Just Dance 2014 puts the same simple idea in front of the camera again: dance to the beat, let the screen judge your moves, and hope the crowd doesn’t laugh. The game asks nothing of you beyond rhythm and timing, and that simplicity is also its strength. This year’s version arrives on PS3, PS4, Wii and Wii U, carrying the same formula across every platform, though the look and feel change depending on which console you pick up.
Trailer, via Just Dance.
The Songs
The song list is the engine of Just Dance 2014, and it runs on pop hits rather than deep cuts. Hits like “Happy” and “Shake It Off” sit alongside older tracks that still hold up, giving the game a broad appeal that crosses generations. Some songs work better than others, but the variety keeps the setlist from feeling thin over a long night of play. The mix includes newer releases and older songs that remain familiar, which helps the playlist avoid feeling dated even as it leans on current pop stars.
| Platform | Hardware | Key Feature |
|---|---|---|
| PS3 / PS4 | DualShock 3 / DualShock 4 | Motion tracking |
| Wii / Wii U | Wiimote / GamePad | Motion tracking |
| PS4 / Wii U | Camera support | Full-body tracking |
The Tracking
The tracking system has improved since earlier games in the series, and Just Dance 2014 shows it. Players can now be judged on full-body movement, not just arm gestures, which adds depth to the harder dances. The system isn’t perfect — it misses some moves and occasionally flags a dancer out of sync — but the general sense of control is better than it once was. The improvements in tracking are noticeable during the harder dances, where full-body motion is required.
Playing Together
The game supports groups of players, and that’s where Just Dance 2014 finds its audience. Friends gather around the screen, take turns picking songs, and settle arguments about who danced best. The competitive mode adds a layer of challenge, though it’s not the main draw. Just Dance 2014 works best as a shared experience, not a solo workout.
Where It Falls Short
Not everything holds up. Some of the dances are clearly designed for children, and the game doesn’t always find the balance between easy fun and skilled challenge. The difficulty settings don’t change much between songs, so players who want a real test will find themselves repeating the same dances to get better at them. The difficulty settings could use more variation to match the skill level of each song.
The music selection leans heavily on current pop stars, which means the playlist repeats itself more often than it should. A few tracks stand out as favorites, but the overall shape of the setlist can feel narrow. Even so, the variety across genres and decades keeps the game from feeling thin over a long night of play.
What Works Best
The core loop remains strong. Pick a song, move your body, and watch the screen tell you how you’re doing. That loop hasn’t changed much over the years, and it still works.
Here’s what stands out:
- The song list covers a wide range of genres and decades.
- The tracking system is more accurate than before.
- Multiplayer play keeps the game lively with friends.
- The difficulty settings could be tighter.
Final Word
Just Dance 2014 doesn’t break new ground, but it doesn’t need to. It delivers what the series promised: a simple, accessible way to dance with friends, tracked by the camera. The improvements in tracking and multiplayer make it a solid addition to the line, even if the song list and difficulty settings keep it from reaching the top of the genre.
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