Motion controlled dance games are all the rage currently, and now your youngest toe-tappers can get in on the action, too! Dance along with popular Nick Jr. characters from shows like Dora the Explorer, Go, Diego, Go!, The Backyardigans, and the Fresh Beat Band as they sing and dance to popular radio tunes and theme songs from the shows! (360 Kinect version reviewed here)

When you first turn on the game, Dora will carefully explain how to set up and properly use the Kinect for this game in one of the best and clearest demonstrations I’ve seen. Dora will also explain how to navigate menus and play the game, so little to no help from a grown-up is needed.

You can choose to do a Quick Play or jump into Dance Mode. Match the movements on screen by looking at the pictures and doing what the Nick Jr. characters are doing. If you perform well, you can earn up to three stars, but the game is very forgiving for young players. Two players can jump in and dance together, and the game does a great job of showing you how the Kinect is reading your movements on screen. Better than most I’ve seen, actually.

Collected stars can unlock new songs to dance to. Some even include familiar Christmas carols, which is perfect for this time of year. The other tunes are theme songs from the Nick Jr. shows, or popular songs on the radio that everyone knows. The songs are sung by the Nick Jr. cast and all the tunes and dance moves are family friendly.

If you want your child to get more cardio exercise out of the game, there is even a Workout Mode with dance moves that are more high impact. So the game provides good exercise, too! So if you have very young children around the house who love to dance and watch Nick Jr. shows, they’ll really enjoy this one.

Kid Factor:

Reading skill isn’t necessary, but some light adult supervision may be needed to help set up the Kinect and the room where you play. And also to keep the kids from dancing too close to the TV, too. One thing to note is the game commands you to move your left and right hands a lot, so your child will definitely need to know their left from their right in order to fully enjoy this game. Nickelodeon Dance is rated E for Everyone.

Tags: Game Reviews