NiGHTS: Journey of Dreams (SEGA - Wii)
Release Date: November 13, 2007
Same Time As: Super Mario Galaxy (Wii), Super Smash Bros. Brawl (Wii), Mario and Sonic at the Olympics (Wii), Metroid Prime 3: Corruption (Wii)
Why it should succeed: As the long awaited sequel to a cult classic, NiGHTS: Journey of Dreams has plenty to live up to. The original was wildly imaginative, with a fantastical story about sleeping children and renegade jesters saving dreams from a tyrannical wizard.
But it was the gameplay that truly stood out. As you twirled, twisted, looped and spun through the 3D skies using a specially designed controller, you almost knew what it felt like to fly. With the Wii's motion sensing remote, that magical sensation could actually be heightened and enhanced.
Why it probably won't: The key phrase is "cult classic." Cult. While the first Nights did sell well, its legacy has been mostly forgotten by the average gamer. Releasing around the same time as Super Mario 64 probably didn't help.
Unfortunately, history might repeat itself. While a devoted Nights fan base does exist and should be ecstatic about another chance to soar, they're likely to be distracted by all the other classic franchises making their splashy returns on the Wii. Who's going to remember the jester when Mario, Sonic, Metroid and the Smash Bros. are hogging the spotlight?
