Thanks to Hamada for helping with edits.
NiGHTS into Dreams is celebrating its anniversary! That SEGA Saturn classic is a special game, one whose titular star is unlike any other hero in this medium. Limning everyone’s dreams, however you interpret NiGHTS’ gender — male, female, both, or neither — is perfectly valid (though, for my own convenience, I’ll henceforth address the character with feminine pronouns). Similarly, the surreal grotesqueries NiGHTS fights also fit the game’s dream theme.
Gillwing, seen in 1996’s NiGHTS into Dreams (Image: SEGA)
NiGHTS’ creator is Wizeman, a tyrannical figure who aims to enslave Nightopia, the dream dimension. Such lofty ambitions require Ideya, dream energy embodying one’s characteristics. Now, the demon’s set his sights on Claris Sinclair and Elliot Edwards. When asleep, both teenagers visit Nightopia and are vulnerable — though the whimsical NiGHTS refuses to pilfer their Ideya, a defection Wizeman punishes by imprisoning her. Thankfully, she has a trick up her sleeve: NiGHTS can escape Wizeman’s cages by merging with the kids, letting her confront him and his army…
Gillwing’s History
Gillwing reigns over Spring Valley, Claris’ first stage (Elliot never encounters it). Upon clearing the level, NiGHTS and Claris are transported to a gloomy garden littered with neon mushrooms. Gillwing calls this dump home, challenges NiGHTS here, and explodes after its inevitable defeat. Although it doesn’t appear again in NiGHTS into Dreams proper, Gillwing scores a promotion in Christmas NiGHTS, acting as its main villain. The bustling metropolis of Twin Seeds is unusually cold this winter, with nary a trace of Christmas spirit found within its distracted residents. Well, barring Claris and Elliot, the only two who notice the city’s makeshift Christmas tree is missing its star. That night, the teens share a dream where they reunite with NiGHTS and discover a resurgent Gillwing stole Twin Seeds’ star (all four dress for the occasion too, sporting Christmas regalia). Naturally, purging Nightopia of the monster restores the city’s decoration and holiday cheer.
Reala and NiGHTS are Wizeman’s most sophisticated spawns, topping his hierarchy. Since that’s reflected in their human-esque anatomy, it makes sense the overlord’s weakest guard is a mere tadpole. (Image: SEGA)
NiGHTS brainchild Yuji Naka mentioned that a NiGHTS sequel was “planned” for the Saturn, though it never materialized. While into Dreams did eventually score a followup, 2007’s Journey of Dreams, only NiGHTS, Reala, and Wizeman return for it (according to Takashi Iizuka, recreating into Dreams’ entire cast would be antithetical to making a new game). Nevertheless, Gillwing sightings remain common. The rogue antagonizes the performer and her companions in Archie Comics’ short-lived adaption. In NiGHTS into Dreams’ LCD approximation, it battles NiGHTS. Those NiGHTS stickers include Gillwing. Sonic Adventure and All-Stars Racing Transformed showcase the dopey dragon (and it’s featured in the latter’s unused stickers), it appears again as a boss in Pinball Party, and partners with Zavok in Lost World’s NiGHTS-themed downloadable content. Animator Jonathan Kim even snuck a Gillwing nod into Skullgirls 2nd Encore.
So, what’re my thoughts on Gillwing?
Altogether, NiGHTS into Dreams is an unorthodox, pacifistic game. In each stage, your goal is to collect glowing orbs, soar through rings, and accrue high scores while gracefully flying across majestic wonderlands. Although a handful of enemies grace each stage, they aren’t threatening and are entirely avoidable. However, you are free to engage with them. NiGHTS automatically latches on to baddies if they make contact, and then begins rotating around them. Pressing a button then makes NiGHTS shove the nuisance away. Alternatively, you can instantly neutralize foes by using NiGHTS’ two signature techniques, the Drill Dash and Paraloop. When NiGHTS is flying, a trail of stardust follows her, and circling around to close it instigates a Paraloop, a handy tool for collecting items and hurting foes.
Gillwing is internally called “#M1:FROGED-DRAGON,” is fought at Frozen Bell in NiGHTS‘ beta incarnation, and was highlighted in an early box art. (Image: SEGA)
Nevertheless, there are seven Nightmaren NiGHTS must fight. After a straightforward romp through a beautiful pasture, Gillwing and its dreary den come in. Since it’s one of NiGHTS’ two opening bosses, Gillwing is important, helping ween players into the game. Consequently, the tadpole’s movement patterns are simple: it soars along, ascending and descending at a lethargic pace. Where Gillwing’s spiky body mostly uses cool colors with some red accents, the underside of its head is an eye-catching yellow, communicating its weak point. Like other Nightmaren, NiGHTS damages Gillwing by Paralooping its head, or by grabbing and tossing it. Afterwards, Gillwing’s head regenerates out of its now-shorter tail. Repeating either process several times ends Gillwing for good.
Now, the timer ticking down might induce stress, since it’s an automatic game over if it hits zero. Getting injured knocks five seconds off the clock, though Gillwing generously gives players two minutes to take it down. If you want a precious 2.0 score multiplier, however, this pest must go down within ten seconds. That is strict, demanding pinpoint precision — but NiGHTS encourages players to try. One piece of advice NiGHTS gives is suggesting you attack Gillwing’s tail, and doing so deals multiple hits at once. Gillwing shrivels away instantly if you strike the tip, too. NiGHTS’ subpar HD re-release even rewards an achievement to those who pull that off.
In a unique detail, Gillwing’s themes don’t begin airing until it roars. (Image: SEGA)
Overall, Gillwing acts as a breezier introduction to NiGHTS’ bosses than its counterpart on Elliot’s path, Puffy. Grabbing the opera singer might initially be easier because she’s fought in an enclosed mansion, a change from the dragon’s open skies. However, NiGHTS then asks players to throw her at specific structures, demanding an element of aiming Gillwing lacks. Upon striking those structures, more of the ball’s lengthy abode opens up, and then Puffy hectically bounces around it for a bit. Should NiGHTS lie in her crosshair, the jester suffers damage — another break from Gillwing, who never really retaliates. Plus, if players aren’t careful, she can potentially bounce away from NiGHTS, wasting valuable time.
When people discuss NiGHTS, its namesake and Reala rightfully spring to mind first. Personally, Gillwing is right up there with them. It’s been around since NiGHTS’ genesis and, despite skipping that substandard Wii entry, maintains a secure position within its iconography. And like the purple performer, Gillwing harbors a strong association with the holidays — it does, after all, take center stage in Christmas NiGHTS. Though it’s really a glorified demo, Christmas NiGHTS is special, something I try to soar through every Christmas Eve.
Congratulations, Gilling! Give a loud scream!
Gillwing’s intrusion closes Christmas NiGHTS perfectly, giving NiGHTS newcomers and veterans alike an approachable, enjoyable gateway into Dreams. (Image: SEGA)
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