Parents need to know that “Just Dance 2017” is a dancing game. The game’s music library includes a wide variety of dance songs, some of which include the occasional suggestive lyrics and/or dance moves. The game does require internet access in order to link to a UPlay Rewards account, public global platform for sharing, or compete online with the rest of the world. In-game ads for DLC, including “Unlimited” streaming service and premium songs, add pressure to players to spend real money beyond the price of the actual game.
WHAT’S IT ABOUT?
“Just Dance 17” is the latest entry in Ubisoft’s popular rhythm and dance video game series. The game encourages players to get up off the couch and dust off their best dance moves with a variety of fun new game modes and a huge library of foot tapping, butt bouncing, “get up and get get down” pop songs just itching for a dance floor. Turn your living room into a virtual club by having friends join in the fun, either directly in the game with extra controllers or in the background on their mobile devices, courtesy of the free downloadable “Just Dance” app. Take your customized avatar on a global dance tour with the World Video Challenge, burn some calories to your favorite tunes in the game’s Sweat Mode, or sing along with your favorite pop star in the game’s Karaoke mode.
IS IT ANY GOOD?
There’s a quote that says, “You’ve gotta dance like nobody’s watching … sing like there’s nobody listening,” which perfectly fits this virtual dance floor. Whether you’re cutting a rug solo or getting the gang together for a Saturday Night Fever themed dance party, “Just Dance 2017” has got you covered. Best of all, regardless of your skill as a top rate stage performer or as poor sap with two left feet, it’s always fun to play and motivates everyone around to get up off the couch and boogie ‘til the sun comes up. “Just Dance 2017” has a bunch of different modes to keep players occupied. If your muscles are screaming after a rousing round of Sweat mode, you can still have fun with the game by taking a break from the dance floor to play sing-along in Karaoke mode.
Unfortunately, you’re always being pushed to download more songs in DLC packs or to subscribe to its monthly service to unlock more content on a regular basis. Thankfully, there’s no shortage of songs in the game’s library available to dance and sing with right out of the gate. Plus, if you’re trying to motivate yourself to constantly outdo your last high score, it’ll be a while before you feel like you “have” to buy additional content. Instead, you’ll be too busy dancing like nobody’s watching … hopefully.
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RATING AND CONTENT
Recommended for kids 10 and older
Quality: 4 out of 5
Positive messages: 2 out of 5
Ease of play: 4 out of 5
Violence: 0 out of 5
Sex: 2 out of 5
Language: 0 out of 5
Drinking, drugs, and smoking: 1 out of 5
Consumerism: 4 out of 5 (Are products/advertisements embedded? Is the title part of a broader marketing initiative/empire? Is the intent to sell things to kids?)
GAME DETAILS
Platforms: Nintendo Wii, Nintendo Wii U, PlayStation 4, Windows, Xbox 360, Xbox One
Price: $49.99
Developer: UbiSoft
Release date: October 25, 2016
Genre: Music and Dance
ESRB rating: E10+ for mild lyrics
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