For months our Xbox® One just sat there. Sure, we would occasionally turn it on and then shout at our TVs to have the Kinect either “record that” or “unsnap” this and even sprinkle in a demand have it to “stop listening”. That’s pretty much all we were using the Kinect for which appeared to be a shame. We were patiently waiting for something that would make use of the upgraded camera and get us moving again. What we were waiting for was Dance Central Spotlight.
I’m pretty sure that almost all of my dance moves are bi-products of Dance Central routines. It was the first game since Dance Dance Revolution that got me off my *ss and moving. With Dance Central Spotlight‘s release on the Xbox One, we can just pick up where we left off.
Dance Central Spotlight is a downloadable title available exclusively for the Xbox One. With ten initial songs included, Dance Central Spotlight has unique choreographed routines for some notable tracks. So, I know you’re probably wondering what’s changed? Well, other than the condensed initial track list, there is an integrated Music Store where you can view, sample and ultimately purchase tracks to play alongside the initial track list. With a simple hover you can listen to a song and with a few “punches” this song can be added to your library. Each song costs $1.99 with track packs appearing to be the bigger value because you can get more songs at a discount and if you’ve already purchased a song from a previous Dance Central game that is available in Dance Central Spotlight, they will be available for you to download for free. Each track includes eight routines. That’s more variations than I could ever remember for a Dance Central game.
As you play through a song, you’ll capture dance moves for every move you flawlessly complete. The more moves you complete, the more routines you unlock to play. Getting a high score doesn’t just unlock things anymore and with the enhanced Kinect camera you’ll find that you aren’t frustrated with the camera not recognizing your movement. Having the Kinect actually track your movement properly allows you to finally just focus on performing the dance moves.
The only annoying part of what could have been a flawless Dance Central experience is the new Kinect menu. Forgive me if that is not the proper way of of calling it but essentially I am referring to the user navigation with the Kinect. In previous games, in order to confirm an action, a player would hover their hands above a selection and then hold it for a few seconds so the Kinect could confirm. This action now allows players to preview tracks prior to playing them. In order to confirm an action, a player now has to punch towards the screen. More than a couple of times I found myself inadvertently selecting tracks or actions I didn’t want. In some cases, the Kinect just ignored the punching motion. This might be my only gripe from my entire playing experience.
Without having to clear out an entire room in order to start playing, Dance Central Spotlight is a breeze to play. It’s more enjoyable now than it ever was before. Additionally, the workout mode is something that I can gladly recommend to someone who would like to supplement their regular workout routines. If you’re afraid of not making it to the gym on time for a quick cardio workout, you can simply fire up Dance Central Spotlight and it will create a set list for your allotted workout length.
All in all, for $10, Dance Central Spotlight is worth a download. If your new to the franchise this might be the perfect way to get started. With the vast music library that will grow over time, there is certainly a song for most personal tastes.
How many other ways can I tell you to just go download Dance Central Spotlight already!
More about Dance Central Spotlight
Dance Central Spotlight is the newest game in the award-winning Dance Central series, bringing authentic dance routines, chart-topping music, and the characters you love exclusively to the Xbox® One. With an all-new soundtrack and more than 50 songs available as add-on content at launch, more routines per song than ever before, and a 1- to 2-player dance experience tailored for the Xbox One, Dance Central Spotlight is the next generation of motion dance games. Step up for your turn in the spotlight!
To view the entire list of playable songs in Dance Central Spotlight, simply click here.