Difference between revisions of "Christmas NiGHTS into Dreams"

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'''''Christmas NiGHTS into Dreams''''' (クリスマスナイツ 冬季限定版) is a one level stand-alone "expansion pack" of ''[[NiGHTS into Dreams]]'' that was released in November 1996 for the [[Sega Saturn]].
+
'''''Christmas NiGHTS into Dreams''''' (クリスマスナイツ 冬季限定版) is a one level stand-alone "demo" of ''[[NiGHTS into Dreams]]'' that was released in November 1996 for the [[Sega Saturn]].
  
−
''Christmas NiGHTS'' was not sold in the same way as most Sega Saturn games. In Japan, it was part of a Christmas-themed Sega Saturn console bundle. In North America it was given away with the purchase of select Saturn games such as ''[[Daytona USA: Championship Circuit Edition]]'' before being bundled with an issue of [[Sega Saturn Magazine]]. The discs given away on the front cover of Sega Saturn Magazine were missing the card slip case in which to hold the disc, instead being supplied with a transparent plastic sleeve to cut costs. The game was also available for rent at Blockbuster Video locations in America. In the UK, ''Christmas NiGHTS'' was not included with the official Sega Saturn Magazine until December 1997.
+
''Christmas NiGHTS'' was not sold in the same way as most Sega Saturn games. In Japan, it was part of a Christmas-themed Sega Saturn console bundle and not sold separately, however it was packaged in a plastic jewel case like the majority of the Japanese library. The Japanes Christmas NiGHTS clearly states "only this winter" on the box, and so was not meant to be sold in subsequent winters.
 +
 
 +
In North America the game was given away with the purchase of select Saturn games such as ''[[Daytona USA: Championship Circuit Edition]]''. These versions were distributed in a cardboard slip case to cut costs, much like many early Saturn bundles. Later it was distributed with an issue of the [[Sega Saturn Magazine (US)|US Sega Saturn Magazine]], though these versions were housed in transparent plastic sleeves to cut costs. The game was also available for rent at Blockbuster Video locations in America.
 +
 
 +
In the UK, ''Christmas NiGHTS'' was not bundled with a console, but instead included in the [[Sega Saturn Magazine|UK Sega Saturn Magazine]] in December 1997. Cardboard slip cases were used here.
 +
 
 +
The game was also included in the [[PlayStation 2]] version of ''NiGHTS into Dreams''. The Saturn disc can also be accessed via a Windows PC for extra content, similar to other [[Sonic Team]] games.
  
 
==Gameplay==
 
==Gameplay==
 +
Due to its freebie nature, ''Christmas NiGHTS'' is a much smaller game than ''NiGHTS into Dreams'' - there is only one level (Spring Valley - almost identical to the level seen in regular ''NiGHTS'') however unlike the original it is playable as Elliot as well as Claris. When playing as Elliot the stage is mirrored.
 +
 +
''Christmas NiGHTS'' is Christmas-themed, and so its graphics and music have been replaced with winter-esque versions of the original stage (but only in winter). For example, Ideya Captures are now giant floating Christmas trees, and NiGHTS wears red attire rather than purple. Gameplay is largely identical to the original game, including the A-Life system altered by defeating enemies.
 +
 +
If not played over the winter months, Christmas NiGHTS defaults to "NiGHTS: Limited Edition" and essentially acts as a no-frills demo. Between November and January it is "Winter NiGHTS" and during December, "Christmas NiGHTS".
 +
 +
Unlike ''NiGHTS into Dreams'' however, ''Christmas NiGHTS'' has a number of unlockable extras (or "presents") which include the ability to experiment with the game's music mixer, A-Life system, and even play the stage as [[Sonic the Hedgehog]]. Under the "Sonic the Hedgehog into dreams" mode, the player is restricted to traveling on foot, and instead of tackling the level's original boss, Gillwig, Sonic is put against an inflatable balloon version of [[sonic:Dr. Eggman|Dr. Eggman]] in a battle similar to Puffy from the "full" game. The boss music is a mash-up of both Puffy's original theme, "She Had Long Ears", and "Final Fever", the final boss battle music from the Japanese version of ''[[Sonic the Hedgehog CD|Sonic CD]]''.
 +
 +
Interestingly this qualifies as Sonic's first "true" 3D outing - ''[[Sonic Jam]]'', ''[[Sonic R]]'' and the Saturn version of ''[[Sonic 3D]]'' were all released in 1997.
 +
 +
===Clock Features===
 +
The visuals of ''Christmas NiGHTS'' change slightly depending on the time indicated by the Saturn's (or PlayStation 2's) internal clock.
 +
 +
The period between November and February is the most "active" part of the year, which scenery changing almost at an hourly rate.
 +
{|class="prettytable"
 +
!Time
 +
!Background
 +
!Falling objects in foreground
 +
|-
 +
|00:00
 +
|Moons
 +
|Hearts
 +
|-
 +
|01:00
 +
|Moons
 +
|Snow
 +
|-
 +
|06:00
 +
|Northern Lights
 +
|Snow
 +
|-
 +
|07:00
 +
|Sun
 +
|Snow
 +
|-
 +
|08:00
 +
|Sun
 +
|Moons
 +
|-
 +
|10:00
 +
|Sun
 +
|Snow
 +
|-
 +
|12:00
 +
|Rainbow
 +
|Purple gems
 +
|-
 +
|13:00
 +
|Sun
 +
|Snow
 +
|-
 +
|15:00
 +
|Sun
 +
|Candy
 +
|-
 +
|16:00
 +
|Sun
 +
|Snow
 +
|-
 +
|18:00
 +
|Moon
 +
|Snow (though less of it)
 +
|-
 +
|19:00
 +
|Moon
 +
|Snow
 +
|-
 +
|21:00
 +
|Moon
 +
|Stars
 +
|-
 +
|22:00
 +
|Moon
 +
|Snow
 +
|}
  
