 | ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | PAUSE: Know your child; some content may not be right for some kids. |
 | OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | NOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age. |
Dance Central 2
Common Sense Media says
Exciting Kinect dance game keeps the party going strong.
Parents say
Kids say
QUALITY
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that Dance Central 2 is the follow-up to one of 2010's most popular Kinect for Xbox 360 games, with a focus on teaching players contemporary dance moves. Some of those moves might be a bit too suggestive for young players -- just as some of the song lyrics will walk the line with parents. More offensive lines (such as those in Lady Gaga "Bad Romance") have been edited out, though. While it carries a "T" rating, the game is relatively tame compared to similarly rated titles.
What kids can learn
Kids can learn how to improve their dance skills by studying the professionally choreographed moves in the game -- and get some exercise in the process. The substantial tutorial also gives them a chance to practice new moves and get their dance rhythm down. The game doesn't lock players into a set of pre-arranged dances, though. It actively encourages them to "freestyle" in every song. Kids express themselves creatively by finding their dance groove in Dance Central 2.
Skills
- Collaboration
- Communication
- Creativityimagination, making new creations
- Emotional Development
- Health & Fitnessexercise, gross motor skills
- Responsibility & Ethics
- Self-Direction
- Tech Skills
- Thinking & Reasoning
What's it about?
Dance Central 2 takes all the fun of the original game and miraculously builds on it. Designed, once again, to work exclusively with Kinect for Xbox 360, the game monitors how well you mimic onscreen dance moves and scores you appropriately. There's no real story to speak of (though the barest bones of one are painted on as a framework). Instead, the game is meant for social gatherings. This installment also supports in-room multiplayer (something the original didn't), letting two players dance cooperatively or face off in a dance battle.
Is it any good?
Even if you have the grace of a spastic camel, you can't help but have fun with Dance Central 2. The game is forgiving for beginners, challenging for experts, and features a terrific lineup of songs (ranging from Lady Gaga to Justin Bieber to Usher to Sir Mix-a-lot). This year's inclusion of co-op and multiplayer challenge modes adds more depth to the game and is guaranteed to make it more of a party standard.
The game introduces plenty of new moves and is loaded with 44 new songs. Players of the original game can import that game's original 32 songs in as well for 400 Microsoft points (about $5). The original Dance Central was a must-have game last year. This sequel is miles ahead of its predecessor -- and could well be the best Kinect game on the market.
What families can talk about
Families can talk about which dance moves they like the most -- and whether they're appropriate for the children's age.
Families can also discuss the additional benefits of dancing, such as fitness.
What kids can learn
Kids can learn how to improve their dance skills by studying the professionally choreographed moves in the game -- and get some exercise in the process. The substantial tutorial also gives them a chance to practice new moves and get their dance rhythm down. The game doesn't lock players into a set of pre-arranged dances, though. It actively encourages them to "freestyle" in every song. Kids express themselves creatively by finding their dance groove in Dance Central 2.
Subjects
- Arts: choreography, dance, rhythm
- Hobbies:
- Language & Reading:
- Math:
- Science:
- Social Studies:
Skills
- Collaboration:
- Communication:
- Creativity: imagination, making new creations
- Emotional Development:
- Health & Fitness: exercise, gross motor skills
- Responsibility & Ethics:
- Self-Direction:
- Tech Skills:
- Thinking & Reasoning:
How kids will learn
Kids are taught a variety of dance moves through a series of tutorials that address all ability levels. Through these, they learn how dance is another way to express feelings and emotions. You can play for points, but you don't have to. Having this option underscores that there's really no right or wrong way to dance, as long as you're having fun. Kids can also dance in a group, which makes the game a fun and social activity.
How parents can help
- Jump into the game, too, and show that you're never too old to learn new dance moves or look silly.
- Turn the game off and turn your stereo on. Let kids dance to the music without a guide.
- Take your kids to see a dance performance and ask them if they saw moves like the ones they learned in the game.
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- Teens & kids
Kid, 12 years old
November 3, 2011
AGE
the best motion-sensing dance game of 2011
My new favorite Xbox game. A definite improvement compared to last year's smash hit, while still having all of the taste from point one, so much that you can even import the entire original track list! Sadly, the ability to clearly freestyle is gone, replaced with modes in-between dance competitions where you perform moves. And that's it. Amazing soundtrack, cool and enhanced storyline, and all that jazz. Please get this game if you want an extraordinarily fun workout.
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Kid, 11 years old
November 26, 2011
AGE
my favorite sequal
the only lyrics that i hear that are bad is in the song baby got back other than that the game is great
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AGE
Lots of fun but not for kids. Rated T for good reason!
I bought this game for my soon to be 11 year old son thinking it would be like the "Just Dance" game. He thought it would be fun for his birthday party. I saw the reviews here and thought the game would be alright but the language and moves are much more mature than 11 I think. This is not a children's game it is rated T for good reason. No way would I want to be responsible for showing a bunch of 5th graders scantily clad characters, risque lyrics and moves which mimic "the act". While there is little actual cursing since most is edited out, "baby got back" and "push it" are not ideal for kids. Especially other peoples kids! I can have a talk with mine but the other parents would be upset just as I would be upset if the situation were reversed. Fun does not alway equal appropriate.
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Kid, 12 years old
December 27, 2011
AGE
BEST DANCE GAME EVER!!!!
This game is a must have..... SERIOUSLY GO TO THE STORE AND BUY IT RIGHT NOW! This game is fun and a great work out. THIS GAME IS WAY BETTER THAN JUST DANCE. If you're having a party get this game. It has things for kids,teens, and adult.Some Songs are: Hot Stuff: Donna Summers Venus BananaRama Born This Way and Grenade Bruno Mars!
Educational Value: Teaches you to dance
Positive Message: just have fun!
Good Role Models: The dancers just want to have fun!
Sexual: Some lyrics are iffy like Sir Mix A Lot's Baby Got Back and Oops (Oh My) By Tweet and Missy Elliot
Language: Mild language in lyrics
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Kid, 11 years old
January 18, 2012
AGE
it's ok
it may be your game.But it's not Just Dance 3 at all.
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AGE
Entertaining
Enjoyable, playful, and a great message to those who want to get active, dance, and be themselves. It's a great workout and everyone has fun doing it.
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Kid, 11 years old
January 23, 2012
AGE
Great Game
I love this game! I said it has educationaln value because you can get active. The only problem is that some of the outfits are way too sexy.
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Kid, 10 years old
March 31, 2012
AGE
Dance Central 2 is awesome!
This game is revolutionary! It keeps you healthy and is so much fun. Tons of selections and great dance moves, but some song lyrics and dance moves are inappropriate for some children. If you have a kid under 8 or 9, tell them which songs to do and not do. Love it!
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