Common Sense Media Review
By Marc Saltzman
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Ideal for young King of Pop fans who enjoy dancing.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 10+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Play
Videos and Photos
Michael Jackson: The Experience
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 6 parent reviews
Based on 16 kid reviews
Kids say the game is enjoyable and appropriate for various ages, featuring classic music with easy dance moves, although it does contain some suggestive elements that may concern some parents. Despite this, many find the game fun for family entertainment and a good way to exercise, though some believe it lacks depth compared to other dance games.
- fun gameplay
- family friendly
- easy dance moves
- classic music
- suggestive elements
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
What's It About?
As you'd expect from a Michael Jackson game and the folks who brought us the successful Just Dance series, Ubisoft's MICHAEL JACKSON: THE EXPERIENCE is a dancing game that lets up to four players perform like the King of Pop, and are each graded on his or her performance. More than 25 of the late Jackson's hits are in the game, including "Billie Jean," "Beat It," Bad and "Black or White." While the music is authentically Michael, the onscreen dancer is a MJ lookalike who teaches you the moves, which you must mimic (and aided by onscreen arrows to follow). Other dancers are in the game, too, dancing against backdrops that resemble classic Michael Jackson videos such as "Remember The Time," "Thriller," "Bad," and "Don't Stop 'Til You Get Enough."
Is It Any Good?
Michael Jackson The Experience is great fun, but you must be a Michael Jackson fan who likes dancing to get anything out of this game. While listening to more than 25 of Michael's biggest songs, you can try and dance like him -- including doing his signature moonwalk, the zombie dance from "Thriller," "the lean" from "Smooth Criminal," and yes, grabbing one's crotch (ahem) -- and compete for high score with or without friends. Some might not like that this game doesn't star Michael but a choreographer who looks like him (down to his skin, clothing, and hair style). The game is very similar to Just Dance 2, but with Michael's music and imagery -- but what it lacks in ingenuity it makes up for in a good time. Some versions of the game include a sparkling glove, which might also be a treat for fans.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about whether Michael Jackson music, games, and other products should be released after MJ's passing.
Do you enjoy active gaming more than traditional gaming?
Game Details
- Platforms : Nintendo DS , Nintendo Wii , PSP , Xbox 360
- Pricing structure :
- Available online? : Not available online
- Publisher : UbiSoft
- Release date : November 23, 2010
- Genre : Music & Dance
- ESRB rating :
- Last updated : October 9, 2025
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