NiGHTS: Journey of Dreams

"NiGHTS Journey Of Dreams... A dream or a nightmare?"

NiGHTS: Journey of Dreams for Nintendo Wii
A review by MaxSonic

Introduction
NiGHTS: Journey of Dreams (JoD) is the sequel to the classic Sega Saturn game NiGHTS into Dreams (NiD). Today I will review the game based on Graphics, Sound, Gamplay, Controls, and Replay Value.

Graphics 7/10
The Nintendo Wii is a game system that has been wrongfully classified as lacking next-gen graphics. However, games like Metroid Prime Hunters, Super Smash Brothers Brawl, and Super Mario Galaxy have proven this statement to be wrong. While the graphics of JoD is above average for a Wii game, it does not push the potential of the console. During actual gameplay, NiGHTS looks pretty good, but during most cutsceans, you get a look at what looks like a last generation game. The reason for this is that the game is not meant to be looked at in detail, because the beauty of the game comes from the fluidity and speed. When the game gets rolling, it's a surreal experience like no other game, save the original NiD. The only problem is that there are occasional framerate drops, however they do not hinder gameplay much. As for the prerendered movies, they look stunning, giving off a realistic animated look.

Sound 9/10
This is one of the strong points of the game. The first NiGHTS was known for it's beautiful soundtrack, and this one is no different. Several tracks from the original game return, along with many original scores. The music is all orchestrated, giving off a magical tune that you will be be with you for days. There is also above average voice acting, but sometimes the voices can get on your nerves.

Controls 6/10
When SEGA originally wanted to do a Dreamcast sequel to NiGHTS, they thought of putting a tilt sensor in the controller. Now we all know that game never came, but when the Wii was released, we knew the controller would be perfect for NiGHTS. Sadly, this is not true. The Wii-Remote only setup looses a great deal of control, because SEGA decided to use the infrared pointer of the Wii Remote instead of the motion control. You have the options to play with a Nunchuck, Classic Controller, or Gamecube controller, but the octagon setup of all these controllers will leave some NiGHTS fans longing for the Sega Saturn 3D control pad. If you really are hardcore, you can get the Thrustmaster T-Wireless, which has a circular analog stick similar to the original NiGHTS controller.

GamePlay 8/10
NiD shined because of it's brilliant gameplay. For the most part, so does JoD, however there seems to be some problems. The traditional NiGHTS stages have been changed. NiGHTS must go three laps on predetermined courses trying to collect a key from a bird, all the while racking up points to get a better rank. After those three laps, there is a boss battle, and you are ranked on how well you did. These stages are masterpieces, but the problem comes from the rest of the stages. Those flying stages are just the first of 5 missions for each area, the last mission being a beefed up version of the previous boss. However, the rest of the stages range from saving Nitiopians, going on a rollercoster ride, water rafting, a rythem game, and some boring platformer stages. Some of these are awesome and some of them are pretty crappy. Had SEGA focused more on traditional NiGHTS gameplay, the game would have been better. The bosses, for the most part, are excellent, but the end result makes a lot of the game seem like filler. SEGA did decide to expand on the A-Life with a place called My Dream. My Dream lets you take the Nitopian people flying around the stages, and breed them together in an enclosed area. However, most of what you can do is hatch eggs and feed them blue chips. It's more advanced than the NiD A-Life, but less advanced than the Sonic Adventure Chao Garden.

Replay 7/10
The game itself is not very long, the average player can beat it with both characters in about 5-6 hours. After that, there are Dream Drops to collect, and getting the alternate endings and NiD soundtrack. This can take you a few days. The multiplayer is good, for the most part. There is racing and battling. The racing can be taken online, with leaderboards and everything. You and your opponent race through the stage. This ends up being more challenging than you think as you have a limit on your dashing. The battle is there too, but it's not as fun as it could have been. Finally, theres mastering the game completely, getting the A-Ranks and getting to the top of the leaderboards.

Overall 7/10
If you are a fan of the original NiGHTS game, run out and get this. There are plenty of nostalgia points, especially on the last stage. However, if you have never played NiD, give this game a rent if you're interested. You may fall in love with it, or just brush it aside.

Reviewer's Score: 7/10, Originally Posted: 12/29/07

Game Release: NiGHTS: Journey of Dreams (US, 12/18/07)