Space Channel 5: Part 2 (Review)

Space Channel 5 Part 2

Space Channel 5 (SC5) is one of those games that despite it fun nature and easy gameplay slipped through the gaming world cracks. When the original SC5 was released on the Dreamcast, it was widely ignored and forgotten about. SC5 is a music game similar in nature to PaRappa the Rapper. The simple point to the game is to perform a musical Simon Says. The graphics and Background style designs are flamboyant in a weird 60ish way.

SC5 Part 2 takes everything that made the first game fun and improves upon it. In the second game, they added singing portions and instrument battles. These addictions are so much fun that you’ll be nodding your head with the catchy music. The designs of the characters are very simple by today’s standards, but they have a cute charm about them. The main character Ulala is very sexy and motion-capped very well. Apollo Smile returns as the voice of Ulala. Ulala changes her outfits more than Queen Padmé Amidala. (I’m not complaining.)

The music ranges from Techno/Jazz/Funk/Waltz/Rock/Hip Hop. However, the biggest draw is playing with a 3D Michael Jackson. It was cool to dance and sing with Jackson in the game. The only draw back is that there isn’t much in the way of replay value. (There is an alt-intro song for Pine’s twin sister Tex in the replay game, and the moves are in reverse for some of the stages.)

Grade B+

Here are some movies…

Space Channel 5 Part 2, Stage 4 (1/2): This is the one where you dance against Michael Jackson. It’s toward the end of the vid.

Space Channel 5 Part 2, Stage 4 (2/2): Go to the 5 min mark to see the Jackson stuff. This is one of my favorite points in the game.

Drum battle!