Space Channel 5 is a rhythm action game released by SEGA for the Dreamcast in 1999 in Japan and 2000 worldwide. United Game Artists developed the title under the direction of Tetsuya Mizuguchi, who later created Rez and Lumines. Players step into the platform heels of Ulala, a reporter for a futuristic television network who must rescue hostages from a group of dancing aliens called the Morolians. The core gameplay asks players to copy directional inputs and shoot commands in time with the music. Each level plays out like a televised broadcast, complete with ratings that rise when Ulala performs well and drop when she misses cues. The retro space age art style, funky disco soundtrack, and pink haired heroine give the game a personality that stands apart from other titles of its era. Catchy tracks by Ken Woodman set the pace for every encounter, and the call and response format keeps the action quick. The result feels closer to a televised dance show than a traditional video game.
Updated: Jun 22, 2026
Screenshots
380 MB · Dreamcast ROMs
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Specifications
| Platform | Dreamcast ROMs |
|---|---|
| Genre | Action |
| File Size | 380 MB |
| Release Year | 1999 |
| Developer | United Game Artists |
| Updated | Jun 22, 2026 |
Overview
Space Channel 5 is a rhythm action game released by SEGA for the Dreamcast in 1999 in Japan and 2000 worldwide. United Game Artists developed the title under the direction of Tetsuya Mizuguchi, who later created Rez and Lumines. Players step into the platform heels of Ulala, a reporter for a futuristic television network who must rescue hostages from a group of dancing aliens called the Morolians. The core gameplay asks players to copy directional inputs and shoot commands in time with the music. Each level plays out like a televised broadcast, complete with ratings that rise when Ulala performs well and drop when she misses cues. The retro space age art style, funky disco soundtrack, and pink haired heroine give the game a personality that stands apart from other titles of its era. Catchy tracks by Ken Woodman set the pace for every encounter, and the call and response format keeps the action quick. The result feels closer to a televised dance show than a traditional video game.
The single player campaign runs through four reports, each filled with hostage rescues, alien battles, and a final showdown against Chief Blank. Ratings climb as Ulala saves more people on screen, and higher ratings open bonus content at the end of each chapter. The game features a guest appearance by Michael Jackson, who voices a character called Space Michael and joins Ulala for a memorable sequence. A two player mode lets a friend take control of a backup dancer, copying moves on the second controller for extra style points. The difficulty curve stays friendly during the first reports, then ramps up sharply with faster patterns and longer command strings. Hidden hostages reward sharp eyed players who watch the background carefully during each fight. Replay value comes from chasing perfect ratings, finding every secret rescue, and beating personal high scores. Space Channel 5 remains a beloved cult classic on the Dreamcast and a strong example of the bold creativity that defined SEGA during its final console generation.