Space Channel 5 – Augmented & Virtual Reality Confabulation

July 24, 2020

Watch: New Trailer For Space Channel 5 Hatsune Miku DLC, Releases July 27

A new trailer landed for the upcoming Hatsune Miku DLC, coming very soon to Space Channel 5 VR: Kinda Funky News Flash.

The DLC pack, officially called the “Space 39 Miku Pack”, is a collaboration with the virtual pop star Hatsune Mike. It will take players “to a stage where you can dance with Ulala and Hatsune Miku, but also allow you to change the looks and outfit to the Hatsune Miku version of Ulala.”

Space Channel 5 VR: Kinda Funky News Flash was the first game in the franchise in 18 years, and we were excited that the return would be exclusive to PSVR. However, in his review Jamie found the end product quite disappointing. You can read the full review for a better breakdown, but here’s an excerpt:

Developer Grounding seems painfully aware of the risks of dancing around in VR (and the way your PSVR can slide around on your head). It’s an understandable concern, but one that casts a long shadow over Space Channel 5 VR … It’s a softer, less calculated version of the game without any of the original’s immediacy and, to boot, an alarming lack of things to do.

Space Channel 5 VR should have been a glorious return to form, but this cult hit series can’t keep up with the beat set by its competitors. The surprisingly brief campaign coasts on by without ever pushing your skills and, once it’s over, there’s very little else to do. Ulala and co are long overdue a return to the main stage, but this isn’t it.

The Hatsune Miku DLC pack will release next week on July 27.

Will you be buying the Hatsune Miku DLC for Space Channel 5? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.

The post Watch: New Trailer For Space Channel 5 Hatsune Miku DLC, Releases July 27 appeared first on UploadVR.

March 3, 2020

Space Channel 5 VR PSVR Review: Cult Series Returns In Poor Form

Returning in the midst of VR’s rhythm action obsession, you’d think the cult hit Space Channel series would strut onto headsets with ease. But this short-lived revival stumbles on the dance floor, and just about everywhere else.

In Space Channel 5 VR: Kinda Funky News Flash — the first game in the series in 18 years — you dance-off with aliens in order to save the galaxy. The original two games’ button-matching gameplay (similar to that of the Parappa The Rapper series) has been translated into a gesture-based system. Your enemy throws its arms up, down and side-to-side then passes the sequence on to you to imitate with your motion controllers. Your thumbs are no longer the dancers here; your entire body is.

But, though the game retains the distinct wackiness that kept it in the hearts and minds of so many over the past two decades, too much else has been lost in the transition. Space Channel 5 VR starts off as a gentle reintroduction to the series then just sort of lingers there. Its 30-minute campaign — even then wearisomely padded out with lengthy level introductions and endings — only rarely tests your skills. A series of simple inputs is quickly regurgitated, and then whichever of the four levels you’re playing ends without ever really getting going. It doesn’t struggle to find its rhythm so much as actively avoids it.

Comfort

Space Channel 5 VR is a largely stationary experience, with occasional dodging from side-to-side. The headset itself can be a little finicky to keep in place in these moments but, broadly speaking, there’s no reason to worry about comfort here.

Developer Grounding seems painfully aware of the risks of dancing around in VR (and the way your PSVR can slide around on your head). It’s an understandable concern, but one that casts a long shadow over Space Channel 5 VR. The split-second difference between inputs in later levels of the original game are spaced out to give you more time. It’s a softer, less calculated version of the game without any of the original’s immediacy and, to boot, an alarming lack of things to do. This is a timid alternative to the intensity of Beat Saber or OhShape, too afraid to commit to the demanding rhythm that makes those games sing.

Even the 100-stage dance-off mode, one of the few extras available after you beat the campaign, fails to really push you in any way. Perhaps it was naive of me to expect a long list of classic tracks to shoot for high-scores in once I was done with these two modes, but that’s the standard set by its VR contemporaries. All that remains, however, is an arcade mode to replay the story. At best, you’ll get an hour out of Space Channel 5 VR before you’re done with it.

Space Channel 5 VR PSVR Review Final Impressions

Space Channel 5 VR should have been a glorious return to form, but this cult hit series can’t keep up with the beat set by its competitors. The surprisingly brief campaign coasts on by without ever pushing your skills and, once it’s over, there’s very little else to do. Ulala and co are long overdue a return to the main stage, but this isn’t it.

Final Score: 2/5 Stars | Disappointing

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February 28, 2020

Standalone Headsets With PC Power, Crazy New Horror Games & Win Freediver! – VRecap

It’s a frightening edition of the VRecap this week, with not one but two new VR horror games to talk about.

