Space Channel 5 on Sega Dreamcast

Space Channel 5 is a “Parappa the Rappa”-style affair in which getting hip to the beat and landing onyour feet may be the key to success. Keep in time with the music, breakdance better than the invadingaliens, rescue their dancing hostages and boost your TV ratings. And that’s just about it. It’s a noveltygame which was fine when Parappa was first released since it was a genre to which we’d only justbeen introduced. Nowadays it’s getting rather long in the tooth and a simple change of sprites just isn’tenough.

Where this sort of game does excel – and is best played – is in the arcades. It’s quite hypnotising to seepeople jumping about, crossing their legs and spinning round as specified directions appear onscreenor are shouted out to you, but it’s not quite the same just pressing a button.

There are some very imaginative graphics with an appearance from Michael Jackson and plenty ofcolour be it from Ulala’s bright orange mini-skirt, your opponents yellow flared trousers (just imaginethe horror!) and the cool backdrops, all of which serve to provide a mesmerising experience if youstare at the screen for long enough. The style blends in well with the funky groove of music from the1970s. A 60Hz option is also available for those with compatible television sets.

While it’s a fairly easy game to just pick up and play, a question must be raised with regards to itslongevity. There’s a mere four levels here and the only incentive you have to return to the game uponcompletion is to improve upon your percentage TV rating as there’s no option to increase the difficultysetting.

Definitely one of those games when you feel very impressed for the first few times… until you realisethat’s all there is to see! Still, like a lot of things in life, if people keep throwing good money at thecompanies releasing them, who are we to argue? If you must take part, rent it first before parting withyour forty notes.

Overall: 2½/5

This review used to be on Freeloader.com, but they have since closed.