Gotta Keep Running
Now
that the hotly anticipated sequel is almost upon us (less than 2
weeks away apparently), I thought it high time I paid tribute to
Commander Video's first on-foot adventure, Bit.Trip Runner. A rhythm based platformer that combines great visuals and a catchy chiptune soundtrack with some of the most hair-pullingly difficult, yet addictive gameplay around. It is a game that epitomises the tag of 'modern retro' game, and a title that easily deserves classic status.
Bit.Trip
Runner is the fourth of six Bit.Trip games and is, in my opinion, by
far the best of the series. The fact that it is getting a fully
fledged sequel would indicate that I am not alone in feeling this
way. While the other titles offered some fun, rhythm based arcade
action, they never really gripped me as Runner did. Essentially a 2D
infinite runner, much like Canabalt or Temple Run, the game puts you
in the speedy shoes of a strange spaceman named Commander Video. He
is clearly in a hurry since as soon as you start a stage he begins to
run right. Your task is to make him jump over, slide under, kick,
deflect and avoid all pitfalls, projectiles and other gubbins that
comes your way on route to the finish line. No mean feat considering
the treacherous landscape he has to navigate. Hitting anything is an
automatic fail which sees you zipped back to
the start for another attempt, making Runner as much a memory
exercise as a test of your reflexes. This is a twitch platformer that
will require the hand to eye coordination of a ninja on amphetamines.
The
graphics are glorious. Bright, colourful and simply oozing charm.
It's a dazzling example of a retro look modernised to great effect.
The backgrounds are teeming with life, from swaying trees and
bouncing creatures, to windmills and huge machines, they make the levels seemingly burst from the screen. The amount of animated goings-on in the background
can lead to some visual confusion at times, but I believe this is
intentional, added to increase the already substantial challenge.
This is made even more evident by the contrast with the amazing bonus stages which resemble an Atari 2600 game, right down to the blurry
CRT TV screen. Due to the simplistic visuals
of these stages, with no parallax scrolling or animated background,
they are easier on the eye and thus simpler to play (though still
extremely challenging).
The
music of Bit.Trip Runner is as important to the experience as the
striking visuals. Chiptune band Anamanaguchi
are on duty to provide the soundtrack, a collection of insanely
catchy melodies guaranteed to stick in your head for months to come.
The music is in sync with your running avatar, with each collected
piece of gold, or cleared obstacle, producing a chime in time with
the music. Special red cross items can be collected that add layers
to the music; new synths, chords, percussion and effects are added with every cross collected, building up to a full and lively song (complete with rainbow trails appearing from your
character as he runs).
The
gameplay is what really shines as it is just so damn addictive and
challenging that it will keep you glued to the screen for a long
time. The first world eases you in gently, introducing new abilities
and obstacles as you progress, but after that the gloves are off, and
it is no more Mr. Nice Guy. Indeed, the difficulty level can be
infuriatingly high but you always make progress with practice. Upon collision with an obstacle the stage restarts almost instantly, throwing you straight back into the action (much like
Super Meat Boy) and allowing you little time to get irritated. It is tremendously satisfying when you
finally nail a level that has been giving you shit for the last 30
minutes, even more so if you manage to nab every gold piece and get
transported to the wonderful Atari 2600 bonus stage I mentioned
previously. Each of the three worlds conclude with a boss battle that
will really put your skills to the test. Believe me when I say these
encounters will hand you your ass repeatedly before you manage to
memorise and master the patterns required to emerge victorious.
Bit.Trip Runner's difficulty may be far too intense for many gamers,
and the lack of any checkpoints during stages may drive many of you
insane, but if you are up for a challenge then it will provide you
some of the most enjoyable and rewarding back-to-basics platforming
action you can find.
Here's
hoping that the sequel, entitled 'Runner 2 : Future Legend of Rhythm
Alien', will be able
to capture the same magic contained here, and even improve upon it.
From what I have seen so far it is looking to do just that. In the
meantime I will continue to enjoy Commander Video's first foray into
platforming, as I have done since the day I got my hands on it in
WiiWare form back in 2010. If you haven't discovered the magic yet
then I urge you to seek it out as it is truly a timeless classic.
Bit.Trip Runner
is available on PC, Mac and WiiWare as a digital download, or as a retail
package on the Nintendo Wii and 3DS (named Bit.Trip Complete and Bit.Trip Saga respectively).
The
Good
- Fantastic retro meets modern visual style
- Catchy chiptune soundtrack that is nicely linked to the gameplay
- Simple, yet highly addictive gameplay
- Challenging and rewarding
- Excellent Atari 2600 style bonus stages
The
Bad
- Later levels are ridiculously hard
- Can sometimes be visually confusing
Developer : Gaijin Games
Availability
: PC, Mac, Wii, 3DS
Price
: £6.99 download. Wii and 3DS Retail version (Bit.Trip
Complete / Bit.Trip Saga)
