Just Dance 2022 for Switch Reviews
The creative developers at Ubisoft have absolutely outdone themselves this year in terms of visual effects, song choices, and choreographies.The creative developers at Ubisoft have absolutely outdone themselves this year in terms of visual effects, song choices, and choreographies. Many Just Dance fans’ prayers have been answered through the inclusion of several tracks that have been requested for years, especially fans of K-pop, who are able to dance to four new K-pop songs with their «official choreographies». However, in terms of modes and features that lie outside of the main game, the exact opposite is true. Those who have played the previous Just Dance entry, Just Dance 2021, will be quick to notice that the user interface has remained identical. In fact, it has not changed at all since its initial use in Just Dance 2019. Furthermore, there appears to be a lack of new gameplay modes within this installment, nor do modes introduced in previous games make a reappearance, such as Mash-Ups or Battle mode. Existing game modes, such as the World Dance Floor and Quick Play mode, are left completely unchanged. It’s also worth noting that the Kids mode, which has become a staple of the games since the 2018 entry, has not been updated either. Instead, dance routines created for earlier versions of Kids mode are simply reused. Another feature making a return is the gift machine, in which one can spend 150 coins, a reward gained by leveling up, to unlock various profile customization options such as avatars, skins, and titles, which are merely cosmetic. In previous entries, alternative dances to certain songs were available as a reward from the gift machine, but now, one must simply get a high enough score on those songs or play them enough times to unlock the alternatives. If you don’t really care about what your profile (or «Dancer Card» as it is called in game) looks like, there’s really no point.
The absence of fresh content within the Just Dance series has caused the new games themselves to become somewhat stale, as the only thing that is truly «new» about them nowadays is the selection of approximately forty songs included with the game (along with the alternative dances).
Sure, practicing to get every last «perfect» on the extreme dances and competing against others online for the best score is fun for a while, but once you have eventually mastered each dance and had your fun, you are left with little incentive to continue playing, that is, unless you purchase the Just Dance Unlimited subscription service, which the game reminds you of quite constantly. In my opinion, though, paying the yearly subscription (even only once) for the vast catalog of songs from previous entries is a pretty decent deal, especially for those who feel nostalgia for the previous games or for newcomers who wish to have that experience for the very first time. There is also a collection of songs that are exclusive to the service and are not present in any previous games, which may be pretty irresistible for hardcore fans looking for everything Just Dance has to offer. Really, that’s about all there is to Just Dance 2022.
Just Dance 2022 offers some of the most high-quality and creative visuals and choreographies ever seen in the Just Dance franchise, but those looking forward to new features, a fresh user interface, or different game modes will sadly be out of luck.
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Just Dance 2022 review | Tom’s Guide
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Just Dance 2022 is a nostalgic throwback to previous games, but that’s not a bad thing
By Zoë Hannah
published
(Image: © Ubisoft)
Tom’s Guide Verdict
Just Dance 2022 isn’t filled with flashy new mechanics or game-changing improvements. But with a host of catchy new songs, Just Dance 2022 is an exciting continuation of the successful rhythm series.
Pros
- +
Fun with friends
- +
Great workout
- +
Accessible design
Cons
- —
Lack of diversity in characters
- —
Some dances are repetitive
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Just Dance 2022: Specs
Developer: Ubisoft
Platforms: Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S
Price: $30–75
Release Date: November 4, 2021
Genre: Rhythm
Just Dance 2022 is the same old rhythm game you’ve been playing for years.
But this year’s version comes with 40 new songs, a host of new universes and some truly transformative choreography. Our Just Dance 2022 review covers the game’s new hits, best tracks, coolest universes and most intense dances.
Just Dance 2022 review: Gameplay
Just Dance 2022’s gameplay doesn’t provide a ton of surprises if you’ve played other games in the series before. The dancer silhouettes seem a bit clearer than in previous years, making it easier to follow certain moves where limbs or bodies overlap. Other than that, the gameplay is ultimately the same as it was in Just Dance 2020 and 2021.
(Image credit: Ubisoft)
- Just Dance 2022 (PS4) at Amazon for $19.99
However, the Just Dance gameplay blueprint is still wonderful. It’s easy to pick a song and get started, and the dancing starts almost immediately. The thoughtful choreographies make it easy for non-dancers to pick up the game, but it’s easy to level up once you’ve started improving.
(Image credit: Ubisoft)
One of the standout new songs is “Mr.
