History VideoGame / NightsIntoDreams

The main objective of each level is to collect enough "Blue Chips" in order to recover objects known as "Ideya" from Wizeman's minions: the Nightmaren. The controls are separated into two distinct styles: the children and [=NiGHTS=]. Claris and Elliot can only walk on the ground and are constantly chased by an "Alarm Egg", which will [[CrashingDreams wake them up]] and end the game if it catches up to them. [=NiGHTS=] is able to "[[FusionDance dualize]]" with one of the children, doing so will allow [=NiGHTS=] to leave the prison temporarily. [=NiGHTS=] can fly, perform complex aerial acrobatics, and drill through the air very quickly. After all the Ideya in a level has been recovered, [=NiGHTS=] will be teleported to a boss fight, and good rankings in all stages are needed to access the final boss and ending. The original game was ported over to the UsefulNotes/PlayStation2 in 2008, but was [[NoExportForYou never officially released outside of Japan]]. It eventually served as the foundation for an [[UpdatedRerelease HD Remake]] in 2012, for UsefulNotes/{{Steam}}, UsefulNotes/PlayStation3 and UsefulNotes/Xbox360.

Developed by Creator/SonicTeam for the UsefulNotes/SegaSaturn in 1996, ''[=NiGHTS=] into Dreams...'' is Creator/{{Sega}}'s most iconic game that feature neither an [[Franchise/SonicTheHedgehog anthropomorphic, blue hedgehog]] nor a [[VideoGame/{{Yakuza}} Japanese mafioso with a dragon tattoo]].

The main objective of each level is to collect enough "Blue Chips" in order to recover objects known as "Ideya" from Wizeman's minions: the Nightmaren. The controls are separated into two distinct styles: the children and [=NiGHTS=]. Claris and Elliot can only walk on the ground and are constantly chased by an "Alarm Egg", which will [[CrashingDreams wake them up]] and end the game if it catches up to them. [=NiGHTS=] is able to "[[FusionDance dualize]]" with one of the children, doing so will allow [=NiGHTS=] to leave the prison temporarily. [=NiGHTS=] can fly, perform complex aerial acrobatics, and drill through the air very quickly. After all the Ideya in a level has been recovered, [=NiGHTS=] will be teleported to a boss fight.

The game also features a complex (for its time) VirtualPet system known as "A-Life". Every stage is inhabited by child-like creatures called "Nightopians", which will react to your actions around them. Hatching their eggs and protecting them from hostile Nightmaren will please them and cause them to react positively when you approach. Harming or acting recklessly around them will scare them and cause them to run away from you.

''[=NiGHTS=] into Dreams...'' was heavily inspired by the theories of UsefulNotes/SigmundFreud and UsefulNotes/CarlJung, and is well-known for its [[{{Surrealism}} trippy]] (yet [[SceneryPorn gorgeous]]) visuals, and soundtrack. ''[=NiGHTS=]'' has become a CultClassic, and despite the low sales, is considered one of SEGA's most iconic franchises.

''Christmas [=NiGHTS=]'' was released only a few months after the original game, during the Holiday season of 1996, also for the Sega Saturn. It features only a single level, which is just a Christmas-themed reskin of the Spring Valley level and Gillwing boss fight from the main game. ''Christmas [=NiGHTS=]'' features a plethora of bonus content, including an extensive HolidayMode, which reacts not only to the date but also the time of day.

The original game was ported over to the UsefulNotes/PlayStation2 in 2008. It features a few [[PolishedPort technical enhancements]], ''Christmas [=NiGHTS=]'' as a game mode, and some additional bonus content. This port was [[NoExportForYou never officially released outside of Japan]], however it eventually served as the foundation for an [[UpdatedRerelease HD Remake]] in 2012, for UsefulNotes/{{Steam}}, UsefulNotes/PlayStation3 and UsefulNotes/Xbox360.

