Dreamcast
JP: December 16, 1999
NA: June 4, 2000
EU: October 6, 2000
PlayStation 2
EU: March 15, 2002
JP: December 12, 2002
NA: November 18, 2003 (Special Edition)
Game Boy Advance
NA: June 17, 2003
EU: September 12, 2003
Space Channel 5 is a music video game developed by Sega AM9 and published by Sega. Originally released for the Dreamcast (1999 in Japan, 2000 worldwide), it was later ported to the PlayStation 2 (2002 in Europe, 2003 in Japan and North America). A version for the Game Boy Advance (GBA) was published in 2003 as a Western exclusive. Following space-faring reporter Ulala as she investigates an alien invasion, players engage in rhythm-based combat where Ulala mimics the actions of rivals in time to musical tracks.
The game was conceived by Tetsuya Mizuguchi, who was told to create something aimed at a female audience. Production lasted two years, with a staff of around 20 that included company veterans and newcomers to game development. The music, composed by Naofumi Hataya and Kenichi Tokoi, drew inspiration from big band music. Ken Woodman's "Mexican Flyer" had informed the musical style and acted as the theme song. The overall style was influenced by culture from the 1950s and 1960s, and the later music videos of Peter Gabriel and Michael Jackson, the latter having a cameo appearance in the game.
While the game was released to low sales, journalists gave the Dreamcast original generally positive reviews; praise focused on its music-central gameplay and art style, but faulted its short length and syncing issues with the graphics. The PS2 version met with similar praise, with many recommending it due to the low selling price. The GBA version, titled Ulala's Cosmic Attack, saw lower scores due to technical shortcomings. The game has since spawned a series of related games and media, beginning with the sequel Space Channel 5: Part 2, released in 2002 in Japan and 2003 worldwide.
Gameplay
Also See
Sound Effects Used
- Sound Ideas, CARTOON, GONG - LARGE, CHINESE GONG, SOFT MALLET, MUSIC, PERCUSSION, CRASH 02
- Sound Ideas, SPACE SHIP - SPACEFIGHTER: VINDICATOR EXTERIOR PERSPECTIVE - ACCELERATE, SCI FI
Image Gallery