Unboxing a new game is always a thrill, but when DanceStar for the PS Move arrived a few years back, skepticism was high. Surprisingly, it turned out to be far more enjoyable than anticipated. So, when Just Dance 2014 appeared, boasting its vibrant, almost overwhelming box art, the familiar ritual began. Curtains drawn, apologies issued to the pet, furniture rearranged, stretches performed, and refreshments secured. Oh, and time to dust off the PlayStation 3’s Move controller.
This iteration marks the fifth main entry in the Just Dance series, now annually released, foregoing numbered sequels for yearly editions. If you think not much has changed, you’re partly right. The visual style remains consistent, featuring real dancers rendered in bold, bright hues. However, under the surface, Just Dance 2014 introduces subtle yet significant improvements to the core gameplay experience. The series initially launched on the Wii, constrained by a motion controller less capable than what PlayStation Move offers.
Diving into the Just Dance 2014 song list on PS3, a quick decision was made to disregard the small on-screen prompts, opting instead to mimic the larger, central dancer. The gameplay revolves around mirroring these moves, but with a forgiving buffer, acknowledging that perfect synchronization with unfamiliar choreography is unrealistic.
The PlayStation Move camera accurately tracks broad movements like arm swings, waves, and poses. However, precision in tracking below the waist or finer hand movements can be inconsistent. This imprecision can be frustrating for players aiming for high scores, although it’s worth noting that failing a song in Just Dance 2014 is not an option.
Occasional scoring anomalies occur, with strings of ‘X’ ratings appearing for seemingly correctly executed moves. These inaccuracies are particularly perplexing as they often arise during simpler sequences, while more complex, flailing arm movements sometimes inexplicably earn ‘perfect’ scores. The game also lacks feedback on timing, offering no indication of whether moves are too early or late.
Generally, the choreography aligns well with the music’s tempo. The Just Dance 2014 song list features contemporary hits like Lady Gaga’s “Applause” and Katy Perry’s “Roar” (the latter as free DLC). However, the dance for “Roar” feels somewhat rushed and strangely uninspired. Expect a predominantly pop-centric soundtrack, with nostalgic nods to past decades sprinkled in. The inclusion of the “Ghostbusters” theme song is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, likely to entice even the most reluctant participants off the sofa – someone gets to be Slimer!
Navigating menus with motion controls in Just Dance 2014 on PS3 proves cumbersome, hinting at a control scheme best avoided. Thankfully, traditional controller navigation is available for menus and the tracklist. However, even reaching for the controller can inadvertently trigger menu selections.
The song list presentation is a basic side-scrolling format. There are no options for creating favorites lists or searching, just a lengthy, randomly ordered compilation of tracks. A grid layout would have significantly improved tracklist browsing, allowing for more songs to be visible at once.
The camera’s sensitivity extends to background figures during player selection. Expect couch occupants or bystanders to be unintentionally added as players. In one instance, the couch itself was registered as a player twice. This sensitivity is less than ideal for parties, requiring guests to actively move out of the camera’s view between songs to avoid accidental participation. Or perhaps, it’s simply a quirky way to encourage everyone to join the dance floor.
As a party game, Just Dance 2014 on PS3 shines. While accommodating four players simultaneously demands considerable space, particularly at lively gatherings, two-player sessions are easily manageable, even if occasional arm collisions are inevitable. Increase the frequency of collisions exponentially if beverages are flowing freely.
Standard multiplayer modes involve synchronized dancing with the objective of achieving the highest score. Battle modes introduce a competitive edge, featuring distinct choreography and avatars for each player in a dance-off format. These modes can become visually busy and spatially challenging, but they add to the party fun given sufficient room. For added amusement, and potential embarrassment, karaoke elements can be integrated for extra points, though it’s no SingStar.
“Sweat” mode offers a continuous dance workout, while another mode provides randomized dance routines. Long-term engagement might be limited, but Just Dance 2014 provides ample entertainment for social gatherings. The “Chair Dance” mode, notoriously slow to unlock, stands out as prime material for post-party comedic video evidence. And yes, video uploads to YouTube are supported. My own attempt might be considered the most egregious chair mistreatment since that scene in Casino Royale.
While Wii U users benefit from gamepad menu navigation, the PS3 experience primarily relies on a single Move controller, somewhat akin to a neglected pet observing someone with food while embroiled in a dispute. Given a choice, the Kinect version might be preferable, but the PS3 Move offers a viable alternative.
Dance Central, absent from this year’s releases, excels in tracking accuracy and visual perspective, but Just Dance 2014’s forgiving nature makes it universally accessible and enjoyable. Typically, tracklist preference heavily influences enjoyment in music games, but despite only moderately liking the Just Dance 2014 song list, seven hours vanished in a single play session. This speaks volumes about the game’s addictive and engaging party game appeal, even on the PS3 with its Move limitations.