Blue Sky» by Electric Light Orchestra, which features an incredible visual journey through the trees in a stop-motion animation style. The “Mr. Blue Sky” choreography is simple but fun. As the camera moves to follow your character, you feel like you’re soaring around your living room.
Another favorite at my sister’s bachelorette party — where I debuted the game for her and her friends — was the iconic dance to “Happier Than Ever” by Billie Eilish. I watched as my sister and her friend thrashed about to the emotional choreography, which provides a good stretch for the shoulders and back. «Happier Than Ever» incorporates everything that’s great about Just Dance. Of course, it’s fun to watch your friends dance badly, but it’s also fun to dance badly yourself. “Chacarron” by El Chombo was also a hit, which ended up stuck in our heads all weekend. It was a perfect warm-up or cooldown song for when I was working out alone.
(Image credit: Ubisoft)
I played a good amount of Just Dance 2022 by myself, telling my boyfriend he was strictly prohibited from coming downstairs while I danced.
(However, it wasn’t long until we were fumbling through partner dances together.) The first time I played, I was so excited about the new songs that I put on a playlist and sweated it out for about an hour straight. With plenty of easy songs to mix in between harder tracks, I got a solid workout while still getting decent scores, and feeling good about my dancing overall.
Just Dance 2022 review: Accessibility
It’s no secret that Just Dance’s scoring technology is somewhat flawed. It’s easy to shake the controller to the beat and get great scores despite the fact that you haven’t danced — but that flaw revealed another user-friendly aspect of the game. Just Dance 2022 is widely accessible for people who use wheelchairs, or have other physical disabilities. Other dance games generally aren’t as accommodating. There are even choreographies where dancers remain seated throughout, focusing only on arm movements.
Although I appreciated the accessibility features, I was a bit disappointed by the lack of body diversity in the game.
There are tracks with larger bodies as the main dancer on Just Dance Unlimited, which comes with some versions of Just Dance 2022, and requires a subscription. However, all of the new songs feature tall, thin dancer silhouettes. It’s time to see some different body types, since real-life dancers (and Just Dance players) come in all shapes and sizes.
Just Dance 2022 review: Sweat mode and Kids mode
Just Dance introduced Sweat mode last year, and the feature has remained the same in Just Dance 2022. Instead of giving you a score after you complete a song, the game calculates approximately how many calories you’ve burned. This mode is great if you like to track calories while working out, but you get the same workout in normal mode. Personally, I found Sweat mode unnecessary and a bit frustrating, since dancing burns calories a lot slower than you might think.
(Image credit: Ubisoft)
The Just Dance workout itself is full-body, and can be a suitable replacement for running or other cardio.
I skipped a run in place of Just Dance 2022 on one of the first cold days of the year, and felt almost equally satisfied afterwards. Using the game as a workout is also great for your mental health and confidence, since it forces you out of your comfort zone a bit. Dancing to the beat can also flood you with endorphins.
(Image credit: Ubisoft)
Even if you’re an experienced dancer, you know that you don’t learn dances by simply mirroring someone as they perform. As such, the speed of the choreo should keep your heart rate up, no matter your experience level. I found myself reconnecting with my high school dancer self in songs such as “Chandelier” by SIA and “BOOMBAYAH” by Blackpink. This is partially because I was sweating my butt off, and partially because they made me like the way I felt while dancing.
Kids mode is filled with fun songs that dancers of any age can enjoy. The environments are bright and colorful, and will definitely keep little ones intrigued. The dances are also accessible for small kids, which the Just Dance series has always done well.
But without a Just Dance Unlimited subscription, there are only a few options.
(Image credit: Ubisoft)
If your kids are a bit older, they’ll be happy with the normal mode songs, plenty of which are viral TikTok tracks or famous pop tunes. The likes of “Mood” by 24kGoldn and “good 4 u” by Olivia Rodrigo are bound to get the kids off the couch.
Just Dance 2022 review: Just Dance Unlimited
A Just Dance Unlimited subscription is an absolute must-have if you plan on playing Just Dance 2022 for more than a few hours. A 13-month subscription comes with the Unlimited Edition of the game, which retails for $75. Every copy of Just Dance 2022 comes with at least one month of Unlimited, but you have to sign up for a Ubisoft Connect account to access it.
Once you’ve set up Unlimited, the world of Just Dance is your oyster. You’ll have access to the entire Just Dance library of songs, some of which are still the soundtracks to viral TikTok videos. I’m not sure if I would buy Just Dance 2022 without an Unlimited subscription, but I would absolutely still play it.
