Just Dance 2022: Nintendo Switch Review - Is It Worth It?
Hey guys! Ready to groove and move? Let's dive into Just Dance 2022 on the Nintendo Switch. If you're wondering whether this dance party in a cartridge is worth your hard-earned cash, you've come to the right place. We'll break down everything from the tracklist to the gameplay, graphics, and overall fun factor. So, lace up those dancing shoes (or go barefoot, we don't judge!) and let’s get started!
What's New in Just Dance 2022?
Just Dance 2022 brings a fresh set of tunes and some neat updates to keep you moving. For starters, the tracklist is packed with a mix of current hits and some old favorites. Think Dua Lipa, Billie Eilish, and even some classic throwbacks that'll get everyone in the family on their feet. Variety is the spice of life, and this game delivers a solid dose of it. One of the biggest improvements is the refined motion tracking. The Nintendo Switch version relies on the Joy-Cons, and let's be honest, sometimes they can be a bit finicky. But in Just Dance 2022, the tracking feels more responsive and accurate. That means fewer missed moves and a more seamless dancing experience. Plus, the game introduces a new scoring system that provides more detailed feedback on your performance. It’s not just about hitting the moves; it’s about hitting them with style and precision. This adds a competitive edge, especially when playing with friends and family. They've also tweaked the user interface to make it more intuitive and user-friendly. Navigating through the menus, selecting songs, and customizing your profile is now smoother than ever. This might seem like a small change, but it significantly enhances the overall user experience. For the little ones, Just Dance 2022 includes a dedicated Kids Mode with kid-friendly songs and simplified choreography. This ensures that even the youngest members of the family can join in the fun without getting overwhelmed. It’s a great way to get them active and engaged in a healthy activity. And let's not forget about the Sweat Mode. This mode tracks your calories burned and dance time, making it a fun way to get a workout. If you're looking to combine your gaming with a fitness routine, Just Dance 2022 has got you covered.
Tracklist and Music Selection
When it comes to Just Dance, the tracklist is king. No matter how polished the gameplay is, if the music doesn't get you moving, the game falls flat. Thankfully, Just Dance 2022 delivers a vibrant and diverse selection of songs. You'll find chart-toppers like "Level Up" by Ciara, "Believer" by Imagine Dragons, and "Happier Than Ever" by Billie Eilish. These tracks are perfect for those who want to dance to the latest hits and show off their moves. The inclusion of Latin rhythms is also a welcome addition. Songs like "Baile Conmigo" by Daddy Yankee and "Chica" by The Black Eyed Peas and Ozuna will get your hips swaying and your feet tapping. These tracks are infectious and bring a different flavor to the dance floor. For those who love a bit of nostalgia, Just Dance 2022 doesn't disappoint. You'll find classic tunes like "You Make Me Feel (Mighty Real)" by Sylvester, which are perfect for a retro dance party. These tracks are a great way to introduce younger players to some of the classics and relive some memories for the older ones. The game also features a good mix of genres, from pop and hip-hop to Latin and electronic. This variety ensures that there's something for everyone, regardless of their musical taste. Whether you're into high-energy dance anthems or more laid-back grooves, you'll find plenty of songs to enjoy. The game also includes a subscription service called Just Dance Unlimited, which gives you access to a vast library of songs from previous Just Dance titles. This is a great option for those who want to expand their music collection and keep the party going. While the base game offers a solid tracklist, Just Dance Unlimited takes it to the next level. Keep in mind that this is a subscription service, so you'll need to pay a monthly or annual fee to access the full library. However, if you're a hardcore Just Dance fan, it's definitely worth considering.
Gameplay and Mechanics
The gameplay in Just Dance 2022 remains largely unchanged from previous installments, but that's not necessarily a bad thing. The core mechanics are simple and accessible, making it easy for anyone to pick up and play. You simply hold the Joy-Con in your right hand and follow the on-screen dancer's moves. The game tracks your movements and gives you a score based on your accuracy. The better you mimic the dancer's moves, the higher your score. One of the key improvements in Just Dance 2022 is the refined motion tracking. The Nintendo Switch version relies on the Joy-Cons, and as we all know, they can sometimes be a bit unreliable. However, in this game, the tracking feels more responsive and accurate. This means fewer missed moves and a more seamless dancing experience. Of course, the motion tracking isn't perfect. Sometimes the game might misinterpret your movements, especially during fast-paced or complex routines. However, overall, the tracking is significantly better than in previous Just Dance titles. Just Dance 2022 introduces a new scoring system that provides more detailed feedback on your performance. Instead of just giving you a generic score, the game now breaks down your performance into individual moves and tells you where you can improve. This adds a competitive edge, especially when playing with friends and family. The game also features a variety of game modes to keep things interesting. The classic Just Dance mode is perfect for casual players who just want to dance and have fun. The Sweat Mode tracks your calories burned and dance time, making it a fun way to get a workout. And the Kids Mode features kid-friendly songs and simplified choreography, ensuring that even the youngest members of the family can join in the fun. In addition to the standard game modes, Just Dance 2022 also includes online multiplayer. This allows you to dance with players from all over the world and compete for the top spot on the leaderboards. The online multiplayer is a great way to challenge yourself and see how you stack up against other dancers. Overall, the gameplay in Just Dance 2022 is solid and engaging. The simple mechanics, refined motion tracking, and variety of game modes make it a fun and accessible game for players of all skill levels.
