Just Dance Series: The Evolution of Dance Games

Just Dance Series

Just Dance is a dance video game series developed by Ubisoft and released in 2009. This game offers a movement-based dance experience with a wide range of music, providing a fun activity for both individual players and groups. Just Dance has carved out a unique place in the gaming world by offering a digital way to enjoy dancing and having fun with music.

Just Dance (2009)

Just Dance is notable as a groundbreaking production released by Ubisoft in 2009 that revolutionized the world of dance games. This game not only provides entertainment but also promotes an active lifestyle. Just Dance stands out with its easy-to-understand gameplay, wide range of songs, and colorful visuals. Now, let’s delve into the details of Just Dance, its gameplay mechanics, music selections, and overall experience.

Just Dance is a rhythm and movement game designed for those who love to dance. Players earn points by mimicking the dance figures displayed on the screen and try to achieve the highest score for each song. The aim is to ensure that players have fun while moving and to promote physical activity.

Gameplay Mechanics

Just Dance appeals to a broad audience with its simple and understandable gameplay mechanics. Players use the Wii Remote or other motion-sensing devices to mimic the dance moves on the screen. Players earn points when each move is performed correctly. The game provides feedback by evaluating the accuracy and timing of the movements.

Motion Detection

• Motion Detection Technology: Just Dance uses motion detection technology to determine whether players are performing the dance figures correctly. It is compatible with various devices such as Wii Remote, Kinect, and PlayStation Move.
• Dance Cards: The dance cards displayed on the screen show players which moves to perform and when. These cards are shown in a specific order according to the rhythm and choreography of the song.
• Multiplayer Mode: Just Dance allows you to have fun with friends and family in multiplayer mode. Multiple people can dance simultaneously and compete for the highest score.

The first game released in 2009 features songs selected from various music genres such as pop, rock, and hip-hop. The game includes both current hits and classic dance tracks, allowing players to dance along to their favorite songs.

Music Selections

• Licensed Songs: Just Dance offers players the opportunity to dance to tracks by original artists using licensed songs.
• Choreographies: Each song comes with special dance routines prepared by professional choreographers. These choreographies are designed to match the rhythm and spirit of the song.

Just Dance is noted for its colorful and vibrant visuals. The game’s interface is designed for players to easily understand and follow. The dance cards and characters on the screen guide players in performing the correct moves.

Graphics and Visual Design

• Character Design: The dancers in the game are stylized and colorful characters. These characters are equipped with costumes and accessories suitable for the theme of each song.
• Backgrounds and Effects: Just Dance offers different backgrounds and visual effects for each song. Lights, colors, and animations make players feel like they’re on the dance floor.

Just Dance helps players improve their dance skills by providing instant feedback. Whether each movement is performed correctly is displayed on the screen and reflected in the players’ scores.

Scoring System

• Scoring: Players earn points for each correct move, and these points are displayed as total score at the end of the song.
• Rewards and Achievements: Just Dance offers players various rewards and achievements. These rewards allow players to progress in the game and unlock new content.

Just Dance 2 (2010)

Just Dance 2 is a production released by Ubisoft in 2010 that brought a new breath to the dance game genre. Following the success of the first game, Just Dance 2 managed to attract the attention of dance enthusiasts with its renewed features, expanded song list, and improved gameplay mechanics.

Gameplay and Innovations

Just Dance 2 is a rhythm game where players earn points by mimicking fun and lively dance figures. Players follow the moves displayed on the screen using the Wii Remote. The aim is to achieve the highest score by performing the most accurate moves until the end of the song.

New Features

• New Dance Cards: Just Dance 2 offers clearer and easier-to-follow dance cards.
• Improved Motion Detection: The game uses the Wii Remote’s motion detection technology more accurately, allowing for more precise detection of players’ dance moves.
• Multiplayer Mode: Just Dance 2 supports multiplayer for up to four players.
• JustSweat Mode: This mode allows players to have fun while exercising and aims to burn calories.

Just Dance 2 offers a wide and diverse range of music, appealing to players of all ages and tastes. The game includes songs from genres such as pop, rock, hip-hop, R&B, and many more.

Just Dance 3 (2011)

Just Dance 3 is a groundbreaking production released by Ubisoft in 2011 that builds upon the success of the first two games. This game is filled with various innovations to provide dance enthusiasts with an unforgettable experience.

Innovative Features

• Kinect and Move Support: Just Dance 3 appeals to a wide audience with support for Kinect and PlayStation Move.
• New Dance Modes: Offers new modes that make the dance experience more varied.
• Dance Competitions and Cooperative Modes: Provides competitive and cooperative modes that you can play with your friends in addition to individual performances.

