View source for Nights into Dreams

{{Short description|1996 video game}}
{{Featured article}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=January 2025}}
{{Infobox video game
| title = Nights into Dreams
| image = NightsIntoDreamsBox.jpg
| caption = European cover art
| developer = [[Sonic Team]]
| publisher = [[Sega]]
| director = [[Naoto Ohshima]]
| producer = [[Yuji Naka]]
| designer = [[Takashi Iizuka (game designer)|Takashi Iizuka]]
| programmer = Yuji Naka
| artist = {{plainlist|
*[[Kazuyuki Hoshino]]
*Naoto Ohshima}}
| writer = 
| composer = {{plainlist|
*Naofumi Hataya
*Tomoko Sasaki
*Fumie Kumatani}}
| platforms = {{plainlist|
*[[Sega Saturn]]
*[[PlayStation 2]]
*[[Windows]]
*[[PlayStation 3]]
*[[Xbox 360]]}}
| released = {{collapsible list|title={{nobold|5 July 1996}}|
'''Sega Saturn'''{{vgrelease|JP|5 July 1996<ref name="saturnfan"/>|NA|20 August 1996<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-11-15 |title=Press release: 1996-08-12: $10 million "NiGHTS" launch is largest ever for Sega Saturn |url=https://segaretro.org/Press_release:_1996-08-12:_$10_million_%22NiGHTS%22_launch_is_largest_ever_for_Sega_Saturn |access-date=2023-11-15 |website=Sega Retro |language=en |archive-date=15 November 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231115023619/https://segaretro.org/Press_release:_1996-08-12:_$10_million_%22NiGHTS%22_launch_is_largest_ever_for_Sega_Saturn |url-status=live }}</ref>|EU|5 September 1996}}
'''PlayStation 2'''{{vgrelease|JP|21 February 2008}}
'''Windows'''{{vgrelease|WW|2 October 2012}}
'''PlayStation 3'''{{vgrelease|NA|2 October 2012|EU|3 October 2012|JP|4 October 2012}}
'''Xbox 360'''{{vgrelease|WW|5 October 2012}}}}
| genre = [[Action game|Action]]
| modes = [[Single-player]], [[Multiplayer video game|multiplayer]]
}}

{{nihongo foot|'''''Nights into Dreams'''''|ナイツ|Naitsu|stylised as '''''NiGHTS into dreams...'''''|lead=yes|group=lower-alpha}} is a 1996 [[action game]] developed by [[Sonic Team]] and published by [[Sega]] for the [[Sega Saturn]]. The story follows the teenagers Elliot Edwards and Claris Sinclair, who enter Nightopia, a [[Dream world (plot device)|dream world]] where all dreams take place. With the help of Nights, an exiled "Nightmaren", they begin a journey to stop the evil ruler Wizeman from destroying Nightopia and consequently the real world. Players control Nights flying through Elliot and Claris's dreams to gather enough energy to defeat Wizeman and save Nightopia. The game is presented in [[3D computer graphics|3D]] and imposes [[time limit]]s on every level, in which the player must accumulate points to proceed.

Development began after the release of ''[[Sonic & Knuckles]]'' in 1994, although the concept originated in 1992, during the development of ''[[Sonic the Hedgehog 2]]''. Development was led by Sonic Team veterans [[Yuji Naka]], [[Naoto Ohshima]], and [[Takashi Iizuka (game designer)|Takashi Iizuka]]. Naka began the project with the idea of flight, and Ohshima designed Nights as an [[androgynous]] character that resembles an angel that could fly like a bird. The team conducted research on dreaming and [[REM sleep]], and was influenced by the works and theories of psychoanalysts [[Carl Jung]] and [[Sigmund Freud]]. An analogue controller, the Saturn 3D controller, was designed alongside the game and included with some retail copies.

''Nights into Dreams'' received acclaim for its graphics, gameplay, soundtrack, and atmosphere. It has been cited as one of the [[List of video games considered the best|greatest video games ever made]]. A shorter Christmas-themed version, '''''Christmas Nights''''', was released in December 1996. ''Nights into Dreams'' was [[porting|ported]] to the [[PlayStation 2]] in 2008 in Japan and a high-definition version was released worldwide for [[Windows]], [[PlayStation 3]], and [[Xbox 360]] in 2012. A sequel, ''[[Nights: Journey of Dreams]]'', was released for the [[Wii]] in 2007.

== Gameplay ==
[[File:NiGHTs into Dreams, Saturn version, Spring Valley.jpg|thumb|270px|left|Nights flying through Elliot's first level, Splash Garden, in the Saturn version. From left to right, the interface displays the number of orbs collected, time limit, and score.]]
''Nights into Dreams'' is split into seven [[level (video game)|levels]], referred to as "Dreams".{{sfn|Hickman|1996|p=35}} The levels are distributed between the two teenage characters: three are unique to Claris, three to Elliot, and each play through an identical final seventh level, "Twin Seeds". Initially, only Claris' "Spring Valley" and Elliot's "Splash Garden" levels are available, and successful completion of one of these unlocks the next level in that character's path.{{sfn|Hickman|1996|p=36}} Previously completed stages may be revisited to improve the player's [[high score]]s; a grade between A and F is given to the player upon completion, but a "C" grade (or better) in all the selected character's levels must be achieved to unlock the relevant "Twin Seeds" stage for that character.{{sfn|Hickman|1996|p=40}} Points are accumulated depending on how fast the player completes a level,{{sfn|Hickman|1996|p=37}} and extra points are awarded when the player flies through rings.{{sfn|Hickman|1996|p=39}}

Each level is split up into four "Mares" set in Nightopia and a [[boss fight]] which takes place in Nightmare. In each level, players initially control Claris or Elliot, who immediately have their Ideyas (spherical objects that contain emotions) of hope, wisdom, intelligence and purity stolen from them by Wizeman's minions, leaving behind only their Ideya of courage.{{sfn|Hickman|1996|p=36}}<ref name="EGM86">{{cite magazine|title=Nights|magazine=[[Electronic Gaming Monthly]]|issue=86 |publisher=[[Ziff Davis]]|date=September 1996|pages=74–75, 78}}</ref> The goal of each Mare is to recover one of the stolen Ideya by collecting 20 blue chips and delivering them to the cage holding the Ideyas, which overloads and releases the orb it holds.<ref name=EuroG /> If the player walks around the landscape for too long, they are pursued by a sentient [[alarm clock]] which awakens the character and ends the level if it comes into contact with the player.<ref name=interview5>{{cite web|last=Sheffield|first=Brandon|title=Out of the Blue: Naoto Ohshima Speaks|url=http://www.gamasutra.com/view/feature/4208/out_of_the_blue_naoto_ohshima_.php?print=1|website=[[Gamasutra]]|publisher=[[UBM plc|UBM Tech]]|date=4 December 2009|access-date=30 November 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304082628/http://www.gamasutra.com/view/feature/4208/out_of_the_blue_naoto_ohshima_.php?print=1|archive-date=4 March 2016}}</ref> The majority of the gameplay centres on flying sequences, which are triggered by walking into the Ideya Palace near the start of each level so that the character merges with the imprisoned Nights. Once the flying sequence is initiated, the time limit begins.<ref name=IGN />{{sfn|Hickman|1996|p=34}}

