Just Dance 2022: Nintendo Switch Review - Is It Worth It?
Hey guys! Let's dive into Just Dance 2022 on the Nintendo Switch. If you are thinking about getting this game, you probably want to know if it's worth your money. Well, you have come to the right place. I am going to break down everything you need to know, from the song list and gameplay to the overall experience, so you can make an informed decision. Get ready to dance your heart out – or maybe just figure out if you want to!
What is Just Dance 2022?
Just Dance 2022 is the latest installment in the super popular Just Dance series. If you are unfamiliar, this is a rhythm game where you mimic the on-screen dancers to a variety of songs. The game tracks your movements using the Nintendo Switch's Joy-Cons (or your smartphone), giving you a score based on how well you match the choreography. It is all about having fun, moving your body, and belting out your favorite tunes (even if you are terrible at singing, like me!). Just Dance 2022 brings a fresh set of songs, updated interface, and a few new features to keep things interesting. The game is developed and published by Ubisoft, and each year they bring a new flavor, ensuring the franchise doesn't get stale. For veterans of the series, it’s about seeing what new tracks and improvements have been added. For newcomers, it’s an easy-to-pick-up, hard-to-master experience that's all about having a blast with friends and family. One of the biggest draws of Just Dance has always been its accessibility. You don't need to be a pro dancer to enjoy it; the game is designed for everyone, regardless of their dance skill. So, whether you have two left feet or think you can give Beyoncé a run for her money, Just Dance 2022 offers something for everyone. And with the Nintendo Switch's portability, you can literally Just Dance anywhere, anytime! This latest iteration aims to continue that legacy, bringing people together through the universal language of dance. The vibrant visuals, energetic music, and engaging gameplay make it a standout title for parties, family gatherings, or even just a solo workout session. Plus, with different modes and customization options, you can tailor the experience to fit your preferences. So, lace up those dancing shoes (or don't, because you are at home!), and let's dive into what Just Dance 2022 has to offer!
Song List and Music Variety
Okay, let's get to the real heart of the matter: the song list. Just Dance 2022 features 40 new tracks, spanning a variety of genres to keep things interesting. We are talking pop, hip-hop, Latin, and even some classic bangers that will bring you back. Whether you are into the latest hits or prefer something a little more retro, there's a good chance you will find something you love. Here is a sneak peek at some of the standout tracks:
- "Believer" by Imagine Dragons
- "Level Up" by Ciara
- "Nails, Hair, Hips, Heels" by Todrick Hall
- "Don't Go Yet" by Camila Cabello
- "Funk" by Meghan Trainor
One of the great things about the Just Dance series is how they curate their playlists. They try to include something for everyone, so you are not just stuck with one type of music. You get a mix of mainstream hits and hidden gems, which is great for discovering new artists and songs. I found myself getting hooked on tracks I never would have listened to otherwise! But, let's be real, the song list can be subjective. What one person considers a must-dance track, another might find totally skippable. If you are a hardcore fan of a specific genre that is not heavily represented, you might find yourself wanting more. However, keep in mind that Just Dance also offers a subscription service called Just Dance Unlimited. This gives you access to hundreds of songs from previous Just Dance games, so you can expand your library significantly. It is definitely something to consider if you want more variety. Now, in terms of music variety, Just Dance 2022 does a decent job. There are enough different styles to keep you entertained, but it is not perfect. Some might find it leaning too heavily on pop music, while others might wish for more electronic or rock tracks. Ultimately, it depends on your personal taste. But, overall, the song list is solid and offers a good mix of familiar favorites and new discoveries. The inclusion of tracks like "Believer" and "Level Up" ensures there are some high-energy options for those who want a real workout, while songs like "Don't Go Yet" provide a more relaxed, Latin-infused vibe. And let's not forget the iconic choreography that comes with each song! The dance moves are fun, creative, and often hilarious, making each track a unique experience. So, whether you are looking to bust a move, discover new music, or just have a good laugh, the song list in Just Dance 2022 has you covered.
Gameplay and Controls
Let's talk about the gameplay and controls in Just Dance 2022. The core mechanics are pretty simple: you hold a Joy-Con in your right hand (or use your smartphone with the Just Dance Controller app) and mimic the movements of the on-screen dancer. The game tracks your motion and gives you a score based on how accurately you follow the choreography. The better you dance, the higher your score. The game is very forgiving, so you don't need to be perfect to have fun. Even if you are just flailing your arms around, you will still get some points and have a good laugh. However, if you are looking to get high scores and compete with friends, you will need to pay attention to the details and really nail those moves. One of the cool things about Just Dance 2022 is how accessible it is. Anyone can pick it up and start playing, regardless of their dance experience. The controls are intuitive, and the game provides visual cues to help you follow along. There are different difficulty levels for each song, so you can start with the easier routines and gradually work your way up to the more challenging ones. This is great for families with kids or for people who are new to dancing. The Joy-Cons work pretty well for tracking your movements, but they are not perfect. Sometimes the game can be a bit finicky, especially with fast or complex moves. You might find yourself getting penalized for moves that you think you nailed, which can be frustrating. However, this is a common issue with motion-controlled games, and it's something you get used to over time. Using your smartphone as a controller is also an option, but it can be even less accurate than the Joy-Cons. I recommend sticking with the Joy-Cons if possible, as they provide a more reliable experience. In terms of gameplay modes, Just Dance 2022 offers a variety of options to keep things interesting. There's the classic Just Dance mode, where you simply dance along to the songs. There's also a Kids mode, which features simplified choreography and kid-friendly songs. And for those who want a more structured workout, there's a Sweat mode that tracks your calories burned. Overall, the gameplay in Just Dance 2022 is fun, engaging, and accessible. The controls are easy to learn, but mastering the choreography takes practice and dedication. While the motion tracking isn't always perfect, it's good enough to provide a challenging and enjoyable experience. Whether you are a seasoned dancer or a complete newbie, you will find something to love about the gameplay in Just Dance 2022.
