One of the problems reviewers have with the annual appearance of the Just Dance franchise is simply the fact that there usually aren’t many new things to talk about, with each new instalment simply offering more songs, and maaaybe a brand-new feature or two. With that in mind, this read will keep it sort, focusing on what’s new, as it expects prior knowledge of what Just Dance is. As a whole, Just Dance 2026 Edition brings forth the same irresistible party energy you have come to love. It doesn’t revolutionize the formula but continues to refine it, making it feel more like a vibrant content pack than a true next-gen leap… and that’s not necessarily a bad thing.
For quite some time, old farts like yours truly would use Just Dance to get their exposure into what’s new in the world of mainstream music, as Ubisoft tends to be pretty good with picking tunes. Aside from that, each new Just Dance includes a couple of old-school stuff, as well as some less known or just plain weird and silly choices. Just Dance 2026 is all that all over again, with 40 new songs to shake your body at. Fans of pop will enjoy new and newish hits like Feather by Sabrina Carpenter, Lady Gaga’s Abracadabra, Dua Lipa’s Houdini or Azizam by Ed Sheeran. Also expect a couple of decade(s) old classics like Counting Stars by OneRepublic, Smash Mouth’s All Star, and the marvellous Hung Up by Cannibal Corp…err, Madonna.
Your young ones will love the inclusion of the ultra-famous APT. by ROSE & Bruno Mars and your even younger ones will – probably – have fun with Bluey Medley from the animation Bluey. Fans of super old-school stuff (in other words those who grew up with the best music ever – yes, deal with it!) will once again have to accept that they aren’t the target demographic, with their only options being Girls Just Want to Have Fun by Cyndi Lauper, and… La Bamba? Anyway, music is all about personal taste, so it would probably easier to just check an online list to see if you like what’s on offer.
The playlist is half the fun in Just Dance. The rest of it lies with the music videos and choreographies. Without going into too much detail, this retains the series’ high quality. Ubisoft is doubling down on expressive, colourful art (maybe too colourful at times) that’s fun to watch, whether you’re dancing or spectating. Like with recent titles, the backgrounds tend to be more dynamic, and the camera is no longer stationary for all songs. The developer also continues to include a diverse cast of dancers of different colours, sizes, and ages. Extra kudos for those routines that cater to limited mobility, offering options that can be performed seated. A nice touch which lets you have fun even if you, say, use a wheelchair.
An evolution of the way this controls comes from the Just Dance Controller App, which now includes a camera-based movement detection system that uses your smartphone. This upgrade captures full-body motion, providing a far more immersive dance experience. It’s not perfect, though, and it demands a room that’s well-lit and a device that’s properly positioned. The biggest new feature, however, is ‘Party,’ a chaotic mode full of surprises. In Party the rules are constantly changing: visual effects distort the screen, improvised are thrown at you, and the choreography is slightly altered – it’s a mode designed to break the routine and provoke group laughter.
To conclude, whether a fan of the franchise, or just looking for a fun title to enjoy with friends and family, Just Dance 2026 Edition delivers… even if it plays it a little too safe. Newcomers should be aware that this keeps a service-model embraced in 2024, allowing access to songs from previous editions. 40 songs might seem like a bargain, but make no mistake, the true Just Dance experience can only be found in the Just Dance+ subscription service. The good news is that the customary 30-day free trial is included here, giving newcomers a generous taste of the full package.