In the flying sections, the player controls Nights' flight along a predetermined route through each Mare, resembling that of a 2D [[platform game|platformer]].<ref name=appre /> The player has only a limited period of time available before Nights falls to the ground and transforms back into Claris or Elliot, and each collision with an enemy subtracts five seconds from the time remaining.<ref name=radarrev>{{cite web|last=McGarvey|first=Sterling |title=Nights into Dreams HD review|url=http://www.gamesradar.com/nights-into-dreams-hd-review/|website=[[GamesRadar]]|publisher=[[Future plc]]|access-date=30 November 2015|date=3 October 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160512123350/http://www.gamesradar.com/nights-into-dreams-hd-review/|archive-date=12 May 2016}}</ref> The player's time is replenished each time they return an Ideya to the Ideya Palace.{{sfn|Hickman|1996|p=36}} While flying, Nights can use a "Drill Dash" to travel faster, as well as defeat certain reverie enemies scattered throughout the level.<ref>{{cite magazine|date=July 1996|title=Night on Earth|url=https://archive.org/details/Official_Sega_Saturn_Magazine_009/page/n55/mode/2up|magazine=[[Sega Saturn Magazine]]|publisher=[[Emap International Limited]]|issue=9|pages=56–59}}</ref> Grabbing onto certain enemies causes Nights to spin around, which launches both Nights and the enemy in the direction the boost was initiated. Various acrobatic manoeuvres can be performed, including the "Paraloop", whereby flying around in a complete circle and connecting the trail of stars left in Nights' wake causes any items within the loop to be attracted towards Nights.<ref name=appre /> The game features a [[Combo (video gaming)|combo]] system known as "Linking", whereby actions such as collecting items and flying through rings are worth more points when performed in quick succession.{{sfn|Hickman|1996|p=39}}<ref name=radarrev /> [[Power-up]]s may be gained by flying through several predetermined rings, indicated by a bonus barrel. The power-ups include a speed boost, point multiplier and an air pocket.{{sfn|Hickman|1996|p=40}}

The player receives a grade based on their score at the end of each Mare, and an overall grade for the level after clearing all four Mares.<ref name=IGN /> Nights is then transported to Nightmare for a boss fight against one of Wizeman's "Level Two" Nightmarens.{{sfn|Hickman|1996|p=39}} Each boss fight has a time limit, and the game ends if the player runs out of time during the battle. Upon winning the boss fight, the player is awarded a score multiplier based on how quickly the boss was defeated, which is then applied to the score earned in the Nightopia section to produce the player's final score for that Dream.{{sfn|Hickman|1996|p=38}} The game also features a [[Multiplayer video game|multiplayer]] mode, which allows two players to battle each other by using a [[split screen (computer graphics)|splitscreen]]. One player controls Nights, whereas the other controls Reala. The winner is determined by the first player to defeat the other, which is accomplished by hitting or paralooping the other player three times.{{sfn|Hickman|1996|p=39}}<ref name="EGM86"/>

The game features an [[artificial life]] system known as "A-Life",<ref name="interview">{{cite web|url=http://www.1up.com/features/nights-dreams-sega-saturn-retroactive?pager.offset=0|title=Nights into Dreams RetroActive|last1=Mielke|first1=James|date=11 July 2007|website=[[1UP.com|1UP]]|publisher=[[Ziff Davis]]|pages=1–3|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160701144030/http://www.1up.com/features/nights-dreams-sega-saturn-retroactive?pager.offset=0|archive-date=1 July 2016|url-status=dead|access-date=28 November 2015}}</ref> which involves entities called Nightopians and keeps track of their moods.<ref name=xmas /> It is possible to have them [[mating|mate]] with other Nightopians, which creates hybrids known as "Superpians".<ref name=appre>{{cite web|last1=Towell|first1=Justin|title=Classic game appreciation section: NiGHTS into Dreams|url=http://www.gamesradar.com/appreciation-section-nights/?page=3|website=[[GamesRadar]]|publisher=[[Future plc]]|access-date=30 November 2015|pages=1–3|date=1 September 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151208100543/http://www.gamesradar.com/appreciation-section-nights/?page=3|archive-date=8 December 2015}}</ref><ref name=interview4>{{cite web|last1=Taylor|first1=Mike|title=Interview: Takashi Iizuka Talks NiGHTS|url=http://www.nintendolife.com/news/2007/12/interview_takashi_iizuka_talks_nights|website=[[Nintendo Life]]|publisher=Gamer Network|access-date=30 November 2015|date=5 December 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303175007/http://www.nintendolife.com/news/2007/12/interview_takashi_iizuka_talks_nights|archive-date=3 March 2016}}</ref> The more the game is played, the more inhabitants appear, and environmental features and aesthetics change.{{sfn|Hickman|1996|p=36}} The A-Life system features an evolving music engine, allowing [[tempo]], [[pitch (music)|pitch]], and [[melody]] to alter depending on the state of Nightopians within the level.<ref name=CVG />{{sfn|Hunt|2012|p=30}} The feature runs from the Sega Saturn's internal clock, which alters features in the A-Life system depending on the time.<ref name=appre />

== Plot ==
Every night, all human dreams are played out in Nightopia and Nightmare, the two parts of the [[dream world (plot device)|dream world]]. In Nightopia, distinct aspects of dreamers' personalities are represented by luminous coloured spheres known as "Ideya". The evil ruler of Nightmare, Wizeman the Wicked, is stealing this dream energy from sleeping visitors in order to gather power and take control of Nightopia and eventually the real world. To achieve this, he creates five beings called "Nightmaren": [[jester]]-like, flight-capable beings, which include Jackle, Clawz, Gulpo, Gillwing and Puffy as well as many minor maren. He also creates two "Level One" Nightmaren: Nights and Reala. However, Nights rebels against Wizeman's plans, and is punished by being imprisoned inside an Ideya palace, a container for dreamers' Ideya.<ref>{{cite web | title=Nights into Dreams... cast | url=http://www.sega.com/Nights/cast/text.html | website=Sega.com | publisher=[[Sega]] | access-date=2 August 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/19970215174910/http://www.sega.com/Nights/cast/text.html |archive-date=15 February 1997}}</ref>

One day, Elliot Edwards and Claris Sinclair, two teenagers from the city of Twin Seeds, go through failures. Elliot, a basketball player, is challenged by a group of older students and suffers a humiliating defeat on the court. Claris, a singer, is overcome by [[stage fright]] when auditioning for judges, which causes her to lose all hopes of getting the role. When they go to sleep that night, both Elliot and Claris suffer nightmares that replay the events. They escape into Nightopia and find that they both possess the rare Red Ideya of Courage, the only type that Wizeman cannot steal. Elliot and Claris release Nights, who tells them about dreams and Wizeman and his plans; the three begin a journey to stop Wizeman and restore peace to Nightopia. When they defeat Wizeman and Reala, peace is returned to Nightopia and the world of Nightmare is suppressed.

The next day, in Twin Seeds, a centenary ceremony begins. Elliot walks through the parade and has a vision of Nights looking at him through a billboard. Realizing that Claris is performing in a hall, Elliot runs through the crowd and sees Claris on stage in front of a large audience, singing well. The two look at each other and transition to Nightopia.

