Just Dance Kids 2014
2013 video game From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Just Dance Kids 2014 is a 2013 video game for the Wii, Wii U and Kinect for Xbox 360.[1] It is the 13th game released as a part of Ubisoft's Just Dance franchise and the third and final installment produced for the Just Dance Kids spin-off series. Like its predecessors, Just Dance Kids 2014 is a dance-based music game with an emphasis on songs that are popular with children.[2] The game includes original music designed for children, popular music appropriate for children, and music from children's media and nursery rhymes. This edition was released on October 22, 2013 in North America, October 24, 2013 in Australia, and October 25, 2013 in Europe and contains 31 songs. The game was directed by Jeremy Haft[3] and the original music was provided by Boston Soundlabs, with David Ortega serving as executive music producer.[4][5]
| Just Dance Kids 2014 | |
|---|---|
North American Xbox 360 box art | |
| Developer(s) | Ubisoft Osaka |
| Publisher(s) | Ubisoft |
| Director(s) | Jeremy Haft |
| Producer(s) | Nao Higo |
| Composer(s) | Tom Zehnder, Jeff Lopas, Emiliano Almeida, Brian Hazard, Matt Myers |
| Series | Just Dance |
| Platform(s) | Wii, Wii U, Xbox 360 |
| Release | |
| Genre(s) | Music, Rhythm |
| Mode(s) | Single player, multiplayer |
Gameplay
Just Dance Kids 2014 features the same gameplay mechanics as the rest of Ubisoft’s Just Dance franchise. Players earn points by mimicking on-screen actors’ dance moves to the beat of the music to complete a dance routine. As the players dance, animated score icons appear on screen to evaluate each movement based on accuracy. The on-screen actors seen in Just Dance Kids 2014 are real dancers wearing more conservative clothing or costumes compared to the original series.[6] Depending on which device the game is played on, Just Dance Kids 2014 can be played with motion controllers using the Wii Remote or motion cameras using the Xbox 360 Kinect. The Kinect motion sensing camera allows the dancers to be scored on full body movement, rather than one handed movement tracked by the Wii Remote. Kinect also provides a playback option that allows the player to watch their performance after they have completed the routine.[6]
Track listing
Reception
Summarize
Perspective
Ratings
Just Dance Kids 2014 received an E rating for mild lyrics by ESRB, as opposed to the original version’s rating of E10+.[1] While songs, dance moves, and visuals are tailored to younger audiences, the song “Day-O (The Banana Boat Song)” mentions rum in the lyrics.[8]
Reviews
Just Dance Kids 2014 includes 31 songs that may appeal to older children, but remain appropriate for a younger crowd. There are more limited features and the song list cannot be expanded. However, according to game reviews, Just Dance Kids 2014 remains a good choice for families looking to add some action to family game night.[8] Nintendo Life rates Just Dance Kids 2014 “Good,” with a 7 out of 10 stars, scoring it above average among other games of the same genre.[9]
Academic Research
Academics have studied the effects of fitness games, including Just Dance Kids 2014, on children’s fitness. While active video games do increase children's physical activity, one study found that when kids enjoyed the game, playing it over time eventually led to decreased physical activity intensity. However, they still maintained positive attitudes and achieved similar fitness levels regardless of feedback from the game.[10]
Awards
In 2014, the game was nominated for multiple awards, including a Nickelodeon Kids’ Choice Award and a BAFTA Children’s Award.[11] Just Dance Kids 2014 won the Nickelodeon Kids’ Choice Award for Favorite Video Game.[12] Though it was nominated for BAFTA Kids’ Vote for Best Video Game, Just Dance Kids 2014 lost to Minecraft.[13]
Legacy
Though Just Dance Kids 2014 was the final installment produced for the Just Dance Kids series, the Just Dance franchise continued to market kid-friendly content moving forward. Future Just Dance games featured a separate gameplay option called Kids Mode. Kids Mode is available on Just Dance 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, and 2022. Kids Mode, like Just Dance Kids, contains music and choreography adapted for children, designed by development experts to encourage promote active and healthy movement.[14] As opposed to the games’ primary scoring system, which uses words like "PERFECT" or "SUPER" when evaluating dance moves, Kids Mode opts for words such as "HAHA", "YAY" and "WOW.” In Kids Mode, players cannot earn rewards, mojos, XP, or compete in challenges.[14]
References
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