Just Dance 3 offers players a wide selection of music. Each type of song adds color to the dance floor with different rhythms and tempos.

Just Dance 4 (2012)

Just Dance 4, as the fourth installment in Ubisoft’s dance game series, was released in 2012, bringing energetic innovations to the dance floor.

Features and Modes

• JustSweat Mode: A mode that allows players to exercise in a fun way.
• Battle Mode: Enables players to compete against each other.
• Demo Mode and World DanceFloor: Provides an opportunity to try out new songs.

Just Dance 4 stands out with its stunning visuals and dynamic sound design. It includes many visual and auditory details that make your dance experience more lively and engaging.

Just Dance 2014 (2013)

Just Dance 2014 was released in 2013 as the latest installment in Ubisoft’s popular dance series. This version is equipped with an expanded song list, innovative game modes, and fresh visual designs.

New Modes and Features

• World DanceFloor Mode: Allows real-time dancing and comparing your performance with others.
• On-Stage Mode: Highlights group dance performances.
• JustDance Controller App: Enables the use of smartphones as dance controllers.

Just Dance 2014 enhances your dance experience with its visual and auditory design.

Just Dance 2015 (2014)

Just Dance 2015 is an innovative version of Ubisoft’s globally popular dance series released in 2014. This game aims to offer dance enthusiasts a fresh experience.

Unique Details and Innovations

• DanceQuests Mode: Offers various tasks aimed at improving dance skills.
• WarmUp Feature: Designed to warm up muscles before starting to dance.
• Community Remix Mode: Allows players to record and share their dance performances.

Just Dance 2015 has a wide music range that appeals to every music lover.

Just Dance 2016 (2015)

Just Dance 2016 is an innovative installment in Ubisoft’s popular dance series, released in 2015 to provide a fresh experience for players.

Features and Modes

• DanceParty Mode: Targets large dance groups.
• DanceQuests Mode: Allows you to earn points by completing specific dance tasks for each song.
• Community Remix Feature: Enables community members to create and share their dance performances.

Just Dance 2016 stands out with its impressive visual and auditory design.

Just Dance 2017 (2016)

Just Dance 2017 is the innovative version of Ubisoft’s beloved dance series, engaging music and dance lovers in 2016. This version enriches the dance experience with innovative features.

Innovative Features

• DanceParty Mode: Offers enjoyable group games with friends and family.
• JustDanceUnlimited Service: Provides hundreds of additional songs and dance choreographies.
• Fitness Mode: Transforms dance into an exercise opportunity.

Just Dance 2017 presents a wide and diverse music list, appealing to every kind of music lover.

Just Dance 2018 (2017)

Just Dance 2018, as the latest release in Ubisoft’s dance series, aims to provide players with a dance experience they have never encountered before. This new version promises a unique experience for dance enthusiasts with its expanded song list, innovative game modes, and enhanced performance tracking.

Features and Modes

• Kids Mode: A special mode that children can play safely.
• Double Rumble Mode: Allows performing different dance moves with two Joy-Con controllers.
• DanceLab: Gives players the opportunity to create their own dance choreographies.

Just Dance 2018 offers a wide song list that appeals to every music lover.

Just Dance 2019 (2018)

Just Dance 2019, as the latest and most exciting installment in Ubisoft’s popular dance game series, offers dance enthusiasts a brand new experience. This version elevates the joy of dancing with both a wide range of music and improved game modes.

Features and Innovations

• All Stars Mode: Provides a special journey that reminds players of the previous games in the series.
• Customizable Interface: Allows users to customize the game interface according to their personal tastes.
• New Level System: Allows detailed tracking of dance skills.

Just Dance 2019 offers a wide and diverse song list that appeals to every type of music taste.

Just Dance 2020 (2019)

Just Dance 2020 is released as a special edition for the tenth anniversary of Ubisoft’s iconic dance game series, offering dance enthusiasts a memorable experience with its rich music list, innovative modes, and enhanced graphical details.

Features and Innovations

• Rich Music List: Filled with hit songs.
• Cultural Diversity: Covers various music genres from around the world.
• All-Stars Mode: Offers a special mode celebrating the past 10 years.

Just Dance 2020 keeps players engaged with continuously updated content and community events.

Just Dance 2021 (2020)

Ubisoft’s groundbreaking dance series Just Dance reopens its doors to dance enthusiasts with Just Dance 2021. This version stands out with its innovative features aimed at maximizing the energy of music and the excitement of dance, alongside a wide music range and impressive visual experiences.

Features and Game Modes

• Popular Hits: Contains hit songs.
• Cultural and Genre Diversity: Brings together different music genres.
• Quick Play Mode: Offers a fast and fun dance experience.

Just Dance 2021 enriches the dance experience with stunning visual effects and high-quality sound design.