Space Channel 5 

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A Techtite Review

Space Channel 5 relieves some of my worries about Dreamcast, by being a unique and inspired game for the system. After its first full year on U.S. store shelves, Dreamcast games have been nice, though few haven't already been seen elsewhere, in some form. Don't get me wrong; Sonic Adventure was great, as well as Soul Calibur, though titles like MDK2 are available on PC, and other titles aren't exclusive to the system, either. It needs a few titles that really "kick" to get those sales numbers up. With the help of Space Channel 5 and its lead character Ulala, it might finally have one. It may be compared by some to Parappa the Rapper in some form, although SC-5 has superior graphics galore, and it holds its own.

The game is a sci-fi comedy of sorts, where a space station (resembling something right out of a classic '60s sci-fi film) has been taken over by aliens. These aliens have an unusual form of torture, in that the hostages they capture must continuously dance. It's up to Ulala to approach each group of aliens, copy their cool dance moves until they give up in exhaustion, then save each group of hostages. As she does, the hostages join in behind her, as she slowly gets her own background dancers; a cute touch.

While the only real "puzzle" here is like the classic electronic game, Simon, there is an added difficulty; you must copy the aliens rhythm, as well as their moves. In other words, if there is a pause between the second and third moves, yet not the fourth, you must pause appropriately. This can be hard to master at first, for people more used to the games where quick reflexes are the key. In this game, well-timed reflexes are more important, and just quickly pressing the keys won't cut it. Along the way, "boss" characters appear with even more complex moves to mimic, including some rival reporters (shown here). Rhythmic gamers might be done with this game in a flash, though even then it will be a flash of enormous fun. Others with less rhythm (not to name any names) might even find some challenge here.

The music, graphics, and animation of the game are all superb. Ulala in particular is given top treatment in all the above departments, as well as amusing quips for when you either win or lose a round. Losing the round means less background dancers (I don't think it means anything, though it looks cool when you have many). Too many botched dance moves also means lower ratings for your show, that's being broadcast LIVE! If you complete a level without the minimum ratings, your show is cancelled. Keep those legs kicking!

The end result is a truly fun game experience. In some ways, this seems like the type of dance-savvy game that would've been made if such technology was available in the '60s. Some might even say that they've waited over 35 years for such a game. This is the type of fun only dreamed of in colorful, "groovy" views of the future like The Jetsons. If such fun-filled views of the future are up your alley, you should definitely give Space Channel 5 a look.

	Final Rating : Small Crater. How's your reflexes? You'll know after this game! It's short, though it's some of the best fun offered in a video game title.
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