We’re not even half a year past Halloween, but Lies Beneath and Cosmophobia already have us in a spooky mood. The former is a new Oculus Studios project from Drifter Entertainment, while the latter is the latest from Dreadhalls studio, White Door Games. Both look so scary we’re not sure we’ll even have to guts to play them.

Elsewhere in the news, we’re talking about Facebook’s acquisition of Sanzaru Games, the maker of Asgard’s Wrath. They join Beat Games in the company’s growing list of owned studios. And then there’s time to touch on Qualcomm’s new VR reference design which does lots of exciting new techy stuff… in headsets you probably won’t see anytime soon.

As for releases, we take a look at Freediver: Triton Down and Space Channel 5 VR: Kinda Funky News Flash. Yep, you read that right, the first Space Channel 5 game in a really, really long time!

For our competition this week, we’ve got Freediver codes for Oculus Quest, too. Want to be in with a chance to win? Get involved with the Gleam embed below.

GIVEAWAY: Win A Free Copy Of Freediver: Triton Down On Oculus Quest!

Other Top News of the Week:

Okay, that’s all from us; we’ve got to run off to pull out of GDC. We’ll see you next week!

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February 26, 2020

Space Channel 5 VR Is Out Now On PSVR, Plus New DLC Details

Space Channel 5 VR (or, if you prefer the stacked full name, Space Channel 5 VR: Kinda Funky News Flash!) is now available for PlayStation VR, with a 10% discount for launch. Plus, we’ve got some little tidbits of news for upcoming DLC.

We recently received a new trailer ahead of the game’s launch, and now it’s finally available on the PlayStation Store for $39.99. However, for a limited time the game is also 10% off to celebrate launch, so it comes down to around $35.99. You’ll be able to play through a Story Mode, as well as Arcade and Trial modes, and you’ll be able to keep track of how many calories you burn while playing.

In a press release, developers Grounding Inc. revealed that DLC, to be released at an undisclosed later date, will feature “a collaboration with the legendary virtual pop star Hatsune Miku, who is appearing at Coachella this year.” The DLC allows players to dance with both Ulala and Hastune Miku, with more details to follow “at a later date.”

We went hands on with the game back in April of last year and had a great time: “The original Space Channel 5 was fun in its own right, but the inclusion of VR takes things to a whole new level. You’re still listening for the call of Ulala and the in-game bell that tells you when to move, but thanks to VR, everything feels way more engaging as you play.”

Space Channel 5 VR is also supposedly launching on PC VR and the Oculus Quest eventually, but we don’t have any confirmed release windows beyond ‘coming soon’.

Will you be picking it up on PSVR? Let us know in the comments.

The post Space Channel 5 VR Is Out Now On PSVR, Plus New DLC Details appeared first on UploadVR.

February 11, 2020

‘Space Channel 5 VR’ Headed to PSVR This Month, PC VR & Quest Versions TBA

Space Channel 5 (1999) first launched on Dreamcast and PS2 over two decades ago, and now the long-dormant franchise is ready to reemerge on PSVR headsets this month with Space Channel 5 VR: Kinda Funky News Flash!

Originally slated to launch in December 2019 on PSVR, Space Channel 5 VR was later delayed to Spring 2020. Now, Japan-based developer Grounding Inc. says the rhythm game is headed to PSVR on February 25th in North America (prices at $40), and in Europe & Oceania one day later.

Versions for PC VR headsets will be available through Steam and Viveport, and for Oculus Quest, although their respective launch dates are still unknown at this time.

Set in the titular 25th-century space TV station ‘Space Channel 5’, the single-player VR game tasks you with fighting against alien invaders and rival dance crews with the power of choreographed moves—all in the patently ’60s retro-future surroundings. Although you don’t take over Ulala herself, you do get a chance to bust moves as her assistant.

Space Channel 5 VR is said to include a story mode, arcade mode, and an endurance exercise mode with calorie counter. Check out the latest trailer below:

The post ‘Space Channel 5 VR’ Headed to PSVR This Month, PC VR & Quest Versions TBA appeared first on Road to VR.

February 10, 2020

PlayStation VR Launch Date Confirmed for Space Channel 5 VR: Kinda Funky News Flash!

Sega Dreamcast classic Space Channel 5 celebrated its 20th-anniversary last year, with developer Grounding Inc. and SEGA originally planning to release Space Channel 5 VR: Kinda Funky News Flash! to coincide with the event. A delay was announced in December until Spring 2020, and now the first launch dates have arrived – only for PlayStation VR.

