The glory days are back with Just Dance 2024, the new version of the acclaimed dance game that has been loved since the seventh generation consoles such as the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360. However, what used to be somewhat archaic, requiring a PS Camera or Kinect, technology is now more evolved, and the ways of playing have changed.
Despite this, there are other significant changes that have taken place in the video games industry that have also impacted Just Dance, and in a relatively bad way.
Check out our review of Just Dance 2024, the new dance game from Ubisoft.
Just Dance 2024 embraces the digital world
Gone are the days when we would go to a physical store, buy a piece of media and just put it in our console and be happy. With Just Dance 2024, everything happens in the opposite way.
The game is a kind of expansion for an existing launcher in the store, which is free. When you purchase the game, you receive an update to the launcher. The new songs are then released for you to play.
If you bought last year's version, these songs will be in the same app, next to each other. In addition to the Just Dance+ songs that you'll find below.
This could end up being a big problem...
With the fact that the game is now based on a license for a free application, this could lead to some problems.
In my case, I share my PlayStation account with a trusted friend, but you may be sharing it with a family member at home. If this is the case, know that they won't be able to play.
My friend tried to use it, and neither the Just Dance+ songs nor the Just Dance 2024 base songs could be played. This is because they are only licenses for free content.
What's new?
Just Dance 2024 doesn't bring much new to the franchise. There are 40 new songs exclusive to the new version of the game. As well as a mode called "Workout Mode", which can be activated at any time and replaces the "Sweat Mode" of previous games.
Workout Mode" allows you to activate a calorie burn counter at any time, as well as the time and number of songs you danced to.
The definitive way to play Just Dance
What used to be possible to play with Kinect and PlayStation Camera, despite both devices having been discontinued, is now no longer.
The definitive way to play Just Dance 2024 is on a smartphone, be it Android or iOS, via the "Just Dance 2023 Controller" app.
Although this way works without any problems, it doesn't offer the same experience as the previous ones. This is because it only captures the movements of the arm holding the smartphone.
It's also worth noting that this connection requires the internet, so even if the songs are downloaded to your console, you still need the connection to actually be able to dance.
Is Just Dance 2024 worth playing?
Just Dance 2024 is a game that doesn't innovate, doesn't renew or even improve anything. It's just a new version of the title we've known for a few years.
There are good music options, as well as beautiful visuals, as always. However, it falls short when you realize that it requires the use of the internet, and the precision of your movements isn't the best.
Family sharing of the game can also be a big problem, since licenses don't pass to your partner (at least, we can't). And, I miss more use of cooperation, perhaps with friends online.
Not to mention that the cost of just having new songs is not worth it. I believe that Ubisoft should seek a rethink for the franchise, bringing a game of greater scope again.
Just Dance 2024 is available for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S e Nintendo Switch.
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