Just Dance 2025 Review: A Fun but Familiar Dance Experience
Just Dance 2025 is the latest entry in Ubisoft’s iconic dance game series, and while it delivers the same high-energy, music-driven gameplay fans have come to love, it doesn’t stray far from the formula that has defined the franchise for over a decade. With a mix of new features, an updated song list, and improved visuals, Just Dance 2025 is a solid addition to the series, but it doesn’t quite revolutionize the experience. Here’s a detailed look at what works—and what doesn’t—in this year’s installment.
Gameplay: Familiar but Polished
The core gameplay of Just Dance 2025 remains unchanged: follow the on-screen dancer’s moves to the rhythm of the music and earn points based on your accuracy. While the formula is tried and true, Ubisoft has made some refinements to keep things fresh.
Motion Tracking Improvements: The game’s motion tracking feels more responsive than ever, whether you’re using a smartphone, a motion controller, or a camera. However, occasional latency issues can still pop up, especially in fast-paced routines.
New Difficulty Levels: The addition of “Elite Mode” is a welcome challenge for veteran players, featuring complex choreography that will test even the most skilled dancers. That said, casual players might find it intimidating and stick to the standard difficulty levels.
Multiplayer Fun: The multiplayer experience is as lively as ever, with support for up to 8 players. The new “Team Battle” mode adds a competitive twist, but it doesn’t feel drastically different from previous multiplayer offerings.
Song List: A Mixed Bag of Hits and Misses
The song list is always the star of Just Dance, and Just Dance 2025 delivers a mix of current hits, nostalgic favorites, and international tracks. However, the selection feels a bit uneven, with some standout tracks and a few forgettable additions.
Current Hits: The game includes popular tracks like Olivia Rodrigo’s “Obsessed,” Doja Cat’s “Paint the Town Red,” and Jungkook’s “Seven (feat. Latto).” These songs are sure to get players moving, but the selection feels slightly smaller compared to previous years.
Throwback Classics: Nostalgia fans will enjoy dancing to classics like *NSYNC’s “Bye Bye Bye” and Lady Gaga’s “Bad Romance,” though some of these tracks have appeared in earlier Just Dance games, which might feel repetitive for long-time players.
Global Flavors: The inclusion of international hits like Rosalía’s “Despechá” and Blackpink’s “Pink Venom” adds diversity to the playlist, but these tracks might not resonate with everyone.
Exclusive Tracks: Ubisoft has introduced a few exclusive songs with custom choreography, but they don’t always stand out as much as the licensed hits.
Graphics and Presentation: A Step Up, but Not Groundbreaking
The visuals in Just Dance 2025 are a noticeable improvement over previous entries, with brighter colors, more detailed environments, and smoother animations. However, the upgrades feel incremental rather than revolutionary.
Dynamic Stages: Each song has its own unique stage, ranging from futuristic cityscapes to whimsical fantasy worlds. While the stages are visually appealing, they don’t always feel as interactive as they could be.
Character Customization: The new ability to customize your dancer’s appearance is a fun addition, but the options are somewhat limited, and the feature feels underdeveloped compared to other modern games.
Cinematic Choreography: The choreography is as creative and energetic as ever, with routines that feel like mini music videos. However, some routines lack the wow factor of earlier games.
Modes and Features: More of the Same
Just Dance 2025 offers a variety of modes, but many of them feel like rehashes of features from previous games.
World Dance Floor: This online mode lets you compete with players worldwide, but the experience hasn’t changed much from past iterations. The matchmaking system works well, but it doesn’t feel particularly innovative.
Just Dance Unlimited: The subscription service returns, offering access to a vast library of songs from previous games. While it’s a great way to expand your playlist, the additional cost might deter some players.
Kids Mode: Designed for younger players, this mode features simplified choreography and kid-friendly songs. It’s a nice addition for families but doesn’t add much for older players.
Fitness Mode: The Fitness Mode tracks your calories burned and offers workout routines, but it feels like a secondary feature rather than a core part of the game.
Accessibility and Inclusivity
Ubisoft has made strides in making Just Dance 2025 more accessible and inclusive. The game includes adjustable difficulty settings, colorblind modes, and routines designed for players with limited mobility. These efforts are commendable, but they don’t go far enough to make the game truly stand out in terms of accessibility.
Pros:
Fun and energetic gameplay that’s easy to pick up.
A diverse song list with something for everyone.
Improved motion tracking and visuals.
Inclusive design and accessibility options.
Great for parties and multiplayer fun.
Cons:
Lacks significant innovation compared to previous entries.
Some latency issues with motion tracking.
The song list feels smaller and less impactful than in past games.
Additional costs for Just Dance Unlimited may frustrate some players.
Final Verdict: 8/10
Just Dance 2025 is a solid entry in the series that delivers the same fun, high-energy experience fans have come to expect. While it doesn’t reinvent the wheel, it refines the formula with improved visuals, responsive motion tracking, and a diverse song list. However, the lack of groundbreaking new features and occasional technical hiccups hold it back from being a must-have for everyone. If you’re a die-hard Just Dance fan or looking for a fun party game, Just Dance 2025 is worth picking up. But if you’re hoping for a revolutionary new experience, you might find it a bit too familiar. Strap on your dancing shoes and get ready to move—just don’t expect to be blown away.
