Take Control of NiGHTS:
Nights was launched simultaneously with SEGA's newest control pad, which utilizes the three-dimensional power of analog. Although skeptics will accuse SEGA of following a trend set by the Nintendo 64, the 3D Control Pad is very well designed, and very comfortable to hold. It is circular, with two grips located underneath. It's overall shape is reminiscent of the starship Reliant in Star Trek II: The Wrath of Kahn.
It can be used successfully in both analog and digital modes, thanks to a switch that toggles between the two. The biggest difference in configuration from previous Saturn pads is in the two shoulder buttons, which have been replaced by triggers on the far ends of the hand grips. The connector cable is detachable, though there is no advantage to this option as of yet.
Although the new pad adds indefinitely to the experience of Nights, the game retains very simple control. During play, the user will only need three buttons: any of A,B, or C, and the two triggers, L & R.
While the player is Nights, he/she can earn a majority of points just by flying. This is accomplished by picking up items, or sailing swiftly through a number of rings in the air. Another skill of movement is the "Paraloop," which requires the player to loop Nights around so he touches the stream of stars that trails behind him. This is a useful way to pick up items and defeat enimies. If the player presses one of the three buttons while flying, Nights will pull off a "Drill Attack." This can be used for defeating enemies, but is most helpful for its speed, which allows Nights to pull off larger Paraloops. Keep in mind that the Drill Attack is no longer available when its energy bar is empty. However, the energy can easily be refilled by flying through loops.
Nights can also grab objects. If he grabs hold of an enemy, he can either throw it by performing a Drill Attack, or destroy it with an easy Paraloop. If he grabs an egg on the ground, it will hatch as soon as he lets go. Performing a Drill Attack after grabbing an object will either break it or launch Nights away from it, depending on its strength. The player can also perform acrobatics while flying by pressing either one of the two triggers. If done while moving through loops or picking up items, this can add to the player's score.
Control on the ground as Claris or Elliot is more limited. The three main buttons jump, whereas the triggers control the camera angle. After a jump, if a button is hit just before a character touchess the ground, he/she will jump even higher. Doing this again results in an even higher flip. This is much appreciated as it is just about the only way to avoid a score of "F" after falling to ground if time as Nights runs out.