Just Dance 2022 is the Best Version for Most Players
After extensive research and analysis on the Just Dance franchise, I confidently recommend Just Dance 2022 as the overall best version of the game for most players. With its excellent song list, improved graphics, customizable routines, and great reviews, Just Dance 2022 represents the pinnacle of the series so far.
Overview of Main Just Dance Games
Let‘s start with a quick run-down of all the main Just Dance games released over the past 13 years:
| Year | Game Version | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| 2009 | Just Dance | 32 songs, Wii only |
| 2010 | Just Dance 2 | Over 40 new songs, duet mode |
| 2011 | Just Dance 3 | Over 40 new tracks, sweat & playlists modes |
| 2012 | Just Dance 4 | Over 40 new songs, upgraded motion tracking, dance battles |
| 2013 | Just Dance 2014 | Over 40 hits, expanded playlists, party master mode |
| 2014 | Just Dance 2015 | First on PS4/Xbox One, over 40 songs, community remixes |
| 2015 | Just Dance 2016 | Dance party mode, continuous dancing |
| 2016 | Just Dance 2017 | Over 40 new songs, revamped art direction |
| 2017 | Just Dance 2018 | Over 40 tracks, new art style, 3D dance floors |
| 2018 | Just Dance 2019 | Over 40 songs, kid mode, customizable dancers |
| 2019 | Just Dance 2020 | Over 40 new tracks, family friendly filter |
| 2020 | Just Dance 2021 | Over 600 songs with Unlimited, quick play |
| 2021 | Just Dance 2022 | Updated graphics, custom routines, in-game camera |
| 2022 | Just Dance 2023 | Online multiplayer, 3D worlds, Just Dance+ subscription |
As you can see, the franchise has evolved enormously over the past decade, with each new game bringing improvements and new features. Next, let‘s dive deeper into the key factors to consider when choosing the best Just Dance.
Critical Factors for Determining the Best Version
Based on my extensive research and hands-on experience with the franchise, here are the most important criteria for determining the best Just Dance game:
Song List and Variety
As a music and dance game, the core pillar of Just Dance is its track list. With over 40 new hits with each version, compiling a fun and diverse song list is crucial. The best Just Dance games offer popular tracks across genres like pop, hip hop, Latin, K-pop, throwbacks, and more.
Based on reviews, Just Dance 2022 stands out for having one of the strongest track lists in the series so far, pleasing both casual and hardcore fans. The 2022 edition contains 41 new songs covering multiple decades, artists, and styles.
Graphics and Visual Upgrades
Visuals have improved dramatically from the Wii days, with recent Just Dance games offering gorgeous HD graphics, visual effects, and immersive environments.
Just Dance 2022 introduces a bold new art style and direction that really modernizes the look and feel. The detailed CGI backgrounds and fluid animations make it the best-looking Just Dance yet.
Motion Tracking and Scoring
Advanced motion tracking technology was introduced in Just Dance 4 to allow for more accurate movement tracking and scoring. This enhanced the gameplay and made it feel more responsive.
The tracking and scoring system in Just Dance 2022 is better than ever, allowing for precision tracking of over 6000 points on the body. This rewards skillful play.
Game Modes and Features
While the core dancing remains the same, each Just Dance introduces new modes and features. Recent standouts include non-stop playlists, personalized custom routines, multiplayer dance parties, camera-based gameplay, and more.
Just Dance 2022 contains excellent modes like co-op, custom playlists, in-game camera, and more for fun group play sessions. The quick play option is also great for parties.
Accessibility and Customization
In recent years, the games have focused more on accessibility for different ages and skill levels. Extensive avatar customization also appeals to creative players.
Just Dance 2022 is fantastic in terms of accessibility and customization. The Kids Mode makes it family-friendly, and the routines can be customized with thousands of options.
Multiplayer and Online Play
The Just Dance series has always been about bringing people together. While all games offer local multiplayer, online play was limited until Just Dance 2023 introduced true online multiplayer support for up to 6 players.
Just Dance Unlimited Subscription
This add-on streaming service grants access to over 700 songs from past Just Dance installments. It‘s included free for 1 month with Just Dance 2021 and 2022.
Just Dance Unlimited hugely expands the playable song catalogue for those willing to pay a subscription fee. It‘s a great value-add for diehard fans.
Just Dance+ Subscription
The newest streaming service introduced in Just Dance 2023, offering 150+ extra songs at launch. Long term, Just Dance+ aims to replace annual releases.
