Common Sense Media Review
By Marc Saltzman
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Better than original, but lots of suggestive songs, moves.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 10+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Play
Videos and Photos
Just Dance 2
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 10 parent reviews
Based on 47 kid reviews
Kids say this game is a significant improvement over the first version and offers a fun way to get active, but there are concerns about the appropriateness of some songs and dance routines for younger audiences. While many enjoy the broader song selection and fun multiplayer experience, some reviews caution about suggestive lyrics and movements, suggesting it's best suited for older kids, ideally 11 and up.
- fun and active
- age appropriateness
- song selection
- multiplayer experience
- suggestive content
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
What's It About?
Ubisoft's surprise hit game from '09 -- which went on to sell more than four million copies -- is back on the Nintendo Wii with JUST DANCE 2, a sequel that adds even more fun. As with last year's version, you hold the Wii Remote and dance away to 40+ dance hits from yesterday and today -- ranging from the Jackson 5, James Brown and Blondie to Rihanna, Katy Perry and Kesha. Choreographed by real experts, the onscreen silhouettes dance to each track and you must try to mirror their movements. You're then graded on your performance. Along with all-new songs, this year's game adds new twists including a 4-person dance-off contest (for up to 8 players), dance duets (stand side-by-side in front of the television and play cooperatively or competitively) and other modes.
Is It Any Good?
Female tweens should especially enjoy Just Dance 2 for its great music, accessible controls, and emphasis on social play. The music spans a wider range of genres this time around, and there's the option to download even more songs, if desired. A new Party Mode plays one song after the next, so there's no need to press anything.You can also go into the Settings and turn on the "Sweat Meter," which counts the calories you're burning (similar to a Dance Dance Revolution feature, but here there's no mat to step on). While some might argue Just Dance 2 isn't really a game -- it's a dancing simulation -- it's a fun night in for kids who love music and dancing.
Online interaction: There is no online multiplayer mode but you can download additional songs, such as Katy Perry's hit single, "Firework" -- which is a free download. Future downloadable expansions will not be free, though.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the trend of games that help you stay fit and lose weight. Just Dance 2, in fact, has an optional "Sweat Meter" that monitors how many calories you're burning. It's important for kids (and adults) to exercise and have fun at the same time -- and do it with friends and family, too. Should more games do this?
Families can also discuss the sexually suggestive dance moves in the game. Are these appropriate for children to be imitating? If families play the game together, do either parents or kids feel uncomfortable performing these moves in front of the others?
Game Details
- Platform : Nintendo Wii
- Pricing structure :
- Available online? : Available online
- Publisher : UbiSoft
- Release date : October 12, 2010
- Genre : Music & Dance
- ESRB rating :
- Award : Kids' Choice Award
- Last updated : May 5, 2024
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