Editing Nights into Dreams (section)

== Reception ==

=== Commercial ===
In Japan, ''Nights into Dreams'' topped the Japanese all-format games chart, despite increased competition from the newly launched [[Nintendo 64]].<ref>{{cite magazine |title=Bizzare Console Sale Figures!|magazine=[[Computer & Video Games]]|issue=178 |date=September 1996|page=9}}</ref> It was the best-selling Sega Saturn game and the 21st best-selling game of 1996, with 392,383 copies sold.<ref>{{cite web | title=1996 Top 30 Best Selling Japanese Console Games | url=http://www.the-magicbox.com/Chart-BestSell1996.shtml | work=The-MagicBox.com | access-date=4 August 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303171323/http://www.the-magicbox.com/Chart-BestSell1996.shtml|archive-date=3 March 2016}}</ref> The PS2 version sold 6,828 units in Japan.<ref>{{cite magazine |title=Game Search |url=https://sites.google.com/site/gamedatalibrary/game-search |magazine=Game Data Library ([[Famitsu]] sales data) |access-date=19 August 2020 |archive-date=24 April 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190424035430/https://sites.google.com/site/gamedatalibrary/game-search |url-status=live }}</ref> In the US, ''Nights into Dreams'' was reported to sell out at several different retail outlets.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.sega.com/news/releases/nightsahit.html | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/19961220011116/http://www.sega.com/news/releases/nightsahit.html | archive-date=20 December 1996 | title=SEGA Central }}</ref>

