Ulala (Space Channel 5)

{{Infobox character

| name = Ulala

| image = File:Ulala-promo-render.png

| image_size = 140px

| series = Space Channel 5

| caption = Official render of Ulala, from 1999

| first = Space Channel 5 (1999)

| firstgame =

| designer = Yumiko Miyabe
Tetsuya Mizuguchi
Jake Kazdel

| lbl1 = Voiced by

| data1 = {{Collapsible list|title=English|Apollo Smile (1999–2014)
Cherami Leigh (2020–present)}}{{Collapsible list|title=Japanese|Mineko Okamura (1999–present)}}

| lbl3 = Portrayed by

| data3 = {{Collapsible list|title=Various|Nazu Nahoko (Japan; 1999–present)
Kelly Preston (United States; 2000–2001)
Apollo Smile (United States; 2000)}}

| creator = Takashi Yuda
Tetsuya Mizuguchi
Jake Kazdel

| lbl2 = Motion capture

| data2 = Nazu Nahoko

| nationality = Japanese

| lbl21 = Birth date

| data21 = May 30, 2477

}}

Ulala{{Efn|{{nihongo||うらら|Urara|lead=yes}}|group=lower-alpha}} is a fictional character, mascot, and the main protagonist of Sega's Space Channel 5 series. Her character was created by Takashi Yuda, Tetsuya Mizuguchi and Jake Kazdel in the late 1990s and debuted in December 1999 with the release of Space Channel 5.

Within the fictional universe of Space Channel 5, Ulala is a reporter for the titular news channel and recurring savior of the galaxy who defeats alien forces with dance moves, alongside rival reporters Pudding and Jaguar. She is assisted by her boss Fuse during live broadcasts and is credited as the most well-known reporter in the Milky Way by her fans and crew members. Ten years prior to the Morolian Invasion of 2499, Ulala was the sole survivor of a deadly spaceship accident that resulted in the death of everyone aboard, including her parents. She was rescued by former Channel 5 reporter Jaguar and later influenced her to become a journalist. Ten years later, Ulala is the star of Ulala's Swingin' Report Show and is determined to solve the mystery of the abrupt alien invasion while taking part in dance battles against rival reporters.

Ulala's reception remains generally positive among video game journalists and critics, receiving praise for her characterization, personality, design, voice, and heroism. Due to her popularity during the 2000s, Ulala was featured in several other Sega-published video games, as well as promotional material in other media, which included television appearances, several lines of collectible merchandise of the character, and video game cameos. She also served as a mascot for the Sega Dreamcast before its discontinuation. In more recent years, Ulala is often regarded as one of Sega's greatest characters, and a video game icon, by both the fanbase and critics alike. In the year 2000, Ulala was nominated for the "Original Game Character of the Year" by the International Game Developers Association.

Concept and creation

File:Ulala Space Channel 5 Concept 2.png

Ulala was conceived by Takashi Yuda, who also came up with her name.{{cite web |url=https://www.gamasutra.com/blogs/DanRogers/20130201/185866/Countdown_The_5_Most_Influential_Video_Game_Lawsuits_of_2012_4_of_5_Keller_v_Electronic_Arts.php |title=Countdown: The 5 Most Influential Video Game Lawsuits of 2012, 4 of 5: Keller v. Electronic Arts |work=Gamasutra |last=Rogers |first=Dan |date=February 1, 2013 |access-date=November 23, 2019 |archive-date=August 24, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210824131721/https://www.gamasutra.com/blogs/DanRogers/20130201/185866/Countdown_The_5_Most_Influential_Video_Game_Lawsuits_of_2012_4_of_5_Keller_v_Electronic_Arts.php |url-status=live }} She was originally conceived to be a male character,{{cite book |last=Sparrow |first=Andrew |author-link= |date=March 3, 2016 |title=The Law of Virtual Worlds and Internet Social Networks |url= |location= |publisher=Taylor & Francis |page=111 |isbn=9781317026112}} and was not present in the original 1997 concept video for Space Channel 5.{{cite web |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2000/03/25/tetsuya-mizuguchi-speaks-about-the-soul-of-space-channel-5 |title=Tetsuya Mizuguchi Speaks About the Soul of Space Channel 5 |work=IGN |date=March 24, 2000 |access-date=November 23, 2019 |archive-date=May 29, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190529002824/https://www.ign.com/articles/2000/03/25/tetsuya-mizuguchi-speaks-about-the-soul-of-space-channel-5 |url-status=live }} Although the games were originally conceived to appeal to female gamers, the developers of Space Channel 5 also wanted Ulala to have a unique sexual appeal for male audiences.{{Cite web|last=Inc|first=Aetas|title=20周年を迎えた「スペースチャンネル5」開発陣が集結。"パート1誕生秘話"，VRで復活を遂げる"最新作に懸ける思い"を聞いた|url=https://www.4gamer.net/games/433/G043312/20200212136/index_2.html|access-date=October 30, 2021|website=www.4gamer.net|language=ja|archive-date=October 30, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211030021354/https://www.4gamer.net/games/433/G043312/20200212136/index_2.html|url-status=live}}{{cite web|last=Sounders|first=Mike|date=May 31, 2017|title=Ulala from Space Channel 5 gets two groovy figmas|url=https://www.destructoid.com/ulala-from-space-channel-5-gets-two-groovy-figmas-438932.phtml|access-date=November 21, 2019|work=Destructoid|archive-date=October 29, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201029114454/https://www.destructoid.com/ulala-from-space-channel-5-gets-two-groovy-figmas-438932.phtml|url-status=live}} The designers aimed for her sex appeal to be "subtle," and aimed to try and reflect how clothes would be in 500 years, explaining that Ulala's underwear showing at some times was not as big a deal in this future. Ulala's model has a low polygon count, which lead to her sex appeal being defined through her movement according to Mizuguchi.{{cite magazine |magazine=Official Sega Dreamcast Magazine US |title=Tetsuya Mizuguchi Interview |date=January 2000}} When picking the colors of Ulala's outfit, the development team behind the original 1999 game used orange and blue, to represent the colors of the Dreamcast logo and corporate color of Sega Japan respectively.{{cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=HtOqCwAAQBAJ |title=The Law of Virtual Worlds and Internet Social Networks |page=111 |last=Sparrow |first=Andrew |date=March 3, 2016 |publisher=CRC Press |isbn=978-1317026112}}

