1: NiGHTS
into Dreams...
Developer: Sonic Team
Publisher: Sega
Format: Saturn
Year: 1996
Well, yeah. As Christmas
NiGHTS rather gave away, Sonic Team’s masterpiece is my personal favourite
game of all time.
It’s kind of odd, actually. As my list shows, I tend to gravitate towards
big, complex games with meaty narratives and elaborately crafted worlds to
explore. So why does a basic seven-level
game, where the ultimate aim is just to get a high score on each level, take
top spot?
It’s a question of atmosphere and
design. NiGHTS is simple, but it’s expertly done. The basic concept of “dreamy” is beautifully
realised, and every corner of the game is a delight to experience. Great-for-the-time graphics (which haven’t
aged brilliantly, admittedly) and a still-stunning soundtrack combine to
produce a remarkable, innocent atmosphere.
The simple but touching story that underpins the game, told in a series
of dialogue-free cutscenes, helps here too.
In the end, NiGHTS is just a wonderful game to play that forms a wonderful
little window into a new world. And
that’s what you want from gaming.
MAGIC MOMENT: the full ending scene,
only available once you’ve properly completed every level, which ties together
the two stories and gives a gorgeous romantic ending.
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