−
''Christmas NiGHTS'' is a demo of the ''NiGHTS into Dreams''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s Spring Valley level, but with Christmas-themed graphics, music, and other features. Unlike the original, it is now playable as Elliot as well as Claris, although with Elliot is is a mirror-image version of the stage. Like ''NiGHTS'', the game uses the Saturn's internal date clock to change elements of the game according to the season, adjusting it for Christmas and New Year periods with different graphics and music. There are several other unlockable extras, allowing the player to experiment with the game's music mixer or its A-Life system, or even to play the demo as [[Sega]]'s mascot [[Sonic the Hedgehog]].
+
The main part of the game is not unlocked until December, when Christmas NiGHTS mode is enabled. Here, the children wear Santa outfits, and defeating the boss (Gillwing) will lead to a credits screen.
  
−
When using Sonic the loading screen changes to display "Sonic the Hedgehog into dreams". While playing as Sonic, the player is restricting to traveling on foot, thus exploration is somewhat limited. The levels original Puffy boss is replaced with a inflatable balloon version of [[sonic:Dr. Eggman|Dr. Eggman]]. The music is a mash-up of both Puffy's original theme "She Had Long Ears" and "Final Fever", the final boss battle music from the Japanese version of ''[[Sonic the Hedgehog CD|Sonic CD]]''.
+
On New Year's day, there is a change of title screen, on Valentine's day, hearts always fall, and on April Fools day, users can play as Reala instead of NiGHTS. Reala can be played at any point after the latter event is seen.
  
 
==Saving Data==
 
==Saving Data==

Revision as of 14:54, 2 December 2011

n/a

Christmas NiGHTS title.png

Christmas NiGHTS into Dreams
System(s): Sega Saturn
Publisher: Sega
Developer:
Genre: Action

















Number of players: 1

Christmas NiGHTS into Dreams (クリスマスナイツ 冬季限定版) is a one level stand-alone "demo" of NiGHTS into Dreams that was released in November 1996 for the Sega Saturn.

Christmas NiGHTS was not sold in the same way as most Sega Saturn games. In Japan, it was part of a Christmas-themed Sega Saturn console bundle and not sold separately, however it was packaged in a plastic jewel case like the majority of the Japanese library. The Japanes Christmas NiGHTS clearly states "only this winter" on the box, and so was not meant to be sold in subsequent winters.

In North America the game was given away with the purchase of select Saturn games such as Daytona USA: Championship Circuit Edition. These versions were distributed in a cardboard slip case to cut costs, much like many early Saturn bundles. Later it was distributed with an issue of the US Sega Saturn Magazine, though these versions were housed in transparent plastic sleeves to cut costs. The game was also available for rent at Blockbuster Video locations in America.