Sega had high expectations for Ulala as a character due to a combination of their belief in her designer, Tetsuya Mizuguchi, as well as Space Channel 5{{'}}s unique visuals. Peter Moore noted Sega's interest to make Ulala a "star" who could feature in different games after Space Channel 5, despite American audiences' relative lukewarm reception to her. According to Apollo Smile, Tina Landon (Janet Jackson's choreographer) was one of the women used to rotoscope some of Ulala's earlier animations.{{Cite web |last= |title=The Spotlight — Profiles Apollo Smile Artistic Director Celebration Presents LLC |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d4ZZjdlgZxU&feature=youtu.be |access-date=February 27, 2022 |website=YouTube |date=January 23, 2020 |archive-date=February 27, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220227215558/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d4ZZjdlgZxU&feature=youtu.be |url-status=live }}

=Casting and portrayal=

File:Cherami Leigh by Gage Skidmore.jpg (pictured) provides the English voice of Ulala in video games, commercials, and other media ]]

Kae Īda was originally cast as the Japanese voice of Ulala in Space Channel 5, but was later recast as rival character Pudding and replaced by Mineko Okamura.{{Citation|last=am|first=IGN StaffUpdated: 21 May 2012 12:27 amPosted: 20 May 2000 12:00|title=IGNDC Interviews Space Channel 5's Tetsuya Mizuguchi – IGN|date=May 20, 2000|url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2000/05/20/igndc-interviews-space-channel-5s-tetsuya-mizuguchi|language=en|access-date=October 30, 2021|archive-date=October 30, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211030232332/https://www.ign.com/articles/2000/05/20/igndc-interviews-space-channel-5s-tetsuya-mizuguchi|url-status=live}} According to Īda, the recasting happened after the development team had an opportunity to demonstrate the test version of Space Channel 5 for the media to preview at the same time as the audition. Feedback from the media representatives towards Okamura's performance as Ulala was very enthusiastic, and she was retained as the character's final voice.

Mizuguchi found casting an English voice actress difficult due to him struggling to find someone with "good voice talent" and dancing ability. As such, they went through a number of auditions.{{cite web |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2000/05/20/igndc-interviews-space-channel-5s-tetsuya-mizuguchi |title=IGNDC Interviews Space Channel 5's Tetsuya Mizuguchi |work=IGN |date=May 19, 2000 |access-date=November 23, 2019 |archive-date=May 29, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190529002825/https://www.ign.com/articles/2000/05/20/igndc-interviews-space-channel-5s-tetsuya-mizuguchi |url-status=live }} Ulala was originally voiced by Apollo Smile in the English version of Space Channel 5, and her dancer and choreographer was Nazu Nahoko.{{cite web |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2000/06/03/the-voice-of-ulala-revealed |title=The Voice of Ulala Revealed |work=IGN |date=June 2, 2000 |access-date=November 23, 2019 |archive-date=May 29, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190529002829/https://www.ign.com/articles/2000/06/03/the-voice-of-ulala-revealed |url-status=live }}

To secure Apollo Smile's involvement in a new game, the developers of Space Channel 5 VR: Kinda Funky News Flash! put out a "public appeal requesting information" about her, stating that she is what made Ulala "special from the very beginning."{{cite web |url=http://www.pushsquare.com/news/2019/03/space_channel_5_vr_developer_searching_for_ulalas_voice_actor |title=Space Channel 5 VR Developer Searching for Ulala's Voice Actor |work=Push Square |last=Barker |first=Sammy |date=March 28, 2019 |access-date=November 21, 2019 |archive-date=May 29, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190529002825/http://www.pushsquare.com/news/2019/03/space_channel_5_vr_developer_searching_for_ulalas_voice_actor |url-status=live }} They were able to find Smile but were unable to secure her for this role, choosing instead to feature a sound-alike, later revealed to be Cherami Leigh.{{cite web |url=https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2019/03/space-channel-5-vr-hands-on-ulalas-back-and-i-met-her/ |title=Space Channel 5 VR hands-on: Ulala's back, and I met her |work=Arstechnica |last=Orland |first=Kyle |date=March 28, 2019 |access-date=November 23, 2019 |archive-date=November 7, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201107223511/https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2019/03/space-channel-5-vr-hands-on-ulalas-back-and-i-met-her/ |url-status=live }}

