Dance Central 3 review (Xbox 360 Kinect)

Arguably the best dance franchise currently available, Dance Central has released its third iteration of the beloved license in as many years. However, Dance Central 3 is really just more of the same.

More of the same expertly choreographed dance moves, the same first-rate visuals, and the same superb Kinect tracking. With a brand new track list, you can also import all songs from the previous two titles, which will ensure that you have a sizeable selection of music to boogie to. Note that this does come at a price of 400 points per disc.

Dance Central really can be described as best of breed with some of the best dancing mechanics you are likely to find in a dance title. But even the proverbial King of dance titles is not devoid of its flaws. As good as Kinect body tracking is, it can have its off moments. On the odd occasion when performing what appears to be a simple move, the game (which outlines limbs in red) insists you are incorrect. This can become a bit frustrating but is for the most part forgiveable. It also appears as though the body tracking seems to lose a bit of accuracy as the number of people that dance at the same time increases.

Dance Central 3 still has some of the same game modes found in previous titles, which allows you to just get down to business and dance to any of the songs, which are all available from the start. Dance Central 3 retains the various difficulty levels per song and goes so far as to add another easier, beginner level, which makes the game even more accessible for those who think they cannot dance. I have always loved this feature as it adds a tremendous amount of longevity to the title.

An exercise mode is still there if you feel the need, which can be enjoyed as a mode on its own or simply integrated into all other game modes, which constantly tracks the calories you have lost in a clever and unobtrusive way. Cue cards are still implemented in the same manner; scrolling up on the right of the screen with a view of the current and next moves. Thankfully the rehearse mode is still there, or should I rather say, it’s back after being dropped in the second title, which allows you to slow a move down giving you an opportunity to master even the most complex of moves.

So that is it with regards to the “sameness” you can expect from Dance Central 3. If you were hoping to find a bit more or something a bit different you are in luck because Dance Central 3 gives you an excuse to play a dance title by yourself with the introduction of a story mode.

In story mode you are recruited by Dance Central Intelligence (DCI) as the last line of defence against dance crimes. Clearly the standards are low as I was easily recruited. It is then up to you to stop Dr. Tan who plans to eradicate all freestyle from dance.

To do so you are required to travel to the 70’s, 80’s, 90’s and 2000s to identify the dance crazes of those eras with the help of other DCI crews already in those periods. If you do manage to do so, you get to engage in a fun boss battle that incorporates the various crazes previously identified. Yes, a story mode is a bit silly and really just more dancing disguised in a slightly different package but it is still fun and quite a challenge even at the lower difficulty.

If story mode does not interest you but you are in the mood for a long dance session then simply setup a playlist of all the available songs and be entertained for hours. Flaunt your scores online to setup instant challenges with your friends. Or fancy some dancing in teams? Then bring teams of up to four people and step up to crew throwdown to see who has the better moves.

The biggest reason to play Dance Central 3 however is the new party mode, Party Time. It consists of a bunch of mini games, which includes the standard two-player dance battles. For example, Keep the Beat allows two players to dance freestyle to a song where the winner is determined by whoever can more closely match the beat of the song. A less entertaining mode is Strike a Pose where you and your opponent try to match a series of onscreen poses. These are similar to the finish moves you find at the end of a song, which are just strung together.

Make Your Move represents the best of what Party Time has to offer. In essence you are required to create your own moves. When performing a move you are required to repeat it a few times to create the move, which is represented by a dance card. Your opponent is then required to match your move and then gets a turn of their own to create a move. What makes this mode so much fun is the manner in which you need to create your moves. The game throws instructions at you that include “Do a Classic Move!” or “Do a Dramatic Move!”or some real gems like “Do a Grandpa Move!”. Once all players have made their moves they are strung together into a single routine that when performed is hilarious. This is by far the most fun I have had with a dancing game.

From beginners to experts, whether you are looking to play by yourself, exercise or start a rowdy, fun party at home Dance Central 3 has something for everybody. If you were looking for a well rounded dance title then look no further than Dance Central 3, which is sure to delight with every bop, jig, and jive. Be warned though you will have to do the Macarena. Hey Macarena! Ay!