Just Dance 2020

In my personal opinion, I find this game to be extremely fun and a convenient way to get exercise. Catchy songs, fun dance steps, etc. However, I have been reading other parent reviews that have been stating that this game is "oversexualized." I really just wanted to point out that if there is a movement or dance step that you really aren't comfortable with doing, there's nothing stopping you from simply skipping that step. The only thing that will happen will be a slight decrease in points. But overall I really love Just Dance and will continue to play their games in the future!

Overall I love this game and the kids do as well. For our family the Pros totally outweigh the cons. I was a dancer for a long time, so I suspect I may be a bit more critical of some parts of this game that an average person may not. I also tend to be a heavy on the critique of everything. I don't give 4 stars lightly though. Pros: - This game is super fun and a refreshing change to zoned out video games. Colorful, fun, and upbeat! - I love that my kids want to play this and do all the moves. - There are a variety of songs, but most are upbeat and a good addition of silly songs/moves. - Many dance styles mixed and varried. - Lots of international flavor -- Songs in French, Spanish, Korean (?), etc. International dance influences are apparent too -- Bollywood style, tribal elements, African dance, classical, pop, hiphop, etc. - Dances are labeled easy through advanced. You can unlock new songs by completing and leveling up with dances. - Totally could be used as a workout tool! There are some drawbacks however. Most of them though aren't big enough to not use the game for us. More like, hey game makers, improve the game a bit! Cons for us: - Although there is a variety of music, it's not top 10 Pop music. A deal with Now That's What I Call Music would be good. Certainly there's a lack of HipHop, R& B, Rap, etc. You basically have to go through the whole Katy Perry discography before you advance. - Some of the dances have awkward choreography. (Think of the whitest, white man that can't dance that you know...and him *trying* to do the Carlton dance from Fresh Prince.) Some of that is great for fun and comedic value; for me there was too much. The wiki on this game says it was designed to give the average person some moves when they go out....but honesty, I doubt it's being used for that purpose. If so, they're gonna need different moves. I'd say it's time for a new focus group. - We want more HipHop. But choreographed by a HipHop expert....not a general dance person. - Why do you have to level up to unlock Skin tones? Um No. Not okay. Also, Why are all the dancers in the graphics displayed as white? Come on.... - Many of the games do have sexually suggestive moves. I'm listing this as a con since I'm not personally *totally* comfortable with my young girls moving like this. But, I also recognize part of that is my own biases and upbringing. Americans tend to be a bit prudish in this regard. And, there is a wide variance of acceptable movement among cultures. I want to raise sexually healthy humans. Shaming/ skipping parts doesn't aid in that goal I believe. For our family, some of the dances warrant a discussion, analyzing, and learning about why those movements may feel more natural or less sexual in other cultures. If you're super conservative, religious, or have strong feelings about sexual movements, you should preview. - There's a weird doll thing going on with almost all of the female dances. It feels a bit like Japanese dolls. And, also a bit sexist/ toxic male. AKA, my 9 year old pointed out that the version where you play against people world wide all the positive votes were for the dances with sexy women. - I wish the game had an 'expert' level (perhaps the paid subscription has more complex dances.) - Single player mode should allow for holding both controllers. - Some of the dances seem right arm heavy. (Perhaps using both controllers would help aid in better left arm usage.) I plan to use this game to add in a mix to my workout routine, but I want to make sure that other half of my body isn't lacking. **I went back and looked up where/why this game was made as I suspected it wasn't in the US based on the choreography. It was developed in Paris & Milan which I think helps explain differences in movements and sexual comfort levels. I'd love a US version with a little less doll aesthetic for the women, more gender diversity,