In the UK, Christmas NiGHTS was not bundled with a console, but instead included in the UK Sega Saturn Magazine in December 1997. Cardboard slip cases were used here.

The game was also included in the PlayStation 2 version of NiGHTS into Dreams. The Saturn disc can also be accessed via a Windows PC for extra content, similar to other Sonic Team games.

Gameplay

Due to its freebie nature, Christmas NiGHTS is a much smaller game than NiGHTS into Dreams - there is only one level (Spring Valley - almost identical to the level seen in regular NiGHTS) however unlike the original it is playable as Elliot as well as Claris. When playing as Elliot the stage is mirrored.

Christmas NiGHTS is Christmas-themed, and so its graphics and music have been replaced with winter-esque versions of the original stage (but only in winter). For example, Ideya Captures are now giant floating Christmas trees, and NiGHTS wears red attire rather than purple. Gameplay is largely identical to the original game, including the A-Life system altered by defeating enemies.

If not played over the winter months, Christmas NiGHTS defaults to "NiGHTS: Limited Edition" and essentially acts as a no-frills demo. Between November and January it is "Winter NiGHTS" and during December, "Christmas NiGHTS".

Unlike NiGHTS into Dreams however, Christmas NiGHTS has a number of unlockable extras (or "presents") which include the ability to experiment with the game's music mixer, A-Life system, and even play the stage as Sonic the Hedgehog. Under the "Sonic the Hedgehog into dreams" mode, the player is restricted to traveling on foot, and instead of tackling the level's original boss, Gillwig, Sonic is put against an inflatable balloon version of Dr. Eggman in a battle similar to Puffy from the "full" game. The boss music is a mash-up of both Puffy's original theme, "She Had Long Ears", and "Final Fever", the final boss battle music from the Japanese version of Sonic CD.

Interestingly this qualifies as Sonic's first "true" 3D outing - Sonic Jam, Sonic R and the Saturn version of Sonic 3D were all released in 1997.

Clock Features

The visuals of Christmas NiGHTS change slightly depending on the time indicated by the Saturn's (or PlayStation 2's) internal clock.

The period between November and February is the most "active" part of the year, which scenery changing almost at an hourly rate.

Time Background Falling objects in foreground
00:00 Moons Hearts
01:00 Moons Snow
06:00 Northern Lights Snow
07:00 Sun Snow
08:00 Sun Moons
10:00 Sun Snow
12:00 Rainbow Purple gems
13:00 Sun Snow
15:00 Sun Candy
16:00 Sun Snow
18:00 Moon Snow (though less of it)
19:00 Moon Snow
21:00 Moon Stars
22:00 Moon Snow

The main part of the game is not unlocked until December, when Christmas NiGHTS mode is enabled. Here, the children wear Santa outfits, and defeating the boss (Gillwing) will lead to a credits screen.

On New Year's day, there is a change of title screen, on Valentine's day, hearts always fall, and on April Fools day, users can play as Reala instead of NiGHTS. Reala can be played at any point after the latter event is seen.

Saving Data

The game makes use of the Saturn's internal battery back-up as well as the Saturn Backup Memory cartridge to save progress and unlockable content. In addition, you can link save data of Christmas NiGHTS with the retail version of NiGHTS into Dreams and see in-depth information of save data from the retail version.

Christmas NiGHTS into Dreams Save Data
Name Comment File Size
NIGHTS_XMAS NiGHTS dat 55
NiGHTS into Dreams Save Data
Name Comment File Size
NIGHTS___## Score data 30
NIGHTS___## A-life 197

Production Credits

Executive Producer: Hayao Nakayama
Executive Management: Shoichiro Irimajiri, Shinobu Toyoda, Malcolm Miller
Producer: Yuji Naka
Director: Naoto Ohshima
Project Manager: Youji Ishii
Game Designers: Takao Miyoshi, Takashi Iizuka
Programmers: Takuya Matsumoto, Akio Setsumasa, Yasuhiro Watanabe, Tetsu Katano, Takahiro Hamano, Yuji Naka
Visual Designers: Naoto Ohshima, Hideaki Moriya, Tohru Watanuki, Toshiko Okano, Tomonori Dobashi, Osamu Ogata, You Nishiyama, Kazuyuki Hoshino
Sound Director: Yukifumi Makino
Compose and Arrange: Naofumi Hataya, Tomoko Sasaki
Sound Effects: Tatsuya Kouzaki
Recording Director: Tatsutoshi Narita
Narrator: Lisa Hart

