Common Sense Media Review
By Marc Saltzman
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Dance to today's and yesterday's songs for fun and fitness.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 10+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Play
Videos and Photos
Just Dance 2014
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 7 parent reviews
Based on 14 kid reviews
Kids say the game is a fun and engaging way to get exercise and dance, suitable for all ages, despite some concerns about suggestive lyrics and themes that may not be fully appropriate for younger audiences. While many reviews emphasize its entertaining and energetic nature, others warn about certain songs containing references to alcohol and sexuality, although most of these are censored, making it more acceptable for family play.
- fun for all ages
- exercise motivation
- suggestive lyrics
- enjoyable with family
- lots of songs
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
What's It About?
Video games and exercise need not be mutually exclusive activities. Ubisoft's Just Dance series –- which now has sold more than 40 million copies worldwide -– encourages gamers to get up on their feet and dance to today's top hits (and some classics, too). The latest in the franchise is JUST DANCE 2014, available for all major console platforms -- and, soon, for Xbox One and PlayStation 4. As with its predecessors, the game challenges you to mimic moves of professional dancers to rack up as many points as possible. In other words, you're pretending to look in a mirror so you can copy the dancer's moves, in real time, as best as you can. The Xbox 360 version we tested works with the Kinect peripheral, so you don't have to hold anything in your hands to play as you do for the other consoles. Body moves are captured by the sensors and the camera to compare your rhythm against the on-screen men and women, who appear in front of an animated background. Your performance is graded at the top of the screen, while lyrics are at the bottom for those who want to glance down and follow along. Up to four people can step in front of the television at any time –- even during a song -- and they'll automatically join in on the fun.
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Is It Any Good?
Yes, the new tracks make it a fun pick -- and though it's not revolutionary, there are a couple of new additions to this year's Just Dance offering, including the first-ever online multiplayer mode. Called "World Dance Floor," it lets you dance with others, whether it's real-life friends or random Just Dance fans, and then compete on different themes such as "Boys vs. Girls." Less exciting, perhaps, is a new "On Stage" mode, wherein one dancer takes the lead and has two backup dancers along for the ride. Back again is the "Just Sweat" mode, where you can create a custom workout and the game will keep track of the calories burned.
As with last year's version, the camera just above or below the television will capture your dance moves (Xbox 360, PS3) and show you an entertaining video summary when you're done with each song. You can add special effects, save your performance, or share it online. The Wii U version, on the other hand, lets you capture video on the Wii U GamePad, if desired. Plus, it offers a "Party Master Mode," which lets someone use the Wii U GamePad to pick new songs, choose dance moves, and tap to initiate new challenges for the dancers. Without toying much with the formula, Ubisoft's Just Dance 2014 is a highly entertaining and family-friendly pick, especially given its huge roster of new songs.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Ubisoft has sold more than 40 million of these games so far. Why do you think this dance series is so popular?
Do you like getting exercise by playing video games? What are your favorites?
Game Details
- Platforms : Nintendo Wii , Nintendo Wii U , PlayStation 3 , PlayStation 4 , Xbox 360 , Xbox One
- Subjects : Arts : choreography , dance , movement
- Skills : Health & Fitness : body awareness , exercise , gross motor skills , movement , Self-Direction : effort , work to achieve goals , Tech Skills : using and applying technology , Thinking & Reasoning : memorization
- Pricing structure :
- Available online? : Available online
- Publisher : UbiSoft
- Release date : October 8, 2013
- Genre : Music & Dance
- Topics : Arts ( Music and Sing-Along )
- ESRB rating :
- Award : Kids' Choice Award
- Last updated : October 9, 2025
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