A proper sequel was released in 2007 for the UsefulNotes/{{Wii}}. Unlike its predecessor, ''[=NiGHTS=]: Journey of Dreams'' features a more traditional narrative, with a larger cast of characters and greater emphasis on world-building and character development.

The ''[=NiGHTS=]'' and ''Sonic The Hedgehog'' series have always been closely intertwined with each other. ''Christmas [=NiGHTS=]'' features a tech demo that has the honor of being Sonic's first foray into 3D gameplay, predating ''VideoGame/SonicJam'' by about six months. Likewise, [=NiGHTS=] and other related characters have made numerous appearances in various ''Sonic'' games, including a few [[VideoGame/SonicPinballParty outright]] [[VideoGame/SonicLostWorld crossovers]]. In fact, it's not inaccurate to say that [=NiGHTS=] has made more appearances in Sonic's games than they have in their own.

A [[ComicBook/NiGHTSIntoDreams six-issue miniseries]] by Creator/ArchieComics was published in 1998. Unrelated to that, "The World of ''[=NiGHTS=] into Dreams...''" made an appearance in the ''[[ComicBook/SonicTheHedgehogMegaManWorldsUnite Worlds Unite]]'' crossover event, also by Archie.

* ''[=NiGHTS=]: Journey of Dreams'' (UsefulNotes/{{Wii}}, 2007)

* ''[=NiGHTS Into Dreams=]'' (Creator/ArchieComics, 1998)

!!This video game series provides examples of:

* ActionGirl: Helen from ''Journey of Dreams'', especially when she [[spoiler:rescues Will]].

* AllWitchesHaveCats: Bomamba has a whole swarm of black cats. They're the source of her magic power.
* AndIMustScream: Before the Bellbridge level in Journey of Dreams, Owl warns the visitors that being tossed into the black sea that surrounds the HubLevel would most likely strip them of their Ideya, lock their consciousness in an eternal nightmare, and put them in a coma in the waking world. [[spoiler:When they are eventually forced into the sea by Wizeman, their will and their Red Ideya manage to spare them from this fate.]]
%%* AnimeHair: In the first game.

%%* [[spoiler:AndThenJohnWasAZombie: Averted]] in the second game.

* ChildPopstar:
** When you achieve the incomplete ending on Journey of Dreams, whoever you got it as sings the credit music.
** Helen herself employs the trope, being a skilled violinist.

* ClockTower: This is the final "race" stage of ''Journey of Dreams'', and it precedes the final boss.

* ContinuityNod: Elliot and Claris can be unlocked for use in the HubLevel in the sequel.

* CrystalLandscape: One of Helen Cartwright's [[DreamLand Dream Lands]] in Nightopia manifests as Crystal Castle, also known as the Land of Glass. [[ExactlyWhatItSaysOnTheTin As its name implies]], the world and everything in it is made of a crystalline glass.

* CuttingTheKnot: Gilwing, the first boss of ''[=NiGHTS=] into dreams...'' is normally defeated by repeatedly flying into its head, causing it to lose a section of its tail each time. Or you can paraloop the tip of its tail, killing it instantly.

* FoeYay: [[invoked]][=NiGHTS=] and Reala, with the latter seemingly making it a point of capturing the former every other level or so (and getting up close and personal about it).
* FriendlyEnemy: Sort of. [=NiGHTS=] expresses concern for Reala [[spoiler:when the other [[ISurrenderSuckers fakes an injury]] in ''Journey of Dreams'']], and the two apparently chat from time to time when they're not beating the crap out of each other.

%%* GoOutWithASmile: [[spoiler:[=NiGHTS=] in the true ending]].

* HeroicSacrifice: [[spoiler:[=NiGHTS=] seemingly performs one of these to take out Wizeman for good during the true ending... only to be revealed as still alive in TheStinger.]]
* HubLevel: Dream Gate in ''Journey of Dreams'' is traversed to access each main level.
* JumpScare: One takes place in Helen's opening cutscene. An image of her mother appears on a store window... Which quickly turns into a monster that shatters the window and startles both Helen and the player!

