Just Dance 2023 Edition
Just Dance 2023 Edition is a 2022 dance rhythm game developed and published by Ubisoft. It was unveiled on September 10, 2022 during the Ubisoft Forward September 2022 web presentation as the fourteenth main installment of the series. It marks a new release form for the series, switching to a live service format with annual downloadable content song packs.[2][3] The game was released on November 22, 2022, for Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X/S.[4] It was also planned for release on Stadia, but that port of the game was cancelled due to the service's shutdown on January 18, 2023.[5]
| Just Dance 2023 Edition | |
|---|---|
| Developer(s) | Ubisoft Paris Ubisoft Pune Ubisoft Shanghai Ubisoft Mumbai |
| Publisher(s) | Ubisoft |
| Series | Just Dance |
| Engine | Unity[1] |
| Platform(s) | |
| Release | November 22, 2022 |
| Genre(s) | Rhythm |
| Mode(s) | |
Gameplay edit
As with the previous installments of the franchise, players must mimic the on-screen coach’s choreography to a chosen song using the game's associated smartphone app (Nintendo Switch players have the option to use the console's Joy-Con controllers). This installment is not released for Xbox One and PlayStation 4, thereby dropping support for Kinect, PlayStation Camera, and PlayStation Move.[6]
Features edit
The game features an updated and redesigned user interface, which emulates those seen on streaming services, such as Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, Max, Paramount+ and Peacock, all within a single Just Dance hub, serving as the home for the game and future installments of the series.[7] A new online multiplayer feature is added, where up to six players can join a private group with cross-play support at launch, with the Xbox Series X/S version later being supported.[8] Dancer cards, an in-game tool to express what the player was doing in-game, received a major overhaul, with avatars now being pictures of the coaches instead of their heads,[9] and emotes are added to show how the player feels after each song.[3] Score feedback animations can now be customized and are a toggleable option. Victory celebrations are a new addition, used for when the player finishes the song in single player or wins the song in multiplayer.[10] Cross-progression is a new feature to the Just Dance series, allowing players to progress through multiple consoles. Furthermore, the "Beat Vibrations" function, which has been exclusive to the Nintendo Switch version of previous installments, has been added to the Xbox Series X/S and PlayStation 5 versions.[11]
On October 9, "Workout Mode", a mode designed for exercise, and "Challenge Mode", an online mode where a player attempts to beat a pre-set higher score from another player, are added as part of the 2024 Edition Celebration Event.[12]
Story mode edit
2023 Edition includes a story mode-based playlist, a first in the series, titled "Enter the Danceverses". It tells the story of a woman named Sara, who is transported from the real world to a series of worlds collectively known as the "Danceverses" by a man named Wanderlust.[13] The two must stop the evil witch Night Swan from conquering the Danceverses. They recruit a team of expert dancers—Brezziana, Mihaly and Jack Rose (Night Swan's son)—and defeat Night Swan and her mind-controlled soldiers in a dance battle. The soldiers are freed, but Night Swan escapes. The group celebrates before Wanderlust sends Sara back to the real world.[14][15][16]
A follow-up to this story, titled "Dance with the Swan", is part of 2024 Edition.[17][18]
Soundtrack edit
The following songs appear on Just Dance 2023 Edition:[19][20][21]
- ^ a b c d e f g Also part of the "Enter the Danceverses" playlist
- ^ Only available as a French-exclusive track on the soundtrack
- ^ a b Tie in to League of Legends
- ^ Tie in to Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile, with the titular character being the coach of the song.
- ^ Appeared in Just Dance 2 with a different routine, which appears in the game as an alternate routine
Just Dance+ edit
Just Dance+ is a new subscription service launched alongside 2023 Edition.[22] Similar to Just Dance Unlimited from the previous seven games, it offers subscription-based access to a streaming library of songs (150 songs at launch) from previous Just Dance games alongside new exclusive tracks.[23] Recently ported songs from previous Just Dance games, as well as songs exculsive to the service, are added through frequent updates.
