Just Dance 2016 Review

Strictly for fans?

Just Dance seemingly remains somewhat of a phenomenon, with another yearly instalment coming out in time for Christmas. Does it do enough to bring returning players back or new players in?

Gameplay:

Just Dance 2016 has a number of new modes, but most of them seem a little half-baked, as if Ubisoft was trying to see what would stick. Most odd is ‘showtime’, which sort of allows you to create (and upload) your own music video, or sing karaoke to the tracks. It’s not scored, and beyond being a good way to embarrass yourself online, I don’t really see the purpose of it. Much better though is Dance Quest, a sort of ‘story’ mode that puts together some curated playlists, then sticks you in a competition against some AI players.

There’s 17 different playlists, and three difficulty levels so it does add in a little bit of longevity for people who prefer a more structured play experience. I certainly found it the best way to play, as someone who prefers not just to be dumped into menus and left to their own devices. Menu navigation is much improved this year as the game allows you to use a controller (finally). I don’t have a problem with Kinect for gameplay, but I do hate using it for menus.

It’s the track list that really disappoints though. Normally, Just Dance’s popularity has come from using the latest hits from pop stars the world over. Yet in Just Dance 2016, only 8 of the 40-plus songs were released in 2015, whilst some are years and years old, making you wonder how they were chosen. There’s also a high proportion of ‘joke’ songs that aren’t really any fun to dance along to. I don’t personally listen to pop music (although it doesn’t offend me), but even then it seems weird that songs by the Black Eyed Peas and Britney Spears that were released ages ago apparently a) haven’t made it into the game before or b) why they have only now been chosen for inclusion.

The cynical part of me might suggest that it’s all a big con, designed to get you to subscribe to Just Dance Unlimited, the new streaming service that adds another 150 tracks to the playlist currently (you get a free month in the box). But that would be taking things too far; the subscription service seems a better idea than the previously pricey single pieces of DLC and with (an albeit much more expensive) monthly option, is also pretty useful for if you ever have a party and fancy playing some Just Dance.