Graphics and Presentation
Alright, let's chat about the graphics and presentation of Just Dance 2022. Visually, the Just Dance series has always been known for its vibrant, colorful, and energetic style. Just Dance 2022 is no exception. The game is bursting with bright colors, flashy effects, and creative character designs. Each song features a unique backdrop and set of dancers, adding to the overall visual appeal. The art style is stylized and cartoonish, which fits the tone of the game perfectly. The character designs are creative and often over-the-top, with dancers sporting outrageous costumes and hairstyles. The backgrounds are equally imaginative, ranging from surreal landscapes to futuristic cityscapes. The overall effect is visually stimulating and adds to the fun and excitement of the game. One of the things I appreciate about the Just Dance series is how they use the visuals to enhance the gameplay. The on-screen dancers are not just there for show; they provide clear visual cues to help you follow the choreography. The game also uses visual effects to indicate when you are performing a move correctly, which is helpful for learning the routines. The graphics are not exactly cutting-edge, but they are polished and well-optimized for the Nintendo Switch. The game runs smoothly, even during the most intense dance sequences, and I didn't experience any major graphical glitches or slowdowns. The user interface is clean and easy to navigate, with clear menus and intuitive controls. The game also provides plenty of customization options, allowing you to personalize your experience. You can change the difficulty level, adjust the volume, and even create your own playlists. In terms of presentation, Just Dance 2022 is top-notch. The game is polished, well-designed, and visually appealing. The graphics are not the most realistic, but they are vibrant, colorful, and full of personality. The user interface is intuitive and easy to use, and the game provides plenty of customization options. Overall, the graphics and presentation in Just Dance 2022 are excellent and contribute to the overall fun and enjoyment of the game. Whether you are playing solo or with friends, you will appreciate the visual flair and attention to detail that went into creating this game.
Just Dance Unlimited Subscription
Now, let's dive into the Just Dance Unlimited subscription. This is a subscription service that gives you access to a massive library of songs from previous Just Dance games. We are talking hundreds of tracks, ranging from classic hits to more obscure gems. If you are a Just Dance fan, this subscription is a no-brainer. It significantly expands the amount of content available, giving you endless hours of dancing fun. The subscription is available in several different tiers: you can get a 1-month, 3-month, or 12-month subscription. The price varies depending on the length of the subscription, but it's generally quite affordable. Keep an eye out for deals and promotions, as you can often find discounted rates. One of the great things about Just Dance Unlimited is that it's constantly being updated with new songs. Ubisoft regularly adds new tracks to the library, so there's always something new to discover. This keeps the game fresh and exciting, even if you have been playing it for years. The subscription also includes exclusive content, such as special playlists and challenges. These add an extra layer of depth to the game and give you even more reasons to keep dancing. Now, the big question: is Just Dance Unlimited worth it? In my opinion, absolutely! If you are a serious Just Dance player, this subscription is essential. It gives you access to a huge library of songs, ensures that you will never run out of new music to dance to. The price is reasonable, and the added content and updates make it well worth the investment. However, if you are a casual player who only plays Just Dance occasionally, you might not need the subscription. The base game comes with 40 songs, which is enough to keep you entertained for a while. You can always try the free trial of Just Dance Unlimited to see if it's right for you. Overall, Just Dance Unlimited is a fantastic service that enhances the Just Dance experience. It's a must-have for hardcore fans and a worthwhile investment for anyone who wants more content. The vast library of songs, regular updates, and exclusive content make it a no-brainer for anyone looking to take their Just Dance game to the next level.
Final Verdict: Is Just Dance 2022 Worth It?
So, is Just Dance 2022 worth it? Let's break it down. If you are a fan of the Just Dance series, then the answer is a resounding yes! Just Dance 2022 offers a fun, energetic, and accessible dancing experience that is perfect for parties, family gatherings, or solo workouts. The song list is solid, the gameplay is engaging, and the graphics are visually appealing. The game is easy to pick up and play, but it also offers enough depth and challenge to keep you coming back for more. The Just Dance Unlimited subscription is a must-have for hardcore fans, as it significantly expands the amount of content available. However, even if you don't subscribe, the base game offers plenty of fun and entertainment. The motion tracking isn't perfect, and the game can be a bit finicky at times. However, these issues are minor and don't detract from the overall experience. The game runs smoothly on the Nintendo Switch, and I didn't experience any major technical issues. Ultimately, Just Dance 2022 is a great addition to the Just Dance series. It's a fun, accessible, and engaging game that is perfect for anyone who loves to dance. Whether you are a seasoned pro or a complete newbie, you will find something to love about this game. So, if you are looking for a fun and active way to spend your time, Just Dance 2022 is definitely worth checking out. Grab your Joy-Cons, crank up the volume, and get ready to dance your heart out!