NiGHTS: Journey of Dreams

Game review by Brett Molina, Common Sense Media
NiGHTS: Journey of Dreams Poster Image

Common Sense says

age 7+

Nightmarish adventure with frustrating controls.

Nintendo Wii 2007
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Parents say

age 10+

Based on 2 reviews

Kids say

age 9+

Based on 4 reviews

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A Lot or a Little?

The parents' guide to what's in this game.

What Parents Need to Know

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.

Community Reviews

AortaPlatinum
AortaPlatinum Adult
September 17, 2018
age 10+

Nowhere as good as the original or it's psuedo sequel, but a passable reimagining

Aight first thing's first, *PLEASE USE A CLASSIC CONTROLlER/PRO, NUNCHUCK, OR GAMECUBE CONTROLLER*. The motion controls are abysmal, and ruin the experience. Now that that's out of the way, on to the actual review. JoD is a reimagining of 1996's NiGHTS into Dreams, the only SEGA Saturn game worth playing. You control one of two Perfect Dreamers, as they fuse with NiGHTS, essentially becoming one body with two souls, and use their combined power to take back the dreams of the Perfect Dreamers, and to allow NiGHTS the freedom she desires. An amazing score attack/time attack game, the mission-based structure is an improvement over the original, allowing more time in each Nightopia, as well as allowing players to opt out of what they don't want to play again when they inevitably return to enjoy the game using their old save file. The story is a bit lackluster, but more than we got in NiD; NiGHTS, a mysterious dream creature, allows two Perfect Dreamers who were able to hold on to their subconscious courage Ideya, to fight back against the forces of Wizeman, said to be a Perfect Dreamer who used all his Ideya to gain massive power and remain in the dream world, becoming the ruler of Nightmare. Over time, NiGHTS begins to empathize with the Perfect Dreamers, and wants to help them more. It all culminates in an emotional climax pitting the World of Dreams against Nightmare. The gameplay does get a bit repetitive, and one certain boss lives up to her title of nightmare creature, but otherwise, this is a fantastic introduction to my favorite game series of all time. Definitely pick this one up, it can commonly be found used for around $10, complete in the case with the manual. Just... don't get the HD release of the original NiGHTS into Dreams on Steam, the PC version is awful and ruins a fantastic game.

This title has:

Great messages
Great role models
pigglesby123
pigglesby123 Adult
April 9, 2008
not rated for age

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.
See all 2 parent reviews

What’s It About?

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.

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.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • 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?

Game Details

  • Platform: Nintendo Wii
  • Available online?: Available online
  • Publisher: Sega of America
  • Release date: December 18, 2007
  • Genre: Adventure
  • ESRB rating: E for Everyone
  • Last updated: November 4, 2015

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