There’s no denying there’s something inherently special about the Bit.Trip series. With Bit.Trip Beat, Gaijin Games introduced an experience that mixed retro-gaming style with musicality in a way that bordered on spiritual. Commander Video, the series’ pixel hero, now makes his triumphant return in the developer’s fourth (and likely final) installment of the saga, and I’m delighted to report that his journey ends with a bang.
After playing through several of the Bit.Trip games, I’m convinced the guys at Gaijin have stumbled upon some magic dust, and they must roll around in the stuff for hours before setting out to make a new game. Take for instance Bit.Trip Runner’s instruction manual, which can be viewed from the WiiWare channel. They take what would otherwise be a formal packet of information and turn it into a meaningful Easter egg that may inspire some folks to reach for their old collection of Moody Blues albums.
Bit.Trip isn’t trippy for the sake of being trippy, though. There is a story here, but it isn’t told through text or cutscenes. The music and gameplay come together in a rare way that evoke all sorts of emotions, yet there isn’t necessarily one specific tale that defines the heart of the experience. With Bit.Trip Runner, the adventure unfolds through a series of short free-running/platforming levels, and with each correct note you land, the bigger picture starts to come into focus.
What is that bigger picture? I could spoil things for you by telling you the physical ending for Commander Video, but it’s the journey through the music and action that will give meaning to the game for each individual. To break things down to their basic components, though, you simply aid/control Commander Video by jumping, sliding, kicking, and blocking. The commander will run through each level under his own power, so all you need concern yourself with is avoiding obstacles and such. That, however, is easier said than done.
Like any really great game, the mechanics are doled out a little at a time. By the end of the first zone, you’ll have learned most of Commander Video’s abilities, and the gameplay will have ramped up to a fevered pitch.
If there is one problem I have with Bit.Trip Runner, it’s the level of difficulty. Before going any further, however, I feel as though I must throw out a few game names in order to offer some perspective. Demon’s Souls, Ninja Gaiden Black, Super Street Figher IV – these are all games I love and still play on a regular basis. I like tough games. However, with Bit.Trip Runner, the difficulty often robs you of the bliss that is so often hinted at throughout the game.
During the first 10 levels of Zone 1, for example, the gameplay was joyous and rewarding. I felt like I was on a magical, epic journey through some surreal yet wondrous universe. Then something crept in that began to gnaw away at the experience: memorization. For level 1-11 and the first-zone boss, you’re forced to run through each level an endless number of times, memorizing patterns as the screen whizzes by. The rewards are still there upon completion, but that great feeling of adventure is replaced by “test of strength” challenges.
Unfortunately, Bit.Trip Runner stays on that one path from that point onward, and though it’s still an incredibly nuanced and challenging experience, the wonder that’s presented at the beginning of the game never really returns.
With all that being said, Bit.Trip Runner’s shortcomings as a single-player experience become pluses when played with a group of folks. When I broke the game out in a family setting, everything changed. We were passing the controller around when someone would fail, and rather than cursing at the screen (when playing alone), I was laughing and having a blast.
Setting the argument of difficulty aside for a moment, the gameplay itself is masterful. In spite of my personal feelings on the matter, it’s impossible to ignore the genius and attention to detail that obviously went into the making of this game. Though I would have preferred to have Runner stay on a path of gaming enlightenment, what the developers opted for is still completely top shelf. The controls are simple, intuitive, and feel great. The movement of Commander Video and the actions you’re forced to input are timed perfectly with the music, and each level comes together to form its own unique adventure.
I’d be remiss to not mention the bosses too. That first boss took me an estimated 50 tries (not an exaggeration) to finally beat, but the cleverness that went into the design was just off the charts. These are the guys SEGA should be considering to take the helm of their prized Sonic franchise.
One last caveat, and then I’ll move on: if you hit anything along the way, it’s back to the beginning of the level. Most of the early levels for each zone are relatively short, but if constant repetition isn’t your thing, keep that in mind before going into Bit.Trip Runner. After the first zone, the game becomes a much better fit for party play.
For such a small team and tiny budget, Gaijin Games breathes big things into Bit.Trip Runner. Each zone opens with a great, little sequence featuring Commander Video, and the art style is simply amazing, especially for the first zone. From a strictly technical standpoint, the visuals are about on par with Blastworks (Wii), and the game isn’t swimming in detail. The vibe and construction, though, make Bit.Trip Runner easily one of the best looking games on the WiiWare platform.
Tying everything together are the sound and music. You’re essentially getting one song per zone, but the different mixes, cadences, and performances are at the heart of Bit.Trip Runner’s story. Remember how I told you the game did, indeed, have a story? Well, the soundscapes truly do make up the adventure. Regardless of your reaction to the game’s level of difficulty, you’ll be taken on a journey that is full of emotion and character. Each beat and blast meshes magically with visuals that are constantly bursting onscreen. Though the game will likely frustrate in many places, it will also surely inspire.
We’re not sure just what’s in store for Commander Video. He’s an interesting hero who has every right to rule the WiiWare platform. While other games focus on bright lights and dazzling trickery, Gaijin Games have pored over what it takes to truly grip gamers with something meaningful. Bit.Trip Runner offers a glimpse at something amazing, but it then settles into being merely great. (Terrible, I know…) Of course, I still absolutely adore the game, and I’m contemplating following Gaijin Games around the country like a Deadhead.
In all seriousness, I do hope this isn’t the end for the Bit.Trip series. These guys are onto something special, and I hope their ideas can eventually reach full bloom. Until that time, Bit.Trip Runner pulls out ahead of the competition to give fans more great gameplay at a ridiculously low price.
RATING OUT OF 5 RATING DESCRIPTION 4.5 Graphics
The presentation and vibe are full of life and enjoyment, in spite of the engine not being a technical marvel. 4.5 Control
Simple, well-matched, and satisfying. The game gets crazy difficult, forcing lots and lots of repetition. 4.9 Music / Sound FX / Voice Acting
The music is often inspirational in a profound way, and the sound effects are sure to lull old-school gamers into a state of arcade bliss. 4.5
Play Value
There’s a lot of gameplay crammed into this $8 package, and it’s something every Wii owner should experience. I was saddened to see the developers opt for a straight-up, challenge-based approach, rather than fully explore the high road the game seemed to be heading in. Regardless, Bit.Trip Runner is still an amazing game.
4.5 Overall Rating – Must Buy
Not an average. See Rating legend above for a final score breakdown.
Game Features: