida is a unique VR workout game that takes you on a neon-lit racetrack in space. However, the controls require skill, and motion sickness can be a significant challenge for some players.

The game tracks your movement direction through your gaze, but I recommend adding real-world motions, such as leaning and looking, to enhance the natural connection between your physical actions and the virtual environment. This approach makes the controls more intuitive for your brain to process.

# First Stage: Mastering Movement Mechanics

1. Focus on Basics First:
Start with the tutorial, which introduces the core movement mechanics. Stick to basic movement before tackling targets.

2. Practice in the Main Menu:
In the main menu, you’ll find three campaigns on the left: *“Punch,” “Slash,”* and *“Ram.”* On the right, select the "Easy" practice mode. You can choose between tracks or tracks with targets. Once you’re confident, turn off practice mode to compete on the leaderboards.

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*Tips for Reducing Motion Sickness*

- Take Small Steps:
Begin with short sessions and gradually increase your playtime. Your body needs time to adjust to the new movement mechanics.
- Sensory Focus:
- Eat something with a strong flavor, like a piece of orange or citrus candy, to shift focus from nausea. Be cautious not to choke while playing.
- A drop of citrus oil on a cotton pad nearby can help through scent.
- Ventilation Matters:
Use a fan to blow cool air on your face, simulating a sense of real-world motion and reducing dizziness.
- Start Simple:
Practice on straight tracks first, and tackle curves or loops only once you feel more confident.

*Tips for Balance and Coordination*

- Practice Sitting or Kneeling:
If standing feels overwhelming, start by practicing arm movements and leaning while seated or kneeling. This reduces balance-related challenges.
- Use a Small Carpet as Orientation Aid:
A round carpet or mat can help you stay in place and avoid unintentional movements.
- Controlled Movements Over Speed:
Avoid rushing. Smooth, deliberate movements improve your balance and help you master the mechanics faster.

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# Second Stage: Campaign Mode

Once you’ve chosen a campaign mode, focus on both speed and gameplay elements like smashing targets or mastering squats while making use of practice mode. Each completed level opens up new ones, continuing your fitness journey.
Remember: Nobody expects perfection. Progress comes with practice, and every little improvement is a victory.

Sportvida is not for the impatient, but perseverance rewards you with a truly immersive fitness experience. Whether you’re new to VR or a seasoned player, every bit of progress matters. With the right mindset, you’ll unlock the full potential of this game.

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*Why I Wrote This Review*
I decided to rewrite my first review to help new players overcome movement challenges.

I purchased the game myself and have no connection to the developers – just a regular VR fitness enthusiast who loves trying out new fitness games. Over several days, I completed all available levels in the early access version (1.5.40, January 2025).

I genuinely enjoyed the variety Sportvida offers. My usual fitness routine spans a large library of rhythm-based games, from note-cutting and rhythmic boxing to target punching and wall-dodging – even dancing! Sportvida integrates many of these concepts into different racing modes in a fresh, challenging way.

Unfortunately, based on the limited leaderboard activity and negative reviews, it’s clear this great game is struggling to gain traction. It would be a shame to see such potential go unrealized.

Remember, be kind to yourself, have fun, and enjoy the journey to a fitter you!

——
Original first review:

Sportvida is an intense VR workout game where players race along a floating, neon-lit track in space, competing against time. Its retro cyber aesthetic with glowing elements adds to the futuristic vibe. Currently, the game supports only English and Chinese languages and offers solo play.

Players run by swinging their arms to gain speed while navigating curves through sideways leaning and looking into the direction or physically turning for sharper angles. Smashing targets, dodging obstacles, and performing squats or other motions seems to contribute to the final score. The game also includes modes like “slash”, “boxing target” , or “ram” though I haven’t explored all of them yet.
While the tutorial introduces the basics, it lacks depth, leaving some mechanics unexplained and requiring trial-and-error learning during gameplay.

This game is challenging and not ideal for VR beginners. Rapid movements and constant turning may cause motion sickness, particularly for those new to intense VR experiences. Physical exertion also limits playtime.
If you’re comfortable with Synth Riders in spiral mode: wild, where directional control relies on shifting balance, you may find adapting to Sportvida easier. However, mastering the mechanics still demands effort and endurance.

Currently in early access (Version 1.5 - Jan 2025), not all modes and levels are available yet. Nonetheless, the existing content is promising, and I’m optimistic about its potential as a fitness game.
For those seeking an engaging way to get fit and tackle high-intensity challenges, Sportvida is worth trying. Its mix of racing, obstacle-dodging, and target smashing, it offers a fun full-body workout at your own pace, free from multiplayer stress.
Personal Tip: You don’t need a large play area. A small round carpet can help maintain orientation and prevent accidents during physical turns.

I did not quite get behind the physics of movement direction.
Its hard for me to get used to steering with my headsets direction, since we humans can walk in a direction while looking not straight forward.
I have the guess that often my eyes move instead of my head which makes steering more difficult.
I wonder if a crosshair could help by indicating the movement direction while enabling my eyes to look ahead on the track.
Another option would be a colored trajectory on the floor that shows the predicted path.