Bit.Trip RUNNER

Bit Trip's fourth installment in their rhythm game series is being looked at here. Platform for this retro-like game is Wiiware.

 
Game-play is simple 2D platform type. Where the main character Commander Video is trying to reach goal line by running from left to right. The actual running is not controlled at all. Only a simple moves to dodge obstacles are given. Such as jumping, dodging, kicking and blocking. Gold blocks as well as special plus signs can be collected. Getting every gold item will unlock a extra stage in end of the level where more scores can be racked in a Pitfall-like environment. The special plus items will enable a trailing rainbow, ala old Activision logo and more points naturally. Getting senor Video to the end of each level while dodging all the obstacles is not an easy as it sounds like. Not to mention getting there while collecting each gold and/or plus items. 

Difficulty comes in play each time a obstacle is hit. The level is reset. Moving the protagonist back to the beginning of level. Before learning the level IE. memorizing the obstacles. Gameplay will become very frustrating, which is ideal for (us) more patient gamers. After the level is memorized even the harder and more hectic sections will become easy.

Game is presented in delightful 8-bit way. Commander Video is simple black and white sprite. Game's three different worlds have similar simplistic retro look. The worlds have a good deal of action happening in the background. Trying to make player to loose the rhythm/flow.  
On the audio part, which were games main focus is actually. Bit.Trip Runner level's could be described as songs. This because of the way the game music is integrated to the progression. Each jump or action follows the soundtrack. IE jump sound follows the beat. Even the  more demanding combos can be easily done when following the beat. Anamaguchi the New York Punk/ chiptune act play the title track as well as the credit song. Suiting well the retro theme.  
 
         

After completing the game. Which will take a long while to begin with. Levels/tracks vary from couple of minutes to ten minutes. This doesn't sound like much but each run needs to be perfect for one to progress to the next one. Getting all perfect run on each track will take one even longer since there are multiple instances where a specific route must be taken. And even more accurate timing is needed for the harder items.

For 800 points this is a steal. Although one needs to appreciate the 8-bit feel and get satisfaction from such a simple (but still addicting) gameplay.