One of the titles being shown during the Ubisoft Winter Showcase was Just Dance, a highly enjoyable dance party game for the Nintendo Wii…

Just Dance adds a new twist to the massively popular rhythm dance genre by doing away with the mat or platform and replaces them with the Wii Remote and Nunchuk. This means that rather than just hitting directions with your feet you can now perform iconic dance routines and moves. Obviously many of you will turn away from this type of game, dismissing it as one for the girls, and I don’t blame you because I did the same. That was until I first saw the game in action and heard some of the great tracks that are included.

At first I hung around on the fringes, observing others playing the game and noticing just how much fun they was having. It wasn’t long before I found the draw of the dance floor irresistible and I decided to give it a go. the basic principles was explained to me and without further delay the bass line of Technotronic’s Pump Up The Jam kicked in. It was to late to pull out now, I was in the groove and starting to throw some shapes, although I use that term in the loosest possible sense.

The important thing was that Just Dance became instant fun, I could see the game being a smash hit at parties this Christmas. On another side, after just a couple of boogies you realise that the game delivers a better workout than titles like Wii-Fit does, and plus it’s a hell of a lot more fun too. The excellent choice of tracks, ranging from contemporary 80’s, and 90’s, to Disco, rock, pop, and r’n’b are all iconic tunes that will make anyone want to get up and dance. As you watch others play you begin to get drawn in by the game’s infectious nature. If you’re over 18, then add a bit of alcohol into the mix and you got the ideal ingredients for a party to remember.

The game is played by simply following the moves of a neon-style dance instructor in the centre of the screen. Each of these characters are also dressed to match the style of the song, so for example with MC Hammer the instructor will be wearing those iconic parachute pants. Hit up Fame and you get a girl with leg-warmers, leotard, and headband. Your next move scrolls from the side of the screen and when it reaches the middle section you simply copy it. Combine that with a bit of hip wiggling and some of your own style and you will be a dance-floor winner! As you can see, Just Dance can be enjoyed by anyone of any age, accessibility certainly plays a huge part which is a key factor in gaming on the Wii.

As you boogie on down to over thirty famous tracks the game rates you based on style and timing. While you’re dancing a virtual audience will deliver instant feedback which changes depending on how well, or bad in my case, you’re doing. There is nothing complicated about Just Dance, you don’t even have to be a good dancer, as I certainly proved during my time with the game.

There is no carer modes of self important gaming to be done, Just Dance is all about adding a new experience to any party. It’s all about feeling good and reliving some of those crazy dance routines of not only recent and modern songs but also classics like Groove is in the Heart, Fame, and Surfin’ Bird by The Trashmen. If you got friends and family over this Christmas and looking for some fun then now is the ideal time to dust of that Wii under the TV. Combine this with other titles like We Sing and you’re certainly going to have a party that you will be laughing about way into the new year.