Appearances

= Video games =

== ''Space Channel 5'' ==

File:Space Channel 5 Part 2 logo.png

Ulala appears as the main protagonist of the Space Channel 5 series, appearing in all of its canon material and spin-offs. She makes her first video game appearance in the 1999 video game, Space Channel 5, where she becomes a reporter guided by her boss Fuse and attempts to undercover the truth behind the Morolian Invasion of 2499. In an attempt to undercover the reasonings, she is forced to battle rival reporters Jaguar and Pudding, both of which have similar goals but different reasonings behind it. After revealing the truth behind the Morolian Invasion with the help of Jaguar, the three reporters make their way the Chief Blank — the mastermind behind the invasion who forced the Morolians into kidnapping and hypnotizing the humans. Ulala ultimately follows him to the roof, where she and the others attempt to defeat Giant Evila but ends up being the last defender. In the end, Blank confesses to being the mastermind, where he leads Ulala to the Blank Dimension. With the help of her fans and friends, Ulala defeats the evil CEO and leads a march the end of the galaxy.

== ''Space Channel 5: Part 2'' ==

Ulala returns in Space Channel 5: Part 2, where she must stop the Rhythm Rogues from taking over the galaxy, and their mysterious leader Purge. The game is set a few months after the first game, and Ulala is now known as one of the galaxy's finest reporters. When Peace, the president of the Milky Way, is kidnapped by the band of robots, Ulala takes it upon herself to report the incident and undergo an investigation. When a ransom for the president is held by Purge, several reporters, including Ulala and Pudding, attempt to make it to the handout point before being turned around by Pine and the Eastern Venus Space Police. Ulala and Channel 5 make it pass the police, but immediately head back to the studio when it is realized the ransom was fabricated and the Rhythm Rogues are actually at Channel 5's base. When arriving, Ulala saves Space Michael Jackson but fails to defeat Purge, who presumably killed Fuse and resulted in the destruction of the base. In her moment of triumph, Ulala and her allies find Purge's hideout, save Jaguar, and discover the Rhythm Rogues are planning galaxy domination. Ulala, her allies, and her fans ultimately defeat the Rhythm Rogues and lead a march to the end of the galaxy as a form of celebration.

== Additional games, crossovers, and cameos ==

Ulala also appears in the virtual reality game Space Channel 5 VR: Kinda Funky News Flash, where players play a reporter (Roo or Kie) shadowing Ulala on the job while they undercover the recent transformation of the Morolians turned Othermoros, and the mysterious leader known as Glitter. She makes appearances in all Space Channel 5 spin-offs, including Ulala's Channel J,{{Cite web |title=UGA、ケータイでうららがぎゅんぎゅん動く! J-スカイ「スペースチャンネル5」を7月1日より配信開始 |url=https://game.watch.impress.co.jp/docs/20020628/uga.htm |access-date=2022-02-27 |website=game.watch.impress.co.jp |archive-date=February 27, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220227154844/https://game.watch.impress.co.jp/docs/20020628/uga.htm |url-status=live }} Space Channel 5: Ulala's Cosmic Attack, and Dreamcast Collection.{{Cite web |title=Dreamcast Collection Announcement |url=http://www.sega.com/news/?n=4856 |access-date=February 25, 2022 |website=Sega |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130202070423/http://www.sega.com/news/?n=4856 |archive-date=2 February 2013 |url-status=dead}}

