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NiGHTS: Journey of Dreams

(2007, Video Games - Adventure, Rated E, Play it on: Nintendo Wii)
  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

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    Not age appropriate for kids under 6, age appropriate for kids over 7; suggested age 7.
  • Is it any good?

    2.0
  • Common Sense says

    Nightmarish adventure with frustrating controls.

Why We Rated This on for Ages 7 and Up

The good stuff

  • Educational value:

    Not an issue.
  • Messages:

    In a process called dualization, the kids in the game merge with the character of NiGHTS to complete each objective. The kids feel directly involved in accomplishing the tasks within the game.
 

What to watch out for

  • Violence & scariness:

    Mild fantasy violence. The character of NiGHTS either performs dash or loop attacks.
  • Language:

    Not an issue.
  • Consumerism:

    Not an issue.
 

What Parents Need to Know

This review of NiGHTS: Journey of Dreams was written by Brett Molina

Parents need to know that this game has mild fantasy violence. Attacks consist of either flying fast through an enemy or flying a complete loop around them to capture them. None of the attacks look overly physical or gruesome. If you avoid using the Wii remote and switch to a classic controller, this game is best enjoyed by younger players since it's a pretty easy game to learn.

Families Can Talk About

Talk to your kids about the media in their life. We have more tools and tips that can help
  • Families can talk about dreams, and the types of dreams you have. Have you experienced dreams so vivid they felt real? What kinds of dreams do you commonly have? This game does little to incorporate the Wii's motion controls. How big a factor should motion controls play in Wii titles?
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More on NiGHTS: Journey of Dreams

What’s the Story?

The last time the NiGHTS franchise mesmerized gamers, developer Sega was still in the console business. Now, 12 years later, it reappears on the Nintendo Wii in NiGHTS: JOURNEY OF DREAMS. This time, however, the voyage into the dreamworld is a colossal nightmare.NiGHTS' tale centers around a pair of 12-year-olds, Will and Helen, who suffer from nightmares. They find NiGHTS, a high-flying jester character, who can guide them in the dream realm Nightopia. Will and Helen learn they must battle the ruler of nightmares, Wizeman, to restore their dreams.

After choosing to play as either Will or Helen, you'll enter the warm, soothing Dream Gate to choose your mission. Once you enter each level, you're reawakened with vibrant landscapes and an upbeat soundtrack. All challenges consist of a race to beat the clock. Whether you're capturing creatures or gathering items, you must do so before time runs out. Most of the time you control the character of NiGHTS as he flies through levels, performing loops and quick dashes to knock out foes. Close

Is It Any Good?

Unfortunately, the game's exploration is ruined on a horrible control scheme. Motion controls are rarely implemented. NiGHTS flies by following a light called the Mindsight, which you'll control with the Wii remote. The experience is incredibly awkward. To make it work, every move must be conducted at a slow pace, which isn't good on timed levels. When you attach the nunchuk, motion controls are tossed out the window as movement shifts to the analog stick. Controls can grow so frustrating that you may opt for the Wii's classic controller to make the game palatable.

Developers do a solid job of varying levels, but most of them present little to no challenge when using a classic controller. The two-player mode is slightly more intriguing. You can challenge an opponent to either a race or one-on-one duel. But since the Wii remote controls are so problematic, this option is only fun for a short time. Close

Publisher’s Details

Released on 12/18/2007, price $49.99, not online enabled
ESRB rating: E (for Everyone)

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Most Recent Reviews

  1. Teen Reviewer Age 13
    Lives in North Carolina
    I rate this title on for age 2 and give it 5.0

    this game is prittey umm....

    some parts are good some parts totaly suck but its a good game because

  2. Adult Reviewer
    Lives in Kansas
    I rate this title on for age 5 and give it 2.0

    Liked it, but way too hard

    I played the first NiGHTS game that came out on the Sega Saturn, a much loved game. This version for the Wii is just as good in many ways and the controls are somewhat better--although I expected much more from the Wii's motion remote. What could have been a great 3-D experience is spoiled by a frustrating control system. Even if it just had an easier non-timed mode for less than talented players I would happily give it more stars. Instead, wait for the bargain bin price on this one.

  3. Kid Reviewer Age 8
    Lives in Minnesota
    I rate this title on for age 2 and give it 5.0

    I laughed!

    It was very funny too me. Misterpants

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