Just Dance has done it again, creating yet another joyful game full of fun and sore muscles. Being the sixteenth installment in the franchise, Just Dance 2025 Edition has come a long way since its initial release. It now features more realistic dancers, more complicated dances, different versions of dances (to accommodate both those who are handy/capable and those who may just be looking for an easier and more low key routine), a workout mode, and so much more.
Just like most of Just Dance’s previous games, you play this one with a joy-con in your hand. The way you move your hand determines the score you get. The more correct and on-beat your dancing is, the higher your score.
Navigating the menu is just as simple. You move your curser around with your right or left stick, depending on which joy-con you are holding, and interact with A. You can return or go back in your search with B.
Having not fully played a Just Dance game since the Wii, I was really looking forward to playing this one. I grew up on Just Dance, and still play my old game now and then. Just Dance 2025 comes with over 40 songs (some being repeats for more intense versions or for versions using only the upper body), and most of them are pretty good. This installment seems to focus more so on the modern songs. It even has some originals, which is cool in its own way, but also a little disappointing for those who would prefer dancing to throwbacks.
The game features an Ariana Grande pack with five of her songs, featuring some new ones like “The Boy is Mine” and older selections like “One Last Time.” You’re able to create your own playlists as well, so you can dance strictly to your favorites, or switch it up by genre, a workout routine, or by how easy or hard the dances are.
Along with the song choice in Just Dance 2025 Edition, I felt divided on the dances, as well. Some were really fun, while others felt too slow or too difficult, even on an easier mode. One of the dances I loved was to “Party in the U.S.A.” by Miley Cyrus, as it was a simple and fun dance that reminded me of the earlier versions of Just Dance. The character dancing was cute, and the background imagery was super cool and helped add to the song and dance’s bubbly and carefree vibe. I felt the same about the “Chattahoochee” dance as well. It was goofy, fun, and not too challenging.
However, some of the dances like “Yes, And?” and “My Heart Will Go On” felt too slow and a little awkward to dance to. It’s understandable why these songs are on here, as some people may prefer a more lowkey dance, but I know that I, and the friends I played with, preferred to dance to upbeat and energetic songs.
The difficulty of the songs is listed before you play. One cool feature is present with “Basket Case” which has three different characters: one with an easy dance, one with a medium, and one with a hard dance. This is nice to have as it allows people at different skill levels to play together. It’s also further proof of this game’s versatile representation and accessibility.
Like stated before, some of the dances are upper body movements only, which is super handy for those who may be in wheelchairs or not able to move their lower body as well. There are also different body types represented, as well as clothing and aesthetics. Just Dance 2025 Edition is a game where everyone can find something they like.
The whole production side of Just Dance is amazing. Even if you don’t like all of the songs or dances, it’s hard to not appreciate the look of them all. The settings, props, art, and animation all add to the fun of the game. They also help keep the screen from getting boring, as you have more to look at than just a person dancing.
Being run by Ubisoft, Just Dance 2025 Edition is an online game in which you have to create an account. However, you can download dances so you are able to play with no Internet connection. And although the 2025 edition comes with 40 songs, you’re able to buy more. There are a bunch of different packs, such as Just Dance 2024 and 2023. These bigger packs cost around $50, which makes sense as that’s about how much Just Dance 2025 costs, and these packs are another 40 songs. The game comes with a free month of Just Dance+, which gives you access to over 300 songs. Don’t get too accustomed to those, however, until you plan on paying to extend the subscription.
Just Dance 2025 Edition is a great game for those who like more modern songs and dancing. It’s nice to see how far this game has come, but it can also feel a bit underwhelming as well, especially for those who favored a previous version. Still, Just Dance creates an environment in which anyone can have fun, and that’s what is most important.
