|
|
Space Channel 5
|
Score: 95%
ESRB: Teen
Publisher: Sega
Developer: Sega
Media: CD/1
Players: 1
Genre: Action
|
|
|
|
Graphics & Sound:
The graphics in Space Channel 5 are very interesting. Everything has a very cartoony feel, deliberately. Those of you who are sci-fi enthusiasts (like myself) may actually cringe at some of the space ships seen in the game. However, if you can get past the sci-fi "retro future cartoon" feel of the graphics style, the appearance of the graphics is nice. Everything has a very organic feel, complete with smooth curves and very flexible models. And for all her goofiness, you have to admit that Ulala (main character - yeah, with the pink hair) is cute. Space Channel 5 also features a guest appearance of Michael Jackson (Space Michael), complete with some of his moves - the model looks pretty accurate, and the moves make it unmistakable. As for music, there's no alternative hard rock heavy beat to greet you, but you will face countless cute, catchy tunes that make the game at least endearing, and at most, a blast!
|
|
|
Gameplay:
Moves in Space Channel 5 are very simple. Left, Right, Up, Down and Shoot. Or Jute... or whatever the hell it is that they say. I'm not quite sure and have discussions at great length over the various possibilities. For the sake of this review, we'll assume they say "Shoot." (Listen to it and you understand my lack of clarity on the subject.) At any rate, you have to battle alien hordes intent on invading and forcing everyone to... dance. Okay, I don't get it either, but that's the premise of the game, so deal with it. (hehe) In order to defeat these aliens, you must "out-dance" them by matching their moves, and then shoot them (but only at the appropriate times... and to the right beat)! There are a few variations that mix things up, such as having to save hostages and some interesting things towards the end. I won't be responsible for giving away some of the interesting plot twists and their effect on the gameplay, but it should suffice to say that the game is not merely fun, but is also extremely addictive.
|
|
|
Difficulty:
Space Channel 5 has managed to do a fairly good job of balancing the difficulty level. It starts at a relatively easy level, allowing you to get the hang of the way gameplay works, then increases in complexity steadily throughout the game, throwing in nearly ridiculous variations in at the end. At a certain point you have to do the opposite of what is said... later, the sound track is taken out and then replaced with an A Capella version. Space Channel 5 is a fun game that manages to keep challenging the player as he/she increases their skill.
|
|
|
Game Mechanics:
Take a cute female lead, a sci-fi environment that looks like a 90's version of what people in the 50's thought it would be like in the year 2000 (do the math), simple controls with increasingly complex tasks, mix it all with the latest trend of dancing games, blend everything thoroughly in your Dreamcast, and pour onto as big a TV as possible. Serves one (at a time), plus any of your friends who just like to watch. Ulala's cute moves and antics make for an interesting spectacle, everyone just loves formation dancing, and at the very least, your best friends can enjoy laughing at your every mistake. Space Channel 5 is an interesting mix of design and execution that just works. I can't really say why it works, but it works. Don't question this one... just buy it. Whether or not you let your friends know you play the game is completely up to you.
|
|
|
-Geck0, GameVortex Communications AKA Robert Perkins |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