=== Critical ===
{{Video game reviews
| GR = 89%{{efn|Based on 9&nbsp;reviews}}<ref name=GR>{{cite web|url=http://www.gamerankings.com/saturn/198201-nights-into-dreams/index.html |title=NiGHTS Into Dreams... for Saturn |website=[[GameRankings]] |publisher=[[CBS Interactive]] |date=31 August 1996 |access-date=5 July 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191205214702/https://www.gamerankings.com/saturn/198201-nights-into-dreams/index.html|archive-date=5 December 2019}}</ref>
| CVG = {{rating|5|5}}<ref name=CVG>{{cite journal|last1=Guise|first1=Tom|last2=Davies|first2=Paul|last3=Lomas|first3=Ed|title=Nights into Dreams review|journal=[[Computer and Video Games]]|publisher=[[Future plc]]|date=September 1996|issue=178|pages=57, 58|url=https://archive.org/stream/Computer_and_Video_Games_Issue_178_1996-09_EMAP_Images_GB#page/n57/mode/2up|access-date=24 November 2015}}</ref>
| Edge = 8/10<ref name=edge>{{cite magazine|title=Nights into Dreams review (Edge)|url=http://www.edge-online.com/reviews/nights-dreams-review/|magazine=[[Edge (magazine)|Edge]]|publisher=[[Future plc]]|access-date=24 November 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141224050554/http://www.edge-online.com/reviews/nights-dreams-review/|archive-date=24 December 2014|date=2 August 1996}}</ref>
| EGM = 8/10<ref name="EGM86rev">{{cite magazine|title=Review Crew: Nights |magazine=[[Electronic Gaming Monthly]]|issue=86 |publisher=[[Ziff Davis]]|date=September 1996|page=25}}</ref>
| EuroG = 9/10 <small>(XBLA)</small><ref name=EuroG>{{cite web|last1=Robinson|first1=Martin|title=Nights into Dreams HD review|url=http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2012-10-05-nights-into-dreams-hd-review|website=[[Eurogamer]]|publisher=Gamer Network|access-date=24 November 2015|date=5 October 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121102234514/http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2012-10-05-nights-into-dreams-hd-review|archive-date=2 November 2012 }}</ref>
| GI = 8.5/10<ref>{{cite magazine |title=Legacy Review Archives |url=https://www.gameinformer.com/legacyreviews |magazine=[[Game Informer]] |access-date=3 October 2021 |archive-date=15 April 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220415212407/https://www.gameinformer.com/legacyreviews |url-status=dead }}</ref>
| GameFan = 387/400<ref name="GameFan">{{cite journal|title=Nights: A fantastic but dangerous place|journal=GameFan|date=September 1996|volume=4|issue=9|pages=22, 50–53}}</ref>
| GameRev = A<ref name=GameRev>{{cite web|title=Nights review|last1=Ferris|first1=Colin|url=http://www.gamerevolution.com/review/nights|website=[[Game Revolution]]|publisher=[[CraveOnline]]|date=6 June 2004|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160508200006/http://www.gamerevolution.com/review/nights|archive-date=8 May 2016}}</ref>
| IGN = 8.7/10<ref name=IGN>{{cite web|last1=Buchanan|first1=Levi|title=Nights into Dreams... review (IGN retrospective)|url=http://uk.ign.com/articles/2008/08/18/nights-into-dreams-retro-review|website=[[IGN]]|publisher=[[Ziff Davis]]|access-date=24 November 2015|date=18 August 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121227002758/http://www.ign.com/articles/2008/08/18/nights-into-dreams-retro-review|archive-date=27 December 2012}}</ref>
| NGen = {{rating|5|5}}<ref name="nextgen">{{cite journal|title=Rating Saturn: Nightlife|journal=Next Generation|date=October 1996|issue=22|page=172|url=https://archive.org/stream/nextgen-issue-022/Next_Generation_Issue_022_October_1996#page/n173/mode/2up/search/nights+into|access-date=11 April 2016}}</ref>
| rev2 = ''[[Entertainment Weekly]]''
| rev2Score = A<ref name=EW>{{cite magazine|last1=Walk|first1=Gary|title=NiGHTS review|url=https://ew.com/ew/article/0%2C%2C294158%2C00.html|magazine=[[Entertainment Weekly]]|publisher=Dotdash Meredith|access-date=24 November 2015|date=20 September 1996|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090427113108/https://ew.com/ew/article/0,,294158,00.html|archive-date=27 April 2009}}</ref>
| rev3 = ''[[Mean Machines Sega]]''
| rev3Score = 96%<ref name=mean>{{cite journal|title=Nights into Dreams review|journal=[[Mean Machines Sega]]|publisher=[[EMAP]]|date=September 1996|issue=47|pages=58–63|url=https://archive.org/stream/mean-machines-sega-magazine-47/MMSega_47_Sep_1996#page/n55/mode/2up/search/nights|access-date=24 November 2015}}</ref>
| rev4 = ''[[Sega Saturn Magazine]]'' (UK)
| rev4Score = 96%<ref name="SatMag10">{{cite magazine|last=Automatic |first=Rad |title=Review: Nights Into Dreams |magazine=[[Sega Saturn Magazine]]|issue=10|publisher=[[Emap International Limited]] |date=August 1996|pages=72–73}}</ref>
| rev5 = ''Sega Saturn Magazine'' (Japan)
| rev5Score = 9.8/10<ref name="japan1">{{cite magazine|title=Nights into Dreams... overview|journal=Sega Saturn Magazine|volume=26|issue=9/8|page=47|language=ja}}</ref>
| rev6 = ''Saturn Fan''
| rev6Score = 8.4/10<ref name="saturnfan">{{cite magazine |title=Now on Sale Saturn Soft Impression!! NiGHTS into dreams... |journal=Saturn Fan |date=July 15, 1996 |volume=15 |issue=7/15 |page=164 |publisher=[[Tokuma Shoten|Tokuma Shoten Intermedia]] |language=Japanese}}</ref>
| award1Pub = [[Japan Game Awards]]
| award1 = Best Graphics,<br /> Best Programming<ref name=jpga/>
| Fam = 34/40<ref>{{cite web 
|url=http://gamedatamuseum.web.fc2.com/ss.htm |date=2011-08-27 |website=Game Data Museum |title=Sega Saturn Cumulative Sales|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111221032934/http://gamedatamuseum.web.fc2.com/ss.htm |archive-date=21 December 2011 }}</ref>
}}

