Dreams Come True: NiGHTS Into Dreams HD

If you don't know why NiGHTS Into Dreams HD is a big deal,
then do yourself a favor and find the Saturn or Wii version now.
And yes, the "i" is not capitalized for a reason. Source

Earlier today Sega of America announced an HD remake of the Sega Saturn classic NiGHTS Into Dreams for the Playstation Network (PSN), Xbox Live Arcade (XBLA) and PC digital download (likely via Steam, etc.). The remake will feature all of the original levels in HD, as well as online leaderboards, trophies, achievements, and a "Saturn Mode" which will let the players experience the original graphics.

It was sixteen years ago today, July 5, 1996, that the original NiGHTS was released, setting the Sega gaming community, and others, on fire. A 3D platformer unlike anything previously seen, NiGHTS showcased what the Sega Saturn was capable of, and gave Sega's fans something to talk about. While there were plenty of "2.5D" platformers on the market at this point, most true 3D platformers, such as Super Mario 64, Spyro, and Crash Bandicoot, were still months, if not years, away from US release. While it could be argued that NiGHTS also falls into the 2.5D category, it's easy to point out there were parts of the game where you roamed free around the ground in true 3D fashion, and not just looping through "railed" sections of gameplay. A key point in separating 2D from 3D.

This image stirred both confusion and excitement when
released via Facebook and Twitter  yesterday. Source

For those that haven't had the opportunity to play the original it may be hard to see why so many fans are excited for NiGHTS return to the small screen. To be fair some of that excitement may be nostalgia, but most of it stems from legitimate and well deserved respect of the original. While fans of the series grew rabid when a sequel for the Nintendo Wii was announced, for many the release of NiGHTS: Journey of Dreams fell short of expectations. Met with a mix of high praise and lukewarm reviews, the sequel fans had desired for years failed to deliver the same enjoyment of the original, due in part to a less than ideal control scheme, a handful of mediocre third-person exploration levels, and an overall feel of departure from the original title. While still a great game, and one I'd personally recommend playing, NiGHTS: Journey of Dreams simply wasn't the same. 

It may not look like much, but I count flying around gathering orbs in
NiGHTS among the most satisfying moments of gaming I've ever had. Source

Which brings us to today and the reason for so much excitement throughout the Sega fan community and gamers in general. While on the surface NiGHTS is a relatively simple game it brought a lot to the table, both then and now. Combining great graphics, superb music, and innovative features (such as how different treatment of the in-game NPC's, or "Nightopians", affected the music), with amazing analog stick control, NiGHTS changed the way many gamers viewed the rise of 3D platform games. Critically acclaimed, and highly praised, NiGHTS Into Dreams is still an industry darling, and regularly appears in many "top games" lists.

I feel this game is better than Starfox when it comes to flying through rings or around objects, mainly because I'm not constantly being yelled at to do a superfluous "Barrel Roll". Source

Simply put NiGHTS is a great example of simplicity and elegance put to practice. The game never tried to do more than it was capable of, never tried to wow audiences with flash and sparkle, and provided a beautiful backdrop for great gameplay. While there are things the original probably could have improved on, it's still a fine example of all the right elements combining in all the right ways. While the sequel was decent, sometimes the original can't be outdone, and in the case of NiGHTS Into Dreams, why try and improve on perfection? (With HD being the exception, of course.)

I for one can't wait for this release, and am excited to get reacquainted with an old favorite, and am looking forward to "dreaming" all over again. 

Until next time, game on.