Just Dance 2016 Review

Casey Scheld — Mon, 26 Oct 2015 15:30:02 +0000

Ubisoft’s Just Dance series keeps on trucking with Just Dance 2016, the latest installment in this rhythm-based series. There’s no denying the allure of its time-tested gameplay, but does this entry do enough to stand out this year?

Just Dance 2016 Review

Rhythm games live and die by their track list and Just Dance 2016 completely shines in this regard. Tracks run the gamut from top 40 hits (Meghan Taylor’s “All About that Bass”) to Disney classics (The Little Mermaid’s “Under the Sea”) to even classic songs (“Hit the Road Jack”). Select dance remixes also exist, giving players the chance to try out wildly different routines. There is something for everybody in its 45-song tracklist, one which offers a good amount of replayability. The Mojo coins (synced up with the Uplay system) accumulated from each performance also give the game some legs, allowing players to unlock avatars and other goodies.

As one of the best features from last year’s iteration, Just Dance World makes its return to Just Dance 2016. Proving that dancing is more fun with others, Just Dance World shares others’ highlights (called “Autodances”), routines, and more. There are also weekly tournaments, Community Remixes crafted by Ubisoft, and “Just Dance TV”. Everything is connected to your ID, allowing you to network with a universe of dancers. This may not be anything new, but it gives players a reason to keep coming back…at least until the next iteration comes out.

It’s just a shame that the game does not change up other aspects of its formula. Features like difficulty settings for songs or dance tutorials that break down routines (a la Dance Central) are still noticeably absent. While not a deal breaker, its one-size-fits-all approach to songs makes new routines an exercise in trial-and-error rather than a chance to be taught by a mentor. Other features, like the Smartphone-enabled dancing, are also limited to the PS4, Xbox One and Wii U versions.

Just Dance 2016 – Gamers Heroes

This also ties into Just Dance 2016’s dance routines. Much like previous entries, the moves here will most certainly test your abilities – Dance Dance Revolution this is not. These skills, when done correctly, will greatly benefit your dancing game. Spins, hand and leg motions and more translate into a serious workout, one that looks excellent once you pull it off. Its choreography makes sense, and the time-tested gameplay works swimmingly with the Kinect – any mistake rests squarely on your shoulders. The same goes for its karaoke capabilities – while not as robust as Rock Band’s offerings, it is still a welcome addition that works as it should.

Just Dance 2016 has got its dancing game down to a science. It may not revolutionize the world of dancing as we know it, but it is the best iteration of the series thus far. Here’s to another year of hits.

This review of Just Dance 2016 was done on the Xbox 360. A review copy was provided by the publisher.

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Transformers: Devastation Review

Casey Scheld — Fri, 16 Oct 2015 22:56:23 +0000

Transforming robots? Awesome. Transforming robots in a over-the-top Japanese action game? Even better. Activision and Platinum Games’ Transformers: Devastation has fanservice in spades, but is the game up to snuff?

Transformers: Devastation Review

Those familiar with Platinum’s vast library of action-based titles will be right at home in Transformers: Devastation. If anything, the game closely mirrors their Bayonetta series. Players mash their way through tons of robots, switching up light and heavy attacks while dodging and parrying their way to victory. The big twist comes with their dodge system – much like Bayonetta’s “Witch Time” mechanic, Transformers: Devastation rewards well-timed dodges with a few seconds of time slowed down. It’s an addicting risk-reward mechanic that encourages you to read your opponent and get up close and personal with your enemies. While a deeper combo system would be nice, the mechanics in place here are structurally sound.

And it’s a good thing those mechanics are solid – Transformers: Devastation packs a punch. Although it has an easy “Scout” mode, even the normal “Commander” mode will have you fighting multiple bosses at once, protecting enemies, and circumventing punches, kicks, lasers, and more. The game itself is pretty short (a playthrough clocks in at around four hours), but the true joy of the game comes from stylishly conquering your opponent in record time, all while taking no damage. Each battle is ranked from D-S, with better battles bringing netting players better gear. This grind for the perfect rank might be repetitive for those looking for a 60-hour epic, but this system of self-improvement harkens back to the joy of getting a high score at the arcade.

Transformers-Devastation—Gamers-Heroes

Transformers: Devastation manages to pack a few interesting little wrinkles to Platinum’s tried-and-true formula to make something unique. Five playable characters let players choose what type of playstyle they want to go after (ranged, speedy, powerful, etc.), which can all be leveled up in battle. Weapons can also be fused together and leveled up to make greater gear, each with their own unique properties. Finally TECH skills gained from a development minigame allow players to give buffs to their favorite characters. It’s nothing revolutionary, but these are welcome additions that add some replayability to those who’ve got a thing for leveling.

Of course, a Transformers game is nothing without the Transformers themselves. Based around the G1 animated series, Transformers: Devastation packs all of the cheesy dialog, transforming robots, and over-the-top action the series is known for. The plot often gets bogged down with terminology that will make your head spin, but it makes for an interesting romp nonetheless. It’s just a shame that the environments did not benefit from the level of detail as the characters themselves. Most of the game is spent traversing either a city with identical buildings or a spaceship with countless hallways.

Transformers: Devastation isn’t just a good Transformers game, it’s a good game period. More depth and environments would benefit the game tremendously, but as it stands right now, it’s one title for both Transformers and Platinum fans alike.

This review of Transformers: Devastation was done on the PlayStation 3. A review code was provided by the publisher.

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Just Dance 2016 Review