Graphics and Presentation
Visually, Just Dance 2022 maintains the series' signature vibrant and colorful aesthetic. The on-screen dancers are well-animated and full of personality, and the backgrounds are creative and eye-catching. The game runs smoothly on the Nintendo Switch, with no noticeable frame rate drops or graphical glitches. The user interface is clean and intuitive, making it easy to navigate through the menus and select songs. One of the standout features of Just Dance is its use of augmented reality (AR). The game uses the Nintendo Switch's camera to project your image onto the screen, allowing you to see yourself dancing alongside the on-screen dancers. This adds a fun and immersive element to the game, especially when playing with friends and family. The graphics in Just Dance 2022 are not the most technically impressive, but they are certainly stylish and visually appealing. The game's focus is on fun and energy, and the visuals reflect that. The bright colors, dynamic animations, and creative backgrounds create a lively and engaging atmosphere that will get you in the mood to dance. While the game looks great on the Nintendo Switch's handheld screen, it really shines when played on a big-screen TV. The larger screen allows you to fully appreciate the game's visuals and immerse yourself in the dance experience. Overall, the graphics and presentation in Just Dance 2022 are top-notch. The game's vibrant visuals, smooth animations, and creative use of AR make it a joy to watch and play.
Performance on Nintendo Switch
Let's talk about how Just Dance 2022 performs on the Nintendo Switch. In general, the game runs smoothly and reliably. The frame rate is consistent, even during the most intense dance routines, which is crucial for a rhythm-based game. The loading times are also relatively short, so you won't be stuck waiting for long periods between songs. However, there are a few minor issues to be aware of. As mentioned earlier, the motion tracking isn't always perfect. Sometimes the Joy-Cons might lose tracking or misinterpret your movements, especially during fast-paced sections. This can be frustrating, but it's not a game-breaking issue. Another potential issue is battery life. Just Dance can be quite demanding on the Joy-Cons, so you might find yourself needing to recharge them more frequently than usual. It's a good idea to have a spare set of Joy-Cons on hand, especially if you're planning a long dance session. Despite these minor issues, Just Dance 2022 is a well-optimized game for the Nintendo Switch. It runs smoothly, looks great, and is a lot of fun to play. Whether you're playing in handheld mode or on the big screen, you're sure to have a great time. The game's performance is particularly impressive considering the amount of action happening on screen. The dancers are constantly moving, the backgrounds are dynamic, and the AR effects add an extra layer of visual complexity. Yet, the game manages to maintain a stable frame rate and avoid any major performance issues. Overall, the performance of Just Dance 2022 on the Nintendo Switch is excellent. The game runs smoothly, looks great, and is a lot of fun to play. If you're looking for a fun and engaging dance game for your Nintendo Switch, Just Dance 2022 is definitely worth considering.
Final Verdict: Is Just Dance 2022 Worth It?
So, is Just Dance 2022 worth your money? In my opinion, the answer is a resounding yes! This game is a blast to play, whether you're dancing solo or with friends and family. The tracklist is diverse and features a great mix of current hits and classic tunes. The gameplay is simple and accessible, making it easy for anyone to pick up and play. And the graphics are vibrant and visually appealing. Of course, the game isn't perfect. The motion tracking can be a bit finicky at times, and the battery life of the Joy-Cons can be an issue. However, these are minor issues that don't detract from the overall experience. Just Dance 2022 is a great way to get active, have fun, and bond with your loved ones. Whether you're a seasoned dancer or a complete beginner, you're sure to find something to enjoy in this game. The game's variety of game modes, online multiplayer, and Just Dance Unlimited subscription service offer plenty of replay value. You can spend hours dancing to your favorite songs, competing with friends, and exploring new content. If you're looking for a fun and engaging game for your Nintendo Switch, Just Dance 2022 is definitely worth considering. It's a great value for the money and is sure to provide hours of entertainment. So, what are you waiting for? Grab your Joy-Cons and get ready to dance!
Pros:
- Diverse and engaging tracklist
- Simple and accessible gameplay
- Vibrant and visually appealing graphics
- Fun for all ages and skill levels
Cons:
- Motion tracking can be finicky
- Joy-Con battery life can be an issue