Calling NiGHTS a hit with the hardcore gaming fraternity is akin to saying that Scarlett Johansson is a wee bit foxy. The Saturn original is regularly namechecked on forums as one of the very best games of all time.
And it’s with great reason too. NiGHTS’ flowing, air based, score obsessed, brand of gaming has proven to be a delight to everyone who gives it a try. Seriously, consider yourselves urged to pick up a Saturn and see for yourselves.
Finally Sega have heard our cries and given NiGHTS a true sequel. Considering the original was so great thanks to the analogue control, the fit with the Wii Remote seems absolutely spot on. What on earth could go wrong?
They say:
Eurogamer: “Providing you can overlook a few of the aforementioned quirks, and providing you're not so cynical that a big hearted game can't win you over, there's a lot to like here.”
Gamespot: “NiGHTS: Journey of Dreams is a good, enjoyable romp through a clever collection of beautiful worlds.”
1UP: “For serious Nights fans, Journey offers a bittersweet reunion that reminds us of what was so singularly special about Sega's airborne dreamweaver.”
We say:
Well, it has gone wrong. When dealing with a classic game such as this, developers need to tread carefully. You’d expect them to think long and hard about what made the original work and play to those strengths. It’s not as if this hasn’t been done before. Super Mario Galaxy, for example, was a jaw dropping update of an age old gem of a game. The Wii version of NiGHTS on the other hand is a train wreck.
Sega in its infinite wisdom has decided that the gorgeous and stylish flying of old simply wasn't enough. So they’ve decided to shoe horn in not only some tedious on foot sections, but the most shockingly bad cut scenes that have even been created.
Let’s tackle the cut scenes first. The NiGHTS of old starred an inherently cool character who was stylish and, most importantly, mute so that you could turn them into whoever you wanted. In your head we mean. You didn’t need some kind of daft character creation mode.
This time, numerous cut scenes starring the aforementioned central character and a pair of cringeworthy children are the order of the day. Hearing horrendous dull phrases – that are completely unskippable too - repeated in a ridiculously high pitched voice for minutes on end will have you throwing your Wiimote at the TV.
Next, the on foot platforming sections. It seems that Sega has decided we need a break every now and then from the original’s flowing gorgeousness and instead serves up a tediously slow wander through a dull maze. Each one is about as exciting as watching The Matrix Revolutions ten times over. And you can’t even skip to the good bits.
There is some classic NiGHTS action here and when it appears you’ll wonder why Sega couldn’t have left well alone. Pirouetting through the air, circling around coins to collect them and bashing into foes to steal a required key is an absolute riot.
NiGHTS is firmly on rails as before. You may wonder why Sega went down this route, but it allows you to concentrate on your flying skills and have lots of fun doing it. The Wiimote control method doesn’t really work though – part of the point of owning a Wii surely? – and you’ll find yourself reaching for the Classic controller before long.
One plus point is the visuals. NiGHTS looks great with bright and colourful landscapes that are a joy to behold. You wouldn’t have thought Nintendo’s under powered machine could serve up such a treat.
Boss battles can be incredibly difficult at times, but the original NiGHTS was no slouch in this department either. Even taking these in account though, you’ll be done and dusted wthin a few hours.
It’s a shame NiGHTS is so hit and miss. If only Sega had left out the story and the rubbish platforming sections you’d be looking at a fair purchase.
If you’ve finished Super Mario Galaxy and are in desperate need of a cutesy fix, then give this a go by all means. If you want the classic gaming experience though, our advice stands. Mosey on over to eBay and pick up the 14 year old Saturn and the original on the cheap.
Like this? Try these:
Super Mario Galaxy – Wii
NiGHTS – Saturn
Sonic and the Secret Rings - Wii
FORMAT REVIEWED
Wii
OTHER FORMATS
None
POSTED...
Tue 11 Mar at 11:01am
