NiGHTS PS2 to include Christmas NiGHTS
Posted by Graham. Filed under G, Japan, News, Retro, Sonic, Sony PlayStation 2. Tagged with Fan Stuff, NiGHTS: Journey of Dreams, Saturn.
Well, it seems that those Japanese gamers are getting an extra special treat, come next year.
Not only are they receiving an update version of NiGHTS into Dreams for the PS2, but the game also comes with Christmas NiGHTS (aka Christmas Dream), on the same disc.
SEGA, February 21, 2008 launch of the PlayStation 2 for Action “NiGHTS (Knights) into dreams …” and add mode “Christmas Dream” included on Tuesday.Â
“Christmas Dream” is the Sega Saturn version of “NiGHTS into dreams …” from the release of approximately six months after the Sega Saturn itself bundled phone and order by limited distribution by the “Christmas NiGHTS (KURISUMASUNAITSU) Winter limited edition” based produced by mode. Later this document the stories and short stories, PS2 for high-quality reproduction and that.
{Above quote was translated from Japanese}Â
Christmas NiGHTS was essentially a stand-alone expansion pack. Meaning it was like an extension to the original game, though you did not need the original to play it. The game feeatured a couple of levels set in a Christmas setting, with snow everywhere, christmas trees and NiGHTS wearing a lovely tight-fitting Santa outfit.
The game also had a butt load of unlockable content, including the ability to play as Sonic (yes the Hedgehog), in the place of NiGHTS. And rather than flying, Sonic would run around the levels, in full 3D! I tell you something, that is still one of my best gaming experiences, I had no idea it was in the game, and when I unlocked it, I was jumping around the room like a child at Christmas…. NiGHTS.Â
What’s quite grating about this is that, before now, Christmas NiGHTS was a limited edition print, and can be quite hard to get hold of. Which means that owners of the game already, have a great feeling of pride for the game (well I do).
However I guess we could say the good news is, that now this special edition of NiGHTS can now be enjoyed by millions…. well up to 127 million (if Wikipedia is to be believed). Because there is still no sign that Sega will release the game worldwide anytime soon, and I doubt all of that 127 million population own PS2s.
One option would be to import a PS2, to play the game… but then again, we should all know how Sony feels about importing their hardware (LikSang anybody?).
Also those lucky Japanese are getting another treat, the NiGHTS: Journey of Dreams sound track. A 3 Cd set featuring 76 songs!
Dammit Sega, show us Westerners some love, please!
[Source: GameWatch and GoNintendo]
[Special Thanks: Psycho_Echidna Via The Forums]
Comments on this article
There have been 11 responses to this article.
Sigh
jonboy101
Posted December 15th, 2007 at 9:23 am.
I wouldn’t consider Christmas NiGHTS to be an “expansion” - its a demo. Whether you pick Elliot or Claris, regular or christmas mode, the only level you can play is Spring Valley (yes yes, with an “alternate item layout” for Elliot, but its not different enough to be a new level”.
And yeah, all the ‘presents’ were nice - full of concept art and link/time attacks and of course the Sonic into Dreams mode, but that still doesn’t warrant calling Christmas NiGHTS an “expansion pack”. Not when the only playable level it contains is the first Claris level from the real game.
Don’t get me wrong, I love my Christmas NiGHTS disc, but I just don’t understand how people (not just you Graham) can call this an expansion.
Neal
Posted December 15th, 2007 at 11:55 am.
It exands upon the game. Therefore it’s an expansion pack.
Just as The Sims 2: Beastality and Stuff is one when it only adds a horse with a large erection.
Kogen
Posted December 15th, 2007 at 12:00 pm.
I will call this an expansion pack as well.
They did not charge a penny to the consumer and they probably produced more works than some other expansion packs made by other developers. ( who charge you almost the price of a new game).
In addition, a demo is more a game trial … this one you have bosses, new musics, bonuses and unlockables.
Psycho_Echidna
Posted December 15th, 2007 at 1:03 pm.
Well, it’s not quite a demo. And its definitely not an expansion. A demo is meant to showcase a game, give you a taste before you buy it. However, in addition to this, Christmas Nights does something entirely different with its theme and unique presentation. I would classify it, if I may, as a gift.
Radrappy
Posted December 15th, 2007 at 1:04 pm.
Well it’s still an expansion, just a small one. Call it a “add-on” if it makes you feel better inside.
Kogen
Posted December 15th, 2007 at 1:32 pm.
How about “Demo disc with extra contents”? It didn’t add anything new to the gameplay, just a bunch of skins to replace certain elements, so it’s technically not an expansion, and since it features a single level it’s best described as a demo.
ChaosAngelZero
Posted December 15th, 2007 at 7:19 pm.
I guess its subjective. Even so, “expansion pack” to me means things like BROOD WAR or Warcraft 2: Beyond the Dark Portal, or the Half-Life opposing forces and Blue Shift expansions. Things that add new areas and gameplay elements to an existing engine.
I guess my issue is that since it doesn’t introduce anything new gameplay-wise to the NiGHTS formula, and only graphically alters an existing level, it isn’t an expansion.
Definitions aside (to each their own), I wish SEGA and other game companies would do things like this today. I guess that limited “What is Shenmue?” disc counts, but that stuff never makes it out of Japan anymore. Back in the day SEGA used to care about their customers - these days we get poorly programmed Sonic games and thrown-together movie tie-in games. Thank God Virtua Fighter is still good.
Neal
Posted December 15th, 2007 at 7:35 pm.
Sonic Team was lucky because they were able to convince Sega marketing that it would be worthwhile to offer it for free. These days it would be released as downloadable content or saved for a full blown expansion.
Reset
Posted December 16th, 2007 at 7:41 pm.
Welcome to the world of downloadable content, Neal ;) Honestly the first time I looked at DLC, it totally reminded me of these give aways. A new building and a horse for Oblivion, new clothes for perfect dark - Christmas nights sounds more exiting ;)
Is there a release date for the PS2 version? Can’t wait to buy ! The Wii trailer was all over Bic Camera this weekend so I am REALLY keen to get my hands on Nights again ;)
develin
Posted December 16th, 2007 at 7:43 pm.
I would call it a stand alone expansion pack because thats exactly what it is. I mean what else can you call it? A gift? Yes. A special surprise? Nothing like Xmas NiGHTS has ever been done before or will again. Its a demo but not really, it’s so much more. It’s almost a making of, or what makes this game tick, presented in a Xmas style. For lack of better ways to describe it, XMAS NiGHTS is just unique, so quit getting bees in ya bonnets about the way its described, and just deal with it.
The Adza
Posted December 16th, 2007 at 9:34 pm.