Just Dance 2022 review: Verdict
While playing Just Dance 2022, I sweated a lot and laughed so much — even when I was dancing in an empty house, alone. If that isn’t an endorsement of this joyful game, I’m not sure what is. This year’s model doesn’t have many new features, but that’s OK. The concept of Just Dance is wonderful already. Although I hope for more diverse character models in the next version, I’m happy to have a new set of songs to facilitate home workouts, bachelorette parties and hangouts with friends.
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DIANOVA presented a video for the debut song «Dance»
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18.08.2022 11:08
“The most difficult scene for me was the scene with the burning book… I had a sad experience with fire in my life.”
DIANOVA
Singer DIANOVA shared her impressions of filming her first video:
“Initially I wanted the video to be filmed on the street in black and white.
But when work on the video began, everything changed a lot. ( Smiling .) All scenes in the video reflect the essence of the track «Dance». These are not just beautiful pictures — this is a figurative embodiment of the lyrics of the song. The most difficult scene for me was the scene with the burning book… I had a sad experience with fire in my life. Once my hand caught fire from a candle, I received serious burns, after that I could not recover for a long time. I was in such shock, because I could not even help myself. If my mother had not come to the rescue in time, I don’t know what would have happened. Since then, I have been very afraid of fire, and a reminder in the form of a scar remained on my arm. At first, I categorically refused to shoot with a burning book in my hands, but I overcame my fear for the sake of a beautiful frame and for good reason! I can assure you, the flame trick was completely safe.»
And here is how director Daniel Rubinstein explains the meaning of the clip:
“The silver ball symbolizes our planet, which Veronica addresses, looking at her like in a mirror, seeing herself and other people like her.
The dancer guy is the embodiment of her love, he ended up on the other side of the world, and she cannot touch him. Our history of icing and globalization is burned like a book. But we must believe in love and that, despite the obstacles, we can hug each other.”
Daniel Rubinstein now lives in Los Angeles and continues to work with famous artists. In Moscow, she managed to work as a production designer with such performers as Elena Temnikova, Lyapis Trubetskoy and the Vulgar Molly group. As a director, she collaborated with Suzanna Varnina, shot advertisements for fashion brands and Playboy magazine, and also staged a fashion show in the Russian capital more than once. Danielle has her own strange, recognizable, slightly arthouse style. The new clip also turned out to be extraordinary.
July 21 singer DIANOVA presented her debut single «Dance». The track scattered in the media space and on the expanses of social networks. While users were actively commenting on the premiere, such stars as the singer Slava and the poetess Sola Monova drew their attention to the composition. Discussing the novelty with their audience, celebrities noted that the format is changing, a fresh musical breath is coming into the industry and it is necessary to give way to young artists, supporting their endeavors in every possible way.
DIANOVA was born into an artistic family. Her grandfather was a popular performer. He always reacted negatively to the attempts of his little granddaughter to sing, saying that she was deprived of talent. Later, the girl’s mother joined him. But DIANOVA managed to persuade her mother to take her to a music school, where she successfully entered. But within the walls of the educational institution, she again met a low assessment of her abilities from the teacher. All her life, the singer struggled with criticism of her work. But she didn’t give up. After graduating from the faculty of journalism at one of the Yekaterinburg universities, she left to conquer the professional scene in Moscow.
DIANOVA is the author of music and lyrics of his songs.
Dance with the “Voice…” — Voice
Getting a million views on YouTube due to your plastic body is real getting a bunch of «likes»? If not, take part in our project «Become a YouTube Star»: we will teach you how to shoot a video, suggest a topic, and give gifts. In order not to miss the next nomination, in which we offer to compete for prizes, follow our publications. Today, the next step is the nomination «Everybody Dance». The world recognized many video bloggers thanks to their dances, the videos with which they posted on YouTube (YouTube).
Dancing millionaire One of the most popular video bloggers in 2016 was businessman and millionaire Gianluca Vacca. The 49-year-old Italian became famous all over the world for his videos in which he dances with his girlfriend Georgia.
The couple does it so incendiary that it is impossible to take your eyes off the videos.
Gianluca’s athletic body, stylish clothes, chic surroundings: yachts, planes, luxurious mansions — and, of course, clockwork dances — the «nuclear mixture» that riveted the attention of a huge number of Internet users to the life of a millionaire. About 5 million subscribers on Instagram (Instagram), millions of views on YouTube. It seems that the whole life of Gianluca Vacca is connected with the number «million».