Songs exclusive to the service include:
| Song | Artist | Year | Release date |
|---|---|---|---|
| "Farfalle"[24][a][b] | Sangiovanni | 2022 | January 6, 2023 |
| "Ubu Love"[24][a][c] | Naniwa Danshi | 2021 | January 6, 2023 |
| "Woman" ("VIP" alternate routine)[24][a][d] | Doja Cat | 2021 | January 12, 2023 |
| "Vleugels"[24][a][e] | K3 | 2022 | January 12, 2023 |
| "Stay" ("VIP" alternate routine)[24][a][f] | The Kid Laroi and Justin Bieber | 2021 | January 19, 2023 |
| "ABC (Nicer)"[g][h] | Gayle | 2021 | February 27, 2023 |
| "Thank U, Next"[g] | Ariana Grande | 2018 | March 9, 2023 |
| "Wet Tennis"[g][i] | Sofi Tukker | 2022 | March 16, 2023 |
| "Provenza"[g][i] | Karol G | 2022 | March 30, 2023 |
| "About Damn Time"[g] | Lizzo | 2022 | April 6, 2023 |
| "SloMo"[j][k] | Chanel | 2022 | May 9, 2023 |
| "Give That Wolf a Banana"[j] | Subwoolfer | 2022 | May 17, 2023 |
| "Euphoria"[j] | Loreen | 2012 | May 25, 2023 |
| "Beggin'"[j] | Måneskin | 2017 | June 15, 2023 |
| "Trenulețul"[j] | Zdob și Zdub and Advahov Brothers | 2021 | June 22, 2023 |
| "Dare to Live"[l][25] | Trady | 2021 | June 29, 2023 |
| "Sunroof"[m][n] | Nicky Youre and Dazy | 2021 | July 20, 2023 |
| "Bloody Mary"[m] | Lady Gaga | 2011 | July 27, 2023 |
| "Miraculous"[26][o][p][q] | Lou and Lenni-Kim | 2017 | August 10, 2023 |
| "Sacrifice"[m] | The Weeknd | 2022 | August 17, 2023 |
| "DJ Got Us Fallin' in Love"[m] | Usher | 2010 | August 24, 2023 |
- ^ a b c d e World Tour Event
- ^ Also available as an Italian-exclusive track on the soundtrack
- ^ Also available as a Japanese-exclusive track on the soundtrack
- ^ Also available as a Canadian-exclusive routine on the game
- ^ Also available as a Benelux region-exclusive track on the soundtrack
- ^ Also available as a Korean-exclusive routine on the game
- ^ a b c d e Season 1: Lover Coaster
- ^ Free for a limited time from February 27 to March 9
- ^ a b Free for a limited time from March 30 to April 6
- ^ a b c d e Season 2: Showdown (Tie-in to the Eurovision Song Contest)
- ^ Free for a limited time from May 9 to 17
- ^ Also appeared in the Chinese version of Just Dance 2020
- ^ a b c d Season 3: Beach, Summer & Vampires
- ^ Free for a limited time from July 20 to 27
- ^ Credited as "Miraculous Official Theme Song".
- ^ Tie in to Miraculous: Tales of Ladybug & Cat Noir, with the titular characters being the coaches.
- ^ Free for a limited time from August 10 to 16
Controversy edit
On March 20, 2023, a union claimed that ten percent of Ubisoft's employees experienced burnouts and work stoppages every four weeks during the production of Just Dance 2023 Edition.[27]
Reception edit
| Aggregator | Score |
|---|---|
| Metacritic | 80/100 (XSX)[28] 76/100 (NS)[29] 70/100 (PS5)[30] |
| Publication | Score |
|---|---|
| Hardcore Gamer | 4/5[32] |
| Nintendo Life | [31] |
Just Dance 2023 Edition received "generally favorable reviews", according to Metacritic.[28][29][30]
Awards and nominations edit
| Year | Award | Category | Nominated work | Result | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | The Game Accessibility Conference | Best Representation | "Radioactive" routine | Won | [33] |
| Kids' Choice Awards | Favorite Video Game | Just Dance 2023 | Nominated | [34] |
Future edit
In an interview with JB Hi-Fi in November 2022, Just Dance brand director Amelie Louvet confirmed that 2023 Edition would be the final annual installment in the main series, with all further content, including new songs, game modes and features, being added to the game through online updates "throughout the months and years following launch".[35] In another interview with creative director Matthew Tomkinson, he further confirmed that the series will still release yearly installments through annual song packs instead of new games, and players owning 2023 Edition and future Editions can play with each other online.[17]
The next annual song pack, entitled Just Dance 2024 Edition, was released on October 24, 2023.[36]
References edit
- ^ Tomkinson, Matthew (October 9, 2022). "Just Dance 2023 está hecho de cero con un nuevo motor gráfico". Nintenduo. from the original on February 9, 2023. Retrieved February 9, 2023.
- ^ "Just Dance 2023 Reveal and Gameplay Overview | Ubisoft Forward 2022". IGN. September 10, 2022. from the original on November 20, 2022. Retrieved September 10, 2022.
- ^ a b Vicencio, Chastity (September 10, 2022). "Just Dance 2023 Edition Coming November 22". Ubisoft News. from the original on September 12, 2022. Retrieved September 12, 2022.
- ^ Conditt, Jess (September 10, 2022). "'Just Dance 2023' goes live November 22nd with online multiplayer". Engadget. from the original on September 21, 2022. Retrieved September 21, 2022.
- ^ Cranz, Alex (September 29, 2022). "Google is shutting down Stadia". The Verge. from the original on September 29, 2022. Retrieved September 29, 2022.
- ^ "Just Dance finally dumps Kinect and Xbox One with Just Dance 2023 - OnMSFT.com". November 29, 2022. from the original on May 27, 2023. Retrieved May 27, 2023.
- ^ "Review: 'Just Dance 2023' welcomes a new era of dancing with a unique story". Lifestyle Asia Kuala Lumpur. December 19, 2022. Retrieved October 30, 2023.