== Development ==
{{Quote box
| quote = I headed back to Japan so that I could work with [[Naoto Ohshima|Mr Ohshima]] and while I was waiting for the plane to take off, I thought, 'Let's make a game where we can fly!' So I guess that's where it all started.
| source = Producer [[Yuji Naka]] in an interview with ''[[Sega Saturn Magazine]]''<ref name="SatMag8">{{cite news|title=This is the Sonic Team|work=[[Sega Saturn Magazine]]|issue=8|publisher=[[Emap International Limited]]|date=June 1996|page=54}}</ref>
| width = 30em
| quoted = 1
}}

''Nights'' was developed by [[Sonic Team]], the [[Sega]] development division that had created the ''[[Sonic the Hedgehog]]'' games for [[Sega Genesis|Genesis]]. The ''Nights'' concept originated during the development of ''[[Sonic the Hedgehog 2]]'' in 1992, but development did not begin until after the release of ''[[Sonic & Knuckles]]'' in late 1994.<ref name="interview2">{{cite journal|title=Game Masters: Interview with Yuki Naka|journal=[[Hobby Consolas]]|publisher=[[Axel Springer SE|Axel Springer]]|date=1 August 1996|issue=59|pages=28–29 |url=https://archive.org/stream/HobbyConsolas059/Hobby_Consolas_059#page/n27/mode/2up/search/nights|access-date=7 March 2016|language=es}}</ref> Programming began in April 1995 and total development spanned six months.<ref name=interview2 /> [[Yuji Naka]] was lead programmer and producer,{{sfn|Hunt|2012|p=27}} while [[Naoto Ohshima]] and [[Takashi Iizuka (game designer)|Takashi Iizuka]] were director and lead designer, respectively.<ref name=interview2 /><ref name="big">{{cite web|author=blackoak |title=NiGHTS into dreams... – 1996 Developer Interview |url=http://shmuplations.com/nights/|website=Shmuplations|publisher=[[Sega Saturn Magazine]]|access-date=3 March 2016|date=1996 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160514132608/http://shmuplations.com/nights/|archive-date=14 May 2016}}</ref> Naka and Ohshima felt they had spent enough time with the ''Sonic'' franchise and were eager to work on new concepts.<ref name="SatMag11">{{cite magazine|date=September 1996|title=Pillow Talk: An Interview with Team Sonic|url=https://archive.org/details/Official_Sega_Saturn_Magazine_011/page/n37/mode/2up|magazine=[[Sega Saturn Magazine]]|publisher=[[Emap International Limited]]|issue=11|pages=38–41}}</ref> According to Naka, the initial development team consisted of seven people, and grew to 20 as programmers arrived.<ref name=interview2 />{{sfn|Hunt|2012|p=27}}

''Sonic'' creator and project director Ohshima created the character of Nights based on his inspirations from travelling Europe and western Asia. The character design incorporated Japanese, European, and American stylistics in order to give Nights as universal an appeal as possible.<ref name="SatMag11"/> Ohshima later decided that the character should resemble an angel and fly like a bird.{{sfn|Hunt|2012|p=28}} In the context of the game, Nights is a part of every human's subconsciousness, and so was purposely designed to be neither male nor female.<ref name="SatMag11"/> Nights' personality is intended to be a "a mirror of the child's personality."<ref>{{cite web|author=Justin Towell|date=2007-11-27|title=Nights team prefer Gamecube pad to Wii-mote|url=https://www.gamesradar.com/nights-team-prefer-gamecube-pad-to-wii-mote/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110517134555/http://www.gamesradar.com/wii/nights-journey-of-dreams/news/nights-team-prefer-gamecube-pad-to-wii-mote/a-20071127112247116075/g-20070402143948293070|archive-date=May 17, 2011|access-date=2007-12-21|publisher=[[GamesRadar]] UK}}</ref>

Naka originally intended to make ''Nights into Dreams'' a slow-paced game, but as development progressed the gameplay pace gradually increased, in similar vein to ''Sonic'' games.<ref name=interview2 /> The initial concept envisioned the flying character in a rendered 2D sprite art, with side-scrolling features similar to ''Sonic the Hedgehog''.<ref name=big /> The team were hesitant to switch from 2D to 3D, as Naka was sceptical that appealing characters could be created with polygons, in contrast to traditional pixel sprites, which the designers found "more expressive".<ref name=big /> According to Iizuka, the design and story took two years to finalise.{{sfn|Hunt|2012|p=27}} The difficulty was designed with the intent that young and inexperienced players would be able to complete the game, while more experienced players would be compelled by the replay value.<ref>{{cite magazine|date=July 1996|title=An Interview with Mr. Yuji Naka|url=https://archive.org/details/Next-Generation-1996-07/page/n45/mode/2up|magazine=[[Next Generation (magazine)|Next Generation]]|publisher=[[Imagine Media]]|issue=19|page=45}}</ref>

''Nights'' was developed using [[Silicon Graphics]] workstations for graphical designs and Sega Saturn emulators running on [[Hewlett-Packard]] machines for programming. There were problems during early stages of development because of a lack of games to use as reference; the team had to redesign the Spring Valley level numerous times and build "everything from scratch".{{sfn|Hunt|2012|p=28}} The team used the Sega Graphics Library operating system, said by many developers to make programming for the Saturn dramatically easier, only sparingly, instead creating the game almost entirely with custom libraries.<ref name="NGen19">{{cite magazine|date=July 1996|title=Sonic Team Presents: Nights into Dreams|url=https://archive.org/details/Next-Generation-1996-07/page/n41/mode/2up|magazine=[[Next Generation (magazine)|Next Generation]]|publisher=[[Imagine Media]]|issue=19|pages=40–44}}</ref> Because the Sonic Team offices did not include soundproof studios, team members recorded sound effects at night.<ref name=interview2 /> According to Naka, every phrase in the game has a meaning; for example, "abayo" is Japanese slang for "goodbye".<ref name=interview3 /> The team felt that the global market would be less resistant to a game featuring full 3D CGI cut scenes than 2D [[anime]]. Norihiro Nishiyama, the designer of the in-game movies, felt that the 3D cutscenes were a good method to show the different concepts of dreaming and waking up. Naka said that the movies incorporate realism to make it more difficult for the player to disambiguate the boundary between dreams and reality.<ref name=big />

The development took longer than expected because of the team's inexperience with Saturn hardware and uncertainty about using the full 560 megabyte space on the CD-ROM.<ref name="big" /> The team initially thought that the game would consume around 100 megabytes of data, and at one point considered releasing it on two separate discs. Iizuka said that the most difficult part of development was finding a way of handling the "contradiction" of using 2D sidescroller controls in a fully 3D game.<ref name="big" /> Naka limited the flying mechanic to "invisible 2D tracks" because early [[beta release|beta]] testing revealed that the game was too difficult to play in full 3D.<ref name="NGen19" /><ref name="nextgen" /> The standard Saturn gamepad was found to be insufficient to control Nights in flight, so the team developed the Saturn analog controller.<ref name="NGen19" /> It took about six months to develop, and the team went through many ideas for alternate controllers, including one shaped like a Nights doll.<ref name="SatMag11" />

Iizuka said ''Nights'' was inspired by anime and [[Cirque du Soleil]]'s ''Mystère'' theatrical performance.{{sfn|Hunt|2012|p=28}}<ref name=dev>{{cite web|title=Behind The Scenes: NiGHTS Into Dreams|url=http://www.gamestm.co.uk/features/behind-the-scenes-nights-into-dreams/|website=[[GamesTM]]|publisher=[[Imagine Publishing]]|access-date=24 November 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304094038/http://www.gamestm.co.uk/features/behind-the-scenes-nights-into-dreams/|archive-date=4 March 2016}}</ref> The team researched dream sequences and [[REM sleep]], including the works of psychoanalysts [[Carl Jung]], [[Sigmund Freud]] and Friedrich Holtz.<ref name=interview3 /> Iizuka studied dreams and theories about them, such as Jung's theories of dream archetypes. Naka said that Nights reflected Jung's analytical "[[Shadow (psychology)|shadow]]" theory, whereas Claris and Elliot were inspired by Jung's [[animus and anima]].<ref name=interview3 />