%%* NinjaButterfly: Owl.

%%* TheOwlKnowingOne: Guess who.

%%* UpgradeArtifact: The Persona in ''Journey of Dreams''.

* WhatHappenedToTheMouse: Reala is surprisingly absent from the ending of the second game, and the yellow Ideya is nowhere to be found. [[spoiler:Both are averted in the true ending.]]

A proper sequel was released in 2007 for the UsefulNotes/{{Wii}}. Unlike its predessecor, ''[=NiGHTS=]: Journey of Dreams'' features a more traditional narrative, with a larger cast of characters and greater emphasis on world-building and character development.

A six-issue miniseries by Creator/ArchieComics was published in 1998. Unrelated to that, "The World of ''[=NiGHTS=] into Dreams...''" made an appearance in the ''[[ComicBook/SonicTheHedgehogMegaManWorldsUnite Worlds Unite]]'' crossover event, also by Archie.

* ''SEGA Superstars Tennis'' ([=PS2=], [[UsefulNotes/TheSeventhGenerationOfConsoleVideoGames 7th Gen Consoles]], 2008)[[note]][=NiGHTS=] and Reala are playable characters.[[/note]]
* ''Sonic & All-Stars Racing Transformed'' (7th Gen Consoles, 2012)[[note]][=NiGHTS=] and Reala are playable characters, and the track "Dream Valley" is ''[=NiGHTS=]''-based.[[/note]]
* ''VideoGame/SonicLostWorld'' (UsefulNotes/WiiU, [[UsefulNotes/Nintendo3DS 3DS]], 2013; Steam (PC), 2015)[[note]]The "Deadly Six Bonus Edition" includes a [=NiGHTS=]-inspired level which features several characters from the main games.[[/note]]

* ''VideoGame/SonicShuffle'' (Dreamcast, 2000)[[note]]''Sonic Shuffle'' takes much inspiration from ''[=NiGHTS=]'' for its own story and aesthetics. [=NiGHTS=] will replace Lumina when the date on the Dreamcast is set to December 24th.[[/note]]

* ''Sonic & SEGA All-Stars Racing'' (7th Gen Consoles, 2010)[[note]][=NiGHTS=] is a flagbearer, thanks to a fan campaign for ''[=NiGHTS=]'' representation.[[/note]]

* ''NiGHTS Into Dreams'' (Creator/ArchieComics, 1998)

Developed by Creator/SonicTeam for the UsefulNotes/SegaSaturn in 1996, ''[=NiGHTS=] into Dreams...'' is Creator/{{Sega}}'s most iconic game that doesn't feature an [[Franchise/SonicTheHedgehog anthropomorphic, blue hedgehog]] (or a [[VideoGame/{{Yakuza}} Japanese mafioso with a dragon tattoo]]).

Developed by Creator/SonicTeam for the UsefulNotes/SegaSaturn in 1996, ''[=NiGHTS=] into Dreams...'' is Creator/{{Sega}}'s most iconic game that doesn't feature an [[Franchise/SonicTheHedgehog anthropomorphic, blue hedgehog]].

* ''[=NiGHTS=] into Dreams...'' [[/index]]([[UsefulNotes/SegaSaturn Saturn]], 1996; [[UsefulNotes/PlayStation2 PS2]], 2008; [[UsefulNotes/{{Steam}} Steam (PC)]], [[UsefulNotes/PlayStation3 PS3]], [[UsefulNotes/Xbox360 360]], 2012)[[index]]

* ''[=NiGHTS=]: Journey of Dreams'' [[/index]](UsefulNotes/{{Wii}}, 2007)[[index]]

* ''SEGA Superstars Tennis'' [[/index]]([=PS2=], [[UsefulNotes/TheSeventhGenerationOfConsoleVideoGames 7th Gen Consoles]], 2008)[[index]][[note]][=NiGHTS=] and Reala are playable characters.[[/note]]