''Nights into Dreams'' received critical acclaim,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Leone |first=Matt |date=2021-12-25 |title=Celebrating the annual tradition that is Christmas Nights |url=https://www.polygon.com/22847434/christmas-nights-25th-anniversary-sega-sonic-team |access-date=2023-11-23 |website=Polygon |language=en-US |archive-date=9 June 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230609075449/https://www.polygon.com/22847434/christmas-nights-25th-anniversary-sega-sonic-team |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |first=Brendan |last=Sinclair |date=19 March 2007 |title=NiGHTS onto Wii? |url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/nights-onto-wii/1100-6235967/ |access-date=2023-11-23 |website=GameSpot |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |first=Sterling |last=McGarvey |date=2012-10-02 |title=Nights into Dreams HD review |url=https://www.gamesradar.com/nights-into-dreams-hd-review/ |access-date=2023-11-23 |website=GamesRadar+ |language=en |archive-date=9 September 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230909053137/https://www.gamesradar.com/nights-into-dreams-hd-review/ |url-status=live }}</ref> holding an average score of 89 percent at [[GameRankings]], based on an aggregate of nine reviews.<ref name="GR" /> Upon release, ''[[Computer and Video Games]]'' magazine called it "one of the most sensational video games EVER made!"<ref name="CVG" />

The graphics and flight mechanics were the most praised aspects. Tom Guise of ''Computer and Video Games'' said the flight system and freedom were captivating and that ''Nights into Dreams'' was the "perfect evolution" of a ''Sonic'' game.<ref name="CVG"/> Scary Larry of ''[[GamePro]]'' said flying using the analogue joystick "is a breeze" and that the gameplay is fun, enjoyable, and impressive. He gave it a 4.5 out of 5 for graphics and a 5 out of 5 in every other category (sound, control, and FunFactor).<ref>{{citation|title=Saturn ProReview: NiGHTS into Dreams|date=October 1996|url=https://archive.org/details/GamePro_Issue_097_Volume_09_Number_10_1996-10_IDG_Publishing_US/page/n87/mode/2up|magazine=[[GamePro]]|issue=97|pages=86–87|publisher=[[International Data Group]]}}</ref> ''[[Entertainment Weekly]]'' said its "graceful acrobatic stunts" offer "a more compelling sensation of soaring than most flight simulators".<ref name=EW /> ''[[Edge (magazine)|Edge]]'' praised the analogue controller and called the levels "well-designed and graphically unrivaled", but the reviewer expressed disappointment in the limited level count compared to ''Super Mario 64'', and suggested that ''Nights'' seemed to prioritise technical achievements and Saturn selling points over gameplay with as clear a focus as ''Sonic''.<ref name=edge /> Martin Robinson from [[Eurogamer]] opined that the flight mechanics were a "giddy thrill".<ref name=EuroG /> Colin Ferris from [[Game Revolution]] praised the graphics and speed as breathtaking and awe-inspiring, concluding that it offered the best qualities of the fifth-generation machines.<ref name=GameRev /> ''[[GameFan]]'' praised the combination of "lush graphics, amazing music, and totally unique gameplay".<ref name=GameFan /> ''[[Next Generation (magazine)|Next Generation]]'' criticised the speed, saying that the only disappointing aspect was the way "it all rushes by so fast", but the magazine praised the two-player mode and the innovative method of grading the player once they completed a level.<ref name=nextgen /> ''[[Electronic Gaming Monthly]]''{{'}}s four reviewers were impressed with both the technical aspects and style of the graphics, and said the levels are great fun to explore, though they expressed disappointment that the game was not genuinely 3D and said it did not surpass ''Super Mario 64''.<ref name="EGM86rev"/>

