NiGHTS

Review by: Sean Michaels

I must admit that I was sucked into all the hype that Sega created when marketing Nights. Pictures released were pretty stunning, and I got the impression that you could move in total 3-D. Unfortunately, this was not the case when played it. True, while walking on the ground you CAN move wherever you want to, most of the gameplay happens in flight, and this is 2-D for the most part. The only 3-D aspect is the way the backgrounds approach you, but I can hardly consider this 3-D gameplay.

My other gripe with the game comes with the lack of levels. There are only 6, and not one of them is especially challenging. The game can be finished too quickly, even for inexperienced players.

Graphics and sound ARE exceptional for a game on the Sega Saturn. I can't remember a game looking and sounding so good. Control is also good, even with the regular control pad. But I certainly wouldn't recommend paying $40+ for the analog 3-D controller because the game is NOT 3-D for the most part and regular controller will more than suffice.

Maybe I would have appreciated Nights more if I hadn't seen Mario 64 before buying it. I played Nights for a couple of weeks and put it away in my closet. I subsequently bought a N64 and Mario 64, and have to say that Mario 64 is better than Nights in every possible way. For those people who think otherwise, I would strongly urge you to see a psychiatrist because there must be something seriously wrong with you if you think Nights is superior. The best thing to do is to stop fooling yourselves. Don't sell your Sega Saturns just yet, there may be some great games still to come for the system. But get a N64 and see for yourselves.

I would have given Nights a 9/10 if I never saw Mario. After seeing Mario I give it a 6/10.