Space Channel 5 VR: Kinda Funky News Flash

 PlayStation 4
Metascore
54

Mixed or average reviews - based on 15 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 2 out of 15
  2. Mixed: 10 out of 15
  3. Negative: 3 out of 15
  1. IGN Japan
    Mar 9, 2020
    70
    Space Channel 5 VR is not challenging as a video game, and its exercise mode does not have enough content at launch to offer a serious workout. That being said, reuniting with Ulala in VR will be a memorable experience for fans of the series. If becoming a part of a short but atmospheric musical sounds fun and you already have a PS VR and two PlayStation Move controllers, Space Channel 5 VR is worth trying.
  2. GameGrin
    Mar 2, 2020
    70
    A delightful albeit brief return for Ulala in VR, which while hardly game-changing for the tech, brings back the simple joy of dance for space cats everywhere.
  3. Gaming Nexus
    Mar 6, 2020
    65
    Space Channel 5 VR: Kinda Funky News Flash! is an absolute delight—for the entire 27 minutes of its play time. While the music, swirling lights, and dancing are all accessible and fun, the price for this game is incredibly out of proportion to what you get for your money. Wait for an extreme sale, and then have a blast with this wildly entertaining game.
  5. GamingTrend
    Mar 5, 2020
    65
    Space Channel 5 VR: Kinda Funky News Flash! is an ode to its Dreamcast roots. While it is as short as the original, it translates perfectly to the PSVR. The game’s got style, and it’s great to see the shiny world of Ulala come to life once again. If only it was priced a little more reasonably.
  6. Cubed3
    Aug 18, 2020
    60
    Having Ulala back is a welcome return and, Space Channel 5 VR manages to capture the world perfectly, and tug at all the correct nostalgia related heartstrings. It would be great to get lost in the cosy bosom of that feeling... if there was just more to offer. The promise of new characters, songs, and DLC, should rectify some of these issues, but with the already high price tag it's hard to imagine anyone outside the already committed fanbase to take a punt. As nice as it is to see a return to the news desk, hold out for a possible GOTY edition.
  7. Playstation Official Magazine UK
    Apr 21, 2020
    60
    While PS VR ought to be a natural medium for Space Channel 5, it’s hard to see Ulala as more than a nostalgic opening act for the rest of the competition. [Issue#174, p.87]
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  8. Vandal
    Mar 3, 2020
    60
    Space Channel 5 VR is fantastic. A great comeback that keeps the charm of the original intact, and we’ve enjoyed every minute of it. And you better make sure you enjoy every minute, because the alarming lack of content is its biggest flaw, particularly if you consider its price.
  9. 4P.de
    Mar 12, 2020
    51
    The concept was solidly transformed to VR and delivers nostalgic but sweet dance fun. The price tag isn’t worth the admission though...
  10. Edge Magazine
    Mar 26, 2020
    50
    Series fans will know better than to expect an epic, but even by its own standards Kinda Funky News Flash is a short game...After 20 years in the shadows, Ulala's return to the spotlight involves a few too many missed beats to recommend. [Issue#344, p.120]
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  11. Gameblog.fr
    Mar 8, 2020
    50
    Space Channel 5 VR brings a new way to play this license from the Sega Dreamcast : motion recognition. Unfortunately, the story mode is too short. The game is however funny but its replayability is almost zero and is far from paying tribute to the cult game of the late 90s.
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  1. Ars Technica
    Feb 25, 2020
    I struggle to recommend SC5VR to anybody who owns PlayStation VR. The worst part is that the game's solid core gameplay is a clear sign that its dev team could have made an excellent and unique VR rhythm game instead of rushing this scant disappointment out for $40.
  2. Kotaku
    Feb 25, 2020
    The most important thing to say is that this is an authentic Space Channel 5 experience. The wacky situations, the charming dialogue, the classy dance moves, the signature sounds of the classic 1966 jazz anthem “Mexican Flyer”—it’s all here, and it’s as timeless an aesthetic as it was 20 years ago. If that’s all you’ve wanted to hear, you’ll be as excited as I am for this interstellar dance adventure. Just know that it’ll be a short trip.
  3. The Verge
    Feb 25, 2020
    If you’re all in on PlayStation and Space Channel 5 in VR is a thing that you want, I wouldn’t let this put you off. This game still bursts with style and personality, it has a bunch of modes, and it’s a perfect fit for VR as long as you’re not too concerned about putting in a flawless performance. I just hope the upcoming versions for other platforms offer up more precision. Right now, Space Channel 5 VR feels a little less futuristic than its premise.

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
6.2

Mixed or average reviews- based on 11 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 5 out of 11
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 11
  3. Negative: 2 out of 11
  1. Daniel_N
    Dec 4, 2021
    5
    It’s really sad to see such a promising and ridiculously amazing video game franchise be revived 17 years later, only to be disappointed withIt’s really sad to see such a promising and ridiculously amazing video game franchise be revived 17 years later, only to be disappointed with a shallow cast, loss of loved characters (including the likes of fan-favorite Pudding), and identical playable characters (both of which only target ONE audience and don’t help to engage male players). However, the music is stylish, the animation is near-flawless for a video game, and Cherami Leigh is the ideal replacement for the one, and only, voice of Ulala — Apollo Smile. But the two overall, and most disappointing factors, of this game is the short gameplay and how the developers completely ignored Pudding altogether. The game is not worth the sale price, that’s true, but it’s worth a shot if it’s free and if you’re a die-hard Sega or Space Channel 5 fan.… Full Review »
  2. SuperGamerater
    Jul 7, 2020
    10
    So much fun just like the original dreamcast game very great graphics...........
  3. LeZayn
    Jun 30, 2020
    10
    overall a great game for vr i suggest it to anyone playing vr on playstation
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