Ho ho ho! SEGA was the ultimate innovating force in the business for many years, and what finer way to reward their loyal fans than to release a completely free, Christmas-themed “demo” (more like on-disc proto-DLC) of one of the Saturn’s flagship titles?
Christmas NiGHTS features just one course, but the course is completely re-skinned in Christmas themes. Taking advantage of the Saturn’s real time clock, Spring Valley transforms into an enchanting winter wonderland for both Claris and Elliot to explore. The premise remains the same as regular NiGHTS — free the Ideyas in the level before tackling the Nightmaren boss at the end.
Graceful flying and masterful score-attacking are the order of the day here, turning the game into a deep experience where there is always room for player improvement. The A-Life system remains intact, with little Pians living out their lives in Spring Valley, adding to the winter charm. There are also plenty of unlockable “presents” for players to discover, from a karaoke mode to both a Time and Link attack, to interfacing with the main game’s save file to view the Pian population across all levels. And of course, the ability to play as Sonic the Hedgehog in his very first true 3D appearance.
The game was absolutely dripping with SEGA magic at Christmas 1996, and it remains arguably the all-time greatest demo disc ever released. A total love letter to Saturn fans.
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