November 14th, 2007 by Vyle
'Next Gen' Sequel (cntd)
Settling on the most comfortable control method will be important for each individual player, as this game is all about speed and reaction. As before, it is possible to get by just by flying through the level collecting 'Ideya Balls,' but like all good games, there's a deceptive depth that will have those dedicated to getting high scores returning time and time again. Collecting balls, flying through the rings and doing it all without stopping will create score links that will activate a bonus multiplier. The value of this multiplier will be decided at the end of the level by how quickly the end of level boss is defeated. It's comforting to see that Sonic Team is making an effort to get the controls and the pure gameplay mechanics right, and NiGHTS veterans should feel right at home.
Gameplay
In addition to the basic flying mechanic will be Persona Masks. These items will change the appearance of NiGHTS and also give him new abilities. There will be a Dragon mask that will allow NiGHTS to withstand strong winds, while the Dolphin mask and Rocket mask allows for swimming and reaching high speeds respectively.
Available online will be online multiplayer races and battle modes, as well as an A-life system. A-Life will be similar to Sonic Adventure's Chao garden, in which players obtain and then raise and breed creatures from the game's worlds in a specially created environment.
Look and Feel
As important as the control method was to the original NiGHTS, the game would be nothing without its distinctive look. The Saturn original had a magical character and level design that still shines to this day and getting the look and feel right was certainly as important as the gameplay. Sonic Team appears to have done their homework, and sure enough, the game looks the part. The vibrant landscapes, imaginative locations and bizarre enemies are all present and correct, giving the game a dreamlike feel that evokes a powerful feeling of nostalgia from anybody with fond memories of the 'good old days.'
Overall
All seems well, then, right? Yes and no. While the core NiGHTS elements are present and correct, the on foot child sections have also returned. While this would be by no means a bad thing, the child characters (Helen and Will) have been given extended sections that at this moment lack the charm, wonder or excitement of the main flying sections. The current linear design does little more than dilute the main attraction of the game. It still remains to be seen how these sections will factor into the finished game, and hopes are high that they won't feature too prominently.
As it stands, NiGHTS: Journey of Dreams is a pleasant surprise. Not only does it look like Sonic Team has listened to fans, but they also seem dedicated to honor this most beloved franchises.
Sega fans have been dreaming of a NiGHTS sequel for a long time, and thankfully, all signs point to this game being a dream come true.
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