NiGHTS: Journey of Dreams on the Wii is very unique compared to any other titles out there, but is almost identical to its Saturn original counterpart. It is a spin off of the classic Sega Saturn NiGHTS game from the late 1990’s, now updated with Wii controls. The game is great as a sequel, but a lot has happened in the last ten years that make this title a bit dated.

Presentation & Graphics:
Very vibrant game that tries hard to be unique, but at times falls on it’s face. The cutesy design gives way to some odd shaped bosses and grows tiring eventually. If you enjoyed the graphics of the original NiGHTS then this will be right up your alley. Nothing next-gen to see here folks, keep on moving. 6.5 of 10

Sound & Music:
Sound and music is where NiGHTS shines. Many interesting and trippy tracks, think trance music on a Sega level. Unfortunately some levels are reduced to rather mundane 8 bit soundtracks that leave you thinking “this is very uninspiring.” 8 of 10

Gameplay:
NiGHTS: Journey of Dreams is an interesting game to say the least, that focuses on visual stimulation over anything else. NiGHTS is super colorful and kind of reminds me of Sonic on hallucinogens. You are a boy that enters the dream world and melds with this Jester (which I am not sure is male or female?) to fight in the dream world.

The game aside from focusing on visual popping graphics and being colorful also pays heavy attention to the flying dynamic of the main character. The main way to get around the worlds is to fly and this for the most part is fun, but the controls are a bit wonky and will take some getting used to before you can begin to enjoy the game. You can control the main character with the Wii remote, nunchuk or classic controller, I suggest using the nunchuk and analog stick so you don’t lose your mind.

The flight in NiGHTS is really a 2D experience where you move the jester forward, it will take some time to get used to the fact the game although presented in 3D really only works in 2D. This killed the game and the controls for me, being locked into this plane is frustrating at times. The entire game has you locked in to this mode where you race through timed levels unleashing your aerial acrobatic styling.

Boss battles are far more interesting but not enough to bring the gameplay out of the cellar. 6.5 of 10

Lasting Appeal:
Very little replay value here. The game once you are done with it does not offer much to go back and look at aside form the same levels in a very linear fashion. The on-line is limited to a collection of junk you find along your adventures to show off over the Wifi. 6 of 10

Final Word:
Unless you are a hard-core NiGHTS fan or just need something new to play on your Wii aside from Super Smash Brothers Brawl, this is a rental game. The Wii controls are far less than perfect and the games over the top cuteness will get to you. The controls were frustrating and led me to give up on the game.

Overall: 6.5 of 10