== Release ==
[[File:Sega-Saturn-3D-Controller.jpg|thumb|The optional 3D controller that was packaged with ''Nights into Dreams'']]
''Nights into Dreams'' was introduced alongside an optional [[gamepad]], the Saturn 3D controller, included with some copies of the game.<ref name="ng3d">{{cite journal|title=Nights into Dreams (The New 3D Control Pad)|journal=Next Generation|date=October 1996|issue=22|page=17|url=https://archive.org/stream/nextgen-issue-022/Next_Generation_Issue_022_October_1996#page/n15/mode/2up/search/nights+into|access-date=11 April 2016}}</ref> It features an [[analogue stick]] and analogue triggers designed for ''Nights''<ref name=IGN /><ref name=interview3>{{cite web|last=Valentine|first=Digi|title=A Yuji Naka Interview |url=http://www.nightsintodreams.com/?p=1343|website=Nights into Dreams|publisher=Sonic Retro|access-date=29 November 2015|date=13 July 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160324211137/http://www.nightsintodreams.com/?p=1343|archive-date=24 March 2016}}</ref> to make movement easier.{{sfn|Hickman|1996|p=36}} Sonic Team noted the successful twinning of the [[Nintendo 64 controller]] with ''[[Super Mario 64]]'' (1996), and realised that the default Saturn controller was better suited to arcade games than ''Nights into Dreams''.{{sfn|Hunt|2012|p=28}} During development, the director [[Steven Spielberg]] visited the Sonic Team studio and became the first person outside the team to play the game.{{sfn|Hunt|2012|p=28}} Naka asked him to use an experimental version of the Saturn 3D controller, and it was jokingly referred to as the "Spielberg controller" throughout development.<ref name=interview3 />

Because the Nights character was testing very young in [[focus group]]s, Sega used a nighttime scene for the cover art to create a more mature look.<ref>{{cite magazine |title=More than just a Pretty Package |magazine=[[Next Generation (magazine)|Next Generation]]|issue=32 |publisher=[[Imagine Media]] |date=August 1997|page=38 |url=https://archive.org/details/NEXT_Generation_32/page/n39}}</ref> [[Sega of America]], fearing the game would appeal to too young of a demographic in the West, and considered altering the game to better appeal to the older Saturn demographic in the West, though these plans never materialized.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://kotaku.com/sega-documents-leak-90s-saturn-sonic-sony-emails-1850604812 |title=Huge (Sometimes Tragic) Collection of Sega Documents from the '90s Have Leaked |date=5 July 2023 |access-date=15 November 2023 |archive-date=15 November 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231115182608/https://kotaku.com/sega-documents-leak-90s-saturn-sonic-sony-emails-1850604812 |url-status=live }}</ref> ''Nights'' was marketed with a budget of $10&nbsp;million, which included television and print advertisements in the United States.<ref name="surge">{{cite web|last=Fitzgerald|first=Kate |title=Sega powers up the battle surging Sony|url=http://adage.com/article/news/sega-powers-battle-surging-sony-60-mil-campaign-designed-recapture-lead-videogames/78062/|website=[[Advertising Age]]|publisher=[[Crain Communications]]|access-date=20 March 2016|date=19 August 1996|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160512023524/http://adage.com/article/news/sega-powers-battle-surging-sony-60-mil-campaign-designed-recapture-lead-videogames/78062/|archive-date=12 May 2016}}</ref> In the US, it was advertised with the [[advertising slogan|slogan]] "Prepare to fly".<ref>{{cite magazine|date=November 1996|title=The Blitz Is On: A Comparison of the Big Three's Fall Advertising|url=https://retrocdn.net/images/8/89/EGM_US_088.pdf|magazine=[[Electronic Gaming Monthly]]|publisher=[[Ziff Davis]]|issue=88|page=28|access-date=7 August 2020|archive-date=9 October 2022|archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20221009/https://retrocdn.net/images/8/89/EGM_US_088.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref>

== Related games ==

=== ''Christmas Nights'' ===
'''''Christmas NiGHTS into Dreams...'''''{{efn|{{nihongo|'''''Christmas Nights'''''|クリスマスナイツ|Kurisumasu Naitsu}}}} is a short Christmas-themed version of ''Nights into Dreams'' released in December 1996.<ref name="xmas">{{cite web|last1=Williamson|first1=Alan|title=Christmas NiGHTS Into Dreams retrospective|url=http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2013-12-22-christmas-nights-into-dreams|website=[[Eurogamer]]|publisher=Gamer Network|access-date=29 November 2015|date=22 December 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140329092559/http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2013-12-22-christmas-nights-into-dreams|archive-date=29 March 2014}}</ref> Iizuka stated that ''Christmas Nights'' was created to increase Saturn sales.<ref name="interview" /> Development began in July 1996 and took three to four months, according to Naka.{{sfn|Hunt|2012|p=30}} Designer [[Takao Miyoshi]] recalled working "in the peak of summer ... holed up at the office listening to 'Jingle Bells'".<ref name="interview" />

In Japan, ''Christmas Nights'' was included as part of a Christmas Sega Saturn bundle<ref name="interview" /> and distributed free to Saturn owners who covered the shipping cost.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Mielke|first=James|date=2020-08-02|title=Phantasy Star Online's director talks Diablo influences, cut features, and Christmas Nights|url=https://www.polygon.com/interviews/2020/8/2/21348946/phantasy-star-online-director-diablo-cut-features-christmas-nights|access-date=2020-08-24|website=Polygon|language=en|archive-date=30 August 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200830224637/https://www.polygon.com/interviews/2020/8/2/21348946/phantasy-star-online-director-diablo-cut-features-christmas-nights|url-status=live}}</ref> Elsewhere, it was given away with the purchase of Saturn games such as ''[[Daytona USA: Championship Circuit Edition]]'' (1996) or issues of ''Sega Saturn Magazine'' and ''[[Next Generation Magazine]]''.<ref name="interview" /><ref name="matter" /> In the United Kingdom, ''Christmas Nights'' was not included with ''Sega Saturn Magazine'' until December 1997.<ref name="xmas" />

''Christmas Nights'' follows Elliot and Claris during the holiday season following their adventures with Nights. Realizing that the Christmas Star is missing from the Twin Seeds Christmas tree, the pair travel to Nightopia to find it, where they reunite with Nights and retrieve the Christmas Star from Gillwing's lair.<ref name="xmas" />[[File:Christmas Nights gameplay.jpg|thumb|right|270px|''Christmas Nights'' features Christmas-themed levels.]]''Christmas Nights'' contains the full version of Claris' Spring Valley dream level from ''Nights into Dreams'', playable as both Claris and Elliot.<ref name="xmas" /> The Saturn's internal clock changes elements according to the date and time:<ref name="xmas2">{{cite web|last1=Gilbert|first1=Henry|title=Game music of the (holi)day: Christmas Nights Into Dreams|url=http://www.gamesradar.com/game-music-of-the-holiday-christmas-nights-into-dreams/|website=[[GamesRadar]]|publisher=[[Future plc]]|access-date=29 November 2015|date=24 December 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160305040631/http://www.gamesradar.com/game-music-of-the-holiday-christmas-nights-into-dreams/|archive-date=5 March 2016}}</ref> December activates "Christmas Nights" mode, replacing item boxes with Christmas presents, greenery with snow and gumdrops,<ref name="NGen25">{{cite magazine|date=January 1997|title=NG Alphas: Christmas Nights|url=https://archive.org/details/NEXT_Generation_25/page/n117/mode/2up|magazine=[[Next Generation (magazine)|Next Generation]]|publisher=[[Imagine Media]]|issue=25|pages=117–8}}</ref> rings with wreaths,<ref>{{cite web|last1=Peeples|first1=Jeremy|title=Graveyard: Nights Into Dreams (PS2)|url=http://www.hardcoregamer.com/2012/04/03/nights-into-dreams-ps2-import-review/2821/|publisher=Hardcore Gamer|access-date=24 December 2015|date=3 April 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304032434/http://www.hardcoregamer.com/2012/04/03/nights-into-dreams-ps2-import-review/2821/|archive-date=4 March 2016}}</ref> and Ideya captures with Christmas trees; Nightopians wear [[Elf (Christmas)|elf]] costumes, and the music is replaced with a rendition of "[[Jingle Bells]]" and an [[a cappella]] version of the ''Nights'' theme song.<ref name="NGen25" /> During the "Winter Nights" period, the Spring Valley weather changes according to the hour. Other changes apply on [[New Year's Day]], [[Valentine's Day]], [[April Fool's Day]], [[Halloween]], Christmas Day, and December 31, 2099;<ref>{{cite magazine |title=Tips: Christmas Nights |magazine=[[Sega Saturn Magazine]]|issue=28|publisher=[[Emap International Limited]]|date=February 1998|page=77}}</ref> on April Fool's Day, Reala replaces Nights as the playable character.<ref name="interview" /><ref name="xmas" />{{sfn|Hunt|2012|p=30}}

