Space Channel 5 VR: Kinda Funky News Flash (PlayStation 4) Review

For those unfamiliar with the franchise (18 years is a long time to wait for a new entry), the Space Channel series follows the adventures of reporter Ulala, finding news stories, and taking the perfectly normal stance of solving the issues of the general public through a dance off. From aliens to rogue dance groups, there wasn't any problem that couldn't be solved with a soft shoe sway. With only a handful of titles in the series it's a credit to the quality of previous efforts that such a large fanbase has been built. A return was well overdue, and with a VR system now accessible and affordable to most players, a new attempt should be an easy slam dunk.

Gone are the simple button mapping to steps, replaced by the PlayStation Move and VR headset. In a change to the series, players also don't take control of Ulala, opting to play as a trainee reporter working for the Space Channel corporation; a great idea that allows players to fully experience the distinct visuals of each level, while enjoying the time taken to replicate the same charm originally brought to the Dreamcast. Unlike the Dreamcast titles however, a steady level of difficulty is something completely lacking, maybe giving you time to appreciate the levels themselves.

As is expected with most of the VR titles on the market, the duration of Space Channel 5 VR is a short one. Four levels, interspersed with tutorials, and introductions to show everything, is all this jump to virtual space has to offer. It's a shame then with the amount of time awarded to making the player feel comfortable, any change in difficulty is totally lacking. It's understandable that with the level of tracking a PSVR headset can handle when working in conjunction with the move controllers that a change of pace is required, but this seems like overkill. What required split second timing previously, is given an unnecessary amount of wiggle room to ensure success. Gratifying? Certainly, but not the nerve-evoking inputs that should be expected, and are being delivered in some of the few other VR rhythm titles available.

DLC promised for the future is also going to add to the titles length, but at the moment a steady set of hands and feet should be able to clock most of what is on offer in an hour or two. A few nice features are added (mainly the 'friendopedia,' allowing an ogle at each characters pixelated VR glory), but apart from a challenge mode and replaying arcade with no difficulty increase, it's hard to find a reason for a revisit.

For fans of the series with a PSVR, it's going to be picked up. The visuals and combination of lunacy have all been recreated in HD glory, and when in the experience, it captures the nostalgia shot for perfectly - like replaying what you experienced earlier in the evening in your head, as you enter a post gaming slumber. Everything is there, except this time, you are a fully fleshed our part of the world.