Just Dance 2017
Eighth main installment; launch title for Nintendo Switch.
Just Dance 2017 is a dance-based rhythm game developed and published by Ubisoft, unveiled on June 13, 2016, during its E3 press conference as the eighth main installment of the series. It was released in October 2016 for PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, Xbox 360, Xbox One, Wii, Wii U, and Windows, and on March 3, 2017, for Nintendo Switch. The game is notable as the only title in the series released on Windows and as a launch title for Nintendo Switch.
Quick Facts
- Developer
- Ubisoft Paris, Ubisoft Pune
- Publisher
- Ubisoft
- Series
- Just Dance
- Engine
- UbiArt Framework
- Platforms
- PlayStation 3
- PlayStation 4
- Wii
- Wii U
- Windows
- Xbox 360
- Xbox One
- Nintendo Switch
- Genre
- Rhythm
- Modes
- Single-player, multiplayer
Facts from the source article.
Gameplay
Players mimic the routine of an on-screen dancer to a chosen song, scoring points based on accuracy. Input is supported via motion controllers specific to each platform, such as Wii Remotes, PlayStation Move, PlayStation Camera, Kinect, Joy-Con, or a smartphone with the companion mobile app. The PC version also allows a gamepad and keyboard for menu navigation. The Chinese version removes online features including Just Dance Unlimited and the World Dance Floor. The "Dance Party" mode was renamed to "Just Dance" mode, and players can search for songs using the menu. A new "Superstar" rank is achievable at 11,000 points. A new "Just Dance Machine" mode appears on current-generation console and PC versions, where players dance through routines of different styles to recharge an alien spaceship, using a unique scoring mechanic that shows green for success or red for mistakes. Each session contains five routines with randomly appearing "Cosmic Rounds". The story follows two aliens whose battery runs low; they travel to Earth and abduct human dancers called "coaches" to recharge it by dancing. In the ending, the battery is charged and the aliens leave Earth dancing, but their battery runs low again. Other modes include Dance Quests, Sweat, Just Dance TV, World Dance Floor, Beat the Boss, Spotlight Players, Happy Hours, and Tournaments. In Beat the Boss, players must get a target amount of stars across one to three songs to defeat the boss. Spotlight Players lets players try to beat a player from the "World Video Challenge" mode to earn a share of Mojo coins. Happy Hours appear daily instead of weekly and feature songs from Just Dance Unlimited. Tournaments have players compete for the top combined score across three songs in daily tournaments and eight songs in weekly tournaments.
Soundtrack
The song list for Just Dance 2017 originally included "In the Hall of the Pixel King" by Dancing Bros. and "Itsy Bitsy Teenie Weenie Yellow Polkadot Bikini" by Brian Hyland (covered by The Sunlight Shakers), but these were cut before release for reasons that were never explained. Both tracks later made it into Just Dance 2018. The game also offered Just Dance Unlimited, a subscription service that gives players access to a streaming library of songs from older Just Dance titles as well as new exclusive tracks. A three-month subscription came with both the Gold Edition and the PAL version of the game. All exclusive songs from this service could also be played in the Unlimited mode of Just Dance 2016. Support for Just Dance Unlimited on eighth-generation consoles, PC, and Nintendo Switch ended on July 3, 2023, though the feature was never available in the Chinese version of the game. Some of the alternate routines available through Unlimited were tie-ins with other franchises: "Chiwawa" linked to the Barbie movie Barbie: Video Game Hero, and "Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go" tied into The Emoji Movie, which includes a scene featuring the Just Dance Now app.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who developed Just Dance 2017?
Just Dance 2017 was developed by Ubisoft Paris and Ubisoft Pune.
What engine does Just Dance 2017 use?
Just Dance 2017 runs on UbiArt Framework.
Is Just Dance 2017 single-player or multiplayer?
Just Dance 2017 offers single-player and multiplayer play.
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