NiGHTS Sequel to Hit the Wii

Sega has officially announced that a sequel to the revered Sega Saturn game 'NiGHTs' is going to be released on the Nintendo Wii video game console.

The announcement ends over a year of rumors and speculation that Sega would finally release a sequel to the classic game.

'ImageNights: Journey of Dreams' is the sequel to the 1996 Sega Saturn title 'NiGHT's Into Dreams.' The game is scheduled by Sega for release on the Wii in the fall.

"We plan to deliver a gameplay experience never before seen on the Wii with NiGHTS: Journey of Dreams," said Scott A. Steinberg, Vice President of Marketing, SEGA of America, Inc. "The game takes full advantage of the unique Wii Remote controller enabling gamers to guide NiGHTS through spectacularly designed dream worlds intertwined with a story about hope and courage."

The original 'NiGHTS' for the Sega Saturn incorporated both 2D and 3D game play within an interesting polygon filled fantasy world. NiGHTS, the game's protagonist, is a fantasy jester that makes his way through the fantasy realm of Nightopia by flying.

Nightopia is a rich and vibrant world where dreams come to life. There is expected to be to be a lot of potential for game control with the Nintendo Wii's innovative control scheme.

"The game takes full advantage of the unique Wii Remote controller enabling gamers to guide Nights through spectacularly designed dream worlds intertwined with a story about hope and courage," said Sega of America marketing VP Scott Steinberg.

Gamers are expected to experience a heightened sense of gliding, looping, and spiraling thorugh seven mystical dream worlds that will be packed with high flying adventure. Gamers will need to find creative ways to confront the 'Nightmarens' from the neighboring dark world of Nightmare.

Players will do this by using acrobatic skills, freedom of flight, and other special abilities in their quest to protect Nightopia.

Yuji Naka, producer of the original NiGHTS title, will not be involved in the sequel. Naka has since left Sega and created Prope Studios.

The game will be for one or two players.