Levi Buchanan from ''[[IGN]]'' believed that the console "was not built to handle ''Nights''" due to the game occasionally [[clipping (computer graphics)|clipping]] and [[image warping|warping]], though he admitted that the graphics were "pretty darn good".<ref name=IGN /> A reviewer from ''[[Mean Machines Sega]]'' praised the vibrant colours and detailed textures, and described its animation as being "fluid as water". The reviewer also noted occasional [[Pop-up graphics|pop-in]] and glitching.<ref name=mean /> Rad Automatic from the British ''[[Sega Saturn Magazine]]'' praised the visuals and colour scheme as rich in both texture and detail, while suggesting that ''Nights into Dreams'' is "one of the most captivating games the Saturn has witnessed yet".<ref name="SatMag10"/> ''Next Generation'' said the visuals were "beyond a doubt" the most fluid and satisfying for any game on any system.<ref name=nextgen /> Upon release, the Japanese ''Sega Saturn Magazine'' wrote that ''Nights'' would have a significant impact on the video game industry, particularly the [[action game]] genre.<ref name=japan1 /> The reviewer also said ''Nights'' felt better through with the analogue pad, in contrast to the conventional controller, and also praised the light and smooth feeling the analogue pad portrayed during gameplay.<ref name="Japan2">{{cite journal|date=14 June 1996|title=Nights into Dreams... review|url=https://retrocdn.net/images/c/c3/SSM_JP_19960614_1996-09.pdf|journal=Sega Saturn Magazine|language=ja|volume=9|issue=6/14|page=60|access-date=7 August 2020|archive-date=15 August 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210815160849/https://retrocdn.net/images/c/c3/SSM_JP_19960614_1996-09.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref>

Reviewers also praised the soundtrack and audio effects. Paul Davies from ''Computer and Video Games'' said ''Nights'' had "the best music ever"; in the same review, Tom Guise said it created a hypnotically magical atmosphere.<ref name=CVG /> Ferris said that the music and sound effects were that of a dream world, and asserted that they were fitting for a game like ''Nights into Dreams''.<ref name=GameRev /> ''IGN''<nowiki/>'s Buchanan praised the soundtrack and that the sound effects "fit in perfectly with the dream universe".<ref name=IGN />

=== Accolades ===
''Nights into Dreams'' received the "Best Graphics" and "Best Programming" awards at the [[Japan Game Awards]].<ref name=jpga>{{cite web |url=https://awards.cesa.or.jp/1996/index.html |title=Japan Game Awards |website= |publisher= |access-date=February 8, 2022 |archive-date=8 February 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220208165811/https://awards.cesa.or.jp/1996/index.html |url-status=live }}</ref> In ''Electronic Gaming Monthly''{{'}}s "Best of '96" awards, it was a runner-up for Flying Game of the Year (behind ''[[Pilotwings 64]]''), Nights was a runner-up for "coolest mascot" (behind [[Mario]]), and the Saturn analog controller, which the magazine called the "Nights Controller", won Best Peripheral.<ref>{{cite magazine|date=March 1997|title=The Best of '96|url=https://retrocdn.net/images/8/8f/EGM_US_092.pdf|magazine=[[Electronic Gaming Monthly]]|publisher=[[Ziff Davis]]|issue=92|pages=88–90|access-date=7 August 2020|archive-date=6 June 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200606210100/https://retrocdn.net/images/8/8f/EGM_US_092.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref> The following year ''EGM'' ranked it the 70th best console video game of all time, describing it as "unlike anything you've seen before ... a 2.5-D platform game without the platforms".<ref>{{cite magazine |title=100 Best Games of All Time |magazine=[[Electronic Gaming Monthly]]|issue=100 |publisher=[[Ziff Davis]] |date=November 1997|pages=114, 116}} Note: Contrary to the title, the intro to the article explicitly states that the list covers console video games only, meaning PC games and arcade games were not eligible.</ref>