Christmas NiGHTS

"Circa 1996, it's a Christmas dream parodox"

If there is one game on the Saturn that truly stands head and shoulders above the rest, it surely must be Nights, the game that every Saturn owner should (must) have, a truly innovative and classic game from Sonic Team that was widely acclaimed upon it's release in 1996.
It was in Christmas 96 that Sega felt generous and wanted to give Saturn players a gift, and to generate some publicity for the Saturn at a crucial time.
Sega produced a special Christmas version of the Nights game, to be given away to gamers for a limited period.It was also package with the Saturn console in Japan.
Christmas Nights is not the full version of the original Nights game, rather a Christmas themed shortened version.
It only contains the Spring valley level from the original, both in it's normal form and Christmas themed form, also in the game are the two children Claire and Elliot.
The game uses the Saturns internal clock to keep track of the time of year therefore knowing when to play in Christmas form or original short version.

Gameplay

The Nights gameplay is superb, both in it's simplicity and challenge, it very easy to get into, having a real pick up and play feel about it.
The game involves you taking control of the Nights character as he fly's through the four stage level collecting blue sphere's all against the clock, once completing the four stages you meet the boss, defeat him and you are given presents which upon opening give you various treats such as art gallery,museum and karaoke mode, these are great and really make you want to play the games only level over and over until you unlock all of them. The games controls are simple and easy to use, although it is recommended to use the Sega 3D pad and its analogue control for this game, but the standard pad is fine.
Just like the original Nights the gameplay is simple and innovative, making it an incredibly playable and addictive game.

Graphics

Once you have seen the graphics in this game you will be amazed, they are some of the finest seen on the Saturn. They are very colorful and bright, nicely detailed as well.There is little to none pop up, and the 3D looks so nice.The Christmas levels are beautiful and very seasonally atmospheric, especially if you play at Christmas time.
To sum up all i can say is amazing.

Sound

The BGM's in the game are wonderful, with great renditions of well known Christmas theme's and some good karaoke songs.The sound fits in well with the game, complementing the graphics superbly. there is also a narrator reading a Christmas intro, although in Japanese, it is still very sharpe and clear.
Just like the graphics the sound is of a high standard and really enhances the games Christmas atmosphere.

Opinion

If you do not have this game or it's original you are crazy, this is an absolute gem and a game that will almost appeal to everyone.If you do not have either the original or the Christmas version i suggest your better off getting the original, as it is the complete game.If you have the original it is still worth getting this version if only to play at Christmas time just to get in the festive spirit and to sing along with the karaoke song.

Recommended to everyone who plays games, even those who hate Christmas.

Overall score 10/10

Reviewer's Score: 10/10, Originally Posted: 05/13/01, Updated 05/13/01