Well I don't quite like the game's story, but looking through it, I can say that I actually like it to some degree.  I mean sure, it looks awful compared to the leap that Mario made from 2D to 3D, considering things like how well Mario still platforms compared to how Sonic wasn't able to run at full speed most of the time in that game, but still.

I've heard of this game of course, and I've seen pictures, but I didn't know they had videos of the game.  Like I said, I think it looks great, and it's a real shame that the game was THAT complete and was never finished/published.  I doubt it would have turned the tide for Sega's downward spiral, but it would have at least been interesting.  If they had finished the game, it would be cool if they compiled that along with the original NiGHTS and put it on the Wii(of course, PS2 of all things is getting the original NiGHTS in Japan only as of now).  Ahh well tho'.

It's so weird, because it's this weird mix of 'it works very well', but at the same time it has this feel of 'DOOM I/II' era of 3D where it just looks worse than 2D.... like it's only in 3D because they COULD, and wanted to, but not because it was better.  It probably has a better camera than the Sonic games we got, except for when you're running backwards of course. :p

I kind of like the fish-eye spherical look, but it kind of gets old quick...and of course, I think the switch from left-right play to forward-back movement is kind of robotic and forced.  Makes for a pretty interesting level design that has depth, but it feels a little unnatural.  It reminds me of Sega's 'BUG!' Saturn game in a way.

But yeah, thanks for that...I had never seen or known there was any video for it, and I'm actually kind of intrigued.  I still kind of feel it was better that Sega didn't release it, but y'know I'd still have liked to try it...

Well here is some more footage for anyone interested:

- Prototype 718 NiGHTS engine build
- E3 1996 trailer
- Sonic X-treme pitch demo

From my understanding it was a completly new engine. Although they likely used the NiGHTS engine as a base for it.

Well, the story is a bit ... corny. But in most cases, Sonic is just like Mario in that sense. The depth of the story isn't all that important, the platforming gameplay are where the games shine.

I have to say though, while watching the videos, I was thinking "Super Sonic Galaxy!" Then I read some of the YouTube comments and realized I wasn't the only one who thought that. If this game had been released way back when, looks like the level designs of Super Mario Galaxy might have not been so fresh.

I think that game would have been awesome. Even if they polished up the graphics now and released it, I think the game could still be enjoyable for this day. Of course, with Super Mario Galaxy being just released not too long ago, it would probably receive a lot of criticism about copying ideas from SMG, when in reality, it was designed long before. It also looks like Sonic had the ability to do a double jump in the air or something too. Pretty cool.

I agree with Magnus, that the spherical levels might get old after a while. But from those videos, all the obstacles and what not still made up some awesome level designs. I think with a little more polished work, the game could possibly be the best 3D Sonic game. Too bad that won't ever happen though.

Thanks for sharing ... I never even heard of this game!