Space Channel 5
Are PlayStation2 owners finally ready to handle the 'zany wackiness' that is Space Channel 5?
Published: February 1, 2001
<02.01.01>
On June 7, 2000, a new character suddenly made it's way to Earth. She was a character like no other, in a game created like no other. And that was exactly what Sega aimed for during it's very development. Space Channel 5 became a sure fire hit on the Dreamcast. And while we can't argue that Ulala; the primary character in the game played a significant in enticing gamers to shell out the bucks for this title, we can honestly look back and say that Space Channel 5 was actually a great game.
Ulala plays the role as a news reporter for the TV Station, Space Channel 5. Utilizing her extraordinary flair and style, Ulala broadcasts her show in a big way by making it as 'crazy' as possible. But just as she begins the broadcast (which we assume is live throughout the universe) of her 'Swinging Report Show', a bunch of dancing aliens suddenly spoil the party. These multicolored dancing aliens, known as the Morolians have invaded the studios. You now assume the role of Ulala, and as this devilish 'swanky' reporter you will have to outdance the Morolians along with other competitive journalistic-types who will be looking for a bit of trouble.
At first glance, you may consider this game to be nothing more than a simple puzzler. Think again. As you continue to dance you will have to travel from level to level, and save as many humans as possible from the evil hypnotic grasps of the Monolians. As you save more and more humans, you gain more of a collective dance group. And along with having to face the odd boss at the end of a level, you will have to work your 'groove' in order to make it past the dances and defeat the Morolians.
Space Channel 5 took full advantage of the capabilities found within the Dreamcast. As a result, a majority of the dancers, Ulala herself and those mean aliens sparkle with excellent graphic design. Everything from the frame rate to the environments had a very smooth look to it. In spite of how well it did in North America, critics claimed that the Japanese version of the game was far better. It is hoped that the sequel to this game will possibly improve on the original format, possibly even giving the North American edition an edge of it's own.
This brings us to the PlayStation2. Say.. why is a preview for Space Channel 5 at PSX2.com anyway? I mean.. this is a SEGA game.. and obviously, Sega would only make games for their own consoles, right? Well, unless you've been on the moon for a few weeks or something, you'd know by now that Sega is in big financial trouble. And when I mean big, I mean BIG. So big, that in spite of how well the Dreamcast has done in the past two years (boy... am I surprised to say that?) Sega is still forced to give up on their pride and joy.
That's right: Sega is already giving up on the Dreamcast. Moreover, Sega is slowly going through a transition as they become a third-party developer. No longer is Sega expected to make any more consoles in the near future (with some luck though.. they will). As a third-party developer, many of us can expect Sega to become stronger than ever.
This brings us back to Space Channel 5. As apart of Sega's new plans as a third-party developer, they will now lead an effort to bring many of their famous titles over to other consoles. Space Channel 5 is one of several games that will be making it's way over to Sony's next generation console by the end of the year. More importantly, this will be the very first game to grace Sony fans across the planet. The game will once again be handled by Tetsuya Mizuguchi, who handled the development of the Sega Rally series and Sega Touring Car.
It can be expected that Space Channel 5 will improve on it's already great graphical qualities by utilizing the hardware found within the PlayStation2. We will have more information on this title as it arrives.
On June 7, 2000, a new character suddenly made it's way to Earth. She was a character like no other, in a game created like no other. And that was exactly what Sega aimed for during it's very development. Space Channel 5 became a sure fire hit on the Dreamcast. And while we can't argue that Ulala; the primary character in the game played a significant in enticing gamers to shell out the bucks for this title, we can honestly look back and say that Space Channel 5 was actually a great game.
Ulala plays the role as a news reporter for the TV Station, Space Channel 5. Utilizing her extraordinary flair and style, Ulala broadcasts her show in a big way by making it as 'crazy' as possible. But just as she begins the broadcast (which we assume is live throughout the universe) of her 'Swinging Report Show', a bunch of dancing aliens suddenly spoil the party. These multicolored dancing aliens, known as the Morolians have invaded the studios. You now assume the role of Ulala, and as this devilish 'swanky' reporter you will have to outdance the Morolians along with other competitive journalistic-types who will be looking for a bit of trouble.
At first glance, you may consider this game to be nothing more than a simple puzzler. Think again. As you continue to dance you will have to travel from level to level, and save as many humans as possible from the evil hypnotic grasps of the Monolians. As you save more and more humans, you gain more of a collective dance group. And along with having to face the odd boss at the end of a level, you will have to work your 'groove' in order to make it past the dances and defeat the Morolians.
Space Channel 5 took full advantage of the capabilities found within the Dreamcast. As a result, a majority of the dancers, Ulala herself and those mean aliens sparkle with excellent graphic design. Everything from the frame rate to the environments had a very smooth look to it. In spite of how well it did in North America, critics claimed that the Japanese version of the game was far better. It is hoped that the sequel to this game will possibly improve on the original format, possibly even giving the North American edition an edge of it's own.
This brings us to the PlayStation2. Say.. why is a preview for Space Channel 5 at PSX2.com anyway? I mean.. this is a SEGA game.. and obviously, Sega would only make games for their own consoles, right? Well, unless you've been on the moon for a few weeks or something, you'd know by now that Sega is in big financial trouble. And when I mean big, I mean BIG. So big, that in spite of how well the Dreamcast has done in the past two years (boy... am I surprised to say that?) Sega is still forced to give up on their pride and joy.
That's right: Sega is already giving up on the Dreamcast. Moreover, Sega is slowly going through a transition as they become a third-party developer. No longer is Sega expected to make any more consoles in the near future (with some luck though.. they will). As a third-party developer, many of us can expect Sega to become stronger than ever.
This brings us back to Space Channel 5. As apart of Sega's new plans as a third-party developer, they will now lead an effort to bring many of their famous titles over to other consoles. Space Channel 5 is one of several games that will be making it's way over to Sony's next generation console by the end of the year. More importantly, this will be the very first game to grace Sony fans across the planet. The game will once again be handled by Tetsuya Mizuguchi, who handled the development of the Sega Rally series and Sega Touring Car.
It can be expected that Space Channel 5 will improve on it's already great graphical qualities by utilizing the hardware found within the PlayStation2. We will have more information on this title as it arrives.