* ''VideoGame/SonicLostWorld'' [[/index]](UsefulNotes/WiiU, [[UsefulNotes/Nintendo3DS 3DS]], 2013; Steam (PC), 2015)[[index]][[note]]The "Deadly Six Bonus Edition" includes a [=NiGHTS=]-inspired level which features several characters from the main games.[[/note]]

* [[/index]]''[=EyeToy=]: Play'' and ''VideoGame/SegaSuperstars''[[index]] ([=PS2=], 2003 and 2004)[[note]]Features ''[=NiGHTS=]''-inspired minigames.[[/note]]

* ''Sonic & All-Stars Racing Transformed'' (7th Gen Consoles, 2012)[[note]][=NiGHTS=] and Reala are playable racers, and one of the tracks is based on the original game.''[=NiGHTS=]''.[[/note]]

[[index]]
* ''ComicBook/NiGHTSIntoDreams'' (Creator/ArchieComics, 1998)
[[/index]]

* ''ComicBook/SonicTheHedgehogMegaManWorldsUnite'' (Archie Comics, 2015)[[note]]''[=NiGHTS=]'' is one of the worlds included in the crossover.[[/note]]
[[/index]]

[[index]]

[[/folder]]

* MirrorBoss: Reala fights by attempting to trap [=NiGHTS] in a paraloop, and must be defeated with the same strategy.

* GameplayGrading: Both ''[=NiGHTS=] games are largely about ScoringPoints, and each time you return an Ideya to its palace, you're given a letter grade based on your performance, as well as a cumulative grade upon finishing a stage or boss. You typically unlock extra content by completing all the levels with either an A or a C rank.

%%* WidgetSeries

''[=NiGHTS=] into Dreams...'' was heavily inspired by the theories of UsefulNotes/SigmundFreud and UsefulNotes/CarlJung, and is well-known for its [[{{Surrealism}} trippy]] (yet [[SceneryPorn gorgeous]]) visuals, and [[EarWorm extremely catchy]] soundtrack. ''[=NiGHTS=]'' has become a CultClassic, and despite the low sales, is considered one of SEGA's most iconic franchises.

* ''[=NiGHTS=] into Dreams...'' ([[UsefulNotes/SegaSaturn Saturn]], 1996; [[UsefulNotes/PlayStation2 PS2]], 2008; [[UsefulNotes/{{Steam}} Steam (PC)]], [[UsefulNotes/PlayStation3 PS3]], [[UsefulNotes/Xbox360 360]], 2012)

* ''[=NiGHTS=]: Journey of Dreams'' (UsefulNotes/{{Wii}}, 2007)

* ''SEGA Superstars Tennis'' ([=PS2=], [[UsefulNotes/TheSeventhGenerationOfConsoleVideoGames 7th Gen Consoles]], 2008)[[note]][=NiGHTS=] and Reala are playable characters.[[/note]]

* ''VideoGame/SonicLostWorld'' (UsefulNotes/WiiU, [[UsefulNotes/Nintendo3DS 3DS]], 2013; Steam (PC), 2015)[[note]]The "Deadly Six Bonus Edition" includes a [=NiGHTS=]-inspired level which features several characters from the main games.[[/note]]

* ''[=EyeToy=]: Play'' and ''VideoGame/SegaSuperstars'' ([=PS2=], 2003 and 2004)[[note]]Features ''[=NiGHTS=]''-inspired minigames.[[/note]]

* ''ComicBook/NiGHTSIntoDreams]]'' (Creator/ArchieComics, 1998)

* ''[=NiGHTS=] into Dreams...'' (Creator/ArchieComics, 1998)

* SirCameosALot: There are only two ''[=NiGHTS=] into Dreams...'' games (not including remakes and ports). It doesn't stop the game from being referenced in several ''Sega Superstars'' games, ''Sonic Adventure'', ''Sonic Lost World'', and ''Sonic Dash''.

