Space Channel 5 Special Edition

 PlayStation 2
Metascore
79

Generally favorable reviews - based on 16 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 10 out of 16
  2. Mixed: 6 out of 16
  3. Negative: 0 out of 16
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  1. GameNow
    91
    From beginning to end, these games ooze style. [Dec 2003, p.54]
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  2. GameCritics
    90
    "Then what's wrong with using TV to brainwash the masses?" It's a chill-inducing sentiment, but after playing both Space Channel 5 games, I could see it coming from Ulala just as easily as from the cackling Mr. Blank.
  3. GameSpy
    90
    About my only complaint is that it's over too soon -- just an hour, without mistakes...It's unmisssable for anyone who wants to take a space-age vacation from the typical.
  5. GamePro
    90
    Easily the best bargain for the PS2 this side of "VF4 Evo."
  6. GameZone
    89
    The sequel adds in a lot of new unlockable content to help extend replay value, new face offs with vocals, longer button holds, and even instruments, and the overall controls and challenge seem a lot better in this version.
  7. Game Informer
    83
    A great package crammed with more value and personality than most rhythm games. [Dec 2003, p.143]
  8. 1UP
    80
    It's all down to the style and irresistible cheerful feeling you get when you play these games.
  9. PSM Magazine
    80
    The bigger prize here is "Part II." It features improved graphics, better choreography, and greater musical variety, including some guitar slinging and a "waltz battle" with a giant plant. At this price - $30 - it's a steal. [Nov 2003, p.48]
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  10. GMR Magazine
    80
    Or you could get them and play them again and again the way you play a favorite album, because your $30 will get you two of the funkiest, most charming grooves you'll ever see in videogame form. [Jan 2004, p.90]
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  11. Electronic Gaming Monthly
    78
    The combination of toe-tappin' music, retro-futuristic style, and rapid-fire pacing injects Space Channel with an infectious, addictive quality. [Dec 2003, p.210]
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  12. IGN
    74
    Both games are short and easy to breeze through (though, believe it or not some sections are a little tricky), but it must be said UGA performed an excellent job of making the sequel far better in every regard.
  13. Official U.S. Playstation Magazine
    70
    While [Part II] plays almost exactly like the original, it addresses almost all the problems. Gone is the lag, the graphics are much nicer (though still not up to today's standards), and the game is a bit longer. [Dec 2003, p.172]
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  14. games(TM)
    70
    This is one of the few examples of real SEGA magic this generation. The classic 'Simon Says' gameplay has been only slightly tweaked... to give the game a better feeling of progression and variety. [July 2004, p.108]
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  15. Cheat Code Central
    70
    For less than $15, Space Channel 5 Special Edition is one of this season's best bargains.
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  16. GameSpot
    69
    May be a little rough around the edges, but Ulala's still swingin' after all this time.
  17. Play Magazine
    67
    Something as simple as trying to discern whether Pudding is motioning right, left, up or down withi her guitar is almost frustrating enough for a good controller toss. [Dec 2003, p.81]
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Awards & Rankings

61
#61 Best PS2 Game of 2003

User Reviews

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User Score
8.5

Generally favorable reviews- based on 16 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 13 out of 16
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 16
  3. Negative: 1 out of 16
  1. XV_
    Sep 16, 2019
    7
    [This is an "unfinished review" for the 1st game]
    I have finished games that I hated but finished because I could, as for Space Channel 5 I    [This is an "unfinished review" for the 1st game]
    I have finished games that I hated but finished because I could, as for Space Channel 5 I couldn't finish it but I really liked it, I really liked every artistic choice like music, aesthetic, dialogue, atmosphere, design, etc. As far as gameplay goes I think it can be very frustrating at certain points, the fact that when a boss defeats you and you have to go back to the start of the stage can be quite punishing, more because the difficulty make a high spike when a boss arrives so you have to do a really easy stage and then give a shot to the boss which for a non-rhythm person like me, can be very tortuous and not fun at all.

    If only there were checkpoints at midpoint or pre boss battle (I know I sound like a casual but starting from the very beginning is more annoying than anything) or maybe you didn't have a failure in the middle of the battle, instead a failure state for not achieving the rating % (the point system in this game), so you can practice at least all the stage at once and not memorizing chunks by chunks.

    Nevertheless Space Channel 5 can be really enjoyed for someone as rhythmless like me, but I won't recommend it for persons like me, otherwise, you'll have a good time with this game.    … Full Review »
  2. Daniel_N
    Mar 2, 2021
    9
    Space Channel 5 may not be as beautiful and simple as it’s sequel, but it does offer decent gameplay, cute characters, and repayable difficulty.
  3. mashedtatter
    Mar 3, 2017
    9
    This game introduced me to tentacle porn. Yes. That's how I'm going to open this review and there's nothing you can do about it! ButThis game introduced me to tentacle porn. Yes. That's how I'm going to open this review and there's nothing you can do about it! But seriously, this game is yet another super awesome, fun, and quirky Sega game that harkens back to an era when companies TRIED to do things differently instead of making the same cookie cutter games year after year. The music, characters, art style, and most importantly, the gameplay itself still hold up rather well today!… Full Review »
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