Just Dance 2014 is not necessarily about being accurate or precise; it is simply about getting up and having fun. This has been the base idea for all four previous iterations, and the current version follows that formula to a tee. Despite the short year since the last release, Just Dance 2014 provides enough new content and depth to make it worth adding to any fan’s collection. As with each annual version of the game, there are some new engaging features with the real draw being the updated track list. It includes a fairly sizeable roster of songs ranging from popular dance music of the ‘80s, all the way to today’s top hits. Classic songs such as Village People’s “Y.M.C.A.” are easy to follow, using moves that everyone (hopefully) has done at least once in their life. More recent songs, like Lady Gaga’s “Applause” or PSY’s “Gentleman” are there to keep the track list relevant and can actually be quite difficult.
In a first for the series, Just Dance 2014 features an online mode known as World Dance Floor. This might just be the game’s only mode that actually emphasizes competition. Global challenges that change daily and even hourly give the feeling that you are part of a larger Just Dance community. This makes it great for those forced to dance alone, still wanting to outperform others.
Just Sweat is the perfect dance workout without the pressure of a gym or elite Zumba class. Players can choose 10-, 20- or 40-minute dance workouts. The calorie counter is a new Just Sweat feature. After a song, each player’s burned calories are displayed beneath their scores. Calories burned are based on the physical exertion of the dancer throughout the routine. Now players can feel a lot better about the pizza they are enjoying at their Just Dance party.
On Stage mode is a new feature where players can either be front and center or shine as backup dancers. This mode is perfect for those who enjoy staying out of the spotlight. The choreography is just as involved. Depending on which song is chosen, players could be lifting each other into the air or climbing on top of each other. There is more at stake than the overall score. Players better hope their backup dancers are ready to catch them as they fall. Either way, the show must go on.
For some, singing may be more up their alley. Singing along earns the players bonus points. Thankfully, even the tone deaf players are granted points for effort, even if their friends may not be as supportive. Lyrics to the songs are always shown on the bottom left of the screen. That way you know just when to sing “I know you want it” to Robin Thicke’s “Blurred Lines.”
Aside from encouraging players to come back time and time again to learn the routines, the game also features a reward system for unlocking additional content. Every song is unlocked from the get-go, but a currency system can be used to unlock the ability to use that song in different modes. For example, the ability to play Katy Perry’s “I Kissed a Girl” in On Stage mode with backup dancers must be purchased using points that are earned after each performance. This provides a great incentive to keep playing, always working to unlock more.
Each song has its own preset difficulty, but players will likely never pay attention to that, let alone choose a song based on its difficulty level. The main appeal of such a casual dance game is choosing a song that you love and having crazy, embarrassing fun with it. Though the game does give each dancer a score for his or her performance, the scores are practically tucked away so as not to emphasize who is winning and who is losing. During the dances, each player is listed at the top of the screen, as well as the current number of stars each player has earned. Aside from that, there is no real way to distinguish if one player is outperforming another. But that just further emphasizes the core idea of “just” getting up to “dance” that has driven the franchise since its beginnings.