* SirCameosALot: There are only two ''NiGHTS into Dreams...'' games (not including remakes and ports). It doesn't stop the game from being referenced in several ''Sega Superstars'' games, ''Sonic Adventure'', and ''Sonic Lost World''.

[[quoteright:350:https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/nights_into_dreams_360.jpg]]

-->--'''Yuji Naka'''

* AnimeHair: In the first game.

* BraggingRightsReward: A Ranks.
* CatsAreMean: Clawz. Bomamba, to an extent, since the cats are her weapons [[spoiler:and her weakness]].
* ChasingYourTail: Most of the bosses, and all of the flight stages.

* ChristmasEpisode / HolidayMode:

* CultSoundtrack
* CurtainsMatchTheWindow: Claris (pink hair and eyes) and Elliot (blue hair and eyes).

* DisneyDeath: [[spoiler:[=NiGHTS=]]] in ''[=NiGHTS=]: Journey of Dreams''.
* DreamLand: Nightopia, the game's main setting.

* EleventhHourSuperpower: The kids in both gain the ability to fly in the final stages. Dual [=NiGHTS=] during the final battle in both as well.
* EvilTwin / CainAndAbel: [=NiGHTS=] and Reala.
* {{Flight}}: An ability that [=NiGHTS=] possesses. As a matter of fact, a number of characters in the game are capable of flight.

* GoOutWithASmile: [[spoiler:[=NiGHTS=] in the true ending]].
* GreenHillZone: Splash Garden, Spring Valley, Aqua Garden, and Pure Valley.

* HubLevel: Dream Gate in ''Journey of Dreams''.

* KidHero: Claris, Elliot, Will, and Helen.
* TheLostWoods: Mystic Forest and Memory Forest.

* TheMaze: Crystal Castle.
* MonsterClown: Reala, Jackle, Donbalon, and possibly even [=NiGHTS=] itself qualify for this trope.
* MirrorBoss: Reala, especially during the first game.

* NoBiologicalSex: [=NiGHTS=].
* OurDemonsAreDifferent: Nightmaren are child-terrorising, soul/ideya stealing servants of an evil diety in the clash between good and evil, [=NiGHTS=]'s, Reala's and Jackle's jester hats are reminiscent of demonic horns too.

* PersonalSpaceInvader: The Awakers.

* PinballSpinoff: In ''VideoGame/SonicPinballParty'', of all places.

* PlayingTennisWithTheBoss: The Reala battles in ''Journey of Dreams'' are more or less a game of dodgeball with explosions.
** Also, [=NiGHTS=] literally plays tennis with Reala in ''VideoGame/SegaSuperstars Tennis'', but that's more of an example of GoKartingWithBowser.
* PronounTrouble: [=NiGHTS=], whose androgyny causes a lot of people hiccups.
* ProtagonistTitle
* PuzzleBoss: All of them, but ''especially'' [[ThatOneBoss Bomamba]].

* RubberyWorld: Soft Museum.
* {{Sampling}}: The track "Gate of Your Dream", which plays during the character select screen, [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xCGAa79_CD0 samples clips from the film]] ''Film/HomeAlone''.

* ShiftingSandLand: Stick Canyon and Lost Park.
* SlippySlideyIceWorld: Frozen Bell.
* SprintMeter: The Dash Meter.
* StealthPun: Reala's design features greasepaint makeup similar to Music/{{KISS}}, and he's arguably a crazy, crazy [=NiGHTS=].
* ThatOneBoss: Bomamba easily counts as one of these due to the nature of the fight: you have to get all her cats through the holes in the board. Sounds easy, right?
* TimedMission: All of them.
* TricksterArchetype: [=NiGHTS=], of course.
* UpdatedRerelease: A remake with updated graphics came out in February 2008. [[NoExportForYou In Japan.]] An HD rerelease came out in October 2012. Globally.
* UpgradeArtifact: The Persona in ''Journey of Dreams''.

* VillainousHarlequin: Reala, Jackle, Donbalon, and possibly [=NiGHTS=] at some point.