PlayStation 2

Space Channel 5

At the end of the original Space Channel 5, the "evil" mastermind Mr. Blank poses a question to the mob assembled around him: "Ratings were my obsession isn't that what television is for? Then what's wrong with using TV to brainwash the masses?" It's a chill-inducing sentiment, but after playing both Space Channel 5 games, I could see it coming from Ulala just as easily as from the cackling Mr. Blank.

Even if you've played the first Space Channel 5, Special Edition is worth the nickel. The Dreamcast version?s periodically unresponsive controls have been tightened, and besides a new story, the progressive sequel offers a wider array of musical styles, more intricate control mechanics, wilder camerawork, an a two-player mode.

Trotz leichter grafischer Abstriche im direkten Vergleich zur Dreamcast kann Ulalas erstes PS2-Abenteuer voll und ganz überzeugen. Der kultige Charakter wurde nahtlos übernommen, das Spielprinzip könnte nicht einfacher und dennoch fordernd sein und die Sounduntermalung ist nicht von dieser Welt. Einzig die kurze Spieldauer und der fehlende Multiplayer-Modus sprechen gegen Space Channel 5. Wer überhaupt nichts mit Rhythmus am Hut hat, sollte die Finger von den Kurven Ulalas lassen; Abwechslung Suchende sollten einen gefälligen Blick auf die futuristische Tanzmaus werfen und Spieler, denen Musik im Blut liegt, werden schon nach wenigen Sekunden dem Charme der Hüften wiegenden Reporterin verfallen - zumindest bis Teil 2 erscheint.

This game is commonly available for $20 or less on both the net and brick and mortar stores. If you're not buying it you simply don't think it sounds good, and if you don't think it sounds good there's a good chance you're a bit too self-conscious about your gaming habits. Space Channel 5: Special Edition may be simple and may be brief, but it's also a perfect antidote to the me-too messes with 10-40 hours of unoriginal gameplay and trite plots that are clogging the shelves in this overblown holiday season.

Though the character-based rhythm action genre is all but dead, replaced by less story-driven fare such as DDR and Karaoke Revolution, this collection is pretty much the best possible sendoff it could receive. Buy it, play it, play it again, and try to tell me I'm wrong.

Both games are short and easy to breeze through (though, believe it or not some sections are a little tricky), but it must be said UGA performed an excellent job of making the sequel far better in every regard.