Space Channel 5 Review (Shin Force: Games: Reviews: Sega Dreamcast)

Space Channel 5

Reviewed
07.08.2000
Publisher
Sega
Developer
Sega
Format
GD
Origin
Import/Domestic
Available
Dec. 15, 1999 (Japan)
Jun. 7, 2000 (USA)
Exclusive
Yes
Difficulty
Normal
Dimensions
3D
View
3rd Person
Genre
Dance/Action
Players
1
Options
Backup 5
Rumble
VGA Box
Requires
n/a
Importable
99%

INTRO:

> The earth is being threatened again! And it is up to you to save it! This time the evil forces are cute tele-tubby aliens with TV screens for faces, and are committing the greatest of atrocities!! They are mind controlling humans, enslaving them... to DANCE ("...oh the humanity," would be said about now)! Only you, the scantily clad, orange vinyl wearing, young, nubile reporter can discover what is happening. Only you can attract viewer-ship during such disastrous news and perhaps even bring the invasion to a halt... all the while looking fantabulicious, of course. All you need to do is out dance them... ... Easy? Right?

GRAPHICS:

> Ooh goody! The graphic design is screaming future-retro! What's future-retro? Ever see 2001? Remember their interior decor? Ever see Austin Powers? Remember their stylish flair everywhere? You know about PVC and inflatable furniture? Fuse that all together, and taking only the good, and occasionally odd, parts - there, you have the future-retro look. Trust me. Unless your a heartless, embittered, stick-in-the-mud, you'll love this. Really! Trust me! The backgrounds run off of streaming video while the characters (our beloved Ulala and her entourage... if you are skilled enough to get one. *ahem*) aliens, and hostages are polygonal. It's an interesting look. It does work... Of course it can be improved upon, but the creative opportunities it presents are worth notice. The characters are not of high polygonal count, but that is probably for the best. The aim seems to be a cartoony, lighthearted appearance. It succeeded in spades, very uplifting to watch. Too much detail and this game would have collapsed on its own weight of seriousness. And the lust it would have generated!! Oo-er!! You'd have to beat them back with a stick... This way is better.

CONTROL/OPTIONS:

> Simon-says with rhythm emphasis. That's the game. Still a very fun one at that, and this one has challenge (for some, challenge to spare). It is good. It is solid. It should have an OPTIONAL meter displaying visual cues, but that is for people who are having difficulty getting into the "rhythm" of things (sorry, pun too easy). But this game is an AUDIO game, not a VISUAL game. That means you are more likely to do better focusing on audio clues than visual clues. Like the umpteen years I've studied music and used a tap master to get musical rhythm down, so is this game. You follow the sheet music, but you mimic by ear. The controls are marginally loose, but are mostly on the give than take side. This is noticeable when losing, but trust me, the loose time registering truly is in your favor.

SOUND:

> It is icky-poo. Now that you are shocked into paying attention, let me say this: catchy, catchy, catchy (as in the Pizzicato Five song). Delightfully catchy, well fitting, and of solid quality. The music is the star of the show, as it should be in this game. I want the soundtrack, you will want the soundtrack, we all need the soundtrack!!! The gamut this game runs is so diverse, yet strangely in theme.... From "French Cafe" music while battling Evila, to bass string thwappin' funk for the first boss. From thumping trance in the Morolian base, to spaceship boss' techno ballet -morphing into- space salsa...? It's all here and it fits and, golly-gee, its swell! And the last scenes!! You are left with a better sense of being! Oo!

FUN:

> Absolutely affecting. Either you do poorly and become moody because of your failing, or you do well and go ga-ga. VERY FUN! This game will effect even the most disaffected. It will usher in world peace... it will make chores bearable... people who won't dance will want to try... the world outside will sparkle and life feel new and jubilant... you'd want to be a Care Bear or some cartoon there of... joy becomes a natural state of being... Love... =D

BOTTOM LINE:
> Buy this game! Unless you are some cold, brooding, stick-in-the-mud... Then rent and partake the wonder that is bliss! Honestly, if one game series could issue in world peace, this is what it would most likely be. Everyone should play this, the world should BE this! Tight orange vinyl clothing should be today's fashion! Love, music, dance, games! =D
Overall: 9.5 | Graphics: 9.1 | Control: 8.9 | Sound: 9.9 | Fun: 10 ~ Senpi ~

Space Channel 5

Reviewed
06.08.2000
Publisher
Sega
Developer
Sega
Format
GD
Origin
Import/Domestic
Available
Dec. 15, 1999 (Japan)
Jun. 7, 2000 (USA)
Exclusive
Yes
Difficulty
Normal
Dimensions
3D
View
3rd Person
Genre
Dance/Action
Players
1
Options
Backup 5
Rumble
VGA Box
Requires
n/a
Importable
99%

INTRO:

> To start with, I am normally not into this type of game. Konami's endless third party support of "Dance Dance" games has done nothing for my library. That's not to say other people don't get into the dance reaction scene. Anyway, you play the part of a TV reporter named Ulala, who works for Space Channel 5 (SC5). Your mission is to out-dance and shoot the aliens while you rescue innocent humans. Now, all that must be done in style and to the beat in order to maintain a high viewer percentage.

> SC5 is easy to import because the gameplay is simple. So anyway you go, you'll be blasting aliens with your groovy moves in no time flat.

GRAPHICS:

> SC5's visual splendor is instantly noticeable. The game is set in various retro-futuristic locales complete with flashing lights, video screens, and aliens galore. I don't know for sure, but it seems to me that the characters are pasted on a pre rendered background. The characters look really fantastic with detailed textures, nice shading, and realistic dance movements throughout. You want bosses -- you get them in SC5. Some of the bosses are kind of cheesy, but hey, this is a niche title too. Finally, the view is variable third person which constantly changes to give you the best angle and/or most cinematic view of the action.

CONTROL:

> SC5's gameplay is simple, yet interesting. Your character (and her followers) struts up to some aliens, they perform some dance moves, and you have to repeat them. Eventually, you'll get to shoot the aliens and rescue the humans (which become followers) to the beat of the music. All in all, the gameplay does become repetitive after a while.

SOUND:

> Thank God the music is good because this game would be worthless without it. The soundtrack reminds me of something right out of an Austin Powers flick. It's quite retro with a good beat and occasional guitar.

> For my taste, the voice acting is pretty good in SC5. The sounds effects are good too and include the clap of your platform shoes, guns shooting, aliens screaming, humans sighing, and more.

FUN:

> Sega boasts 78 unique characters to interact with throughout the game. SC5 is cool for a while, but the replay value is low because of the game's repetitive nature. The game becomes harder by giving you less time to respond and more complex moves to repeat. Still, the graphics are great and the story is decent so there is a draw to keep you playing.

BOTTOM LINE:
> Space Channel 5 is worth a look, even if you're not into this dance genre stuff. The music is cool, Ulala is hot, and the animation is excellent. However, I wish they could have found a way to make this game harder other than forcing you to press buttons quickly and repeatedly.
Overall: 7.9 | Graphics: 9.5 | Control: 7.0 | Sound: 9.0 | Fun: 6.0 ~ Shinobi ~