The man never thought that it would not be his success in business and not his huge fortune that would make him famous all over the world, but the dances that he decided to capture on video. The first video of the dancing Gianluca was watched by five and a half million people in three days. In one of his interviews, he said: “I want to stay fast and agile as long as possible. I’m not getting younger.» That is why Gianluca, even at his advanced age, has a pumped up and athletic body.
Already recognized Residents of Cherepovets also post videos with their dances on YouTube. So, Dmitry Belkov, one of the heads of the modern dance studio, told how their videos appeared on video hosting: “We decided to upload videos for the development of the Prezident Breakerz* modern dance studio, and also just to store them on the Internet. Our YouTube channel is six months old. We have already posted about 50 videos with information about each studio teacher, and there are also videos from performances and trainings on the channel.”
The guys post videos with their dances on YouTube and gain thousands of views. “We have already increased awareness. There is interest in dancing, especially when classes are taught by competent and experienced teachers,” says Dmitry.
Lesson 1. How to upload a video to the YouTube channel Hello, it’s me again, Evgenia Paramonova, head of the public relations department of the Golos Cherepovets newspaper.
Do you already have a video of your favorite pet? Then today we will tell you how to add your video to your YouTube channel.
There are several ways to upload a video to YouTube: — upload a ready-made video you have on your computer or phone; — upload a video from a webcam in live broadcast mode; — upload a video edited in the YouTube video editor.
The first method is the most common, so we will talk about it.
1. First of all, go to the YouTube website under your name. If you still don’t have an account, then watch my video on how to create your YouTube channel.
In the upper right corner, above the YouTube channel banner, you will see an «Add Video» button. Click on it.
2. On the right you will see a list of additional ways to upload videos to YouTube, and on the left you will see an up arrow with the words «Select a file to upload». Click this arrow and select the video file on your computer that you want to download. Then click «OK» and the download will start automatically.
3. You will see a window where you need to enter a description of the video to be filled. Enter the name of the video in the first field. In the second, write a description of the video and be sure to put #GazetteVoice. After that, choose who can view your video. It can be available either to everyone, or only to those users who have a link to it, or only to you.
4. Below you can add your own unique picture instead of the three that YouTube offers you. To learn how to choose the right image, watch the video tutorial on the link «Image on YouTube video: its selection and optimization».5. To complete editing and make your video available to everyone, click on the blue «Publish» button, which is located in the upper right corner.
6. How to send video to friends. You can share the video with your friends on all social networks in which you are registered, be it VKontakte, Facebook (Facebook) or Instagram (Instagram). The link that you will have in the line above the social network icons is the address where your video is located.
In order for your video to be definitely noticed and published, copy the link and send it to the contest organizers.
I’ll give you one piece of advice: if you want the processing to take as little time as possible, then download the video in MP4 format.
Watch the video version of the lesson on our YouTube channel and in the official group of the Voice of Cherepovets newspaper on the VKontakte social network.
Nomination No. 3 In the last issue, we presented you with the first two nominations:
1. «My furry friend» (it is proposed to make short videos about your pet).2. «Amazing Children» (video about children who surprise you and make you smile).
Today we offer the third theme — dancing:
3. “Everyone dances!”
Does your child or nephew dream of being a dancer and enjoy dancing at home when the music is playing? Or maybe your wife or husband is fond of dancing or they just like to move to the beat of the music? Record it on video and send it to us! Maybe it is you who will become the proud owner of a certificate for training at the Prezident Breakerz contemporary dance studio, which is a partner of our project.
Recall that this year the project «Become a YouTube Star» is being carried out on the pages of the newspaper «Voice of Cherepovets» with the financial support of the Federal Agency for Youth Affairs «Rosmolodezh».
Terms of participation in our competition: 1. Shoot a video on the topics presented.2. Post the video on YouTube on the «Golos newspaper» page or on the «VKontakte» social network in the «Voice of Cherepovets» newspaper group.3. Send the link by mail to [email protected] or post it in the official group of the Golos Cherepovets newspaper on the VKontakte social network https://vk.com/golos35. Be sure to write who is the author of the video and his character and why you decided to make a video about this hero or on this topic. Do not forget to provide contact details: email address, link to the page on the VKontakte social network or phone number.4. Make a description of the video and put #NewspaperVoice.Now you are an official participant in our «Become a YouTube Star» contest.