Ulala makes several appearances outside the Space Channel 5 series. She made her first non-Space Channel 5 playable appearance in Beach Spikers as a secret playable character. She also made another playable appearance in the Wii version of Samba de Amigo, alongside Sonic the Hedgehog.{{Cite web |last=Fletcher |first=JC |date=August 21, 2008 |title=Wii Warmup: Samba de Ulala |url=https://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/21/wii-warm-up-samba-de-ulala/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130625022705/https://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/21/wii-warm-up-samba-de-ulala/ |archive-date=June 25, 2013 |access-date=February 27, 2022 |website=Joystiq}} In 2008, she appeared as a choosable coach in Sega Splash Golf. Her attire appears as a selectable skin in Chaos Heroes Online for the character Silk.{{cite web|author=Eugene|date=October 2, 2013|title=Hey There Space Cats, Ulala Is A Guest In Sega's DOTA-Like Game|url=https://www.siliconera.com/2013/10/02/hey-space-cats-ulala-guest-segas-dota-like-game/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140208014340/https://www.siliconera.com/2013/10/02/hey-space-cats-ulala-guest-segas-dota-like-game/|archive-date=February 8, 2014|access-date=November 21, 2019|work=Siliconera}} Ulala herself made an appearance as a limited edition character in League of Legends in 2021, alongside several Space Channel 5 and Sailor Moon-themed skins and costumes for other characters.{{Cite web|last=Lawver|first=Bryan|title='League of Legends' Space Groove: 10 exclusive concept art images|url=https://www.inverse.com/gaming/league-of-legends-space-groove-concept-art-skins|access-date=2022-02-25|website=Inverse|date=March 19, 2021|language=en|archive-date=February 25, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220225221636/https://www.inverse.com/gaming/league-of-legends-space-groove-concept-art-skins|url-status=live}} Ulala and Pudding's outfits also make cameo appearances in PlayStation's 2024 video game, Astro Bot.{{Cite web |last=Henley |first=Stacey |date=2024-09-06 |title=Astro Bot: 10 Most Obscure PlayStation Cameos |url=https://www.thegamer.com/most-obscure-playstation-cameos-characters-astro-bot/ |access-date=2024-11-04 |website=TheGamer |language=en}}

Ulala and Pudding have also made notable appearances in the Sega All-Stars series, Ulala appearing as a playable character in every entry, including Sega Superstars,{{Cite web |title=EyeToy-ready Sega Superstars ships |url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/eyetoy-ready-sega-superstars-ships/1100-6112131/ |access-date=2022-02-27 |website=GameSpot |language=en-US |archive-date=February 27, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220227154844/https://www.gamespot.com/articles/eyetoy-ready-sega-superstars-ships/1100-6112131/ |url-status=live }} Sega Superstars Tennis,{{Cite web |last=Reed |first=Kristan |date=2008-01-18 |title=SEGA Superstars Tennis |url=https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/fi_segatennis_ |access-date=2022-02-27 |website=Eurogamer |language=en |archive-date=February 28, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190228192021/https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/fi_segatennis_ |url-status=live }} Sonic & Sega All-Stars Racing,{{Cite web |last=Gunn |first=Rebecca |date=January 12, 2010 |title=Ulala and Crazy Taxi Joining Sonic & Sega All-Stars Racing |url=https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2010/01/ulala_and_crazy_taxi_joining_sonic_and_sega_all_star_racing |access-date=February 27, 2022 |website=Nintendo Life |archive-date=February 27, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220227154845/https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2010/01/ulala_and_crazy_taxi_joining_sonic_and_sega_all_star_racing |url-status=live }} and Sonic & Sega All-Stars Racing Transformed. She also appears in all versions of each game. In 2012 and 2015, she appeared as a solo unit in Project X Zone and Project X Zone 2, as well as a main protagonist. As a unit, she can summon Opa-Opa, Harrier, and Alex Kidd — other Sega protagonists.{{Cite web |last=Yin-Poole |first=Wesley |date=2012-04-11 |title=Project X Zone is mysterious Sega x Namco Bandai x Capcom game |url=https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2012-04-11-project-x-zone-is-mysterious-sega-x-namco-bandai-x-capcom-game |access-date=2022-02-27 |website=Eurogamer |language=en |archive-date=February 27, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220227154845/https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2012-04-11-project-x-zone-is-mysterious-sega-x-namco-bandai-x-capcom-game |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |title=The 58 Playable Characters in Project X Zone 2 |url=https://kotaku.com/the-56-playable-characters-in-project-x-zone-2-1743472346 |access-date=2022-02-27 |website=Kotaku |date=November 20, 2015 |language=en-us |archive-date=August 16, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170816145804/http://kotaku.com/the-56-playable-characters-in-project-x-zone-2-1743472346 |url-status=live }}

Ulala has been featured in several Sonic the Hedgehog video games as both a playable character and cameo. She makes her first appearance in the series in the 2006 racing game Sonic Riders as a secret playable character, voiced by Apollo Smile.{{Cite web |title=Sonic Channel — Sonic Riders |url=http://www.c-player.com/ac38141/message/200603 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060404034325/http://www.c-player.com/ac38141/message/200603 |archive-date=April 4, 2006 |access-date=February 27, 2022 |website=Sonic Channel}} She makes cameo appearances in Sonic Riders: Zero Gravity (as a poster) and Sonic Colors: Ultimate (as a player icon).

