I have kept up with the Just Dance series from the beginning and own almost all of them to date – Parts 1, 2, 3, 4, Summer Party, Greatest Hits, ABBA, Michael Jackson, JD2014, JD2015, JD2016, JD2017, JD 2018 – and now JD2019. Not only are they incredibly fun, but they also serve as my primary workout regime. In 2012 I had cancer surgery which kept me off my feet for some time, and Just Dance really helped me bounce back and lose upwards of 60 pounds that first year with very little modification to my diet. I continued to dance literally every single day for about three years, resulting in not only a slimmer, more toned body, but I also FELT better than ever. Unfortunately, after my cancer resurfaced in 2016, the ensuing surgeries and permanent nerve damage have prevented me from exercising on the level I used to, but I do still like to pop these games in every once in a while and was happy to pick up the latest. But enough of my sob story. I only wanted to mention these things now so any criticisms I might make come off as more credible and not just the rantings of a casual player who simply can't keep up with the steps or hold the controller properly. Trust me, I know these games inside out by now, lol.
So that said, I will admit that the last few installments of Just Dance have left a somewhat bitter taste in my mouth in a lot of ways, but I promised myself I would give it one more chance before giving up on the series completely. Luckily, I am happy to report that JD2019 serves as a refreshing return to form, and has instantly become my favorite installment in at least four or five years. My biggest beef lately has been with the choreography itself, because it has degraded to not much more than bizarre hand posing and random flailing about, with no relation whatsoever to the music, which has proven rather frustrating. JD2019, however, makes an effort to create iconic dances that are actual routines with beat and repetition, like something you might see performed on a stage, which not only makes it easier but much more fun to play. The graphics are colorful and fluid and you get to play as a variety of whimsical characters, and I appreciate that they reined it in just a bit with all the dizzying visual effects and other “stuff” happening onscreen which at times made it very difficult to see what your dancer was supposed to be doing.
The tracklisting will be hit or miss depending on who you ask because this is, by far, the least mainstream entry in the series. Almost none of the songs are current, and the small selection of radio hits we do get by well-known artists such as Britney Spears and Maroon 5 are a few years old by now. Overall there has been a major shift toward Latin and world music, which is not necessarily a complaint for me, but I can see why others may be disappointed. But, like I said, the choreography is good and the motion tracking with the Switch joy-con is fair, though some straightforward moves such as pointing your hand to the sky still fail to register on occasion. My one true complaint, if I had to make one, is that I feel they once again included way too many group dances, because they really aren’t dances at all so much as little scenes or skits. This approach may be more fun in the context of a party or group setting, but they offer nothing in terms of exercise and it’s completely useless for a solo player like me who plays these games only to get fit. At this point I feel they really should just make an offshoot “Just Dance Party” series or something instead of wasting so much space on the main games.
The staple Just Sweat and online World Dance Floor modes return, as well as a small selection of tracks geared towards younger kids specifically. There are still plenty of avatars, stickers, and alternate choreographies to unlock, so a good amount of time could be spent playing this to completion if you like, and the revamped menu interface is a breath of fresh air making the whole thing much easier to navigate. (The change may be jarring to followers of the series, but as a long-time player myself I assure you, it’s better this way.) I should point out that while JD2019 does include a free 90-day trial of Just Dance Unlimited, which is basically an online database of over 300 tracks from games past, it is mandatory you have a Ubisoft Club account in order to access it which is an odd change from the last few games where nothing else was required.
Overall though, I think JD 2019 is a solid entry in the series, embodying the fun and whimsy of the earlier games but with a modern polish that doesn’t compromise the gameplay itself (JD2018 I’m looking at you). Even though I’m not quite the dancer I used to be I can certainly appreciate that they keep making these games at all and continue to appeal to a wide range of demographics. Whether your goal is to shed a few pounds or just goof around for a few minutes, everyone should find at least one thing here to love.
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Customer reviews
I get Just Dance every year and this is one of my favorites! The new songs are so good and they have a ton of songs from different countries and in different languages. :D I also get to dance on the Switch when I travel which is great!
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Reviewed in the United States on November 28, 2018
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Reviewed in the United States on January 1, 2019
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Reviewed in the United States on November 13, 2018
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Reviewed in the United States on October 28, 2018
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I get Just Dance every year and this is one of my favorites! The new songs are so good and they have a ton of songs from different countries and in different languages. :D I also get to dance on the Switch when I travel which is great!
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Top reviews from other countries
rklimes
Double the asking price to rent songs for a year.
Reviewed in Canada on January 14, 2019Verified Purchase
Bailey
Good game, half the content is behind another paywall
Reviewed in Canada on February 8, 2019Verified Purchase
Jimmy
Got the Europe Versions lol
Reviewed in Canada on June 16, 2021Verified Purchase
Nancy Hiwatari
Horas de diversión!
Reviewed in Mexico on February 16, 2019Verified Purchase
Hari S.
Fun with the family!
Reviewed in Canada on June 11, 2019Verified Purchase
