TGS: Space Channel 5 Part 2 impressions

   United Game Artists' Space Channel 5 Part 2 was one of the most pleasant surprises at a mostly by-the-numbers game show. Shown primarily in video format and not playable by the general showgoing public, Space Channel 5 2 looks to offer more of the mod stylings and great music of the original, along with a few new gameplay twists to spice up the action.

   Stylistically, the game is a natural evolution of the original's 60s-styled retro-kitsch. Even more emphasis has been placed on fashion and style this time around; Ulala's costumes varied frequently throughout the video's different scenes. The ability to unlock and choose costumes before levels is a nice feature, even if it doesn't seem to impact gameplay. Sequences shown in the video montage include jamming with pirate broadcasters Jaguar and Pudding in a space band; skydiving in formation from orbit; intercepting and entering a plane in midair; a jungle level with lush vegetation; and a wide, palatial garden with gushing fountains. The game appears to be the same combination of real-time characters and detailed, FMV backgrounds that marked the original. Environments seem to be even more dynamic than the original, with changing lighting effects and swooping camera angles.

   Returning characters include Ulala, Jaguar, Pudding, and Space Michael! Also spotted are everyone's favorite "Space Nihonjin," cameras in tow. New characters include a team of adversaries that appear to dress with a cowboy theme, as well as a rotund character who seems to be the new villain--imagine Teddy Roosevelt by way of the Beatles' Yellow Submarine.

   Though the game was not playable on the show floor, a UGA employee would demonstrate the gameplay in their daily show on the main stage. Gameplay appears to be the same call-and-response of the original. ("Up, down, up, down, chu, chu, chu!") Instrumental sections, when Ulala joins a band, seem to be the same back-and-forth format, though gameplay segments featuring musical instruments tended to favor button presses over directional movements.

   The video montage was over a remix of the original Space Channel 5 "Mexican Flyer" theme, so it's difficult to get a handle on what the game will sound like. Still, gamers can likely expect more of the brassy, techno-funk that made the original such a pleasure to the ears. Space Channel 5 Part 2 ships in Japan for PlayStation 2 and Sega Dreamcast on December 16, 2001. Publisher Sega has yet to announce a U.S. release, though one is likely to follow.