''Nights'' features several unlockable bonuses, such as being able to play the game's soundtrack,<ref name="xmas2" /> observe the status of the A-life system, experiment with the game's music mixer, [[time attack]] one Mare,<ref name="xmassaturn">{{cite magazine|last=Leadbetter|first=Rich|date=January 1997|title=Christmas Nights into Dreams...|url=https://archive.org/details/Official_Sega_Saturn_Magazine_015/page/n51/mode/2up|magazine=[[Sega Saturn Magazine]]|publisher=[[Emap International Limited]]|issue=15|pages=52–57}}</ref> or play as Sega's mascot [[Sonic the Hedgehog (character)|Sonic the Hedgehog]] in the minigame ''Sonic the Hedgehog: Into Dreams.'' Sonic may only play through Spring Valley on foot, and must defeat the boss: an inflatable [[Dr. Robotnik]].<ref name=xmas /> This is Sonic's first appearance on the Saturn.<ref name="xmas" /><ref name="xmassaturn" /> The music is a remixed version of "Final Fever", the final boss battle music from the Japanese and European version of ''[[Sonic CD]]'' (1993).<ref>{{cite web|last1=Towell|first1=Justin|title=Sonic CD review|url=http://www.gamesradar.com/sonic-cd-review/|website=[[GamesRadar]]|publisher=[[Future plc]]|access-date=29 November 2015|date=16 December 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304081914/http://www.gamesradar.com/sonic-cd-review/|archive-date=4 March 2016 }}</ref> In the HD version of ''Nights'', the ''Christmas Nights'' content is playable after the game has been cleared once.<ref name="Nightsdate">{{cite web|url=http://blogs.sega.com/2012/09/17/nights-into-dreams%E2%80%A6-and-sonic-adventure-2-available-in-october |title=NiGHTS into dreams... and Sonic Adventure 2 Available in October |website=Sega.com |publisher=[[Sega]] |date=17 September 2012 |access-date=14 October 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160526234514/http://blogs.sega.com/2012/09/17/nights-into-dreams%E2%80%A6-and-sonic-adventure-2-available-in-october/|archive-date=26 May 2016}}</ref>

=== Sequel ===
{{Main|Nights: Journey of Dreams}}
Sonic Team made a prototype Saturn sequel with the title ''Air Nights'' for the Saturn, and began development for the Dreamcast.<ref name="ODM-UK" /><ref name=london>{{cite web| url = http://www.nightsintodreams.com/?p=640 | title = Our Takashi Iizuka Q&A| access-date = 1 December 2007| first= Lynne|last=Triplett | date = 16 November 2007| publisher = Nights into Dreams.com |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20071209130318/http://www.nightsintodreams.com/NiD/black/iizuka/interview.htm |archive-date = 9 December 2007}}</ref> In August 1999, Naka confirmed that a sequel was in development;<ref name="ODM-US">{{cite magazine|title=Interview With the Creator of Sonic Adventure|magazine=[[Official Dreamcast Magazine (US)]]|publisher=[[Imagine Media]]|date=August 1999|issue=1|page=21|url=https://archive.org/stream/Official_Dreamcast_Magazine_The_Issue_01_1999-09_Imagine_Publishing_US#page/n19/mode/2up/search/nights|access-date=28 November 2015}}</ref> by December 2000, however, it had been cancelled.<ref name="ODM-UK" /> Naka expressed reluctance to develop a sequel,<ref name="ODM-UK">{{cite magazine|last1=Lomas|first1=Ed|date=December 2000|editor-last=Chrismas|editor-first=Warren|title=Sonic Team Player|url=https://archive.org/details/ODMUK14/page/n33/mode/2up|magazine=[[Official Dreamcast Magazine (UK)]]|publisher=[[Dennis Publishing]]|issue=14|page=35|quote="I know a lot of people love it and want us to make a sequel, but for us it's a really important game. Like the way Spielberg likes ''E.T.'' so much he won't remake it, I don't want to make another ''Nights''. As soon as we realised this, we stopped making it... Yes, we made it up to a certain point. You know linear sensors? Well we made this system where you could remove the cable from the original pad and control Nights... it was called ''Air Nights''. We made in on Dreamcast for a while as well, but we stopped".}}</ref> but later said he was interested in using ''Nights into Dreams'' "to reinforce Sega's identity".<ref name="Edge identity">{{cite magazine|author=Anon.|editor-last=Diniz-Sanches|editor-first=Joaõ|magazine=[[Edge (magazine)|Edge]]|publisher=[[Future plc|Future Publishing]]|title=Inside... Sega Japan|issue=129|date=November 2003|page=55|quote=I see Nights as a licence. When dealing with such a licence from the past it is quite a lot of work, but I would like to use Nights to reinforce Sega's identity, yes.}}</ref> Aside from a [[handheld electronic game]] released by [[Tiger Electronics]]<ref name="handheld">{{cite web|url=http://www.handheldmuseum.com/Tiger/NightsIntoDreams.htm |title=Electronic Handheld Museum: ''Nights Into Dreams'' handheld |publisher=Handheldmuseum.com|access-date=14 October 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160508091313/http://handheldmuseum.com/Tiger/NightsIntoDreams.htm|archive-date=8 May 2016}}</ref> and small [[minigames]] featured in several Sega games, no sequel was released for a Sega console.

