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Bringing the 80s Back to the Dancefloor

When diving into Just Dance: Decades of Hits, players will find that stepping back in time is a core part of the experience. Developed by Ubisoft, this standalone release focuses entirely on traveling through six iconic musical eras, from the disco floors of the 1970s up to the chart-toppers of the 2020s. For fans of old-school hip-hop and retro party anthems, the 1980s lineup holds a special place, anchored by legendary tracks that defined a generation. Among these, Run-DMC's timeless hit "It's Tricky" stands out as a high-energy routine designed to get players moving, laughing, and testing their coordination.

The inclusion of "It's Tricky" is part of a broader celebration of the decade's most memorable sounds. According to Ubisoft's official track reveals and community previews, the 80s era in Just Dance: Decades of Hits blends rap, pop, and rock into a cohesive party package. Whether you are playing solo or gathering up to six players in your living room, mastering this track requires a good sense of rhythm and a willingness to embrace the playful, energetic choreography that the franchise is known for.

What to Expect from the 80s Era Tracklist

The 1980s segment of the game does not rely on a single style. Instead, it captures the eclectic nature of the decade's radio waves. Alongside Run-DMC's hip-hop classic, players can look forward to a diverse selection of dance routines that span different subgenres of pop and rock culture.

It's Tricky by Run-DMC

As a cornerstone of the 80s tracklist, this high-octane hip-hop track features fast-paced choreography and iconic arm movements that pay homage to the golden era of rap.

Uptown Girl by Billy Joel

Bringing a theatrical, piano-driven pop flair to the dancefloor, this routine offers a fun change of pace with bouncy, theater-style choreography.

Into the Groove by Madonna

A quintessential dance-pop anthem that challenges players with slick footwork and classic 80s club styling inspired by the Queen of Pop.

Community reports and official developer breakdowns note that every song showcased in the initial 80s mashup preview—including "It's Tricky"—is scheduled to receive its own dedicated, standalone map release. This means players won't just experience the song in a medley; they will get a fully realized, unique visual world and custom choreography tailored specifically to Run-DMC's rhythmic flow.

Gameplay Features and Controller Setup

Playing Just Dance: Decades of Hits requires minimal hardware setup, making it an accessible party game for families and casual get-togethers. Depending on your chosen gaming platform, you can utilize your smartphone as a motion tracker via the free Just Dance Controller app. This removes the need for extra accessories on consoles like PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S, allowing you to jump straight into tracking your moves on "It's Tricky" within seconds.

The game also features multiple ways to play beyond standard multiplayer scoring. If you are looking to break a sweat while practicing fast routines like Run-DMC's track, the dedicated Workout Mode helps track your physical activity during play sessions. Meanwhile, Party Mode introduces unexpected twists to keep competition lighthearted and fun for players of all skill levels.

  1. Ensure your console (Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, or Xbox Series X|S) is connected to the internet and updated to version 27.0.1 or later.
  2. Download the free Just Dance Controller app on your smartphone if you are playing on PlayStation or Xbox.
  3. Launch Just Dance: Decades of Hits and navigate to the 1980s era playlist or search directly for "It's Tricky."
  4. Hold your smartphone securely in your right hand, follow the on-screen coach, and match the timing of the hip-hop choreography to score maximum points.

Exploring Beyond the 80s: Adventure Mode

While dancing to individual tracks like "It's Tricky" is a great way to kick off a game night, Just Dance: Decades of Hits introduces a completely new narrative experience called Adventure Mode. In this single-player or cooperative journey, players join a character named Lyra on a mission through time to rescue her father, Dr. Gigavolt.

This mode takes you across six distinct, decade-inspired worlds. As you progress, dancing through iconic songs from the '70s up to the present day unlocks exclusive rewards and reveals fun activities hidden within each era's themed environment. It bridges the gap between traditional rhythm gameplay and a lighthearted story mode that the whole family can enjoy together.

Tip

When tackling fast-paced hip-hop routines like "It's Tricky" in Adventure Mode or standard multiplayer, focus on mirroring the lower-body movements of the coach first, then layer in the intricate hand gestures once you feel comfortable with the tempo.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need any special accessories to play Just Dance: Decades of Hits?

No extra hardware accessories are required. If you are playing on PlayStation 5 or Xbox Series X|S, you simply need a smartphone with the free Just Dance Controller app installed to track your movements accurately. On Nintendo Switch, you can use Joy-Con controllers or compatible mobile devices.

Will It's Tricky have its own dedicated map?

Yes. Although it was initially showcased as part of the promotional 80s mashup preview, Ubisoft has confirmed that every song featured in those previews will receive a standalone map release with its own custom choreography and visual world.

Where can I purchase Just Dance: Decades of Hits?

The game is available digitally and physically for current-generation platforms. You can view product details, check pricing, and purchase digital editions directly via the Nintendo Switch Official Store Page, or find it on the PlayStation Store and Xbox marketplace.

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