Reviewed On: Reviewed On

Available For: Xbox 360

Publisher: Microsoft

Developer: Harmonix

Genre: Dance

Age: 12 (PEGI)

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It's been almost two years since the release of the Kinect, I'm still largely undecided about how much it aids gameplay. That said, some titles are matched to it perfectly. Dancing games and exercise programmes are where the Kinect finds its flow. They're accurate, responsive and a great use of the technology – even if they do mean you have to drag yourself off the sofa.

At the age where Radio One is reserved for the youngsters, and Radio Two is much more my cup of tea, it's safe to say I'm no pop guru, but Dance Central 3 takes on a plethora of different music, spanning each decade from the 70's to the present day. It's a happy mix of musical delights, designed to capture the audible fancy of the entire family. There's a staggering 45 on-disc songs, ranging from The Tramps Disco Inferno to Flo Rida's Wild Ones.

As though the disc doesn’t house enough ear drum beating classics to tempt, all Dance Central and Dance Central 2 tracks are importable. Even downloads are playable on this latest version.

But to bust shapes in any dignified or marginally acceptable way, practice is as crucial as the music itself. Tutorials are available at every level to intuitively teach players each step of the routine. Dancers can slow down tutorials to pick up small details, and then speed them up to the correct rhythm - all with simple voice commands.

There's a storyline to channel gamers through a steady flow of tracks instead of delivering a simple but fairly disjointed start-and-stop selection method. But whether just dipping in or getting lost in the story, one thing is unavoidable – you look like a muppet dancing in front of your TV.

It's actually not surprising my housemate, who is not into games, laughs, points, and heckles as I rotate, gyrate and awkwardly flail in front of the television whilst breathlessly wheezing commands. But all the sarcastic comments in the world can’t detract from the fact that Dance Central 3 is harmless, unadulterated fun.

Just as Harmonix did with the Guitar Hero series, they've laced the game with something highly addictive - something that keeps the user coming back for more, time and time again. It's the insatiable itch to shatter scores and reach perfection on the living room dance floor. They’ve polished things, added tons of features, and have extended playlists enough to make Dance Central 3 a worthwhile purchase to veterans and newcomers alike.

If dancing games are the kings of the Kinect, then Dance Central 3 is the king of kings.

SCORE: 9 / 10

PROS:There's a great selection of music that, and it all helps to get people active. Each routine has a great tutorial.

CONS:You need to draw the curtains to play - the neighbours likely to contact the men in white coats.