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NiGHTS into Dreams HD |OT| Dreaming of snow, sparkles, and nightmares [Control patch]

Ogni-XR21

Member
The controls are "digital". I gave it another try and for anyone who wants to test this themselves just try to not fly at full speed....

I don't say you cannot play this game the way it is, and someone who is new to this game will never notice this, but it feels totally different to me.
 

Shiloa

Member
I haven't played it yet but could the trouble with the controls simply be because the Saturn analogue stick was very different in feel to the PS360 sticks? There's never been a looser, but more 'round' analogue stick than the Saturn one.
 

Malajax

Member
Yeah, I'm really enjoying this game. I faintly remember having a good time at Wal Mart just flying around aimlessly. It's still really fun to fly around, and it's a joy to look at and listen to.

I don't entirely get it, but I'm looking forward to getting better at it.
 

RiZ III

Member
The controls are "digital". I gave it another try and for anyone who wants to test this themselves just try to not fly at full speed....

I don't say you cannot play this game the way it is, and someone who is new to this game will never notice this, but it feels totally different to me.

Just got the game. Love it to death on my Saturn and briefly played the ps2 version. The controls definetly feel different. I'm able to do a hell of a lot more dance moves after getting the yellow/ble ring thing. I have a much harder time going through the yellow rings. It seems to move slower too.

Also with the "Saturn version", I recall it looking just like the real Saturn game (no texture filtering, geometry popping, etc.) on the ps2 to the point I thought it was just emulated. In this one, I was disappointed to see that it actually looks nothing the original Saturn game. Besides the geometry being similar to the Saturn one, everything else is different.
I do really love the look of the new one though.

The music also sounds different. Sounds more dulled, but maybe that's just in my head. I know the Saturn sound chip worked differently because it synthesized the music on the fly if I recall so maybe that's why this sounds different.

It's pretty cool to see the FMVs in their original non compressed glory. Wish they'd port over PDZ >_<
 
Alright, so after digging around for half the day I found my Saturn controller and took some time doing a side by side comparison. As I suspected some of the complaints about the controls are a bit hyperbolic, but I also have to correct myself and concur that there's a tangible difference between how each version controls. In the HD remaster NiGHTS moves a little slower when flying straight (not as conspicuous during loops for some reason) and tends to sort of "snap" into certain angles at slower speeds. The digital control thing makes it sound like 8 way control, but it's closer to maybe 16-32? At any rate, it's not that apparent when you're barreling forward, but some sensitivity is lost when you're building to full speed.

The included "Saturn version" (which isn't really that close to the actual Saturn version) performs a bit better in terms of flying speed, and seems a bit easier to connect difficult combos. Overall though, I confess neither one controls as buttery smooth as the original. It's a a slight bummer considering how long fans have waited for something like this, but at least the ports are fairly decent and I don't consider any of the alterations to be deal breakers. In fact, I'd highly recommend the remake to anyone curious who doesn't have a Saturn or just wants to play with cleaner IQ on their LCD. That said, if you're a Saturn owner, don't jettison your original copy just yet. In spite of its artifact ridden FMV and warpy textures it's still the best controlling version of NiGHTS out there.

Umm never have played NiGHTS before, worth my time and ten bucks?
Depends on your style of gaming. If you like getting OCD on games you can replay again and again for a better rank then it's a great investment. As people have mentioned it's more of an arcade style score attack game. If you're inclined to just fly through each level once and never touch it again I'd say don't bother.
 

Rlan

Member
Despite claims to the contrary, NiGHTS's Saturn Mode is just the New Dreams with the old graphics. They play the same.

Was there different voices in Christmas Nights opening in EU and US? It's not the one I remember.

Also, the final unlockable "mode" in the NiGHTS XBLA is the Nightopian Collection, which allows you to see how much they love you per level.

The only shame about NiGHTS XBLA is that the Leaderboards aren't implemented in a fashion that the game would of had if it were made now. The end-of-level Leaderboards are still yourself, Sonic, Miles etc. Online Leaderboards are only seen by going to the Leaderboards section.

I've looped Gillwing's Tail, need all A's and get 10 tricks. Never really knew how to get 10 tricks at once, any help with that?
 

LaneDS

Member
Picked this up on Tuesday and only played through the first of the two Elliot stages, but I'm happy with the purchase. Really enjoyed the game on Saturn (which I didn't own back when it came out) and remember feeling a nice sense of wonder playing it when it came out. The music still holds up even if it's a pretty dated game otherwise, but for $10 I'll enjoy messing around with it. Also never got to try Christmas NiGHTS so that should be fun to see.