Space Channel 5 VR

Space Channel 5 VR: Kind Funky News Flash! is a rhythm-action videogame where players have to dance and strike poses to catchy tunes to score as many points as possible. There’s even a story behind this dancing fever in that you work for “Space Channel 5,” the premiere space TV station of the 25th Century. You join senior reporter Ulala as a rookie just as aliens known as “Morolians” arrive, forcing people to dance.

It’ll feature several modes to enhance the content experience alongside the main story campaign. An Arcade Mode will be available to introduce the gameplay which is recommended for VR beginners. For those that like a bit of a workout then the Trial Dance is where you get 100 dances in a row in this exercise and endurance mode – calories are also tracked. A Viewing Mode enables the story to be watched again through a third-person perspective and multiple camera angles, while the Friendopedia has all the character biographies. Finally, a Dressing Room is available to change Ulala’s outfits as they’re unlocked through the story.

Grounding Inc. confirms that: “The English voice cast includes Cherami Leigh taking over the lead role as Ulala, and Tom Clarke-Hill returning to reprise his role as Jaguar. Other cast members include Cassandra Lee Morris as newcomer Kell and Greg Chun as the being terrorizing the galaxy, Glitter.”

Space Channel 5 VR

Space Channel 5 VR: Kind Funky News Flash! will be released on 25th February 2020 across North America, Central, and South America, and 26th February in Japan, Europe, and Oceania for PlayStation VR, retailing at $39.99 USD. Versions for HTC Vive, Oculus Rift and Oculus Quest have been confirmed but no dates have been released at this time.

Additionally, A Space Channel 5 Ukiuki Music Festival to celebrate the launch, as well as the franchise’s 20th anniversary, will be held in Shibuya, Japan on 27th March 2020. For further updates on the videogame, keep reading VRFocus.

February 10, 2020

Space Channel 5 VR Hits PSVR This Month, Quest & PC Later

Space Channel 5 VR, the newest entry in the cult hit rhythm action series, comes to PSVR in a few short weeks.

The game’s website confirms that the console version of the game launches in the Americas on February 25 2020 for $39.99. It’ll launch in Europe and other territories on February 26. However, the game’s website still lists the promised Oculus Quest and PC VR versions as ‘Coming Soon’, so we’d guess there’s a bit of an exclusivity window going on.

A new trailer for the game has just been released, too. It shows us some new environments and characters.

Space Channel 5 VR is the first new game in the series since 2002’s Space Channel 5: Part 2. In the series, you fend off invading aliens by dancing to the beat. The series built up something of a cult following over the past two decades, so it’s great to see its return. The VR game remixes content from the original title only now you’ll be fully embodying a character and making the dance moves yourself.

The game comes with a Story Mode as well as Arcade and Trial modes. You’ll also be able to keep track of how many calories you’ve burned while playing and there’s even a Viewing mode to watch the story through again from a third-person view without playing.

That calorie counter is particularly interesting given that Space Channel 5 VR is one of a growing number of titles in the VR fitness category. It’s great to see a game getting a native counter.

Will you be picking up Space Channel 5 VR? Let us know in the comments below!

The post Space Channel 5 VR Hits PSVR This Month, Quest & PC Later appeared first on UploadVR.

September 11, 2018

Space Channel 5 VR: Arakata Dancing Show erscheint für PlayStation VR (PSVR)

Entwicklerstudio G-Rounding Inc. bringt den Retro-Klassiker Space Channel 5 in die Virtual Reality. Das japanische Tanz- und Musikspiel aus dem Jahr 1999 soll in einer VR-Neuauflage neben der PC-Version für HTC Vive zudem eine Konsolenadaption erhalten. Diese soll 2019 für PlayStation VR (PSVR) erscheinen.

Space Channel 5 VR: Arakata Dancing Show – VR-Musikspiel für PlayStation VR (PSVR)

Der musikalische VR-Titel Space Channel 5 VR: Arakata Dancing Show entsteht in Kooperation zwischen Sega und Entwicklerstudio Grounding Inc. Ein Release für HTC Vive wurde bereits im Februar dieses Jahres angekündigt. Nun wurde im Zuge der anstehenden Tokyo Game Show zudem eine Konsolenversion für PlayStation VR (PSVR) verkündet.

