Just Dance 4

The Gold Standard for Motion-Controlled Rhythm Games

Originally released on Wii, Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, and Wii U, Just Dance 4 is generally considered to be one of the best games in the entire series. Featuring enhanced visuals, an expanded workout mode in Just Sweat, and a well-rounded track list, fans of motion-controlled dancing games applaud it as one of the very best.

But how does it compare to more traditional rhythm games, such as Dance Dance Revolution or Guitar Hero? Can Just Dance 4 appeal to even hardcore rhythm gamers?

Bust a Move (or Two)

When you boil it down, Just Dance 4’s gameplay is actually pretty simple. Upon choosing a song from the game’s forty plus song track list, players are presented with one of the series’ iconic dancers, who performs a choreographed dance routine for that specific song. Players must use their motion device of choice (whether it’s a Wii Remote, Kinect, or PlayStation Move) to imitate the routine, earning points as they bust moves in time with the music. Once the routine is over, players are then awarded stars based on how well they performed.

It’s a simple system, but the unique choreography for each song adds a steep learning curve. Unlike other rhythm games, where an expert player can perfect a song on their first try, every song in Just Dance 4 requires its own techniques and timing, testing players on how well they can master a single routine rather than a universal set of skills. Experienced rhythm gamers may be put off by this at first, but if they accept that their first few runs through a song are going to be rough, they’ll come to appreciate the unique flavor each routine has to offer.

Keep the Party Going

While Just Dance 4 is mostly about embracing the experience and getting a good score, it also features a few systems to add replayability. “Mojo” tracks the player’s experience over time, rewarding them with alternate or extreme routines as they level up. Each song also has a selection of “Dance Quests,” achievements that challenge players to get star rankings or master certain parts of a routine. Completing all of a song’s Dance Quests will mark the song complete, adding further replayability for completionists.

Avoiding Party Stoppers

Just Dance 4’s motion controls are both its greatest strength and weakness. While they function well in fast, high-intensity routines, slower movements can keep certain devices (the Wii Remote) from responding correctly. This will be infuriating for certain kinds of gamers, but it can be adjusted to over time.

Final Verdict

Another slight issue involves the game’s pictographs, little icons that depict simplified versions of each move in the routine. They’re supposed to show how and when each dance move should be performed, but some dance moves don’t lend themselves well to them, requiring a bit more trial and error from the player than usual.

Pros:

• A Well-Rounded Track List
• A Robust Workout Mode
• Good Replayability (Mojo & Dance Quests)

Cons:

• Motion Controls Aren’t Entirely Consistent
• A Massive Learning Curve for New Players