The Bear Says Just Dance 2014

Just in case it wasn't obvious before now, I'm no gamer. However, Angel talked me into getting an Xbox Kinect last year for Christmas, using the reasoning that it would be a good way to exercise during the winter when neither of us wants to be outdoors. And I have to admit, Just Dance 2014 is a significantly more fun workout than an old-school aerobics video--primarily because of the record feature where, after you complete a song, you get to watch snippets of your own dancing skills. I'm pretty sure the laughs burn as many calories as the dancing.

This review is sponsored by Ubisoft, and if you're interested in a video game for non-gamers, you can buy the Kinect version of Just Dance 2014 here. I don't listen to pop music, and after playing this game, I remember why. It's rated 10+, so, apparently vulgar pop songs are acceptable for anyone 10 years old and older as long as the curse words are left out. Personally, I'd rather choose songs that were appropriate for all--there are also songs in Spanish and other foreign languages, and well as older, clean, well-known songs that are very conducive to silly dancing: "YMCA" and "Prince Ali" are a few of those. There is a karaoke mode...but because I don't know the songs, I don't sing while dancing. The feature that Angel and I decided we liked the most was that some songs have partner dances, so we're able to dance together and compete with each other (because the game scores you on the accuracy of your moves). The game can account for up to four people dancing at once, and definitely don't skip past the playback video after you've finished dancing. That's my favorite part. Even when I'm at home alone while Angel's at work, I'll dance a few songs in order to stop shivering in my 60 degree house--and the recorded videos of my awkward, confused dance moves send me rolling on the floor with laughter.

I can't wait to make my parents and siblings play this when they come for a visit. It will be hilarious.

*For your information, the Kinect apparently doesn't recognize you as a dancer when you're wearing a bear costume and mask. I thought poor Bear did a very good job dancing the whole way through "Flashdance...What a Feeling." but he got 0 points. The video of him dancing was even funnier than the videos of me dancing, so it all worked out for the best!

It was snowing over here for the first time here yesterday, so this game came at the perfect time! What's your favorite way to exercise when it's too cold to go outdoors?

I was selected for this opportunity as a member of Clever Girls Collective and the content and opinions expressed here are all my own.