/vr/ - Retro Games

What did you guys think when this came out?
What did people think at the time?
What do you think about it now? A disaster that put the first nail in the coffin of the Saturn? A work of genius that was ahead of its time?

I'm playing the PC re-release now, and it's interesting how such a simple score-attack arcade design can be made so fucking impenetrable.

how was it a "dream paradox"? why does NiGHTS shout out "APTIVA!!" when you run out of time?

>>4025247
I know exactly how confusing it is, seeing as they literally explain nothing in the actual game. Here's my best explanation.

The point of every mare (sub-level) is to gather 20 blue chips (The glowing blue orbs) and bring them back to the Ideya, releasing them back to the child. This is the only necessary function for every level, and will at least pass you, guaranteeing you at least an E. This is where the score-junkie aspect kicks in. In order to get a good rank on the stage you need to rack up points. How do you do this best? Collecting those blue chips, stars, going through rings, and getting links. But if you do this all once or twice until you get the Ideya you'll probably get a C. Getting anything higher means getting the Ideya as fast as possible, and then replaying each mare by flying OVER the starting point, so you don't finish the mare. Fly around the stage gathering stars and blue chips. Go through rings and try to get the biggest link possible by keeping up your speed and making circles to collect items en masse. Use L & R after going through trick hoops to dance. Press A B or C to use NiGHTS' speed boost. Master the stages and figure out the best route to rack up as many points as possible. Make sure you keep your eye on the timer, and always make sure before you fly past the beginning that you have enough time, because running out means an F rank. Definitely do this on the first level's first mare, as it's easiest. It's very satisfying using your speed boost to collect every item in the first mare in one big 28 item link.

Doing this for every level is of course challenging, and the game can get pretty tricky to figure out. Once this is figured out though, the game transitions from a pretty simple game where you can go with the flow, to a complex and fast paced thriller. Best of luck with this game, it's beautiful and so worth beating!