Developers for every platform should recognize that Dance Dance Revolution (DDR) has set the standard for dance games, just as Guitar Hero and Rock Band define the genre of music simulation games. So when I slipped the Just Dance disc into my Wii, when I saw there was no integration with my dance pad, that it used only a Wiimote (not even a nunchuk?), I was skeptical.
My worries were hardly quieted by the bare bones packaging, for while we've all been told not to judge a game by its cover, it's pretty much globally accepted that we all do anyway. I am wary of any game that hasn't invested a minimum of effort into appearances. For me, this was at the very least another hurdle for the game to overcome, and without the aid of Wii-accessories, it's hard to believe it could make such a giant leap.
I won't say it cleared the hurdle, but it didn't quite fall flat on its face either.
Just Dance is not a competitor for DDR or similar games. This is a dance simulation in title only. A far better classification puts Just Dance in the same playing field as workout videos. While there is some attempt at skill requirements, of racing to match the moves of the on-screen character, the greater use of the game seems to be to get players moving, sweating, and in my case, wheezing for my inhaler.
My measure of a good workout is how quickly it gives me an asthma attack, and this title clocks in at an admirable two-and-a-half minutes. The measure of a good game on the other hand, is, at least for the Wii, enjoyment, and Just Dance shattered my expectations by being far more enjoyable than DDR.
The music is an unapologetic mash-up of fast-paced hits as incongruous as “Girls Just Wanna Have Fun” and “Who Let the Dogs Out.” They are the type of songs that you don't have to admit you like to enjoy dancing along to. Consequently, it beats out the first DDR Hottest Party release, which is made up of remixes in an R&B dance club style, a style that I happen to detest. There may be 50 songs on the DDR disk (still not enough to my mind), but there are only a handful I can stomach, which limited my desire to play, particularly since half of them seem to be inexplicably slow. Just Dance songs are easily recognizable, and even if I don't especially like each one (or any), none are so excruciatingly painful that they detract from the gameplay. In fact, all of them are lively and fun to spaz to. Adding to the fun factor, the game gives lyrics along the top of the screen, so if I ever manage to catch my breath (unlikely) I could sing along, assuming I'm completely alone in the house. This is exactly the kind of fun you hope no one ever puts on YouTube. From an athletic point of view, the player is given an option of long or short versions before each song, which is a nice shortcut for the desperately out of shape, though it would be better if this choice could be pre-set in the options rather than interrupting gameplay. The biggest problem with music in Just Dance is simply the small number of tracks. The “more than” 30 songs featured will quickly get old, which could well cut off pleasure more quickly than any of the game's other shortcomings.
Article comments
— go to most recent comments1 - tmel18
I am interested in purchasing Just Dance for my Wii and I just wanted you to know that I found your review insightful and hilarious!
2 - Meagan
Thanks tmel! If you get it just try to find it for half price somewhere. $40 seems steep to me.
3 - chris
you answered my question, thanks
4 - Jenna
'Any good workout facilitates an asthma attack. Ours guaranteed 2.1/2 mins max'.
An advertising strapline to die for!
5 - Melanie
I bought this game for my teenage daughters and it's GREAT. It is very interactive and gives a new meaning to the word workout. Absolutely worth my $.
6 - abbie
I have it and it is class! I would recomend Womanizer as the first one, if your looking for a challange try Fame but if you want a good funny silly one try Surf'n Bird. A good 1970's one is That's The Way I Like It. Also try Hot 'n' Cold though it repeats every move. It is really good fun and exersise though by the time your finished, you will be soaking with sweat and so will your wii remote!!
7 - kate
OK, Abbie,I'll try Womanizer. I have it and I've been on Surf'n Bird and it is stupid.
8 - Ryan
I think it's stupid. Why do girls
want to prance about like that? It's cheesy.
9 - Alyssa
how do you add other players? It doesn't really tell you in the manual and I've tried everything! I've been wanting to play with friends but I can't cause I don't know how to
10 - Margot
Iknow how u add other people! Just hit on quick play and choose a song.Then it should come up to choose Short Version or Full Version. Then there are four squares, your icon in one of them. then get your friend to hold a remote and make them press A and B. Then their icon will apear and that will be you! Two or more people! (four maximum)
11 - Daphne
It is a good game. It was so worth my money!
though it is a bit wick due 2 the fact that only four people can play together. I have seven friends, not counting me and we all wnat to play it at the same time. And it is scamming you, if u ask me because on the TV about fifty people are playing together!!
12 - Claudia
It's OK. It is a bit embarassing cuz my friend keeps videoing me!
13 - JACKSON5
Get drunk...trust me, its alot more fun :)
and uhhh, is there any way to unlock more songs, they're getting old :
14 - BarneyRubble
That only works with 2 players Margot, I think this game is a con because you can't add more than 2 players.
15 - Stargirl
Eight of us (male & female 30-somethings) took turns playing this game (four people at a time) at our New Year's party last night and it was a blast. The points system can get a bit annoying (it isn't always obvious why one person is getting more points than another) but that was a minor detail considering the ridiculously good time we had playing the game. We had a rather uninhibited group (alcohol helps) so everyone went full out and had fun with it. If your friends are reserved and worried about embarassing themselves, this isn't the party game for you. Also keep in mind for 4 people to play at once, you need 4 Wii remotes (have your friends bring their remotes with them). As far as I'm concerned, $40 for one night of fun is more than worth the money. The fact that my kids can have fun with it, too, is a bonus!
16 - Bobbie
I just bought the just dance I can add any addtl players someone help. we have pushed a&b and 1&2 neither options work. any suggestions....
17 - Carcar
I can't add players...I have tried everything suggested...I know our remote is working because we switched to another game and it worked...any suggestions??
18 - GyldenGal
And had problems with the adding players too.
I found out that I had to register the remotes in the Wii start up menu. After that there is no problem :)
19 - Bobbie
okay after trying to make it work for 2 days. I finally found out that I had to resync my remotes. so if your having trouble adding players just dance Turn your wii off and unplug it from the wall for about 10 sec. then hit the red sync button under the white lid for about 15 sec. then on each remote hit the reset button under the batteries to see the lights flash and hit sync quickly once and it will number your remote repeat until you add all remotes. My works perfect now.
20 - Quinn
Greatt Greaat Game! i just got this yesterday and its aVery good workout. The only problem is , is that you'll probably have to take a lot of breaks bcus it wears you out. But Still very fun!
21 - Pollyanna
Great review! We got this for Christmas and had a blast with it. It's nothing fancy, but fun nonetheless. It's perfect for families - even my four year old likes to play! Hopefully, they come up with a way to add songs.
22 - Marilyn
Loved reading your review! It was helpful and very humorous. I hope I like Just Dance as much!
23 - sccoby
how do you get more music for the game
24 - sassy
Thank u bobbie! i was rady 2 throw my game out the window!
25 - Fred
I love this game, as well as my wife.
we are not gamers, I don't like Mario games, I can't play Rock Band, and I hate COD.
but we, non-gamers also have right to play games! and we are usually the people who can decide which game a family can buy.
I think from my point, core-gamers can understand why this game gets so low score in almost all the gamer web sites, but still beat COD off the top.
I gave this game a score 9, and, for sure, I bought it!