- ^ Doolan, Liam (September 10, 2022). "Ubisoft Announces Just Dance 2023 Edition, Out On Switch This November". Nintendo Life. from the original on September 11, 2022. Retrieved September 11, 2022.
- ^ Just Dance 2023 Edition - Discover the New Features, from the original on September 27, 2022, retrieved March 7, 2023
- ^ "How to unlock rewards - Just Dance 2023 Edition Unlockables for Nintendo Switch". www.chaptercheats.com. from the original on March 8, 2023. Retrieved March 8, 2023.
- ^ "Version 1.0.4 – Patch Notes". Ubisoft. December 19, 2022. Retrieved June 16, 2023.
- ^ Just Dance 2024 Edition - What’s coming in the October Update, retrieved October 16, 2023
- ^ Lucas (November 18, 2022). "Backstage Passes To The Behind The Scenes of Just Dance 2023 Edition". GamerBraves. Retrieved August 2, 2023.
- ^ The ENTIRE Lore in Just Dance 2023 (Video game). littlesiha. August 4, 2023 – via YouTube.
- ^ Just Dance 2023 Edition [@justdancegame] (December 14, 2022). "Discover the adventure of the #JustDance coaches in our latest story trailer. Enter the danceverses!" (Tweet). Retrieved December 15, 2022 – via Twitter.
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link) - ^ "10 Pieces Of Just Dance Lore No One Noticed". CBR. March 11, 2023. Retrieved June 16, 2023.
- ^ a b "Just Dance 2024 Edition – Creative Director Discusses New Features and Just Dance+ Year 2". news.ubisoft.com. Retrieved July 25, 2023.
- ^ Just Dance 2024 Edition - Story Playlist Trailer, retrieved October 11, 2023
- ^ Chin, Carmen (September 14, 2022). "'Just Dance 2023' to feature BTS' 'Dynamite' and ITZY's 'Wannabe' on tracklist". NME. from the original on September 21, 2022. Retrieved September 21, 2022.
- ^ Apsey, Joe (November 21, 2022). "Just Dance 2023 song list and track list". The Loadout. from the original on November 28, 2022. Retrieved November 24, 2022.
- ^ "Just Dance 2023 Edition Song List". Nintendo Insider. November 22, 2022. from the original on December 4, 2022. Retrieved November 22, 2022.
- ^ "Just Dance Plus – everything to know about the new service". The Loadout. November 22, 2022. from the original on November 29, 2022. Retrieved November 23, 2022.
- ^ "다양한 K-pop과 인기 팝송이 수록된 『저스트 댄스 2023 에디션』이 발매됩니다" ["Just Dance 2023 Edition" containing various K-pop and popular pop songs will be released] (in Korean). Nintendo Korea. November 11, 2022. from the original on March 14, 2023. Retrieved November 19, 2022.
- ^ a b c d e World Tour Event | Just Dance+. Just Dance. January 7, 2023. Retrieved January 7, 2023 – via YouTube.
- ^ "The song "Dare To Live" by Cui Di comes out on Just Dance+ today". Twitter. Retrieved July 3, 2023.
- ^ rawmeatcowboy (August 10, 2023). "Just Dance 2023 Edition "Miraculous Official Theme Song" music video". GoNintendo. Retrieved August 13, 2023.
- ^ Brown, Andy (March 22, 2023). "Ubisoft's 'Just Dance 2023' allegedly burned out 10 per cent of its developers". NME. Retrieved October 18, 2023.
- ^ a b "Just Dance 2023 Edition for Xbox Series X Reviews". Metacritic. from the original on January 6, 2023. Retrieved January 6, 2023.
- ^ a b "Just Dance 2023 Edition for Switch Reviews". Metacritic. from the original on November 29, 2022. Retrieved November 29, 2022.
- ^ a b "Just Dance 2023 Edition for PlayStation 5 Reviews". Metacritic. from the original on January 6, 2023. Retrieved January 6, 2023.
- ^ O'Reilly, PJ (November 24, 2022). "Review: Just Dance 2023 Edition - Some Welcome Changes To The Old Routine". Nintendo Life. from the original on November 28, 2022. Retrieved November 29, 2022.
- ^ Peeples, Jeremy (November 26, 2022). "Review: Just Dance 2023 - Hardcore Gamer". Hardcore Gamer. from the original on November 29, 2022. Retrieved November 29, 2022.
- ^ "GACONF AWARDS". gaconf.com. The Game Accessibility Conference. January 25, 2023.
- ^ McPherson, Christopher (January 31, 2023). "Nickelodeon Kids' Choice Awards 2023 Nominees Include 'Top Gun: Maverick' and 'Obi-Wan Kenobi'". Collider. Retrieved November 2, 2023.
- ^ Flower, Amy (November 14, 2022). "Don't stop the dance! Just Dance Q+A". JB Hi-Fi. from the original on November 15, 2022. Retrieved November 15, 2022.
- ^ "Just Dance 2024 Edition: Nintendo Switch™, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S". www.ubisoft.com. Retrieved June 12, 2023.
External links edit
- Official website