Simply Dance VR brings Ubisoft’s signature rhythm gameplay to Oculus Quest, offering a familiar experience with exciting new social features. This is our review-in-progress.
In a crowded VR rhythm gaming market, standing out from the competition demands something unique. With a long-established franchise now bringing its unique spin to the Quest platform, Simply Dance VR – Welcome to Dancity marks a notable milestone in its evolution. The outcome yields a unique blend of charming yet unremarkable tracks, bound together by social nodes deliberately conceived for immersive experiences in virtual reality. As I refine my strategy through multiplayer experiences, I’m eager to share my most innovative concepts once I’ve had the opportunity to test them thoroughly, but for now, this initial step marks a solid foundation.
A virtual reality reimagining of Ubisoft’s popular Beat Fever rhythmic sports experience.
Quest?
: Out now
What’s your favorite game developed by Ubisoft Paris?
$29.99
Your journey through Dancity commences within the confines of a fully explorable condominium, serving as your central hub. This innovative approach enables users to browse music libraries without being constrained by traditional menu systems, and the achievement display, reminiscent of meticulously arranged trophies on a shelf, adds a delightful touch. A diverse range of cosmetic options enables customization of your avatar, with some appearing less aesthetically pleasing when viewed on Quest 3’s precision arm compared to the mirror reflection.
Each music host possesses a unique and captivating realm called the ‘Danceverse,’ where performances take place amidst vibrant settings that are inherently exhilarating. However, it’s often challenging to fully appreciate these environments due to limited accessibility options. As you continue to perfect your choreography, subtle cues and visual reminders ensure seamless execution of each step. Following a precise routine consistently yields a high rating, bringing a satisfying sense of accomplishment, especially when tackling more challenging songs. As players progress through stages, unlockable objects and a diverse range of new cosmetics encourage continued development by providing tangible rewards for their achievements.
While the dance experience in this version shares similarities with Simply Dance 2024, earning high scores proves surprisingly effortless, making it an accessible option for those familiar with the series’ flat-screen editions. Simply Dance VR transcends mere flat-screen derivatives to authentically follow the current template with unwavering dedication. By doing so, you’re effectively trading in your primary means of communication and entertainment for a pair of gaming peripherals that, although innovative, might not offer the same level of versatility or functionality as a smartphone. Given that movement controls are now an essential aspect of gameplay, Given that something’s VR model is incredibly accommodating when it comes to scoring due to its superior control mechanics.
The game takes on a unique quality when the music is in sync, with each rhythm-based title requiring a superb soundtrack to drive its energy forward. While musical tastes are inherently personal, a surprising consistency emerges when examining the habits of devoted pop fans. Despite my limited expectations, I’m forced to choose from a list of 25 tracks, narrowing down the selection. Unlike other VR rhythm games, there is no suggestion that the game’s library will receive additional content through downloadable packs.
While an impressive concept, this game’s success hinges on its song selection being perfectly in sync with the choreography. For comparison purposes, the Simply Dance 2025 version boasts a robust playlist featuring ten tracks from 2024, as well as chart-topping hits by Dua Lipa, Ariana Grande, and Sabrina Carpenter. The Simply Dance VR library boasts a modest collection of just ten tracks from the past decade alone. Can’t anyone see I’m trying to make a living here?
Music’s timeless quality means its impact endures, without necessarily implying that this particular instance is inherently problematic. I must confess to having a fondness for the tracks “Name Me Possibly”, “Born This Manner”, and “Blinding Lights”; I’ve listened to each on multiple occasions, and many other songs have featured previously throughout this playlist. One notable exception stands out – the iconic song “Centuries” by Fall Out Boy, which surprisingly becomes a triumphant success.
While the VR adaptation’s most crucial transformation is undoubtedly the social hub, Dancity, it is instantly striking due to its resemblance to iconic Instances Square. Up to 18 players can participate simultaneously in a session, forming groups to engage in free play or matchmaking with other players. In Dancity, communication is limited to a unique emoji-based system, where citizens convey thoughts and ideas through visual representations. Additionally, residents can discover and select new tunes with friends by consulting the community’s iconic song-sharing billboards. 🎵💃🕺 Weekly music tournaments and dynamic leaderboards will undoubtedly bring this experience to life.
While exploring doesn’t necessarily require a substantial time commitment, it’s true that certain visual elements can create a sense of disparity, much like the jagged edges on Dancity’s vibrant floor tiles, subtly detracting from an otherwise robust aesthetic. While establishing a social hub in VR is an admirable goal, Dancity could benefit from introducing more diverse activities beyond just jumping to songs or limited play areas. You can even summon unlocked toys like basketballs or balloons by using the same method for selecting emojis.
Up to six guests may join residents in their private condominium for an intimate gathering, allowing voice conversations. Despite this, I have yet to master Dancity or navigate the condominium’s complex system with different players, as an alternative was not available prior to launch. I’ve chosen to conduct a continuous review process for now, with plans to update this section within the next few days.
The verdict on Simply Dance VR remains: a delightful yet imperfect fusion of dance and gaming.
While Simply Dance VR offers a delightful experience on par with its flat-screen counterparts, it falls short in a few key aspects. While minor issues with certain cosmetic items and the shortness of the soundtrack may be distracting, the overall sense of musicality remains strong. Soul Meeting wisely adopted a thoughtful approach, introducing a fully immersive social hub that allows players to explore and engage with their surroundings, despite the limited agency afforded them.
While appealing to Quest 3S newbies and Simple Dance enthusiasts, the game’s true appeal lies in its value proposition for seasoned rhythm gamers seeking a more substantial experience akin to Beat Saber. As a novice in social gaming communities featuring diverse gamers, I hesitate to award Simply Dance VR an unqualified top rating without further exploration. I will shortly replace this summary with my comprehensive assessment.
