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Post by teddykongcountry on May 20, 2016 1:47:26 GMT
Space Channel 5!
If I had never played a rhythm game prior to this one, I would have bugged face trying to get the patterns down but the photorealistic backgrounds, hypnotic dance gestures and groovy tunes would have been sure to pull me back in. Do you enjoy Space Channel 5? What are some Dreamcast games you've played that feel built distinctly for the console?
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Cervantes
Off-Brand Transformable Robot
A former Incompetent Evil Commander (XP: 2423)
Posts: 2,818
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Post by Cervantes on May 20, 2016 3:48:09 GMT
Great review, mate. I do agree that it's very much a showcase for the Dreamcast - and for the late 90s Sega in general; it epithomizes everything about the style and gameplay they were going for at that time.
But then I have to confess that, while I love everything about the game and do recommend it on style alone, I could never be very proficient at it. I do get the impression that there's a slight delay between controls and animation (that is, Ulala doesn't respond immediately when you press a button; there a micro-second of delay), and that always throws my rhythm off - it's like the visuals and audio are slightly out of sync. On your review, you can clearly observe this problem around the 1:35 mark. Is the sequel better about it?
I think a new game in the series would certainly solve that by running at a higher framerate, thus giving more responsive controls. But, as I said, the game is good as it is, especially considering (as you pointed in the review) it was one of the pioneers, a few years before console rhythm games became more common.
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Post by teddykongcountry on May 20, 2016 4:56:33 GMT
Thanks pal! It's certainly a comfort to know you have a game that justifies the console it's releasing on and Space Channel 5 does that as much for me now as I'm sure it did for owners in '99/2000. I agree there is something slightly awkward about how the movements match up but if you notice when I start playing in front of the TV (ironic), there's something of a tempo pattern you can listen for. I tap my feet to keep up with it, as alluded to in the video, and as a result, I hardly even have to look at the screen! But there's one additional hardware capability to help players keep up with the timing pattern and a very Dreamcast-esque one at that: the VMU. I couldn't seem to fit this one in as I initially intended but it's still worth noting that the VMU unit displays whether it's Ulala's turn or the opposition's. A small detail, yes, but one that goes the extra mile to make the game feel right at home on the console and actually functions in indicating an imperative watermark for specific button inputs. I have not yet played the sequel (although I've got my eyes on that special edition with the headphones and knapsack!) but apparently it's around $5 as a PS3 download so I think it's safe to recommend that version for those interested. In any case, I really enjoyed my time with Space Channel 5 and am sure I will be able to enjoy it further in the future when in the swinging groove to do so  |
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stratogustav
Supreme Overlord
Warrior with Bandana
Posts: 7,460 
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Post by stratogustav on May 20, 2016 11:45:01 GMT
I bought Part 2 recently for the PS3. Your review only makes me want to play it more. Nice job.
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Post by teddykongcountry on May 25, 2016 1:48:23 GMT
Thanks gustav! I do hope you enjoy the sequel.
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