Nights into Dreams HD review

The dream world is still vivid, well over a decade later

GamesRadar+ Verdict

Pros

  • +

    A good-looking HD port

  • +

    Still fun after all these years

  • +

    Online leaderboards add a nice touch

Cons

  • -

    Its rather simplistic to play

  • -

    Playing as the children is still a slog

  • -

    Menus and presentation are blander than game

Why you can trust GamesRadar+ Our experts review games, movies and tech over countless hours, so you can choose the best for you. Find out more about our reviews policy.

Sonic Team’s Nights into Dreams was a revelation when it graced the ill-fated Sega Saturn in 1996. With a free-floating hero traipsing beautifully-rendered dreamscapes, the critically-acclaimed title became an iconic game for Sega’s console. After a modestly received Wii sequel in 2007, the original game has gotten a high-definition re-rub. Nights into Dreams HD is still a magically fun romp that’s worth diving (or floating) into.

Nights’ premise plays into the magic of dreams. Human dreams take place on two planes: Nightopia and Nightmare. The rule of Nightmare, the evil Wizeman the Wicked, wants to take over Nightopia by draining peoples’ dream energy. The game puts you into the role of two youth, Claris and Elliot. They traverse Nightopia with the help of Nights, a flying jester-like creature who helps them to subvert Wizeman’s plans.

More info

DescriptionOriginally released on the Sega Saturn, an HD version brings Nightopia to life with improved HD graphics and 16:9 aspect ratio, as well as added support for leaderboards, trophies, and achievements. It also features an optional Saturn Mode that lets players experience the game with the original graphics intact.
Platform"PS3","Xbox 360","PC"
US censor rating"Everyone","",""
UK censor rating"","",""
Alternative names"Nights into dreams HD"
Release date1 January 1970 (US), 1 January 1970 (UK)
More
Sterling McGarvey