A sequel, ''[[Nights: Journey of Dreams]],'' was announced for the [[Wii]] in April 2007.<ref name="ign-official">{{cite web| url = http://uk.ign.com/articles/2007/04/02/nights-is-official| title = Nights is Official| last1= Casamassina | first1=Matt|date = 2 April 2007 | website = [[IGN]]|publisher=[[Ziff Davis]]|access-date=3 April 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151126115156/http://www.ign.com/articles/2007/04/02/nights-is-official|archive-date=26 November 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine|title=あの『NiGHTS（ナイツ）』の最新作がWiiで発売決定！ |url=http://www.famitsu.com/game/news/2007/04/02/103,1175488436,69395,0,0.html |magazine=[[Famitsu]] |publisher=[[Enterbrain]] |access-date=29 November 2015 |language=ja |date=2 April 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303212423/http://www.famitsu.com/game/news/2007/04/02/103%2C1175488436%2C69395%2C0%2C0.html |archive-date=3 March 2016 |url-status=dead }}</ref> It was first previewed on Portuguese publication ''Maxi Consolas'', after the release of short reveals from the ''[[Official Nintendo Magazine]]'' and ''Game Reactor''.<ref name="c&vg-maxiconsolas-summary">{{cite web| title = Nights Wii – First details! | url=http://www.computerandvideogames.com/article.php?id=161186 | last1= Robinson | first1=Andy|date = 30 March 2007 | publisher = [[Future plc]]| website=[[Computer and Video Games]]|access-date=31 March 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070715053247/http://www.computerandvideogames.com/article.php?id=161186|archive-date=15 July 2007}}</ref> It is a Wii exclusive, making use of the [[Wii Remote]].<ref name="ign-official" /> The gameplay involves the use of various masks,<ref>{{cite web|last1=Hatfield|first1=Daemon|title=Get to Know NiGHTS' Personas|url=http://uk.ign.com/articles/2007/10/02/get-to-know-nights-personas|website=[[IGN]]|publisher=[[Ziff Davis]]|access-date=29 November 2015|date=2 October 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141122182705/http://uk.ign.com/articles/2007/10/02/get-to-know-nights-personas|archive-date=22 November 2014 }}</ref> and features a multiplayer mode for two players<ref name="ign-official" /> in addition to [[Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection]] online functions.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Meilke |first1=James |title=NiGHTS Cover Story |url=http://www.1up.com/do/minisite?cId=3163298 |website=[[1UP.com|1UP]] |publisher=[[Ziff Davis]] |access-date=29 November 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160524112058/http://www.1up.com/do/minisite?cId=3163298 |archive-date=24 May 2016 |url-status=dead }}</ref> ''Journey of Dreams'' was developed by [[Sega Studio USA]],<ref name="ign-official" /> with Iizuka, one of the designers of the original game, serving as producer.<ref name="joystiq-iizuka producer">{{cite web|last1=Davies|first1=Jonti|date=2 April 2007|title=Nights: Journey of Dreams confirmed for Wii this winter|url=http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/02/Nights-journey-of-dreams-confirmed-for-wii-this-winter/|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150212190357/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/02/Nights-journey-of-dreams-confirmed-for-wii-this-winter/|archive-date=12 February 2015|access-date=3 April 2007|publisher=[[Joystiq]]}}</ref> It was released in Japan and the United States in December 2007, and in Europe and Australia in January 2008.<ref name="IGN-dates">{{cite web| url=http://uk.ign.com/games/nights-journey-of-dreams/wii-873984 | title="IGN: Nights: Journey of Dreams" Game Profile| website=[[IGN]] |publisher=[[Ziff Davis]] |access-date= 14 January 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150106085354/http://uk.ign.com/games/nights-journey-of-dreams/wii-873984|archive-date=6 January 2015 }}</ref> In 2010, Iizuka said that he would be interested in making a third ''Nights into Dreams'' game.<ref name="Gamestm Iizuka">{{cite web |url=http://www.gamestm.co.uk/discuss/sonic-teams-takashi-iizuka-wants-to-make-nights-3-knuckles-chaotix-2/ |title=Sonic Team's Takashi Iizuka wants to make NiGHTS 3, Knuckles Chaotix 2 |date=23 August 2010 |work=[[GamesTM]] |publisher=[[Imagine Publishing]] |access-date=11 February 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160406044415/http://www.gamestm.co.uk/discuss/sonic-teams-takashi-iizuka-wants-to-make-nights-3-knuckles-chaotix-2/|archive-date=6 April 2016}}</ref>

== 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> and was one of the systems top sellers in the Christmas 1996 season.<ref>{{cite magazine|date=April 1997|title=Who Won the Videogame Wars of 1996?|url=https://archive.org/details/NEXT_Generation_28/page/n17/mode/2up|magazine=[[Next Generation (magazine)|Next Generation]]|publisher=[[Imagine Media]]|issue=28|page=17}}</ref> In the UK, ''Nights into Dreams'' was one of the top selling Sega Saturn games of 1996.<ref>{{cite magazine |title=Editorial |magazine=[[Computer and Video Games]] |publisher=[[EMAP]] |location=United Kingdom |issue=183 (February 1997) |date=10 January 1997 |pages=6–7 |url=https://archive.org/details/Computer_and_Video_Games_Issue_183_1997-02_EMAP_Images_GB/page/n5/mode/2up}}</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 = 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 = 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>

== Legacy and adaptations ==
''Nights into Dreams'' has appeared on several [[list of video games considered the best|best-game-of-all-time]] lists. In a January 2000 poll by ''Computer and Video Games'', readers named it the 15th greatest game, behind ''Super Mario 64''.<ref>{{cite journal|title=100 Greatest Games of All Time|journal=[[Computer and Video Games]]|date=January 2000|issue=218|pages=53–67|publisher=[[Future plc]]}}</ref> ''IGN'' ranked it the 94th best game of all time in 2007,<ref name=onehundred>{{cite web|title=Top 100 Games list|url=http://au.top100.ign.com/2007/ign_top_game_94.html|website=[[IGN]]|publisher=[[Ziff Davis]]|access-date=29 November 2015 |url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110811235930/http://au.top100.ign.com/2007/ign_top_game_94.html|archive-date=11 August 2011}}</ref> and in 2008, Levi Buchanan ranked it fourth in his list of the top 10 Sega Saturn games.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://uk.ign.com/articles/2008/07/29/top-10-sega-saturn-games | title = Top 10 Sega Saturn Games | access-date = 3 April 2013 | last = Buchanan | first = Levi | date = 29 July 2008 | website=[[IGN]] |publisher=[[Ziff Davis]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121214093632/http://www.ign.com/articles/2008/07/29/top-10-sega-saturn-games|archive-date=14 December 2012 }}</ref> ''Next Generation'' ranked it the 25th best game in their September 1996 issue (one month before they actually reviewed the game, and roughly two months before it saw release outside Japan).<ref>{{cite journal|title=100 Greatest Games of All Time|journal=[[Next Generation (magazine)|Next Generation]]|publisher=[[Imagine Media]]|date=September 1996|issue=21|page=60|url=https://archive.org/stream/nextgen-issue-021/Next_Generation_Issue_021_September_1996#page/n63/mode/2up/search/nights|access-date=29 November 2015}}</ref> [[1UP.com|''1UP'']] ranked it third in its "Top Ten Cult Classics" list.<ref>{{cite web|title=Top 10 cult classics |website=[[1UP.com|1UP]] |publisher=[[Ziff Davis]] |date=22 June 2005 |url=http://www.1up.com/do/feature?cId=3141616 |access-date=29 November 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160525015313/http://www.1up.com/features/top-10-cult-classics |archive-date=25 May 2016 |url-status=dead }}</ref> In 2014, ''[[GamesRadar]]'' listed ''Nights into Dreams'' as the best Sega Saturn game of all time, saying it "tapped into a new kind of platform gameplay for its era".<ref>{{cite web|title=Best Saturn games of all time|url=http://www.gamesradar.com/best-saturn-games-all-time/|publisher=[[GamesRadar]]|access-date=29 November 2015|date=6 March 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160408045155/http://www.gamesradar.com/best-saturn-games-all-time/|archive-date=8 April 2016}}</ref> Naka said that the release of ''Nights'' was when Sonic Team was truly formed as a brand.<ref name="Edge 89">{{Cite magazine|date=October 2000|title=Sega's new beginning|url=https://archive.org/details/EDGE.N089.2000.10/page/45/mode/2up|magazine=[[Edge (magazine)|Edge]]|publisher=[[Future plc]]|pages=68–78|issn=1350-1593|number=89}}</ref>

