NiGHTS
Saturn * Sega

Review by Jon T. Rex
9.8

"As you wander through the nightmare world, you recall all of your exciting experiences. You remember floating, smiling as you drifted through fantastic and beautiful lands. But you also recall fleeing in terror from the nightmare master. Nights is an unfolding stage, a breathtaking adventure through fantastic but dangerous places. Courage and skill determine the outcome of your incredible dream." Taken from the cover of Nights for the Japanese Sega Saturn.

There's no doubt that Sega is among the best video game creators in the world. Their library includes the Sonic series, and the Virtua series, and numerous more hits, and they've always been a strong force in the gaming industry. Anyone who thinks Sega is going to sit back while other systems hog the limelight is mistaken. Nights, Team Sonic's latest creation, stands tall among the best games to hit this year. Considering what else is on the current list of things to come, that's saying something. This is a game that really lets the Saturn say "Look what I can do!"

If there is one thing that everyone will most likely turn their attention to first it's the graphics. This is a game that has to be seen in motion. The colors seen in pictures are impressive enough, but wait until you see them moving. Everything is smooth as silk, from the animation to the scrolling backdrops. Yes, you will no doubt notice pop-up, at least in the Japanese version. There have been rumors of Sega of America choosing to hold the game until the pop-up is cleared up. Whether this is true or irrelevant, you will not be disappointed when you see the game first hand.

You have your choice of two characters, Elliot Edwards or Claris Sinclair. Each one has their own rendered introduction, but apart from appearance they are just the same. When you first begin the game you'll realize how much fun it can be just flying. You'll get so into doing loops and spins, you'll forget that there's a goal to be met. There is a definite emphasis on fun here.

The control is very good indeed, especially if you're smart and buy the game with the analog controller. You don't need it to play, but it does add to the fun, not to mention that it's much easier on the thumb. The game play can best be described as a cross between Ecco the Dolphin and Sonic the Hedgehog. When flying you can go just about everywhere. When your flight time runs out you'll be limited to walking, but even then you're given complete freedom. Collect the orbs and return them to the starting post and you move on to the next level. Get through the four levels and you'll face the boss. Each one requires a different technique to defeat. Sounds like a piece of cake, does it not? Well, you'll be graded upon your performance in each level, so unless you're good, you will not finish the game. Learning to play is one thing, mastering the game will take practice.

The music and sound effects match the rest of the game beautifully. The composers really must be given credit for lending their part to the dreamlike state of Nights. Suffice it to say, the music is as enjoyable as the rest of the game. Then again, what else would one expect from a CD-based system? Seriously though, you may even have a desire to listen to the music when you're not playing.

Overall, Nights is magnificent. It's a true testimony that the next level of gaming is upon us, and any Saturn owner out there has to be glad to see a game of this quality hit the system. No doubt Sega will try to hype this one up as much as possible, and who could blame them? Nights deserves all the attention it will get.


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