DREAMS DREAMS A Cappella Version
Coordinated By: COMPOZLA.Inc.Tokyo
Sound Producer: Atsushi "Sushi" Kosugi
Co-Sound Producer: Makoto Suzuki (COMPOZLA.Inc.Tokyo)
Chorus Arrangement: Marlon D. Saunders
Singers: Marlon D. Saunders, Gabriel Morris, Issa Clemon
Recording Engineer: Alec Head
Mixing Engineer: Justin Luctor

Executive Coordination: Daizaburou Sakurai, Makoto Oshitani, Jin Shimazaki
Promotion Management: Ren Mori, Hideki Okamura, Hirokazu Kanno, Takayuki Kawagoe, Kuninhisa Ueno
Public Relations: Hiroto Kikuchi, Tadashi Takezaki, Masatoshi Kawaguchi, Yutaka Sugano
Visual Material Editors: Masato Yoshioka, Yuji Sawairi, Ikuo Ishizaka
Market Research: Seigo Tabira, Tsuyoshi Sawada, Miho Okamura
Manual: Hiroyuki Mitsui, Youichi Takahashi, Toshiki Yamaguchi, Chieko Nakamura
Internet Support: Mutsuhiro Fujii
Overseas Coordination: Ryoichi Hasegawa
Special Thanks: Akira Nishikawa, Akira Funada, Chika Ikegame, Miki Morimoto, Yosuke Okunari, Haruki Nakayama, Emi Sasaki, Nobuhiko Shimizu, Kazuhiko Hattori, Hideki Yokaichiya
Recording Studio: Cyper Sound, SEGA DIGITAL STUDIO
Produced By: Sega

Physical Scans

Saturn, US
ChistmasNightsBox us.jpg
Cover
ChristmasNiGHTSIntoDreams us disc.jpg
Disc
Saturn, EU
ChistmasNightsBox eu.jpg
Cover
ChristmasNiGHTsIntoDreams saturn eu cd.jpg
Disc
Saturn, JP
ChristmasNights Saturn JP Box Back.jpgChistmasNightsBox jp.jpg
Cover

Promotional Material

  • JP flyer



Games in the NiGHTS into Dreams Series
Sega Saturn
 NiGHTS into Dreams (1996) | Christmas NiGHTS into Dreams (1996)
LCD handheld game
 NiGHTS into Dreams (1997)
Sega Dreamcast
 Air NiGHTS (Canceled)
i-mode 503i
 NiGHTS (2001)
Nintendo Wii
 NiGHTS: Journey of Dreams (2007)
Sony PlayStation 2
 NiGHTS into Dreams (2008)
Windows PC
Xbox Live Arcade
PlayStation 3 PlayStation Network
 NiGHTS into Dreams (2012)
Arcade
 NiGHTS Dream Wheel (2021)
Sampler Discs
Sega Saturn
NiGHTS into Dreams Sampler (1996)
NiGHTS into Dreams related media
Music
 NiGHTS Theme Song: Dreams Dreams (1996) | NiGHTS Original Soundtrack (1996) | A NiGHTS Remix: Another Dreams (1997) | NiGHTS: Journey of Dreams Game Soundtrack (2008) | NiGHTS: Hoshi Furu Yoru no Monogatari Original Soundtrack (2008) | NiGHTS into Dreams: Perfect Album (2008) | NiGHTS into Dreams (2024)
Book
 NiGHTS Nice Night Tours (1996) | NiGHTS Kouryaku Guide (1996) | NiGHTS Hisshou Kouryaku Hou (1996) | NiGHTS Koushiki Guide Book (1996) | Prima's Secrets of the Games: NiGHTS into Dreams: The Official Strategy Guide (1996) | Sega Saturn "NiGHTS" Original Soundtrack (1996) | NiGHTS into Dreams (?) | NiGHTS: Journey of Dreams Official Strategy Guide (2007) | NiGHTS: Hoshi Furu Yoru no Monogatari Dream Flight Guide (2007)
Book
 NiGHTS: Tsubasa ga Nakutemo Sora wa Toberu (1996)
Film
 Sega Official Video Library Vol. 6: NiGHTS into Dreams (1996) | NiGHTS: Journey of Dreams: Behind the Scenes DVD (2007)
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