It wasn't until Enix released the acclaimed Bust a Move dance sensation that my curiosity was peaked. "What's the big craze?" I thought to myself. It seemed everyone was talking about the game and I was beginning to feel somewhat out of the loop. After all, we're talking about a gamer who primarily was engrossed with shotokans and Chinese kicking fatales...I realized my circle for widening out required clarity. Several beats and stanzas later did I find myself attracted to the latest musical razzle and dazzle that is Space Channel 5. Developed by Tetsuya Mizuguchi who created the Sega Rally series, Space Channel 5 represents the embodiment of what gaming should possess. Backed by a killer set of tunes, a sexy heroine, and an amusing storyline to boot, it's quite difficult to pass up what easily is going to be recognized as the best rhythm action game for the year!

"Let's see what you're made of...."

Combining the elements from The Jetsons, Austin Powers, "Simon Says" and an abundant mix of retro/70's funkiness, and you've got Space Channel 5. While this game could still easily be enjoyed without a storyline, it certainly gives the game added appeal. Taking place in the 25^th century, Earth is invaded by an alien race, the Morolians. During their unexpected invasion, innocent victims are shot with a strange laser ray which compels them to dance uncontrollably and thus are enslaved to the alien rhythms. Space Channel 5, a space bound broadcaster seeks this opportunity to grab an ideal scoop and thus improve their ratings. It is then in which our heroine, Ulala - the lone reporter who hasn't been captured is sent to Spaceport #9, where our story begins.

Using her savvy moves, Ulala must copy the Morolians' dance moves in perfect rhythm and free hostages along the way. In addition, you must be sure that you meet or exceed the required ratings displayed before each stage (report) in the game...failure to do so will result in ending Ulala's career. Each stage consists of a brief introductory segment and then immediately shifts into the game itself, respectively dance/shoot modes. During the dance mode, a gauge is displayed which represent the number of times you're allowed to fail. The player will need to carefully watch and listen to the moves executed by the Morolians and then in turn repeat them in the same fashion. The shooting mode, adds a greater degree of challenge as you're required to then pay attention to the manner in which human and alien characters appear onscreen. Hitting the A button when designated will shoot the Morolians with Ulala's laser gun, while the B button emits her 'love beam' which will free the humans from their dance spell. As an additional aid, the director Fuse will issue tips via a "News Flash" which provides reminders or useful tips upon reaching specific areas throughout the level. Overall, the difficulty of the patterns themselves depend on your own aptitude of coordination and reflexes. This in itself could frustrate beginners or those are not as 'rhymtically inclined' with their fingers, while experience players and those who can get jiggy with it, so to speak can ace through SC5 within a mere hour, if not less.

"I am feeling kinda...funky"

Graphically, the entire game itself is solid in its design and innovative elements, not to mention a unique level of character design. Ulala is as visually splendid to the eyes and moves with more grace, soul and style then any dance character to date. Purely depicting a significant degree of Michael Jackson-esque dance moves, Ulala truly moves with the action onscreen. Much like Parappa the Rappa, Ulala (along with her posse of rescued humans) will dance accordingly to your success. Failure to get jiggy with it will result in characters slumping over, head down and all. But to those that are able to keep up with the beat will be rewarded with a new set of groove moves as Ulala does her thang. I truly enjoyed the use of FMV intertwined with the onscreen action, which helps to create the entire retro-futuristic atmosphere. As initially stated, the music is simply dead on, as Space Channel 5 sports an array of hip-hop, bassa nova and other funkadelic beats that will have you boppin' your head and getting absorbed into the game, which I advocate as being justified. Localization is an aspect which many who have recalled how import titles have always been one bar above the domestic translations, be it alterations to music, character design and such While I never had the opportunity to experience Ulala's Japanese counterpart....Apollo Smile, among the other talented voice actors showcase a impressive example of what games released here SHOULD sound like, contrary to rather shoddy examples of yesterday - um, Warhawk anyone?

"That wasn't so bad..."

If there's anything I found a justified complaint with, it would have to be in the replay value department, which is conditional upon each and every gamer. As Reno has expressed within his own editorial, there are those games which exist simply for the pure notion of enjoying them, regardless of length or challenge. I am sure there are a great number of gamers reading this who'd welcome playing classic games which include but not limited to Contra, Final Fantasy 6, and yes, Super Street Fighter 2 Turbo. Be that as it may, Space Channel 5 boasts a mere four levels, which can then be played again with alternate routes via Extra Mode; but you know, I am going to be among one of those gamers who'll simply play this again and again. The game can truly be just that enjoyable. Perhaps if Sega provided additional bonuses aside from the Extra Mode, along with a difficulty setting or just the cool bonuses that were seen from playing NiGHTS or Burning Rangers could have easily had this game being played endlessly, by everyone!

"Niiiice shootin' !!!"

Overall, Space Channel 5 amplifies the caliber of how dance rhythm action games should be modeled after. I've been captivated with the game since the very first day I've played it, and I have yet to come away with a sudden lack of interest. Space Channel 5 in essence is the type of game that can be easily appreciated and appreciated by those who enjoy dancing, music, and of course - video games. Replay droughts aside, there's little to find complaint with (unless you're not fond of cute girls in skimpy space skirts). While I certainly would imagine that this will not be the last time Ulala makes an appearance on the Dreamcast platform, Space Channel 5 is clearly among one of the most recommended games to own.

· · · Bahn