NiGHTS: Journey of Dreams

In 'NiGHTS: Journey Through Dreams', you play as two different children, Will and Helen whose stories intersect. They enter the dream world of Nightopia whilst they sleep where they meet an owl and the jester-like creature known as NiGHTS. Although NiGHTS looks and sounds very feminine, the characters imply a male gender by the use of the word 'he'. Anyway, apparently Nightopia is under attack by the Nightmarens, led by the powerful creature known as Wizeman.

Levels are selected by a central hub, known as Dream Gate, where there are 3 doors and five levels in each. Often in the first level, NiGHTS is imprisoned and cannot escape. However, once the children climb in and dualise (fuse) with NiGHTS, he then can escape and begin chase to the guards who are carrying keys. With these keys he can unlock the other prisons which seem to have nothing in them and once 3 prisons have been opened the level is complete. It doesn't make much sense but not much does in the entire game.

In other levels, you may have a different task like passing through consecutive rings or saving the residents known as Nightopians. NiGHTS flies but can only move in a 2D plane (up/down, left/right) and moves in the 3rd dimension automatically which can be quite disorienting and so it helps to keep an eye on the map to get an idea of where you might be heading. As you fly, you can collect blue orbs and fly through the rings to gain points. You can loop in a small circle to collect the orbs inside and drill dash to fly faster or attack enemies.

It's not all about flying though and there are some sections on foot; although these sections aren't any more enjoyable. You are graded on each level from A-E so if you do enjoy the game, there is a reason to replay the levels. You can choose to use the remote on its own, or use the Nunchuk. Personally, I found that the remote on its own was more precise and provided more control when flying, but preferred using the Nunchuk in boss battles or for the on foot sections.

In each world, you encounter the bosses twice; an easier version in the first level, and a more challenging version in the final one. The boss fights are varied and can be quite strange such as the balloon-like jester which you knock upwards through the level and plays like a fancy Breakout.

The trouble with NiGHTS is that it seems very much like a demo since it contains a collection of ideas which should have been elaborated on. The graphics are very basic, dull and dark (despite some reviewers and people stating the graphics are 'vibrant') which doesn't suit the world since it's supposed to be a dreamland. The levels seem very sparse and additionally, having a game hub which contains 4 doors, an owl, NiGHTS and a fountain and not much else does give you the impression that it's only a partial complete game. The way the levels play out don't really give you the sense of urgency that Nightopia is under attack either, meaning the story feels lacking. The dialog seems cheesy and is aimed at children, with the underlying messages about believing in yourself and trusting your friends.

However, despite it being aimed at kids, the time-limits imposed seem a bit strict at times. There is no health system, so when you get hit by an enemy, you get penalised with 5 seconds. It becomes even more frustrating that if you fail the boss, you have to do the flying section again before gaining another attempt. Personally, I find it hard to recommend the game since it feels so basic and incomplete, but many others seem to find enjoyment in it but I cannot see why.