Will my eyeballs explode if I try to play it in Saturn mode on an HDTV? I'm thinking yes!
 

Rlan

Member
Also, how do I view the interview about the game? It looks like it's still locked off for me...

Edit: Ah! It's not one of those. Was confused.
 

Rlan

Member
Better chance of PDZ coming. PDS' original code has been lost to time and space.

It'd also need a decent graphical overhaul too, at least to the same quality of Panzer Dragoon PS2 and NiGHTS. Dem Seems on Saturn games are hard to look at.
 
Better chance of PDZ coming. PDS' original code has been lost to time and space.

Yeah, I know...every fan who has wanted it knows. Still, would be nice to see Sega throw some money at someone (M2) to reverse engineer what they can from the executable and content on discs and fill in the rest from observation and documentation...maybe even consultation with the original developers. Then, a new audio-visual layer where appropriate.

Maybe a tiny bit more probable than a Shenmue III... :/
 

Coxy

Member
The controls are pretty bad and definitely wrong, of all games in the entirity of existence, for this one to have digital controls and not proper analogue ones is awful. The saturn version came with an analogue controller specifically for it because of how much better it felt with analogue control.

Hopefully people can harass them a bit and get them to patch it.
 
Am I on cocaine or is this not on the Canadian marketplace?

I searched last night and it was no where to be found. :(

Edit: Oh, Friday? Weird. Ok.
 

bryanee

Member
I wonder if it'll still give me motion sickness. First game to ever do that to me. I'll have to download a trial.
 

Ogni-XR21

Member
The controls are pretty bad and definitely wrong, of all games in the entirity of existence, for this one to have digital controls and not proper analogue ones is awful. The saturn version came with an analogue controller specifically for it because of how much better it felt with analogue control.

Hopefully people can harass them a bit and get them to patch it.

We seem to be the minority. Most people (even the ones who say they know the original) don't even recognize the difference. Probably only bothers you if you knew the game by heart. I for one gave up on it after playing 3 levels... too bad, this was probably the only chance to get it right and they messed it up.

Now I want to know if this issue exists with the PS2 version. Anybody (who actually notices the digital feel) can fill me in?

Dreams have been shattered for me.
 
frozen bell is amazing. don't even know why they made christmas nights with that in the game already.
Funnily enough, Christmas NiGHTS had the first loop of that included as a Link Attack (because a theoretically infinite chain was possible on it).

Also, it was included in the demo disc for the game (along with Spring Valley). Putting their best foot forward, really.
 

MechaX

Member
Yeah, add me in the camp that thinks the controls definitely took a hit in this version. Going through yellow half-rings takes a tremendous amount of getting used to and when I first played it, Nights just seemed so unwieldy (hard to keep any semblance of a straight line at some parts).

And I could have sworn that you bounced upward if you dashed into the ground in the Saturn version, but that's a minor complaint.

It's not a deal breaker for me, but there definitely is a difference.
 

Twiccan

Neo Member
Am I the only one here who does Saturn emulation? All my old Saturn favorites (Nights, PDS, Burning Rangers, etc.) all at my fingertips. I don't have that advanced of a PC, either. Not too shabby as far as specs, but no real graphic card, and Saturn emulation is still spot on. Combine that with a Logitech dual analog controller and Nights probably plays better for me than it does on the new HD remake.
 

scitek

Member
Am I the only one here who does Saturn emulation? All my old Saturn favorites (Nights, PDS, Burning Rangers, etc.) all at my fingertips. I don't have that advanced of a PC, either. Not too shabby as far as specs, but no real graphic card, and Saturn emulation is still spot on. Combine that with a Logitech dual analog controller and Nights probably plays better for me than it does on the new HD remake.

How is Saturn emulation these days? I can't remember if it was that or the Dreamcast where all the games have to be played at native res, but has that changed?
 

SkylineRKR

Member
Despite claims to the contrary, NiGHTS's Saturn Mode is just the New Dreams with the old graphics. They play the same.

Was there different voices in Christmas Nights opening in EU and US? It's not the one I remember.

Also, the final unlockable "mode" in the NiGHTS XBLA is the Nightopian Collection, which allows you to see how much they love you per level.

