Dreamcast

Space Channel 5

If someone asked me what this game is like, I would have to say fun. They should rename the Dreamcast the Funstation. Okay, maybe that name is dumb, but I am having a blast with my Dreamcast. Space Channel 5 is just another reminder that I made a very good decision when I purchased my Dreamcast. This game has the graphics, the music, and the innovative gameplay that is hard to find these days. Despite the low replay value with the game, I don’t have any problem with owning it. I know that I will probably not be playing it six months from now, but just owning a truly innovative and fun game is self-satisfying. I say skip the rental, buy the game, call your friends over, and watch each person make a fool of themself. It will be one great night.

Building on the character, music, and style, the game manages to bring us some of the most memorable moments ever in a game. We all have our share of moments we cling to from our favorite games. Fighting Seven Force in Gunstar Heroes, the moment where Azel and Edge are falling in Panzer Dragoon Saga, the billion times you managed to find a new dungeon or open a door in Zelda - you know what I'm talking about. Space Channel 5 is full of those, and it all builds up to easily the most inspiring ending sequence ever. I think back on all the incredible games I've played on all the various systems out there, and I can't imagine myself having smiled and laughed more than with Space Channel 5.

Gameplay resembles Simon Says: On-screen opponents perform a set of moves, then players must mimic them. Unfortunately, with only four levels, the game's a tad on the short side, and a two-player option would be welcome. Still, gamers of all ages undoubtedly will want to help Ulala get her groove back — if not get their hands on a pair of those boots.

For $40 you do get your money's worth in Space Channel 5. The developers have created a unique experience for any gamer. If you are into dance games, this is a must have, and if you aren't into dancing games, like I wasn't, this is ALSO a must have.

Completing the game will allow access to alternate paths in each report, and like with Pokemon, where it might be a challenge to acquire info on all 78 characters, it still ends quickly. Then again, I'll always go back to it so I can watch that amazing final sequence. Space Channel 5 comes out swinging right from the strong performance it gave at E3, and it succeeds! I only wish the game lasted longer, but what it presents is a fresh, stunning, impressive piece of ear and eye candy. It earns 4 1/2 GiN Gems to this masterpiece, and I look forward to an inevitable return for Ulala!

Did I mentioned that Ulala is hot? See... there you go. Now grab your car keys... head over to EB Games... there. See it on the shelf of used games? Great. Now buy it.

Most of today's games have become purveyors of the kind of obvious one-dimensional manufactured sex appeal that makes for eye-grabbing magazine covers and double-page print ads (i.e. Tomb Raider, Dead or Alive 2) but contributes very little in terms of drama or tension to the game itself. At least in Sega's latest music/rhythm genre release, Space Channel 5, 'sexiness' isn't just gratuitous, it is something that is integral to the very fabric of the gameplay.

There are only 6 moves: up, down, left, right, "shoot alien", and "save human". That's not a lot, but the moves need to be executed in real time. Any humans you save will follow you through the remainder of the stage. Ulala has plenty of style, sex appeal, and a new outfit for each level. Space Channel 5 is a very stylish game with addicting gameplay.

Overall, Space Channel 5 amplifies the caliber of how dance rhythm action games should be modeled after. I've been captivated with the game since the very first day I've played it, and I have yet to come away with a sudden lack of interest. Space Channel 5 in essence is the type of game that can be easily appreciated and appreciated by those who enjoy dancing, music, and of course - video games. Replay droughts aside, there's little to find complaint with (unless you're not fond of cute girls in skimpy space skirts). While I certainly would imagine that this will not be the last time Ulala makes an appearance on the Dreamcast platform, Space Channel 5 is clearly among one of the most recommended games to own.

Overall, Space Channel 5 is a unique, groovy way to spend a weekend. It's a bit short, a tad repetitious, and not quite in that same "musical masterpiece" league as PaRappa and Guitar Hero. What it is, however, is a fun and accessible little dance adventure that might convince your mom that not all video-games revolve around killing monsters/law enforcement. I'm Frank Blazejewski reporting for Defunct Games, back to you Chopper Dave and the Home Team.

Hat man es mal gespielt, wird man süchtig! Das Spiel hat bereits auf dem Dreamcast sehr viele Fans gewinnen können. Allerdings kann man Space Channel 5 nicht blind empfehlen, denn das Senso-Artige Spielprinzip nicht umbedingt jedermanns Sache. Vorher antesten ist bei diesem Spiel pflicht!

Si le principe de Space Channel 5 a déjà été utilisé de nombreuses fois, c'est évidemment tout le travail dans l'ambiance et l'univers d'Ulala qui fera la différence. Sur fond de musique dance, Ulala se trémousse et effectue toute une flopée de postures, mouvements et autres mimiques, la rendant aussi palpable que possible. Comme en plus sa petite frimousse se marie très bien avec sa jupe orange aussi courte que possible, nous dirons que le spectacle n'est pas désagréable... Sur le plan technique, on peut dire aussi que Sega a mis ce qu'il fallait. Les animations sont toujours fluides alors que le nombre de personnages peut augmenter considérablement. Les couleurs utilisées, toujours dans les tons pastels, donnent aussi ce côté enfantin si particulier au titre alors que les extra-terrestres sont aussi monstrueux qu'un pokemon.

Det känns som att utvecklingsteamet United Game Artists har fokuserat på att skapa en karismatisk huvudkaraktär och en massa originella fiender och bifigurer. Klientelet man stöter på under spelets gång är både fantasifulla och många. Men man borde ha lagt ned lika mycket energi på att utveckla spelkonceptet som karaktärerna. Då hade Space Channel 5 hållit längre.

While it may be easy to dismiss the game due to its overly basic nature, Space Channel 5 is worth playing from beginning to end, just to see the far-out graphical style used throughout the game. But beyond a few unlockable character profiles, there isn't much replay value - in fact, you'll probably find yourself tiring of mimicking the aliens' moves long before you finish the game.

Décalé, kitsch, amusant, Space Channel 5 est plus un jeu de coordination et de mémoire qu'un véritable jeu de danse. Bien réalisé, divertissant, mais hélas court et répétitif, le jeu aurait mérité d'être plus étoffé, avec notamment des variations de mouvements d'une partie à l'autre et un mode multijoueurs dont la convivialité aurait été bienvenue, Space Channel 5 étant dédié à tous les publics, jeunes, moins jeunes, joueurs occasionnels ou non.

While it's great to see a company take a chance with a game like this, certain things are better off staying in Japan. There's a large library of games sitting over-seas that many gamers are dying to play that would be much better suited to the American consumer. It's a great idea with some nifty presentation, but the fun factor is zilch.

In the end, there's something perverse about such beautiful images wrapped around gameplay so devoid of life and innovation. Have we really come this far only to play "Simon" wrapped in a pretty package?