= Other appearances =

== Film and television ==

Ulala was to appear in a Space Channel 5 television show for MTV, where she would host an animated news report program with several other Space Channel 5 cast members. However, the show was canceled and only a promotional commercial of the pilot episode was released. Columbia Pictures also had plans to create a Space Channel 5 movie, but development did not proceed.{{Citation|last=am|first=IGN StaffUpdated: 21 May 2012 3:38 amPosted: 29 October 1999 12:00|title=Space Channel 5: The Movie – IGN|date=October 29, 1999|url=https://www.ign.com/articles/1999/10/29/space-channel-5-the-movie|language=en|access-date=October 30, 2021|archive-date=October 30, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211030021344/https://www.ign.com/articles/1999/10/29/space-channel-5-the-movie|url-status=live}}

Ulala makes a handful of appearances in the animated series Hi-sCoool! SeHa Girls. During a lesson set in Space Channel 5, Ulala appears to help the Sega Hard Girls defeat the Morolians and rescue their friends.{{Cite episode|title=Up, Down, Left, Right, and Occasionally, Up Diagonal|series=Hi-sCoool! SeHa Girls|series-link=Sega Hard Girls|network=Animax|date=October 22, 2014|number=3}}{{Cite episode|title=We Tried to Dance Space Channel 5|series=Hi-sCoool! SeHa Girls|series-link=Sega Hard Girls|network=Animax|date=October 22, 2014|number=4}} She later appears in the final episode to wish the girls farewell at their graduation.{{Cite episode|title=We'll Always Be Connected!|series=Hi-sCoool! SeHa Girls|series-link=Sega Hard Girls|network=Animax|date=December 24, 2014|number=13}}

In 2022, Sega announced on Twitter that they would be developing a movie, alongside Picturestart, based on the first two Space Channel 5 video games, following the success of the first two Sonic the Hedgehog films.{{Cite web |date=2022-08-19 |title=Sega's Space Channel 5 and Comix Zone Are Getting Film Adaptations |url=https://www.superherohype.com/movies/518098-segas-space-channel-5-and-comix-zone-getting-film-adaptations |access-date=2022-08-20 |website=SuperHeroHype |archive-date=August 20, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220820011307/https://www.superherohype.com/movies/518098-segas-space-channel-5-and-comix-zone-getting-film-adaptations |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |last=Robertson |first=Joshua |date=2022-08-19 |title=Sega Is Working On Movie Adaptations Of Space Channel 5 And Comix Zone |url=https://www.thegamer.com/sega-space-channel-5-comix-zone-movies/ |access-date=2022-08-20 |website=TheGamer |language=en-US |archive-date=August 20, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220820011258/https://www.thegamer.com/sega-space-channel-5-comix-zone-movies/ |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |last=Kit |first=Borys |date=2022-08-19 |title=Sega, Picturestart Team for Video Game Adaptations 'Space Channel 5,' 'Comix Zone' (Exclusive) |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/sega-adapting-space-channel-5-comix-zone-movies-1235202357/ |access-date=2022-08-20 |website=The Hollywood Reporter |language=en-US |archive-date=August 20, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220820002230/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/sega-adapting-space-channel-5-comix-zone-movies-1235202357/ |url-status=live }}

== Promotional material ==

Dancers depicting Ulala were featured at the E3 2000 event to promote Space Channel 5.{{cite web |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2009/05/19/remembering-e3-1996 |title=Remembering E3 1996 |work=IGN |last=Buchanan |first=Levi |date=May 19, 2009 |access-date=November 23, 2019 |archive-date=May 3, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170503084737/http://www.ign.com/articles/2009/05/19/remembering-e3-1996 |url-status=live }} Ulala also appeared in a CG form at the 2000 MTV Music Awards to present the award for Best Dance Video.{{cite web |url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/ulala-becomes-a-presenter/1100-2615433/ |title=Ulala Becomes a Presenter |work=GameSpot |date=May 17, 2006 |access-date=November 21, 2019 |archive-date=May 29, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190529002823/https://www.gamespot.com/articles/ulala-becomes-a-presenter/1100-2615433/ |url-status=live }}{{cite web |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2000/12/23/an-interview-with-sega-of-america-president-peter-moore |title=An Interview with SEGA of America President, Peter Moore |work=IGN |date=December 22, 2000 |access-date=November 23, 2019 |archive-date=May 29, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190529002826/https://www.ign.com/articles/2000/12/23/an-interview-with-sega-of-america-president-peter-moore |url-status=live }} Sega organized an Ulala look-alike contest during the early 2000s, where people were given the opportunity to win $500 and a Dreamcast if their Ulala cosplay was deemed the best. Ulala was portrayed in this contest by Kelly Preston.{{cite magazine |magazine=Official Sega Dreamcast Magazine US |title=Congrats to Forest Philbrick (far right) who snagged first place in Sega's Ulala-a-like contest.}} Sega received a request from PG&E to use Ulala on a sanitary napkin advertisement.{{cite magazine |magazine=Gamers' Republic |title=Virtual Superstars? |issue=27}} Several Space Channel 5 and Ulala-themed promotional material made an appearance in the 2001 film Josie and the Pussycats as a way to promote both the game and character. She additionally made a brief cameo appearance at The Game Show Awards in 2021.{{Citation|title=THE GAME AWARDS 2021 Livestream| date=December 9, 2021 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cG1mCfeu88w|language=en|access-date=December 10, 2021|archive-date=December 10, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211210013954/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cG1mCfeu88w|url-status=live}}

