NiGHTS: Journey of Dreams

Publisher: SEGA
Developer: SEGA Studio USA
Rated: Everyone

System: Nintendo Wii
Genre: Action
Players: 1 - 2

SRP: $49.99
Available: Now, at most major retail and toy stores as well as electronic gaming specialty shops and many online e-commerce sites.
Launch Date: December 2007
Date of Review: January 2008
Review By Jeff McKinney, Electronic Gaming Editor

What It Is

Lay back and relax as you prepare to enter the lullaby land of Nightopia. Here you will fly through a vivid dreamland guided by the jester, Night, as you fend off the "Nightmarens" from the world of Nightmare.

NiGHTS: Journey of Dreams for the Nintendo Wii is an updated take on the game NiGHTS into Dreams, originally launched on the Sega Saturn. The original game was revolutionary for it’s style and non-linear movement. The new Wii version allows that non-linear action to enter a new realm through the use of the Wii-Remote.

Why It’s Fun

For anyone who has ever dreamed of flying, Nights on the Wii is about as close to the real thing as a video game is going to get you. Using the Wii-Remote, players can glide, spiral, loop and float their character through a series of visually stimulating dream worlds.

Who’s Going To Love It

The original Sega Saturn game was never as big of a hit as some of Sega’s other titles, however, it did have a very devoted following of fans. As such, it has taken
on a certain nostalgic cult-like mystique among older gamers who remember playing the original and have been very excited about the new Wii version.

The game’s story centers around two 12-year-olds, Helen and Will, who find their real life troubles spilling over into their dreams. These two characters will really open the audience for the game up to include younger boys and girls.

What To Be Aware Of

The Good

In addition to the vibrant visuals and scene backdrops, the soundtrack does an amazing job of capturing the dream-like atmosphere of the game. 

The Bad

The game takes place in both the kid’s real world and their dream worlds. Unfortunately, the portions of the game in which you are playing in the real world don’t come close to the fun and excitement of the dream worlds.