Just Dance 2022: Nintendo Switch Review - Is It Worth It?
Hey guys! Let's dive into the Just Dance 2022 review for the Nintendo Switch. If you're wondering whether this dance game is worth your money and time, especially on the Nintendo Switch, you've come to the right place. We will break down everything from the song list to the gameplay experience, and even compare it to previous versions. So, grab your Joy-Cons, warm up those dancing shoes, and let's get started!
What is Just Dance 2022?
Just Dance 2022, developed and published by Ubisoft, is the latest installment in the super popular Just Dance series. This rhythm game allows players to mimic on-screen dancers to a variety of songs. The game scores you based on how well you follow the choreography. It's available on multiple platforms, but we're focusing on the Nintendo Switch version. The game's main goal is simple: dance along to the music and have fun! It’s a great way to get some exercise without even realizing you’re working out. Seriously, after a few songs, you'll be sweating! Just Dance 2022 brings a fresh set of tracks, improved tracking (hopefully!), and some new features to keep the party going. Whether you're a seasoned Just Dance veteran or a newbie, there’s something for everyone. The game's accessibility makes it perfect for family gatherings, parties, or even solo dance sessions in your living room. Plus, with the Nintendo Switch's portability, you can literally Just Dance anywhere. Imagine busting out some moves on a road trip stop or at a friend’s house – the possibilities are endless!
First Impressions
Booting up Just Dance 2022 on the Nintendo Switch, the first thing that hits you is the vibrant and energetic interface. Ubisoft has always nailed the visual presentation of this series. The colors pop, the menus are easy to navigate, and everything feels very intuitive. Getting into a song is quick and painless, which is a huge plus when you just want to jump straight into dancing. The game prompts you to hold the Joy-Con, and after a brief calibration, you're ready to go. The initial song selection screen is well-organized, allowing you to easily browse through the tracks or use filters to find something that suits your mood. Whether you're in the mood for pop, hip-hop, or something a bit more exotic, there's usually something that catches your eye. One thing that stood out right away was the improved character design. The dancers look more polished and expressive, making the whole experience more engaging. And let's be real, half the fun is watching those virtual dancers pull off some seriously impressive moves! The overall feeling is that Ubisoft put a lot of effort into making this a visually appealing and user-friendly experience right from the start. It sets a positive tone for what's to come and makes you excited to start dancing.
Song List
The Just Dance series always lives or dies by its song list, and Just Dance 2022 brings a mix of current hits and classic tracks to keep things interesting. You’ll find bangers like "Believer" by Imagine Dragons, "Level Up" by Ciara, and "Chandelier" by Sia. These are the songs that will get you moving and singing along at the top of your lungs. But it's not just about the current hits. Just Dance 2022 also throws in some retro tracks to keep the older players happy. These nostalgic tunes are a blast from the past and add a nice variety to the overall playlist. The song selection caters to a wide range of tastes. Whether you're into pop, hip-hop, Latin, or electronic music, there's something here for you. The game does a great job of curating a list that appeals to different age groups and preferences. Plus, with the Just Dance Unlimited subscription service, you can access a massive library of songs from previous Just Dance games. This subscription is a must-have for serious Just Dance fans. It exponentially increases the replayability of the game. While the base game's song list is decent, the Unlimited subscription takes it to a whole new level. It ensures that you'll never run out of new tracks to dance to. So, if you're planning on spending a lot of time with Just Dance 2022, definitely consider subscribing to Just Dance Unlimited.
Gameplay and Mechanics
The core gameplay of Just Dance 2022 remains largely unchanged, which isn't necessarily a bad thing. If it ain't broke, don't fix it, right? You hold the Joy-Con in your right hand and mimic the moves of the on-screen dancer. The game scores you based on how well you follow the choreography. The better you match the moves, the higher your score. The scoring system is pretty forgiving. You don't have to be perfect to get a decent score. As long as you're generally following the movements, you'll do fine. However, mastering the routines and getting those "Perfect" ratings is where the real challenge lies. One of the key aspects of the gameplay is the motion tracking. The Nintendo Switch's Joy-Cons aren't always the most accurate when it comes to motion sensing. But Just Dance 2022 does a decent job of interpreting your movements. There are definitely times when the tracking feels a bit off. But overall, it's reliable enough to provide a fun and engaging experience. The game also incorporates different types of dance moves and challenges. Some songs have simpler routines that are easy to pick up. Others have more complex choreography that will test your skills. This variety keeps things interesting and prevents the gameplay from becoming repetitive. The game also includes a "Kids Mode" with simplified routines for younger players. This is a great addition for families with children. It allows everyone to join in on the fun, regardless of their age or skill level. Just Dance 2022 is all about having a good time and letting loose. It's not about being a perfect dancer. It's about enjoying the music and moving your body. Whether you're playing solo or with friends, the gameplay is designed to be accessible and fun for everyone.
Graphics and Sound
Visually, Just Dance 2022 is vibrant and energetic. The game's art style is colorful and cartoonish, creating a lively and engaging atmosphere. The on-screen dancers are well-designed and expressive, making it easy to follow their movements. The backgrounds are also visually appealing, with dynamic effects and bright colors that enhance the overall experience. The game runs smoothly on the Nintendo Switch, with no noticeable frame rate drops or performance issues. This is crucial for a rhythm game. Any lag or stuttering would ruin the timing and make it difficult to follow the choreography. Fortunately, Just Dance 2022 delivers a smooth and consistent performance, even during the most intense dance routines. The sound quality in Just Dance 2022 is also top-notch. The music is clear and crisp, with a good balance between the vocals and the instruments. This is essential for a music game. The sound design does a great job of immersing you in the experience. The sound effects are well-integrated and add to the overall sense of fun and excitement. Whether you're playing on headphones or through your TV speakers, the sound quality is consistently good. The combination of vibrant graphics and high-quality sound makes Just Dance 2022 a truly immersive and enjoyable experience. It's a game that's designed to stimulate your senses and get you moving.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Fun and engaging gameplay
- Wide variety of songs
- Great for parties and family gatherings
- Good exercise
- Easy to pick up and play
Cons:
- Motion tracking can be inconsistent
- Requires Joy-Cons (sold separately)
- Just Dance Unlimited subscription is required for full experience
Final Verdict
So, is Just Dance 2022 on the Nintendo Switch worth it? Absolutely! If you're looking for a fun, engaging, and accessible dance game, you can't go wrong with Just Dance 2022. Despite some minor issues with motion tracking, the game delivers a consistently enjoyable experience. The wide variety of songs, vibrant graphics, and easy-to-learn gameplay make it a great choice for players of all ages and skill levels. Whether you're dancing solo or with friends, Just Dance 2022 is guaranteed to get you moving and grooving. While the Just Dance Unlimited subscription is almost essential for the full experience, the base game offers plenty of content to keep you entertained. The game's accessibility and pick-up-and-play nature make it perfect for casual gamers and partygoers. So, grab your Joy-Cons, turn up the volume, and get ready to Just Dance! You won't regret it!
