Space Channel 5

[Hunter]

Thinking of getting it, but A2K explained a bit of it to me, and it sounds like DDR. Not sure why it's considered such an awesome game, so I am not sure if it is worth the purchase.

What say you, oh gods of olden gaming?

[Conjoshus]

I think it's more like Parappa the Rappa as opposed to DDR.

I wouldn't bother with it, but then again, I don't like those games.

[Bruhaha69]

Well, I purchased it sometime last year. Let me just tell you now: There is no room for error in Space Channel 5. You must hit the mark DEAD ON and there's no going outside the patterns. If you have to hit right, left, right, for instance, there is no mixing it up by adding in a couple of extra presses like you could do in similar games (Pa Rappa).

Her animations also make it hard. In order for me to succeed in this game, I had to ignore the video and just press the buttons to the sound. If you watch the game while you play, it makes it SO much harder. The animations deceive you. I can't explain it any other way than that.

you probably need someone who played the game more throughly to give you a yay or neigh, but I still haven't gone back to it since. I will eventually, but for now, it just got me too frustrated. The second game was much more accessible and forgiving.

[HawkClay]

You know, it's strange, I never had much problems with the animations throwing me off, but I guess it's just because it felt like a natural thing for her to say "Up" and then move up after pushing the button. Maybe it's the old band nerd in me that just let the music take over and allow me to play through the game by just getting into the music! Really, it's all about hitting the button in tempo with the game, so I don't think I could actually let the screen throw me off... It was more of the visual treat to a game that could be played with your eyes closed. Still, the visuals were great, and I never felt like I needed to be watching any particular thing to progress... It became a gaming experience that I was just able to sit back, get into the music and chill out with Ulala and the crew of Space Channel 5! :)

Anyway, with that being said... I LOVE MUSIC GAMES!!! Some would say that they are my favorite genre... but I'm not sure I'd go as far as saying that. Still, I will admit to loving them! Parappa, Guitar Hero, Cool Cool Toon, etc. I love them! Space Channel 5 though, I LOVE that game! It's a game that's right up my alley too!

I'll focus on the negatives first. It's not terribly long, so it can easily be beaten in a single sitting, which I know can turn off some people these days, but to me, it's a GOD SEND these days! Plus, as already mentioned, it's not much of a game for people who require visual confirmation of what they are doing in order to play. The screen movements are still in rhythm with the music, but they don't happen AS you press the button, and I know quite a few people, this doesn't come naturally to them like it does for me. Also, if you ARE like me, the game isn't terribly difficult either. I once beat the entire game missing only 1 beat! :( I should go for a perfect game someday... but that's another story! ;)

Now, for the good! First off, this game has more style and presentation than any other music game out there! I'd say the closest competition would be Parappa the Rapper, but Space Channel 5 just OOZES style! Ulala is by far my favorite new character in games over the past 10 years (at least), and the supporting cast is also great! The graphics on screen are bright and beautiful, and if you let the music take you in, then you can really enjoy what is going on with the screen without having to focus on watching Ulala the whole time! Second, and most importantly, the music is perfect! Go to Radio Sega and listen to Space Channel 5 - Introducing Ulala to get a taste of the main theme of the game! It is perfectly fitting for the game's style and feel! Another thing, is if girls seemed to flock to me when I'd play this game, so it was a good way to introduce some non-gaming girls to the world of gaming! My Ulala was already a gamer, but she absolutely ADORES Space Channel 5... so much so that she adopted the nickname! Finally, the game has got to be extremely cheap, so it's not like it would be breaking the bank to check it out.

Anyway, if you are into music games, then I'd definitely say check it out... If you aren't, then I'm not sure this would exactly sell you on them, but it does feel VERY "Sega" though! If you have any questions about the game, then be sure to let me know! I've played through the whole thing probably close to 100 times, so I'm definitely a Space Channel 5 fan! ;)

*edit* I just thought I'd add that I don't think it's much like DDR... and I HATE DDR because my feet just aren't very coordinated! :p

[ShinobiWan1]

I liked this game lol

Mainly for the music and the presentation.

Spaaaaaaace Channel 5!

[Frogacuda]

I would get the double pack on PS2, because Space Channel 5 Part 2 is a real masterpiece, much moreso than the first.

The first game was cute, but a little rough around the edges. The integration of pre-rendered backgrounds and 3D characters didn't work very well, and the way it streamed animation made for a slight lag in the timing that many had trouble coping with.

The second game is brilliant though, and a real classic, just for the imaginative presentation, great music, awesome level design... Just really an awesome game, all around.

[Hunter]

Well, I enjoy DDR quite a bit, but because of the feet thing, it makes it a challenge. The idea of using a controller turns me off. I will buy it anyways, and let you guys know what i think. Thanks for all the input.

BTW, I will be getting it for DC as I do not, nor will I ever own a PS2.

[Frogacuda]

Well, I enjoy DDR quite a bit, but because of the feet thing, it makes it a challenge. The idea of using a controller turns me off. I will buy it anyways, and let you guys know what i think. Thanks for all the input..Yeah, like everyone else said, it's not really in the same genre as DDR. It's like Parappa. It's a simon says excercise,

[jp]

Off topic, but I am very happy to see Overbyte. :D

[SuperYen]

It's a cool game. <3