=== Remakes ===
Sega released a [[Video game remake|remake]] of ''Nights into Dreams'' for the [[PlayStation 2]] exclusively in Japan on 21 February 2008. It includes 16:9 wide screen support, an illustration gallery and features the ability to play the game in classic Saturn graphics.<ref name=ps2>{{cite web|title=Nights Dreaming on PS2|url=http://uk.ign.com/articles/2007/11/20/nights-dreaming-on-ps2|website=[[IGN]]|publisher=[[Ziff Davis]]|access-date=29 November 2015|date=19 November 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151010143916/http://www.ign.com/articles/2007/11/20/nights-dreaming-on-ps2|archive-date=10 October 2015}}</ref> The game was also featured in a bundle named the Nightopia Dream Pack, which includes a reprint of a picture book that was released in Japan alongside the original Saturn game.<ref name=ps2 /><ref>{{cite magazine|url=http://www.famitsu.com/game/coming/1211999_1407.html |title=Nights into dreams... coming |magazine=[[Famitsu]] |publisher=[[Enterbrain]] |date=24 November 2007|language=ja |access-date=14 October 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303172133/http://www.famitsu.com/game/coming/1211999_1407.html|archive-date=3 March 2016}}</ref> A ''Nights into Dreams'' handheld electronic game was released by Tiger Electronics in 1997,<ref name="handheld" /> and a port of it was later released for Tiger's unsuccessful [[R-Zone]] console.<ref>{{cite web|title=Tiger Electronics Nights Into Dreams|url=https://www.engadget.com/products/tiger-electronics/nights-into-dreams/specs/|website=[[Engadget]]|publisher=[[AOL]]|access-date=24 December 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151225085034/http://www.engadget.com/products/tiger-electronics/nights-into-dreams/specs/|archive-date=25 December 2015}}</ref>

A [[High-definition video|high definition]] remaster of the PlayStation 2 version was released for [[PlayStation Network]] and [[Xbox Live Arcade]] in October 2012.<ref name="Sega HD PS3 released">{{cite web|url=http://blogs.sega.com/2012/10/02/available-now-sonic-adventure-2-and-nights-into-dreams/|title=Available Now: Sonic Adventure 2 and NiGHTS into Dreams...|date=2 October 2012|work=Sega.com|publisher=[[Sega]]|access-date=23 November 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160422021651/http://blogs.sega.com/2012/10/02/available-now-sonic-adventure-2-and-nights-into-dreams/|archive-date=22 April 2016}}</ref><ref name="Sega HD release dates">{{cite web|url=http://blogs.sega.com/2012/09/17/nights-into-dreams%E2%80%A6-and-sonic-adventure-2-available-in-october/|title=NiGHTS into dreams... and Sonic Adventure 2 Available in October|date=17 September 2012|work=Sega.com|publisher=[[Sega]]|access-date=19 September 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160526234514/http://blogs.sega.com/2012/09/17/nights-into-dreams%E2%80%A6-and-sonic-adventure-2-available-in-october/|archive-date=26 May 2016}}</ref> A [[Windows]] version was released via [[Steam (service)|Steam]] on in December 2012, with online score leaderboards and the option to play with enhanced graphics or with the original Saturn graphics.<ref name="Sega HD announce">{{cite web|url=http://blogs.sega.com/2012/12/17/nights-into-steam/|title=NiGHTS into Steam|date=17 December 2012|work=Sega.com|publisher=[[Sega]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160219183146/http://blogs.sega.com/2012/12/17/nights-into-steam/|archive-date=19 February 2016|access-date=17 December 2012}}</ref> The HD version also includes ''Christmas Nights'', but the two-player mode and ''Sonic the Hedgehog'' level were removed.<ref name="Sega HD release dates" /><ref>{{cite web|last=Mitchell |first=Richard |url=http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/02/deja-review-nights-into-dreams/ |title=Deja Review: Nights into Dreams |website=[[Joystiq]] |publisher=[[AOL]] |date=2 October 2012 |access-date=14 October 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150131161303/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/02/deja-review-nights-into-dreams/|archive-date=31 January 2015}}</ref>

=== In other media ===
Claris and Elliot appear in Sonic Team's ''[[Burning Rangers]]'' (1998).<ref>{{cite web|last1=Buchanan|first1=Levi|title=Burning Rangers retro review|url=http://uk.ign.com/articles/2008/09/03/burning-rangers-retro-review|website=[[IGN]]|publisher=[[Ziff Davis]]|access-date=28 November 2015|date=3 September 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130108125714/http://www.ign.com/articles/2008/09/03/burning-rangers-retro-review|archive-date=8 January 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last1=LaPlante|first1=Lucas|title=Burning Rangers overview|url=http://www.hardcoregaming101.net/burningrangers/burningrangers.htm|website=Hardcore Gaming 101|publisher=DoubleJump Publishing|access-date=28 November 2015|date=10 September 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160429014528/http://www.hardcoregaming101.net/burningrangers/burningrangers.htm|archive-date=29 April 2016}}</ref> ''Nights''-themed pinball areas feature in ''[[Sonic Adventure]]'' (1998) and ''[[Sonic Pinball Party]]'' (2003).<ref>{{cite web|last1=Harris|first1=Craig|title=Sonic Pinball Party|url=http://uk.ign.com/articles/2003/05/29/sonic-pinball-party|website=[[IGN]]|publisher=[[Ziff Davis]]|access-date=28 November 2015|date=28 May 2003|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151210191825/http://www.ign.com/articles/2003/05/29/sonic-pinball-party|archive-date=10 December 2015}}</ref> The [[PlayStation 2]] games ''[[EyeToy: Play]]'' (2003) and ''[[Sega SuperStars]]'' (2004) both feature [[minigame]]s based on ''Nights into Dreams'', in which Nights is controlled using the player's body.{{sfn|Hunt|2012|p=27}}<ref name=matter>{{cite web|last1=Buchanan|first1=Levi|title=Does Nights Still Matter?|url=http://uk.ign.com/articles/2007/10/18/does-nights-still-matter|website=[[IGN]]|publisher=[[Ziff Davis]]|access-date=28 November 2015|date=18 October 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150705021730/http://www.ign.com/articles/2007/10/18/does-nights-still-matter|archive-date=5 July 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last1=Baker |first1=Chris |title=Sega SuperStars review |url=http://www.1up.com/reviews/sega-superstars_2 |website=[[1UP.com|1UP]] |publisher=[[Ziff Davis]] |access-date=28 November 2015 |date=16 November 2004 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160603194326/http://www.1up.com/reviews/sega-superstars_2 |archive-date=3 June 2016 |url-status=dead }}</ref> Nights is also an unlockable character in ''[[Sonic Riders]]'' (2006) and ''[[Sonic Riders: Zero Gravity]]'' (2008).<ref>{{cite web|last1=Towell|first1=Justin|title=Sonic and NiGHTS go golfing together|url=http://www.gamesradar.com/sonic-and-nights-go-golfing-together/|work=[[GamesRadar]]|publisher=[[Future plc]]|access-date=28 November 2015|date=7 June 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160513013520/http://www.gamesradar.com/sonic-and-nights-go-golfing-together/|archive-date=13 May 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine|last1=Söldner |first1=Von Michael |title=Sonic Riders: Zero Gravity – Gastauftritt für Nights-Hauptcharakter |url=http://www.gamepro.de/nintendo/spiele/wii/sonic-riders-zero-gravity/news/sonic_riders_zero_gravity,43963,1304235.html |magazine=[[GamePro]] |publisher=[[International Data Group]] |access-date=28 November 2015 |language=de |date=11 January 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160519015729/http://www.gamepro.de/nintendo/spiele/wii/sonic-riders-zero-gravity/news/sonic_riders_zero_gravity%2C43963%2C1304235.html |archive-date=19 May 2016 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

