As for NiGHTS, I've been a big fan since receiving my Saturn in '96. I wouldn't know where to begin if I were to describe what about it was so captivating... The concept, character design, art direction and gameplay all shone so brightly. It's one of those SEGA franchises that, like Sonic, sits high on my list of key inspirations for my own ideas.
Various cameos over the years, like those in the Dreamcast Sonics reminded me of my love for the character until Wii's Journey of Dreams came along. Unfortunately I was of those fans left sorely disappointed by it. Still, its release at least meant that NiGHTS hadn't been relegated to cameos alone like a lot of other SEGA franchises, so there's hope that we'll see more of it in the future.
Speaking of which, I was so elated when the HD version of the original was announced!

So yeah, I'm trying to become more active within communities now so hopefully I'll get know you guys in the near future! I noticed there are some PSO fans here as well... I wonder if many are you are playing the JP sequel at the moment as well.