== Merchandise ==

Ulala has been featured in a variety of highly collectible merchandise upon her debut, including a dress-up magnet. She has also received multiple figurines, including two Figmas from the Good Smile Company, each one having a different outfit based on the first and second games. Palisades Toys released a line of Space Channel 5 figures in 2001, six of which were based on Ulala and her in-game outfits, one of which coming with a limited edition lunchbox.{{Cite web |date=April 17, 2001 |title=Palisades — Space Channel 5 Items |url=http://www.palisadestoys.com/Products.asp?ProductLineID=9 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20010916013939/http://www.palisadestoys.com/Products.asp?ProductLineID=9 |archive-date=September 16, 2001 |access-date=February 27, 2022 |website=Palisades Toys}}

Characteristics

Ulala has been described as a savvy, plucky, energetic, and determined reporter.{{Cite web |title=Space Channel5 VR Kinda★Funky News Flash! |url=https://sc5-vr.com/en/ |access-date=2023-03-17 |website=Space Channel5 VR Kinda★Funky News Flash! |language=en-CA |archive-date=October 30, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211030021352/https://sc5-vr.com/en/ |url-status=live }} Despite the difficulties that challenge her life, including being scolded by her boss Fuse and harassed by Pudding, Ulala keeps a calm mind and stays vigilant while combating against the forces of evil. After defeating the Morolians, Ulala has become Channel 5's top reporter,{{cite video game

|title=Sonic & Sega All-Stars Racing

|developer=Sumo Digital

|publisher=Sega

|date=2010-02-23

|platform=Xbox 360

}} and assigned as orientator three years later. Her in-game profile reveals that Ulala's favorite flavor ice cream is cherry-vanilla, and her blood type is B. Brent Suzuki, a character from Space Channel 5, suggests that Ulala suffers from herpetophobia.{{cite video game

|title=Space Channel 5

|developer=United Game Artists

|publisher=Sega

|date=1999-12-16

|platform=Dreamcast

}}

Reception and legacy

File:Space Channel 5 cosplay.jpger dresses as a variant of Ulala, from 2011]]

