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Space Channel 5 Keeps Michael Jackson For U.S. Release

Posted by simoniker on from the keep-quiet-about-it dept.

Thanks to GamesAreFun for its review of Space Channel 5: Special Edition for PlayStation 2, as the 2-disc rhythm action game compilation, "which not only contains [the original] Space Channel 5, but its sequel as well, which was previously unreleased in the US", has sneaked onto American shelves this week for an ultra-budget $15. The compilation was still released despite the connection to the King Of Pop, Michael Jackson, who "...makes an appearance [in both games] as Space Michael... when he joins your group, the dancing is patterned after moves lifted from his music videos." The release likewise seems unaffected by a recent likeness lawsuit from the lead singer of Deee-Lite, and is also positively rated by 1UP, who suggests: "Though the character-based rhythm action genre is all but dead, replaced by less story-driven fare such as DDR and Karaoke Revolution, this collection is pretty much the best possible sendoff it could receive."

6 of 39 comments (clear)

  1. Space Channel 5 replay by Ondo · · Score: 3, Interesting

    Okay, the lack of replay value in Space Channel 5 was it's biggest weakness, but it had more than that review gives it credit for. Three of the four levels had an alternate path you could only get to by getting a high enough rating, which required playing through the game a time or two. Also, it kept track of which people you had saved, so saving everyone was certaintly a goal (even though you got no reward for it).

  2. So... by Goldberg's+Pants · · Score: 3, Interesting

    The question is, did Slashdot run this due to the likeness lawsuit and the legal issues there, or the fact that the Pedophile of Pop has been arrested for kiddie fiddling?

    1. Re:So... by SuiteSisterMary · · Score: 3, Interesting

      Jackson approved his likeness for SC5; he even did voice work. Granted, that voice work consisted of him going 'Woo!' but there it is.

      --
      Vintage computer games and RPG books available. Email me if you're interested.
  3. Re:Jeeze, Slashdot is really reaching for this one by saqq · · Score: 1, Interesting

    whoever moded this guy as a troll, your retarded. "The compilation is still available despite the connection to the King Of Pop, Michael Jackson" - stupidest comment i've ever seen in a slashdot headline

    --

    small flowers crack concrete
  4. Re:Jeeze, Slashdot is really reaching for this one by simoniker · · Score: 2, Interesting

    Well, after the charges that broke this week, around the time of the game's release, CBS pulled its Jackson special, and a marching band struck 'Thriller' from their repertoire for the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade.

    So, while it's stupid to pull a title just for Jackson associations, it might be argued that, if the game had been any higher-profile a title, they might have delayed the release. So, I would claim, not insane. YMMV.

  5. Part 2 was fantastic by HalfFlat · · Score: 3, Interesting

    Space Channel 5 (the original) on the Dreamcast was good fun, but suffered from a lack of replayability, was very easy, and too short. It was a game for renting.

    The sequel though just kicked several different types of butt. Much longer, more challenging, much more potential game time, more to collect, more to do, tighter timing ... even better graphics. And it had moments of comic genius - even if you didn't understand Japanese. You could even play co-operatively with a friend! Definitely one of the best games for the Dreamcast.

    So it's welcome to see an English release at long last! (Even if it is only for the PS2.)