Just Dance 3 puts the whole room in motion. Released in 2011 for PS3 and Xbox 360, the game asks up to four people to mirror dance moves on screen while the console watches every step. It is the third entry in the Just Dance series, and it still works.
Trailer, via Ubisoft.
The Setup
Players choose from over 40 songs, each with its own set of moves. The game judges performance on screen, showing stars earned along the way. Duet mode lets two people dance together, each picking their own dancer from the roster. Dance Crew mode pushes that further, giving four players their own choreography at once.
Modes Worth Playing
The game packs a lot of ways to play. Here is what stands out:
- Solo mode, where one person mirrors the moves alone
- Duet mode, where two people share the same song
- Dance Crew mode, for four dancers at once
- Non-Stop Shuffle, which strings songs together without pause
- Speed Shuffle, which compresses songs for a quicker test
- Medley, Simon Says and Just Sweat, mixed in for variety
Each mode offers a distinct challenge, and the game gives players several paths to try before settling on a favorite.
Karaoke Lyrics and Hold My Hand
On PS3, karaoke-styled lyrics appear in yellow text, matching the Japanese exclusive Just Dance Wii. The Xbox 360 version adds two difficulty settings, letting players pick between the full version and a shorter take on each song. Both versions keep the boomboxes that show the five judgements during play.
Hold My Hand mode is shared across PS3 and Wii. Two players share one Motion controller, dancing as a team.
What Players Unlock
Gifts sit behind song choices, modes and Dance Mashups. Those mashups combine dance routines from this game and the two that came before it into one song. Players earn stars during songs, and those stars open up new content as they move through the game.
Comparing the Platforms
| Feature | PS3 | Xbox 360 |
|---|---|---|
| Karaoke-styled lyrics | Yes | No |
| Hold My Hand mode | Yes | No |
| Difficulty settings | No | Yes |
| Full version / Short version | No | Yes |
The table shows how the two versions differ in features, even as both keep the core Just Dance formula intact.
Where It Falls Short
Not every mode lands. Some songs feel harder to follow than others, and the camera can lose a dancer mid-routine. None of these problems break the game, but they show where the design could use polish.
Final Word
Just Dance 3 remains a solid party game. Its modes give it lasting value, and the Dance Crew setup is the standout addition. The game earns a 7 of 10.
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