pace Channel 5 was one of my favorite Dreamcast games. While it’s not very long, it oozes style and good-natured fun. Main character Ulala is a loveable protagonist, and the gameplay is entertaining. Unlike PS2 incarnations of other Sega hits like Crazy Taxi and 18-Wheeler, this is far from a by-the-books port, and is coming out of the starting gate priced to sell.

This Special Edition actually contains all of Space Channel 5 Part 2 – a first in this country! It takes the musical Simon Says of the first game, and gives you the chance to sing and play instruments. These things just require you to hit "down" to activate, but they’re still a nice deviation. Enemies will sing to you, then do a few actions, which is a real test for your timing. Part 2 is also about twice as long and is a little more difficult. Secrets hidden in the game will keep you playing this sequel multiple times, too.

This has always been a game to play in a group, since it’s almost as fun to watch. Thus, it’s cool to be able to play the co-op of Part 2. One player does the direction presses, while the other hits buttons.

It doesn’t matter whether you’ve beaten the Dreamcast Space Channel 5 a million times or if you’ve never once uttered a "Left, Right, Chu Chu!" Special Edition is a great package crammed with more value and personality than most rhythm games.  

ANDREW REINER   8 Pardon my French, but this is one hell of a friggin’ deal. For just 20 clams, this compilation includes the original Dreamcast game (which is downright brilliant), plus the sequel that was never released in the States. Granted, neither title is very long, but they’re both incredibly entertaining and stand as two of the best rhythm-action games around. I really like how the difficulty level ramps up in Part 2. It also has an injection of variety with singing and instruments, and can be played cooperatively with a friend. Overall, Part 2 isn’t as memorable as the first entry, but it’s still an absolute riot to play, and Michael Jackson is even more flamboyant than before. If you haven’t played Space Channel 5 before, it has the style of the cult classic film Barbarella and the memorization-based play of Simon Says. It’s unlike anything you’ve seen and couldn’t be priced any better.