Ulala has received a generally positive reception, referred to as an icon by Liam Martin of Digital Spy and IGN staff.{{cite web |url=https://www.digitalspy.com/videogames/a157311/feature-top-ten-rhythm-action-games/ |title=Feature: Top Ten Rhythm Action Games |work=Digital Spy |last=Martin |first=Liam |date=May 31, 2009 |access-date=November 21, 2019 |archive-date=May 29, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190529002825/https://www.digitalspy.com/videogames/a157311/feature-top-ten-rhythm-action-games/ |url-status=live }} Ulala was nominated in 2000 for "Original Game Character of the Year" by the International Game Developers Association, while she was voted as one of the top ten favorite Sega characters in a fan poll.{{cite web |url=http://gamechoiceawards.com/archive/gdca_1st.html |title=Game Developers Choice Awards 2000 |publisher=gamechoiceawards.com |access-date=April 10, 2020 |archive-date=March 21, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190321132701/http://gamechoiceawards.com/archive/gdca_1st.html |url-status=live }}{{cite web |url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/gdc-award-nominees-announced/1100-2689151/ |title=GDC Award nominees announced |work=GameSpot |last=Walker |first=Trey |date=April 24, 2003 |access-date=November 21, 2019 |archive-date=February 18, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190218201923/https://www.gamespot.com/articles/gdc-award-nominees-announced/1100-2689151/ |url-status=live }}{{cite web |url=https://mynintendonews.com/2016/11/20/sega-survey-results-are-in-and-sakura-wars-is-the-most-wanted-revival/ |title=Sega Survey Results Are In And Sakura Wars Is The Most Wanted Revival |work=My Nintendo News |date=November 20, 2016 |access-date=November 21, 2019 |archive-date=June 29, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190629202525/https://mynintendonews.com/2016/11/20/sega-survey-results-are-in-and-sakura-wars-is-the-most-wanted-revival/ |url-status=live }} IGN staff anticipated that Ulala would be a character who stands out among American players, while later declaring that she is such a "strong character" that her design would be "instantly recognizable" on any kind of product.{{cite web |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2000/07/12/ign-toy-test-space-channel-5-goodies |title=IGN Toy Test: Space Channel 5 Goodies |work=IGN |date=July 11, 2000 |access-date=November 23, 2019 |archive-date=May 29, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190529002824/https://www.ign.com/articles/2000/07/12/ign-toy-test-space-channel-5-goodies |url-status=live }}{{cite web |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2000/03/16/igndc-grooves-with-tetsuya-mizuguchi |title=IGNDC Grooves with Tetsuya Mizuguchi |work=IGN |date=March 16, 2000 |access-date=November 23, 2019 |archive-date=May 29, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190529002827/https://www.ign.com/articles/2000/03/16/igndc-grooves-with-tetsuya-mizuguchi |url-status=live }} Plan B Magazine staff speculated that the Dreamcast's commercial failure was what prevented the character from achieving greater heights of popularity.{{cite magazine |magazine=Plan B Magazine |title=Rock It to the Stars |issue=21 |last=Kumar |first=Mathew}} Neboisa Radakovic of Game Revolution and Charles Herold of The New York Times both praised her for her fashion sense, with the latter stating that she is "enough by herself" to garner someone's interest in Space Channel 5.{{cite web |url=https://www.gamerevolution.com/review/32309-space-channel-5-review |title=Space Channel 5 Review |work=Game Revolution |last=Radakovic |first=Neboisa |date=June 1, 2000 |access-date=November 23, 2019 |archive-date=May 29, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190529163245/https://www.gamerevolution.com/review/32309-space-channel-5-review |url-status=live }}{{cite web |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2000/08/17/technology/game-theory-dance-with-aliens-and-save-the-world.html |title=GAME THEORY; Dance With Aliens and Save the World |work=The New York Times |last=Herold |first=Charles |date=August 17, 2000 |access-date=November 23, 2019 |quote=WITH her pink pigtails, orange gloves and platform go-go boots and a green ray gun worn like a garter, Ulala the space reporter is enough by herself to make anyone want to play Sega's Space Channel 5. |archive-date=April 22, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220422224308/https://www.nytimes.com/2000/08/17/technology/game-theory-dance-with-aliens-and-save-the-world.html?searchResultPosition=1&mtrref=www.nytimes.com |url-status=live }} In 2010, Ulala was praised in the guide book, 1001 Video Games You Must Play Before You Die, calling her the "queen of the galaxy" and a "deee-lightful" protagonist -- the latter being a nod to the character's lawsuit.{{Cite book |last=Mott |first=Tony |title=1001 Video Games You Must Play Before You Die |publisher=Universe Publishing |year=2010 |isbn=978-0-7893-2090-2 |edition=1st |location=United Kingdom |pages=410 |language=English}} Daniel Trock for The Gamer ranked Ulala the tenth deadliest dancing character in a video game, writing: "With her groovy moves, Ulala can control the pace of a battle, enrapturing friend and foe alike with impeccable style, then busting out her blaster when their guard is down."{{Cite web |last=Trock |first=Daniel |date=2022-02-25 |title=10 Deadliest Dancers, Ranked |url=https://www.thegamer.com/deadliest-dancers-ranked/ |access-date=2023-03-17 |website=TheGamer |language=en |archive-date=March 17, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230317232109/https://www.thegamer.com/deadliest-dancers-ranked/ |url-status=live }} The Gamer also featured the character in their "10 Best Sega Characters of All Time," commenting positively on her association to the Dreamcast and her "iconic" design.{{Cite web |last=Allen |first=Dominic |date=2023-05-05 |title=10 Best Sega Characters Of All Time |url=https://www.thegamer.com/best-sega-characters-of-all-time/ |access-date=2023-09-24 |website=TheGamer |language=en |archive-date=December 24, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231224195859/https://www.thegamer.com/best-sega-characters-of-all-time/ |url-status=live }} Game Rant wrote positively on the character, ranking her 9th in their list of "10 Underrated Sega Heroes," writing: "While other civilians run screaming from the danger, [Ulala] calmly struts towards it. It’s a fearless dedication to journalism that would make Lois Lane proud."{{Cite web |last=Stanczak |first=Garrett |date=2024-02-15 |title=10 Criminally Underrated Sega Heroes |url=https://gamerant.com/underrated-sega-heroes-dreamcast-genesis/ |access-date=2024-08-30 |website=Game Rant |language=en}}

The character’s animation and personality in Space Channel 5 and Space Channel 5: Part 2 has received commendation. Allegra Frank of Polygon praised her animations, particularly her defeated animation, as "super realistic." She also found her "sore loser" personality relatable.{{cite web |url=https://www.polygon.com/2017/8/18/16169416/space-channel-5-part-2-failing-last-stage |title=The humiliating heartbreak of failing Space Channel 5 Part 2 |work=Polygon |date=August 18, 2017 |access-date=November 21, 2019 |archive-date=March 9, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200309232437/https://www.polygon.com/2017/8/18/16169416/space-channel-5-part-2-failing-last-stage |url-status=live }} GamesTM staff praised her as "irresistible" and well-loved by "everyone," praising her motion-capture movements for giving the game its appeal and bemoaning how she has fallen into obscurity.{{cite magazine |title=The 25 Greatest SEGA Games |magazine=GamesTM}} Marc Saltzman for Entertainment Weekly complimented her personality, saying "gamers of all ages undoubtedly will want to help Ulala get her groove back — if not get their hands on a pair of those boots."{{Cite web |last1=June 30 |first1=Marc Saltzman Updated |last2=EDT |first2=2000 at 04:00 AM |title=Space Channel 5 |url=https://ew.com/article/2000/06/30/space-channel-5/ |access-date=2022-04-16 |website=EW.com |language=en |archive-date=April 16, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220416175137/https://ew.com/article/2000/06/30/space-channel-5/ |url-status=live }}

