Just Dance 4 (Wii) Review

For those new to the series, the brief synopsis is thus: despite Just Dance 4 including lyrics on each of the songs in its forty-plus line-up, it does not actually include microphone support for singing. Neither does it use any gimmicks like Balance Board compatibility for monitoring feet movement. There is not even use for the humble Nunchuk! Just Dance is simply a case of using a standard Wii Remote to match the choreographed moves that appear on the TV. Watch the professionals -- albeit in neon silhouetted form -- jive around, whilst keeping a beady eye on the prompts in the lower-right to try to minimise random arm flailing, and quickly build up the points. Sounds a doddle, right?

Not really, in actuality, since many times the temptation will be to focus solely on the dancing figures and the elaborate backgrounds, thus not following the exact steps required. Other times, intently watching the guidance imagery can cause timings to be slightly messed up. Therefore, although players can make sufficient gyrations to get a moderate score, the trick to unlocking the extras in Just Dance 4 is that more skill is required, with more concentration on all elements involved.

Battle against friends in high octane dance-offs, join forces in four-player routines for certain songs, open up brand new choreographies for extra challenge, or go fitness crazy with the return of 'Just Sweat,' where calories are counted, and new workout sessions and personalised programmes are available. There is also more incentive to go back to particular tracks now with up to six special tasks to complete per song, unlocking more rewards along the way, and building up what is equivalent to experience points in an RPG, with new 'levels' allowing for further new content to be accessed. With the chance to create dancer cards to keep an eye on individual statistics, take part in duets, enjoy special mash-ups, and soak up the usual slew of download content, Just Dance 4 is easily the most enjoyable version yet.