Innerhalb des VR-Rhythmusspiels stellt ihr euch gemeinsam mit Reporterin Ulala gegen abgedrehte Aliens in einem Dance Battle. Die außerirdischen Morolians versuchen mit Tanzeinlagen die Weltherrschaft an sich zu reißen und nur seid in der Lage dies mit euren rhythmischen Fähigkeiten zu verhindern. In der Rolle einer auszubildenden Reporterin des ikonischen Senders dürft ihr an der Seite der bekannten Protagonistin mit Musikeinlagen und Tanzschritten die knallbunten Invasoren bekämpfen und ihnen zeigen, wie man so richtig groovt.

Space Channel 5 VR

Der Retro-Klassiker erschien erstmals im Jahr 1999 für die Dreamcast und konnte sich eine eigene Fan-Community aufbauen. Weitere Titel des Franchises schafften es daraufhin auf andere Plattformen wie PC, PlayStation 2 und Game Boy Advance. Neben der VR-Adaption für PlayStation VR (PSVR) und HTC Vive soll zudem eine Arcade-Version auf dem japanischen Markt erscheinen.

Space Channel 5 VR: Arakata Dancing Show soll 2019 für PlayStation VR (PSVR) erscheinen.

(Quellen: Upload VR | Gematsu | Video: PlayStation Japan YouTube)

Der Beitrag Space Channel 5 VR: Arakata Dancing Show erscheint für PlayStation VR (PSVR) zuerst gesehen auf VR∙Nerds. VR·Nerds am Werk!

September 6, 2018

Sega’s Space Channel 5 Seems To Be Coming To PSVR

Earlier in the year we reported that Sega’s cult-favorite rhythm series, Space Channel 5, would be making its way to the HTC Vive as the wonderfully-titled Space Channel 5 VR Kinda Funky News Flash!. Well, it looks like it’s headed to PSVR, too.

Gematsu reports that the game will be showcased on Sony’s headset at the Tokyo Game Shows when it gets underway later this month. That certainly seems to suggest that the game is coming to PSVR, though so far we only know for sure that the HTC Vive version will be released in the US. An arcade version of the experience is also in the works and was shown off at VRLA for the first time earlier this year.

Space Channel 5 is another game from the mind of Tetsuya Mizuguchi, the famed developer that already brought his other cult classic, Rez, to VR headsets and is currently working on a new Tetris game for headsets. Players need to match a beat with their controllers in order to help a reporter named Ulala rescue people from an alien race. In the VR version, you’ll be able to dance alongside Ulala inside her reality.

Again, there’s no release date or price for the VR port so far, though we’d imagine at this point that it’s not something we’ll see until 2019.

Tagged with: Space Channel 5

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April 30, 2018

Sega’s Space Channel 5 VR Will Come To U.S. As Kinda Funky News Flash

Sega’s beloved Dreamcast rhythm game Space Channel 5 is coming to virtual reality, and a tweet now confirms that a U.S. version — “Space Channel 5 VR Kinda Funky News Flash!” — will see its debut at the Los Angeles VR event VRLA.

Developer Grounding says that it will offer 15 minute demos of the VR experience on May 5 and May 6.

Space Channel 5 was one of music game impresario Tetsuya Mizuguchi’s groundbreaking titles for Sega’s UGA (United Game Artists) division, offering a sleek, retro-futuristic alternative to Sony’s cartoony Parappa the Rapper series. Backed by music inspired by 1960s spy movies, it starred Ulala, a reporter seeking to rescue people from alien captors. Pressing buttons like “up, down, shoot, shoot, shoot” made Ulala dance and fire her ray gun, freeing hostages — and aliens — to join her roving dance squad.

Beyond giving players a shoulder-level view of the action from directly behind Ulala, the VR version of Space Channel 5 uses arm tracking, so players can actually dance to the music. Thus far, Grounding has shown footage of a reworked version of the original game’s first level, where all of the originally pre-rendered background art appears to be real-time 3D. It’s unclear at this point whether the finished game will be a remake of the original game, contain elements from its Part 2 sequel, and/or include brand new content.

Along with Mizuguchi’s pioneering shooter Rez, the Space Channel 5 series was one of Sega’s most noteworthy franchises during the Dreamcast era. Michael Jackson made multiple cameo appearances in the games, which won 2000 GDC awards for original game character of the year and excellence in audio. But as it became clear that the Dreamcast would be Sega’s last console, the franchise transitioned to the PlayStation 2, and UGA disbanded, ending the series.

So far, Space Channel 5 VR Kinda Funky News Flash! has only been announced for the HTC Vive, and neither a price nor a release date have been confirmed. The new U.S. site for the game mentions that there will be a “VR Arcade Version” running on the Vive, with “game hardware for console version” listed as “TBD.”

This post by Jeremy Horwitz originally appeared on VentureBeat.

Tagged with: Space Channel 5