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The original Space Channel 5 for Dreamcast is to me a great symbol of everything that was right about that game system. Like many other games for the Dreamcast, SC5 was stylish, creative, original, off-beat, and had loads of replay value. In my mind, it will always be a true classic. Naturally, I was quite disappointed when it appeared that the sequel would never come out in America. But then, like a pot of gold at the end of a rainbow that appeared suddenly in the heart of a black storm (you get the idea), we get not just the sequel, but the original game as well for PS2. And not for $40.00, not for $50.00 or $60.00, but for $15.00!

Truly, both games are well-worth hanging onto, but the sequel is the one that really shines. The timing problems of the first game are corrected, the graphics are improved, the gameplay is more varied, there are more styles of music, and you get to play musical instruments!

People have been ranting and raving about the style of these games for a long time now, but it bears repeating: there simply aren't any console games with more style than the dynamic duo of Space Channel 5. The whole retro-futuristic sci-fi 60's thing is so perfectly executed it makes the game terrific fun (that and a good dose of humor).

The real reason to buy these games though is the gameplay. Gameplay is hard to define, but I can tell you what seperates Sega's Greatest (Panzer Dragoon, GunValkyrie, Space Channel 5) from the rest of the pack. These games aren't like most games, where you play to beat the game and then it goes back on the shelf. No, no, no. These games you will play over and over and over trying to get a perfect score and unlock all of the hidden goodies (in this case hidden characters and extra costumes). Every time you play this game the experience is slightly different because the game changes depending on how well you are doing.

The Space Channel 5 games may be difficult, but there is huge replay value to be had if you're willing to invest the time. If you're the sort who loves games of timing in particular (Ikargua or Parappa the Rapper anyone?) then you owe it to yourself to get this game. Oh, and did I mention the music is awesome?

10 of 11 found the following review helpful:

Two Great games for under $20!Mar 06, 2004
By Justin Pierce
It's hard to believe this thing shot down below $20 after about 3 months on the shelves. Maybe it's because rhythm games are too specific for the masses, but it might also be because the packaging hides the fact that this is TWO games: Space Channel 5 parts 1 and 2.

Space Channel 5 part 1 is pretty much an exact port from the Dreamcast version a few years back. Space reporter Ulala defeats aliens in an elaborate dance-off with guns, featuring the "Parappa-style" call-response control. It's a great game that still stands well, but it's a bit dated nowadays, and very short.

Space Channel 5 Pt. 2 improves on the graphics, controls and storyline, but the style and gameplay are the same (the "don't mess with a good thing" philosophy). The game itself is noticeably longer, as well.
However, The bells and whistles are really what sets this apart from its predecessor. SC5:2 features a two-player mode, a "dance off" minigame, musical instrument minigames, and unlockable characters and toys. You'd be getting your money's worth with Part 2 alone, but Part 1 is a nice bonus.
A notable feature about both games is that they're more about timing than Parappa's button-mashing combos, so you can hook up a Dance Dance revolution mat. Imagine, a DDR game with an actual PLOT!

I feel for the rhythm genre. It speaks to a different kind of mindset than the average gamer, and is often reviewed badly by gaming mags who have more interest in shooters and RPGs. Rhythm games get bad press and poor sales, scaring away developers. Long-story-short, you may not get many more chances to pick up a rhythm game as great as Space Channel 5, let alone a two pack for under $20. Get it while you can.

14 of 17 found the following review helpful:

This is a 2 Disc Set that includes both part 1 AND 2Jan 09, 2004
By Manythings "manythings711"
The other reviewer is completely wrong. This does include the sequel. Providing hours and hours of fun. I can pick this up anytime and have a blast. It's addictive, challenging, and it will keep you moving to the rhythm. I got hooked on the dream cast version. It took awhile but now my favorite game is back on the PS2 along with a VERY inventive sequel that ups the fun level and makes things more challenging and more interesting in terms of adding singing, instruments, and the ability to continue a level from the midway point. Love it. And you will too.

4 of 4 found the following review helpful:

Hey All You Cosmic Kitties!Feb 09, 2006
By Se
Now, if you're going to play the AWESOMENESS of Space Channel 5, first take EVERYTHING you've thought of for all other games and throw them out!
You play the sheik space news reporter, Ulala, who hosts her (dying) "Ulala's Swingin' Report Show!" While viewer ratings are going down, a new incidient might just keep the show on air!
Aliens are dancing, and forcing people to dance with them! You must face them in a dance-off to rescue the captured humans!
Sounds wacky, right? Well, it is! But it is the most fun and original game I've ever played! It has great music too, and you can rescue various instrumental players (such a guitarist, keyboard player, a saxaphone player, there's too many to list) to accompany you and spice up your tunes! And, trust me, there's tons more!
The gameplay is incredibly simple; you use the control pad as well as the square and X button to mimic the sounds/moves of the enemy dancers.
On disc two, lyrical battles are introduced, but the basic gameplay is just the same-you merely have to fire at the end of the lyric(s). This time, you are dancing against an enemy team. The graphics, espically at the cutscenes, are improved, as well as the music and voice qualities. Overall, a perfect finish, although personally I think the original enemny aliens are just too darn cute!
Plus, who can beat the price??? Honestly, two games for fifteen bucks??? GET IT NOW!!!!

4 of 4 found the following review helpful:

One of the best games ever.Apr 07, 2004
By C. Briggs "Sparkster-chan"
I've been hooked on Space Channel 5 since getting the original Dreamcast version on a whim. Back then, the lag in Ulala's movements annoyed me, but not nearly enough to keep me from playing the game. The music was awesome, the characters fun to watch, and despite the lagged dancing, the game was fun to play.

I hadn't realized Part 2 had gotten released here in the States, and coming with Part 1 for $15 (preowned--what was that person thinking?), I couldn't resist. I bought it solely because it WAS a new SC5 game, and I was immediately sucked in. Those who have played the original know what I mean: The music is much better (even consisting of instrument battles), moves are executed instantly, and I love the new characters.

As if the replay value isn't high enough, there are plenty of unlockables in this game. You can collect different costumes and microphones to use during your missions--I always find myself picking Cloaked Purge for Level 4, as there's something really interesting about watching the main villain do Michael Jackson's moves. There's also a dance mode where it's just you and the computer, where the computer gives you moves and you mimic them, that gets progressively harder with each level passed.

My only complaint is the version of Part 1 that's been included. The engine wasn't overhauled, so the moves are still laggy. But of course, still fun to play. Part 2 just gets played far more in my house.

This game gets played whenever I'm near my PS2. It's prompted me to import the soundtracks. Trust me, you won't regret buying this game if you love music/rhythm games. And with such a low price for two games, what's stopping you?

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