Her sex appeal has received a generally positive reception. Travis Fahs of IGN felt she was one of the most "appealing" female characters since Lara Croft, while Official Sega Dreamcast Magazine US staff felt that her sex appeal made Lara seem less appealing.{{cite web |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2010/09/10/ign-presents-the-history-of-dreamcast?page=2 |title=IGN Presents the History of Dreamcast |work=IGN |last=Fahs |first=Travis |date=September 9, 2010 |access-date=November 23, 2019 |archive-date=May 30, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190530123447/https://www.ign.com/articles/2010/09/10/ign-presents-the-history-of-dreamcast?page=2 |url-status=live }}{{cite magazine |magazine=Official Sega Dreamcast Magazine US |title=Moroliens touch down in Japan, and ODCM is at ground zero}} Entertainment Weekly cited her as "a digital diva who may well dethrone Lara Croft as the sexiest star of the small screen." Retro Gamer staff praised her as "the sexiest videogame character" at the time of her debut for her clothing, voice, and hair.{{cite magazine |magazine=Retro Gamer |title=Space Channel 5 |issue=70}} However, Elona A. Boggs of Current Sauce criticized her as "offensive to women," and claimed that the character's emphasis on her appearance over her powers does "reflect[s] very little about female empowerment."{{cite magazine |magazine=Current Sauce |last=Boggs |first=Elona A. |title=Sexism is not a game}} Following the lawsuit against the character, CJ Andriessen of Destructoid labelled her as a "blatant Lady Kier rip-off."{{cite web|last=Andriessen|first=CJ|date=September 5, 2016|title=Ulala and her swingin' report show return in VR|url=https://www.destructoid.com/ulala-and-her-swingin-report-show-return-in-vr-384789.phtml|access-date=November 23, 2019|work=Destructoid|archive-date=November 29, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161129002417/https://www.destructoid.com/ulala-and-her-swingin-report-show-return-in-vr-384789.phtml|url-status=dead}}

Legal issues

File:Lady Miss Kier with Flowers.jpg, American singer and songwriter (pictured), filed the lawsuit against Sega in 2003]]

Sega was the defendant in the lawsuit Kirby v. Sega of America, Inc. in 2003 by Kierin Kirby (also known as Lady Miss Kier, lead singer of pop/dance group Deee-Lite). Kier alleged that the number of similarities was too great, citing dress, hair, and makeup. She further alleged that "viewers, listeners, and consumers" were and are likely to confuse the two. She claimed that Sega had offered her $15,000 between May and July 2000 for her "likeness, image, and name" to be used in a video game. She sought $750,000 in damages.{{cite web |url=https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2003/may/03/comment.comment |title=Less than Dee-lited |work=The Guardian |last=Pratchett |first=Rhianna |date=May 3, 2003 |access-date=November 21, 2019 |archive-date=May 29, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190529002824/https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2003/may/03/comment.comment |url-status=live }} In 2006, the lawsuit was dismissed, with the court determining that Ulala's design (such as her "anime" art style, height difference, and different style of dance{{cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=IqV-DwAAQBAJ |title=Research Handbook on the Law of Virtual and Augmented Reality |page=536 |publisher=Edward Elgar Publishing |isbn=978-1786438591 |year=2018 |last1=Barfield |first1=Woodrow |last2=Blitz |first2=Marc Jonathan}}) and Lady Miss Kier's appearance were different enough to be "transformative."{{cite web |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/marcedelman/2014/07/10/lindsay-lohans-new-lawsuit-could-impact-nfl-players-and-college-sports-video-games/#1454afa21ce9 |title=Lindsay Lohan's New Lawsuit Could Impact NFL Players And College Sports Video Games |work=Forbes |last=Edelman |first=Marc |date=July 10, 2014 |access-date=November 21, 2019 |archive-date=May 29, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190529002829/https://www.forbes.com/sites/marcedelman/2014/07/10/lindsay-lohans-new-lawsuit-could-impact-nfl-players-and-college-sports-video-games/#1454afa21ce9 |url-status=live }} The court applied Comedy III Productions, Inc. v. Gary Saderup, Inc. in its ruling, noting that Lady Kier was "at best the raw material" for Ulala. The court found that the "public interest in free artistic expression" outweighed the risk of public confusion between Kier and Ulala's designs.{{cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=dd5nAwAAQBAJ |title=Intellectual Property, Unfair Competition and Publicity: Convergences and Development |page=141 |publisher=Edward Elgar Publishing |date=April 25, 2014 |last1=Lee |first1=Nari |last2=Westkamp |first2=Guido |last3=Kur |first3=Annette |last4=Ohly |first4=Ansgar |isbn=978-0857932624}}

Notes

References

External links

[https://sc5-vr.com/en/characters Ulala's official character profile] at the [https://sc5-vr.com/en/ English SC5-VR website]
[https://www.ign.com/articles/2000/07/09/ulala Ulala] at [https://www.ign.com/ IGN] (unfinished)

Category:Sega characters

Category:Dancer characters in video games

Category:Female characters in animation

Category:Female characters in video games

Category:Fictional heroes

Category:Fictional reporters and correspondents

Category:Fictional sole survivors

Category:Mascots introduced in 1999

Category:Nobility characters in video games

Category:Space Channel 5

Category:Video game characters introduced in 1999

Category:Video game mascots