When I fired up Just Dance 2025, I was ready for a solo session of dancing like nobody was watching – because no one usually is when I’m busting my best moves while listening to music in my kitchen. But in a move as surprising as it was welcomed, my partner was all in before I could even say, “Five, six, seven, eight!”
Before long, we were flailing our way through routines, unsure if we were dancing or reenacting a slapstick comedy together. The experience quickly turned into a full-blown competition, complete with dramatic spins, jazz hands and questionable footwork. Spoiler alert: there were no winners, only sweaty, happy losers.
It’s been a hot minute since I stopped calling myself a professional dancer (or even a half-decent one). But as soon as I started playing Just Dance 2025, none of that mattered. The music hit, and I was home.
The Just Dance series has been around for years and is built on the premise of being fun, silly, and, most importantly, easy to jump into. Whether or not you’re sold on Just Dance 2025 comes down to one thing – do you vibe with the tracklist? If so, welcome to your new favourite game. If not, well, maybe wait until Just Dance 2026. This latest instalment doesn’t revolutionise the formula. Still, it’s a solid, feel-good hit, with a few fresh moves thrown in for good measure.
Talking about the track list, from car bangers to TikTok earworms to golden oldies, Just Dance 2025 has something for every occasion. Need a pick-me-up? Dance. Had a rough day? Dance. Want to show off to your partner only to trip over your own feet? You guessed it – dance.
One of the big-name collaborations this year is with none other than Ariana Grande. And to celebrate SpongeBob SquarePants’ 25th birthday, there’s a whole underwater-themed extravaganza featuring a brand-new track, SpongeBob’s Birthday. I won’t say it’s the song we needed, but it’s the song we deserved.
One thing I really did appreciate this year was the game’s improved focus on accessibility by including some sit-down versions of popular songs. Customisation also got some love, and custom playlists are finally here! After years of subtle cries (and maybe some not-so-subtle begging), you can now create your own playlist of up to 30 songs.
Perfect for when you want to string together a marathon session of one more song that turns into a full-blown dance-a-thon. Your character – linked to your Ubisoft Connect account – can also now carry over all your previous XP, unlockables, and that sweet, sweet level ranking you’ve been nurturing.
Last but not least, there’s a neat camera option that lets you use your phone as a controller. While it feels more liberating than holding onto a controller or smartphone, you’ll need good lighting and some space to bust those moves.
In the end, Just Dance 2025 won’t win innovation awards, but that’s not the point. It’s a good time, whether you’re dancing solo or turning your living room into a dance battle arena with your partner.
Let’s face it: adulting is hard, and finding ways to stay fit without running or hitting the gym is even harder. But something like Just Dance 2025 is the perfect combo of cardio and comedy – no treadmill required.
Now, if you’ll excuse me, these moves aren’t going to bust themselves.
