From the people that brought us the Sega Rally series comes Space Channel 5 (SC5), a dance game that redefines the genre. Mr. Mizuguchi, the mastermind behind Sega Rally and Sega Rally 2, has demonstrated his genius once again with SC5.

And, with this new hot game, you have to have a new hot character, too. That’s where Ulala comes in. Ulala is a reporter for Space Channel 5, one of many TV stations in a future world in which space travel is the norm. Apparently the 60s had a pretty good concept of what the future would resemble, as everything in Space Channel 5 has a very retro, Austin Powers look — and Ulala is no exception. Regardless of her outfit changes from level to level, her costume is always made of bright orange vinyl. Ulala is a smokin’ babe and a really cool character, too. She’s the most unique and stylish character to emerge in a game, maybe even since Sonic. While Sonic may have introduced the cool game character image, Ulala gives it a new dynamic spin.

Dancing is the name of the game in SC5, but shooting is also very important. Evil aliens have invaded earth and are mesmerizing everyone around them with their hypnotic dance. It’s your job, as Space Reporter Extraordinare, to out–dance and shoot down these ET Go–Go dancers. Game play is simple, ’Simon Says’, but it’s not as easy as it sounds. First, you watch the aliens. Then you copy their moves. And, at the right time, shoot at them with your transporter beam. When a victim is near, you must free them with a shot from a different gun. You soon learn that the better you do, and the more people you save, the more backup dancers follow Ulala. Yes, it’s this simple, but it’s the challenging game play and stylistic setting that set SC5 above all its competitors and makes it one of the hottest game this season.

SC5 appeals to everyone of all ages. For example, my 12–year–old sister saw me playing and demanded to try it herself. While my sister doesn’t exactly hate games, she almost never plays them. But once she started, she didn’t want to quit, which brings me to my next point — addiction. SC5 is the most addicting game since Tetris. Once you get the hang of out–dancing and out–shooting aliens, you’ll never want to quit. For those who dismiss SC5 as a girl’s game, or as a crazy Japanese game, you couldn’t be more wrong. SC5 is a beautiful and fun dancing and shooting game that challenges your rhythm, reflexes, and memory.

SC5 uses a game engine similar to Fear Effect for the PSX, but Sega takes it to a new, and higher, level. Fear Effect, which uses pre–rendered animated backgrounds to add depth to the game’s atmosphere, is limited to either short repetitive, or long but choppy, backgrounds. SC5 uses smooth, beautiful MPEGs for the backgrounds that move so well you’ll think its full 3D. Backgrounds are seamless and the camera work makes for a very convincing setting. The characters are rendered in full 3D with enough polygons to keep them looking realistic. Ulala gets more polygons then any of the other characters, and that makes her look a lot smoother, with fewer blocky polygons than the lesser characters. The aliens also look cool and move in a funny looking bending motion. Overall the graphics look great and the engine never gives up. Everything is in sync with the music, and the preset camera movements keep everything in view.

Sound effects are good, and the voice work is top notch with every character possessing a unique and appropriate voice. Ulala isn’t just a generic space filler — she sounds great, thanks to Apollo Smile for her voice and emotion, which is of such a high caliber it could pass for TV, or even movie quality, further enhancing the game.

Another positive aspect of SC5 is the music. To say the music is good would be a total understatement. In fact, Sega recorded a special soundtrack while making the game, which is available as a CD. The music enhances the atmosphere, and since SC5 is a dancing game, it requires a good soundtrack, which Sega delivers. The Austin Powers inspired music is perfect for this game genre and is interactive. The more intense the action gets, the more intense the music becomes. It’s this kind of sound and music that make all other games pale in comparison.

Other dance games have nothing on Space Channel 5 — no other game can compete with its style and presentation. The music is top notch and the voice acting is just about perfect. The graphics are smooth, stylish, and beautiful. The characters are unique and memorable. After playing Space Channel 5 you’ll not only have Ulala on the brain, but you’ll also see aliens in your sleep. Space Channel 5 is challenging and fun. Although the game has only four levels, you’ll keep coming back for more. In addition to the addictive game play and music is a plot that adds a meaningful message to the great game play. If you love dance and music games, or just love great games, then Space Channel 5 is a must have.

Overall Game Rating: A–

Sega’s website