The only shame about NiGHTS XBLA is that the Leaderboards aren't implemented in a fashion that the game would of had if it were made now. The end-of-level Leaderboards are still yourself, Sonic, Miles etc. Online Leaderboards are only seen by going to the Leaderboards section.

I've looped Gillwing's Tail, need all A's and get 10 tricks. Never really knew how to get 10 tricks at once, any help with that?

Hug the upper wall while going into one direction and keep tapping the shoulder buttons. This is ofcourse when you're in trick mode.
 

Twiccan

Neo Member
How is Saturn emulation these days? I can't remember if it was that or the Dreamcast where all the games have to be played at native res, but has that changed?

Not sure really. I just got a new laptop a about a month or so ago and I was just so happy that I got it to work and that it is running full speed that I haven't really played with too many graphics settings yet.
 

Conan-san

Member
Tried a few rounds last night and I'm waiting for SA 2 to finish before I go for another shot.
Is it me or does NiGHTS just sort of control loose?
 

Iceman

Member
Tried a few rounds last night and I'm waiting for SA 2 to finish before I go for another shot.
Is it me or does NiGHTS just sort of control loose?

A few of us have mentioned the looser controls. Some suggest that it's not true analog and only digital (8-way) input.
 

SkylineRKR

Member
I feel X-mas nights is lacking somewhat. The original had a boatload of unlockables which warranted a lot of replays, and a nice X-mas themed title screen. You could also play as Reala. Plus, there was some fucking around with the Saturn internal clock.

But at least its included.
 

Conan-san

Member
A few of us have mentioned the looser controls. Some suggest that it's not true analog and only digital (8-way) input.

Ah figgured it out, stoped trying to sonic my way through things and took things a bit more methoicaly. Yeah, this works.
 
I'm actually surprised by what a nice job they've done on this. Re-doing the sprites in and of itself makes a huge difference, but they haven't lost the incredible graphical style of the original.

As for the control controversy, there's definitely a difference compared to what I expect, but has anyone actually direct compared it to the Saturn version with the analogue pad? I think it might just be you expect tighter analogue controls today - these really don't feel like digital controls. Plus I think we've gotta take it a bit easy - the fact that they've brought it back at all is a great thing, otherwise this would have been entirely relegated to gaming history, save for the odd enthusiast who still has a saturn hooked up at all times (I actually still have one, just not hooked up).

Overall, I'm really surprised how well this game holds up. And Christmas Nights is a huge win for an old nights fan like me :)
 
I wonder if the 360 version handles any differently from the PS3 version. It sounds like the control is close enough though. Come on Friday!
 

Coxy

Member
the controls are fine in saturn mode, and ive played nights on my saturn somewhat recently.

the controls are exactly 100% the same in saturn mode, it isnt the saturn game emulated, it's the same port just using the saturn models/sprites
 
Really loving this game. Digital controls regardless, it still feels fantastic to play. Getting better and better at it. Fantastic stuff, I'm glad I trusted in its legacy.

the controls are exactly 100% the same in saturn mode, it isnt the saturn game emulated, it's the same port just using the saturn models/sprites

The fact it uses the exact same save data is a giveaway of this.
 

gryz

Banned
the controls are exactly 100% the same in saturn mode, it isnt the saturn game emulated, it's the same port just using the saturn models/sprites

eh whatever it seems fine to me. I think some people are just looking for something to complain about.
 
I have to agree the controls feel a little "off" compared to the Saturn 3D controller analog. It feels better than Journey of Dreams, but still off. I know something was wrong because I could beat that operate boss in a few seconds on Saturn, yet I had issues with it on PS3.
 

Empty

Member
starting to really like this game now, it makes me so happy playing it. i wasn't so hot on it at first even when i understood the goals as i didn't really get why it was entertaining moment to moment outside of an audio-visual experience. but now my skills are developed a bit and i've played the levels more, i'm able to get a great rhythm going through each level and push for A's and it's great.

it's just so mesmerizing when you're rushing through the beautiful levels and linking well and very fun making sure you get as much as possible and uncovering new score opportunities. it's much more like a great arcade racing experience abstracted a bit and put it in a fantastical setting than i expected, i thought it'd be more of an arcade score based platformer like jsr.

still not really fond of the boss battles, though at least my failing at them is forcing me to learn and explore every level.
 
Yeah, the boss battles aren't great. That said, it's not like the Sonic games ever had good boss battles either, so no surprise there.
 
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