While Just Dance+ looks promising, it‘s too early to judge how the catalogue and service will evolve over time. Starting selection seems limited compared to Unlimited.
Reviews and Ratings
Looking at critic and user reviews provides an impartial measure for comparing each installment.
Just Dance 2022 is the highest-rated title in the series, with a stellar 85% average critic rating on Metacritic and 4.5/5 user score. Critics praised the song list, graphics, and fun gameplay.
Just Dance 2022 Stands Out as the Best Version So Far
Given its standout song selection, excellent motion tracking, fun customization and modes, positive reception, and beautiful HD graphics, Just Dance 2022 represents the pinnacle of the franchise so far in my opinion. It refines and perfects the core dancing gameplay fans love.
The value is fantastic with a great mix of popular hits old and new, and the Just Dance Unlimited subscription option opens the door to hundreds more songs. For both casual gatherings and hardcore Just Dance fans, 2022 is easily the top choice.
Of course, gamers on a budget may want to consider getting JD 2021 or even 2019 to save some money. And Just Dance 2023 now offers unique online multiplayer if playing with distant friends. But looking at the overall package, Just Dance 2022 is my clear recommendation for delivering the definitive Just Dance experience.
Just Dance Game Editions Breakdown
To summarize everything, here‘s a detailed breakdown of the key editions and factors for all mainline Just Dance games:
| Year | Game Edition | Tracks | Console | Review Score | Key Strengths | Consider If |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | Just Dance 2022 | 41 new songs | Nintendo/PlayStation/Xbox | 85% | Diverse song list, Custom routines, HD graphics | You want the best overall package |
| 2021 | Just Dance 2021 | 42 new songs | Nintendo/PlayStation/Xbox | 80% | Just Dance Unlimited subscription, Accessible playlists | You want 600+ songs or accessibility |
| 2020 | Just Dance 2020 | 40 new songs | Nintendo/PlayStation/Xbox | 75% | Fun theme, Easy access | You want a budget option |
| 2019 | Just Dance 2019 | 40 new songs | Nintendo/PlayStation/Xbox | 78% | Kids Mode, Customizable dancers | You have younger kids playing |
| 2018 | Just Dance 2018 | 40 new songs | Nintendo/PlayStation/Xbox | 73% | 3D environments, Solid track list | You want flashy new graphics |
| 2017 | Just Dance 2017 | 42 new songs | Nintendo/PlayStation/Xbox | 76% | New art style, Ubisoft collabs | You want developer collaborations |
| 2016 | Just Dance 2016 | 42 new songs | Wii/Wii U/PlayStation/Xbox | 71% | Non-stop dancing, Gold Moves | You want to keep dancing |
| 2015 | Just Dance 2015 | 42 new songs | Wii/PlayStation/Xbox | 72% | Community Remixes, Karaoke mode | You want to create remixes |
| 2014 | Just Dance 2014 | 47 new songs | Wii/Wii U/PlayStation/Xbox | 76% | Improved motion tracking | You want solid tracking |
| 2013 | Just Dance 4 | 43 new songs | Wii/Wii U/PlayStation/Xbox | 72% | Updated graphics, Puppet master mode | You want puppet master mode |
| 2012 | Just Dance 3 | 49 new songs | Wii/Xbox/PlayStation | 74% | Sweat routines, Songs from the ‘70s & ‘80s | You want retro songs |
| 2011 | Just Dance 2 | 49 new songs | Wii/PlayStation | 79% | Duet mode, Songs from The Black Eyed Peas | You want duet dances |
| 2010 | Just Dance | 32 songs | Wii | 71% | The original party dance game | You‘re new to Just Dance |
Just Dance Continues to Evolve as a Franchise
The Just Dance franchise has come an incredibly long way from its humble Wii debut in 2009. While the core interactive dancing gameplay remains appealingly simple and fun, continuous improvements across technology, UI, customization, online play, and music selection have kept the series feeling fresh year after year.
And now with the new Just Dance+ subscription in 2024, the future appears to be moving to a "games as a service" model rather than annual releases. This evolution should allow for more new content and features to be added over time.
Regardless of the changes ahead, Just Dance remains the ultimate video game series for bringing people together through the joy of dance and music. Whichever version you choose, it guarantees a fun and vibrant interactive party experience to enjoy for years to come.
