Dance Central 2
Dance Central 2
Did we miss something on diversity?
Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by suggesting a diversity update.
Suggest an Update
A Lot or a Little?
The parents' guide to what's in this game.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that Dance Central 2 is the follow-up to one of 2010's most popular Kinect for Xbox 360 games, with a focus on teaching players contemporary dance moves. Some of those moves might be a bit too suggestive for young players -- just as some of the song lyrics will walk the line with parents. More offensive lines (such as those in Lady Gaga "Bad Romance") have been edited out, though. While it carries a "T" rating, the game is relatively tame compared to similarly rated titles.
Community Reviews
Entertaining
Report this review
Lots of fun but not for kids. Rated T for good reason!
Report this review
What’s It About?
Dance Central 2 takes all the fun of the original game and miraculously builds on it. Designed, once again, to work exclusively with Kinect for Xbox 360, the game monitors how well you mimic onscreen dance moves and scores you appropriately. There's no real story to speak of (though the barest bones of one are painted on as a framework). Instead, the game is meant for social gatherings. This installment also supports in-room multiplayer (something the original didn't), letting two players dance cooperatively or face off in a dance battle.
Is It Any Good?
Even if you have the grace of a spastic camel, you can't help but have fun with Dance Central 2. The game is forgiving for beginners, challenging for experts, and features a terrific lineup of songs (ranging from Lady Gaga to Justin Bieber to Usher to Sir Mix-a-lot). This year's inclusion of co-op and multiplayer challenge modes adds more depth to the game and is guaranteed to make it more of a party standard.
The game introduces plenty of new moves and is loaded with 44 new songs. Players of the original game can import that game's original 32 songs in as well for 400 Microsoft points (about $5). The original Dance Central was a must-have game last year. This sequel is miles ahead of its predecessor -- and could well be the best Kinect game on the market.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about which dance moves they like the most -- and whether they're appropriate for the children's age.
Families can also discuss the additional benefits of dancing, such as fitness.
Game Details
- Platform: Xbox 360
- Subjects: Arts: choreography, dance, rhythm
- Skills: Health & Fitness: exercise, gross motor skills, Creativity: imagination, making new creations
- Available online?: Not available online
- Publisher: Microsoft
- Release date: October 25, 2011
- Genre: Music & Dance
- ESRB rating: T for Lyrics
- Last updated: August 29, 2016
Our Editors Recommend
For kids who love music and rhythm games
Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.
See how we rate