A minigame version of ''Nights into Dreams'' is playable through using the [[Nintendo GameCube – Game Boy Advance link cable]] connectivity with ''[[Phantasy Star Online Episode I & II]]'' (2002)<ref>{{cite web | last1=Harris |first1=Craig | title=E3 2002: Nights on the GBA | url=http://uk.ign.com/articles/2002/05/22/e3-2002-nights-on-the-gba | date=22 May 2002| website=[[IGN]]|publisher=[[Ziff Davis]]| access-date=4 August 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150611133153/http://www.ign.com/articles/2002/05/22/e3-2002-nights-on-the-gba|archive-date=11 June 2015}}</ref> and ''[[Billy Hatcher and the Giant Egg]]'' (2003).{{sfn|Hunt|2012|p=27}}<ref>{{cite web|title=Billy Hatcher GBA bonus games for download|url=http://www.computerandvideogames.com/article.php?id=95434|website=[[Computer and Video Games]]|publisher=[[Future plc]]|access-date=28 November 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080221005331/http://www.computerandvideogames.com/article.php?id=95434|archive-date=21 February 2008 |date=22 August 2003}}</ref> Following a successful fan campaign by a ''Nights into Dreams'' [[fansite]], the character Nights was integrated into ''[[Sonic & Sega All-Stars Racing]]'' (2010) as a [[traffic guard]].<ref>{{cite web|last1=Fahey|first1=Mike|title=Fan Pleading Got NiGHTS Into Sonic & Sega All-Star Racing|url=http://kotaku.com/5462384/fan-pleading-got-nights-into-sonic--sega-all-star-racing|website=[[Kotaku]]|publisher=[[Gawker Media]]|access-date=28 November 2015|date=2 February 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160502183437/http://kotaku.com/5462384/fan-pleading-got-nights-into-sonic--sega-all-star-racing|archive-date=2 May 2016}}</ref> Nights and Reala also appear as playable characters in ''[[Sega Superstars Tennis]]'' (2008), ''[[Sonic & All-Stars Racing Transformed]]'' (2012)<ref name=track>{{cite web|last1=Phillips|first1=Tom|title=NiGHTS playable in Sonic & Sega All Stars: Racing Transformed|url=http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2012-07-07-nights-playable-in-sonic-and-sega-all-stars-racing-transformed|website=[[Eurogamer]]|publisher=Gamer Network|access-date=28 November 2015|date=7 July 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304064209/http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2012-07-07-nights-playable-in-sonic-and-sega-all-stars-racing-transformed|archive-date=4 March 2016}}</ref> the latter of which also features a ''Nights into Dreams''-themed racetrack.<ref name=track /><ref>{{cite web|last1=Plante|first1=Chris|title=Sonic & All-Stars Racing Transformed is an enjoyably surreal experience|url=http://www.polygon.com/2012/12/4/3724444/sonic-all-stars-racing-transformed-review|website=[[Polygon (website)|Polygon]]|publisher=[[Vox Media]]|access-date=28 November 2015|date=4 December 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304075210/http://www.polygon.com/2012/12/4/3724444/sonic-all-stars-racing-transformed-review|archive-date=4 March 2016}}</ref> and Nights will also be added as free [[downloadable content]] in ''[[Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds]]'' (2025).<ref name=Nights>{{cite web | last=Scullion | first=Chris | title=Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds' final DLC racer is another classic video game character | website=VGC | date=September 19, 2025 | url=https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/sonic-racing-crossworlds-final-dlc-racer-is-another-classic-video-game-character/ | access-date=September 19, 2025}}</ref> The limited Deadly Six edition of ''[[Sonic Lost World]]'' (2013) features a ''Nights into Dreams''-inspired stage, "Nightmare Zone", as downloadable content.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Senior|first1=Tom|title=Sonic Lost World dashes onto PC|url=http://www.pcgamer.com/sonic-lost-world-dashes-onto-pc/|work=[[PC Gamer]] |publisher=[[Future plc]]|access-date=28 November 2015|date=3 November 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160504074734/http://www.pcgamer.com//sonic-lost-world-dashes-onto-pc/|archive-date=4 May 2016}}</ref>

=== Comics ===
In February 1998, [[Archie Comics]] partnered with Sega of America to adapt ''Nights into Dreams'' into a three-issue comic book [[miniseries]]<ref>{{cite web | author=Manga Punk Sai | title=Parody into Dreams | url=http://www.angelfire.com/anime6/parodyintodreams/main.htm | date=13 December 2004|access-date=28 November 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160513020113/http://www.angelfire.com/anime6/parodyintodreams/main.htm|archive-date=13 May 2016}}</ref> to test whether a Nights comic would sell well in North America.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Peele|first1=Britton|title=10 hard-to-find classics that deserve a second chance|url=http://www.gamesradar.com/10-hard-find-classics-deserve-second-chance/?page=3|website=[[GamesRadar]]|publisher=[[Future plc]]|access-date=28 November 2015|date=8 February 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151208115938/http://www.gamesradar.com/10-hard-find-classics-deserve-second-chance/?page=3|archive-date=8 December 2015}}</ref> The first miniseries was loosely based on the game, with Nights identified as male despite the character's androgynous design. The company later released a second three-issue miniseries, continuing the story of the first, but the series did not gain enough sales to warrant an ongoing series. It was later added to a list of guest franchises featured in Archie Comics' ''Worlds Unite'' crossover between its ''[[Sonic the Hedgehog (comics)|Sonic the Hedgehog]]'' and ''[[Mega Man (Archie Comics)|Mega Man]]'' comics.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Scheeden|first1=Jesse|title=Capcom and Sega Join Forces for Worlds Unite Comic Book Crossover|url=http://uk.ign.com/articles/2015/02/26/capcom-and-sega-join-forces-for-worlds-unite-comic-book-crossover|website=[[IGN]]|publisher=[[Ziff Davis]]|access-date=28 November 2015|date=26 February 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150223230253/http://www.ign.com/articles/2015/02/23/capcom-and-sega-join-forces-for-worlds-unite-comic-book-crossover|archive-date=23 February 2015}}</ref>

=== Appearances in movies===

''Nights into Dreams'' makes a cameo appearance in the ''Sonic The Hedgehog'' movie produced by Paramount after gaining the movie rights to use Sega characters from Sega of America.{{Citation needed|date=November 2025}}

== Footnotes ==
{{Notelist}}

== References ==
'''Citations'''
{{Reflist|30em}}

'''Bibliography'''
{{Refbegin}}
*{{cite journal|last=Hickman|first=Sam|title=The Dream Team|journal=[[Sega Saturn Magazine]]|publisher=[[EMAP]]|date=August 1996|issue=10|pages=34–41|url=https://archive.org/stream/Official_Sega_Saturn_Magazine_010/Official_Sega_Saturn_Magazine_010_-_aug_1996_UK#page/n33/mode/2up|access-date=24 November 2015}}
*{{cite journal|last=Hunt|first=Stuart|title=The Making of Nights into Dreams...|journal=[[Retro Gamer]]|date=December 2012|issue=45|pages=26–31|publisher=[[Imagine Publishing]]}}
{{Refend}}

== External links ==
*{{Official website}} {{in lang|ja}}
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20150402152317/http://sega.jp/ps2/nights/ Official website for the PlayStation 2 remake] {{in lang|ja}}

{{Sonic Team}}
{{Franchises owned by Sega Sammy Holdings}}
{{Portal bar|Video games|1990s}}
{{Authority control}}

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[[Category:1996 video games]]
[[Category:Action games]]
[[Category:Christmas video games]]
[[Category:Fantasy video games]]
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[[Category:PlayStation Network games]]
[[Category:Multiplayer and single-player video games]]
[[Category:Sega video game franchises]]
[[Category:Sega Saturn games]]
[[Category:Sonic Team games]]
[[Category:Tiger Electronics handheld games]]
[[Category:Video games developed in Japan]]
[[Category:Video games with 2.5D graphics]]
[[Category:Windows games]]
[[Category:Xbox 360 games]]
[[Category:Xbox 360 Live Arcade games]]
[[Category:Video games produced by Yuji Naka]]
[[Category:Video games about dreams]]
[[Category:Video games about magic]]
[[Category:Video games adapted into comics]]
[[Category:Video games featuring female protagonists]]
[[Category:Video games scored by Fumie Kumatani]]
[[Category:Video games scored by Naofumi Hataya]]
[[Category:Video games scored by Tomoko Sasaki]]