For someone whose dance experience peaks at awkward prom nights filled with more standing around than actual dancing, the world of dance games seemed a daunting frontier. My personal history involves more desperate slow-song waiting than smooth moves, a testament to my distinct lack of rhythm. But, stepping into the vibrant realm of Ubisoft’s dance games, specifically Michael Jackson Just Dance (Michael Jackson: The Experience) and Just Dance 2, has been an unexpectedly liberating experience. Shedding the judgmental eyes of high school peers for the privacy of my living room, I ventured to explore these motion-based games, Wii Remote in hand, ready to (hopefully) bust a move.
Image alt text: Humorous depiction of prom awkwardness, contrasting with the fun of Just Dance games.
Structurally, Just Dance 2 (JD2) and Michael Jackson Just Dance (MJ:TE) are strikingly similar. If tracklists were removed, you might easily mistake one for the other. Both games plunge you into a world of fast-paced pop tunes, tasking you to mirror the dance steps of on-screen avatars while holding your Wii Remote. Helpful pictograms provide a sneak peek at upcoming moves, and the avatars themselves are stylish silhouettes with a brightly highlighted right hand, clearly indicating which hand the game is tracking.
However, the control mechanism, relying solely on a single Wii Remote and its somewhat basic motion detection, means that the intricate footwork, spins, and hip thrusts of the avatars are, technically, optional for scoring points. Both games operate largely on an honor system. To truly enjoy them as intended, you should attempt to match the on-screen choreography, even though the game can’t fully verify your efforts. The temptation to “game the system” becomes apparent quickly, especially when fatigue or embarrassment sets in. This was a shared experience even with my fiancee and her sister, who initially showed enthusiasm but soon grew tired or disinterested.
Despite these fundamental similarities, Just Dance 2 and Michael Jackson Just Dance each possess distinct strengths and weaknesses. JD2 boasts an impressive musical variety, spanning from 70s disco to 60s soul and contemporary pop hits. While many tracks are predictably disposable pop fare, I found myself enjoying songs from Junior Senior, Jamiroquai, Beastie Boys, Supergrass, and James Brown. Visually, JD2 also offers more diversity, with occasional departures from the standard “flashy iPod commercial” aesthetic. The Junior Senior track incorporates 8-bit pixel art, and a Digitalism song features a Tron-inspired avatar shooting lasers. JD2 also expands its content through a store offering downloadable tracks for Wii Points, including the quirky-sounding “Crazy Christmas” medley with a Santa Claus avatar.
Image alt text: Tron-inspired visuals in Just Dance 2, showcasing the game’s diverse visual styles.
Yet, JD2 falters in comparison to Michael Jackson Just Dance in key areas. The dance choreography in JD2 often feels simpler and less engaging, relying on repetitive hand waving, twirls, and rudimentary robot-like moves. Some routines verge on self-parody, reminiscent of Joey from Friends’ infamous dance attempts. Furthermore, the tracklist includes a higher proportion of generic pop songs compared to MJ:TE. Personally, I also struggled to fully immerse myself when mirroring female avatars in JD2.
Michael Jackson Just Dance, on the other hand, generally presents a greater challenge, though it’s still susceptible to being “gamed.” The music selection is undeniably stronger, especially for Michael Jackson enthusiasts. Fortunately, the game heavily features Jackson’s golden era, including iconic tracks from “Thriller” and “Bad,” as well as the infectious “Don’t Stop Till You Get Enough” from 1979. While some of his less impactful 90s material is included, it remains danceable. “Thriller” stands out as particularly enjoyable, featuring choreography inspired by the legendary music video, although not replicating the entire routine. MJ:TE also offers some customization with varying difficulty levels for certain songs. Unless you are completely averse to Michael Jackson’s music, Michael Jackson Just Dance emerges as the superior choice over JD2, particularly for those already inclined to enjoy dance games on the Wii.
Image alt text: Michael Jackson avatar striking a smooth pose in Michael Jackson: The Experience, highlighting the game’s focus on iconic Michael Jackson moves.
In conclusion, both Ubisoft dance games provide enjoyable diversions if you’re willing to embrace the intended gameplay and perform the on-screen moves, despite the limited feedback they offer. However, if you’re looking for a truly captivating dance game experience, Michael Jackson Just Dance is the clear winner. The music is more consistently engaging, the dance moves are more iconic and satisfying, and, for those who managed to snag a launch copy, it came with an unforgettable bonus:
A white glove.
Image alt text: Close-up of the white glove included with Michael Jackson: The Experience, emphasizing the unique appeal for fans.
