Bests & Worsts Reviews from Amazon

I have kept up with the Just Dance series from the beginning and own almost all of them to date – Parts 1, 2, 3, 4, Summer Party, Greatest Hits, ABBA, Michael Jackson, JD2014, JD2015, JD2016, JD2017, JD2018, JD2019, JD2020– and now JD2021. Not only are they incredibly fun, but they also serve as my primary workout regime. In 2012 I had cancer surgery which kept me off my feet for some time, and Just Dance really helped me bounce back and lose upwards of 60 pounds that first year with very little modification to my diet. I continued to dance literally every single day for about three years, resulting in not only a slimmer, more toned body, but I also FELT better than ever. Unfortunately, after my cancer resurfaced in 2016, the ensuing surgeries and permanent nerve damage have prevented me from exercising on the level I used to, but I do still like to pop these games in a few times a week and was happy to pick up the latest. But enough of my sob story. I only wanted to mention these things now so any criticisms I might make come off as more credible and not just the rantings of a casual player who simply can't keep up with the steps or hold the controller properly. Trust me, I know these games inside out by now, lol. I will try to avoid writing my usual thesis – but no promises, lol – and just say that, in short, JD2021 is a decent-to-good installment of the series. In terms of interface and gameplay it’s about the same as the last few entries, which I think is a good thing because it finally found a format that works. I used to dread popping in a new game each year and re-learning how to navigate the damn thing, lol, but if you have played any Just Dance game in the last five years or so this will look familiar to you. The motion tracking on the Switch joy-con is fair, though some simple and straightforward moves such as pointing your hand to the sky or turning around in a circle still fail to register on occasion, and the graphics are colorful and fluid and you get to play as a variety of whimsical characters. There are also a ton of new player icons, titles, and artwork to unlock if you’re so inclined. The Just Sweat and World Dance Floor modes return, as well as a small selection of songs geared toward small children specifically. (And I’m sorry, I may be 38, but that Alphabet Song remix is dope.) My only sorta-gripe is with the choreography itself, which this time around seems to rely more on bizarre hand posing rather than actual footwork and movement. As a single player just looking to stay fit I don’t necessarily feel like I’m benefitting from much of a workout as I do with previous titles, though it might still be fun for small groups and gatherings. As with every new Just Dance game in recent years, you also get a free 30-day trial of Just Dance Unlimited, which is basically an online database of over 500 tracks from games past, though a Ubisoft Club account is mandatory to access it. Regarding Unlimited, I strongly advise disregarding any 1-star review which tries to tell you this is an “incomplete” game. You get 40-ish songs on the cartridge, which is more or less the standard and quite reasonable for the retail price point. What you’re paying extra money to access, and is completely optional, is access to almost every song from previous Just Dance games. It’s an entirely different service unto itself and absolutely nothing in this game is locked behind a paywall. Please, please educate yourself before making (or buying into) such claims. I do happen to subscribe to Unlimited on top of continuing to purchase the new physical game releases every year, and find it completely worth it. Like I said, I try to dance several times a week, if my body is up for it. The tracklist itself will be hit or miss depending who you ask. Each year it gets a little less mainstream with heavy emphasis on world music and underground techno beats, which is not necessarily a complaint for me but I can see why others may be disappointed. That said, there is still a pretty good selection here of popular radio tracks from the likes of Harry Styles, Ariana Grande, Lady Gaga, and even Eminem. (Personally I would have liked more 80s and 90s music.) All in all I think JD 2021 is a solid entry in the series, embodying the fun and whimsy of the earlier games but with a modern polish that doesn’t compromise the gameplay itself. (For a few games there is was SO stylized to the point where you couldn’t even see what your dancer was supposed to be doing.) At this point I really just appreciate that they keep making these games at all and continue to appeal to a wide range of demographics. So, whether your goal is to shed a few pounds or just goof around for a few minutes, everyone should find at least one thing here to love.